Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
US ambassador to Panama resigns, says cannot serve Trump.
U.S. Ambassador to Panama John Feeley, a career diplomat and former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, has resigned, saying he no longer felt able to serve President Donald Trump.
Feeley’s departure had been communicated to State Department officials on Dec. 27 and was not a response to Trump’s alleged use of the word “shithole” to describe Haiti and African countries at a meeting on Thursday, U.S. officials said.
Trump denies using the term.
Feeley, one of the department’s Latin America specialists and among its senior most officers, made clear that he had come to a place where he no longer felt able to serve under Trump. “As a junior foreign service officer, I signed an oath to serve faithfully the president and his administration in an apolitical fashion, even when I might not agree with certain policies,” Feeley said, according to an excerpt of a resignation letter read to Reuters on Friday.
Source: Reuters
Banking Systems of Panama signs 10-year deal with cybersecurity company Sequrest
Sequrest has been selected by Banking Systems of Panama for a 10-year partnership to implement cyber security defence solutions for the latter’s customer base of NexorOne and Bansoft.
These solutions would include biometric and facial recognition technology, to minimise the risk of hacking, unauthorised access and combat other cyber risks.
“Our company mission is to strive to excel by delivering more than expected and our partnership with Sequrest will help us to achieve this,” said Banking Systems CEO, Remy Swaab. “Sequrest will work with our banking customers to address the escalating risks faced in the digital financial world.
Source: IBS Journal
Panama receives new helicopters, aircraft.
Panama’s National Naval Air Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval: SENAN) has received two Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW139M helicopters and one Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter transport aircraft, the country’s Ministry of Public Security announced on 8 January.
The AW139Ms are powered by two Pratt &Whitney engines and can transport up to 10 passengers plus crew. The three platforms will be based at Station Teniente Octavio Rodríguez Garrido.
This delivery is part of a deal between the Panamanian government and Italy’s Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica) intended to mend relations after a controversial USD125 million radar deal was cancelled in 2016 because of corruption allegations.
Source: Jane’s
Four Reasons to Visit Panama in 2018
Panama has a bit of everything when it comes to tourism, which is why so many people visit each year, for long and short-term stays. There’s natural wonder, big city sights, shopping, and culture around every turn. That being said, there are always new reasons to visit, especially as the country evolves and changes, getting better each year. This year, 2018, is no different. Here are our top four picks on why!
1. Renovated Casco Viejo:
You can pretty much bank on the fact that each year, Casco Viejo is better than the last, but 2018 is already off to a big start. The UNESCO World Heritage site has been massively renovated over the past five years, and it’s a site to see for first-time or long-time visitors. Check out the restored architecture and dine in one of the dozens of new (and old) restaurants that make this neighborhood such a hot spot.
Source: International Relocation Firm Blog
