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Today, all of Panama is celebrating and rejoicing its 111-year old independence commemorating its separation from Colombia and when Panama earlier in its history broke away from Spain.
The Spanish arrived in the 1500’s and stayed for nearly 300 years as it colonized the region and enslaved native populations. Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela – named the Republic of Gran Colombia. With U.S. backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 on November 3rd.
Panama has always been critical to trade routes with its Panal Canal built by the U.S. back in 1904. The country has bragging rights as the third largest economy in Central America thanks in great part to canal tariffs. The country also enjoys one of the largest rainforest in the world and a large biodiverse region.
President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry sent their congratulations to the people of Panama:
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Panama as you begin Fiestas Patrias celebrations on November 3.
The Republic of Panama has much to celebrate this year. You marked the 100-year anniversary of the Panama Canal. Your government created the Panama Bilingue initiative which will significantly increase educational exchanges between our two nations. And you inaugurated a new president after a spirited campaign.
I was honored to attend President Varela’s inauguration this July. I watched as thousands of Panamanians in Rommel Fernandez Stadium celebrated another peaceful transfer of power – the hallmark of a strong democracy. I visited Panama as a young Navy officer in 1969. To return to your country decades later and witness the great strides you have made in bringing prosperity to your people and building a lasting democracy is remarkable.
Alongside all Panamanians, the United States looks forward to the upcoming Summit of the Americas and the expansion of the Panama Canal. You have a pivotal role to play in helping further democratic ideals, advancing the role of civil society, protecting human rights, and expanding economic development for the benefit of all peoples of our hemisphere.
On this day of celebration, I send best wishes to all Panamanians. Felicidades!
Published in Latino Daily News