OFF THE CUFF - Feb 8

(PanamaNewsRoom) THE OLIVER SYNDROM - The cost of Panama’s subway climbed $5 million in the three months between the awarding and signing of the contract , because of currency fluctuations.

More increases will follow as the contract makes allowance for increased prices of materials, a stipulation that every condo purchaser in Panama is aware of. The items that could push the price up include diesel, already climbing and with the U.S. dollar in a parlous state the subway will finely cost many millions more than predicted, while Panama’s debt continues to climb. Over at the ACP (the Canal Commission) they must be remembering the predictions of the losing U.S. consortium that the winners of the multi billion dollars Canal expansion project had underbid and,  like Oliver Twist would be back for more.

EVEN HANDED LAWS 1 - Civilians charged in the burning deaths of five detainees in the Tocumen Juvenile Detention Center, are sitting in cells. Police charged, including those seen on video standing by and yelling “die” as the victims screamed for help go about their duties, and are even allowed trips outside of the police barracks. That’s the result of a controversial new law rammed through the National Assembly last year giving special exemptions to police who commit crimes in the course of their duties.

EVEN HANDED 2 - A leading political analyst and commentator at La Prensa, says that his house is being watched, and that his children were chased by two men who sped away in a car with no plates. He is accused of paranoia by Panama’s security czar. The apartment of a deputy living in a high end condo building in Bella Vista was visited by a small group of thieves, while he was away. The building now has a round the clock police guard in addition to the security provided by the administration.

WAR COSTS - In a recent TV interview with the BBC, Colombia’s president said that “if other countries joined in” he would be ready to discuss the legalization of drugs to replace the losing “war” on drugs. In Panama the costly battle against narco traffickers keeps police away from other duties “serving and protecting” the population. The recently uncovered use of U.S. provided surveillance drones, bought for  $16 million, (Panama's contribution to rebuilding the American economy) cost $1.6 million a month each to keep flying, Some 50 percent of the population is on or below the poverty level and being hard hit by inflationary food prices.

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Original Source: PanamaNewsRoom

Date Retrieved: February 8, 2011