Are Foreigners Committing Most crimes in Panama?
(http://primapanama.blogs.com/ ) An article from La Prensa today seems to indicate that the answer is yes, but most likely they are from Latin American countries. Many people are concerned about the powers given to the president to rule by decree regarding the security measures being implemented, especially with the history Panama has had over the last 20 years. This article points out that several of the business organizations along with church leaders are calling for open discussion.
Excerpt: Both Vice President Rubén Arosemena and the Conferencia Episcopal de Panamá recently said that the panel, which consists of 40 representatives from various sectors of society, should review the proposals to dispel fears about an alleged remilitarization of the country. Enrique De Obarrio, director of the Consejo de la Concertación, pointed out that the issue of public safety and national security should be subjected to deeper analysis and broader public consultation.
But apparently even a call from the vice president and other leaders is going unheeded by the administration. Although they intend to meet with the various leadership, they are not going to show the details of the plan until it is implemented.
Excerpt: Delgado, however, said that the reforms are being considered to help curb the country's growing crime problem, especially violent assaults and drug trafficking, some of which have been committed by foreigners.
There were 444 murders in Panama in 2007, 319 of which were committed with a firearm. Police seized 20 tons of narcotics, 1,625 illegal weapons and arrested 1,733 foreign citizens.
My bet is that the majority of the "1733 arrested foreign citizens" were arrested for immigration issues and not violent crime. With a murder rate of 444 last year (.134 per 1000), this puts Panama in the top five countries with the highest murder per capita in the world, certainly something that we should be concerned about. Clearly the government IS concerned about the rising crime rate and we all applaud efforts that will make the country more secure, but to do so without public debate and with decrees rightfully concerns Panamanians and foreigners alike. For foreigners, especially gringos, they are concerned because the only thing the government can do besides enforcing existing laws is to radically implement new immigration and border controls which we know they are planning.
The fact is that most of the crimes are committed by criminals from Latin countries and most of those have entered the country illegally. In their misguided efforts to non discriminate, they will probably make it more difficult for the very people who are laying the golden eggs.
