Walter's Corner
September 2000

For those who thought the U.S. census was intrusive:  Panama held its census recently.   Everybody had to be at home or otherwise available.  You could be busted for being away from your residence without authorization. Over 2000 people were arrested for being out without a pass.

The Panamanian authority that now administers the old Canal Zone area has a problem with squatters.  Cattle and pig farmers have had to be evicted from the area of old Howard Air Force Base.  Much of the old Zone is being kept as a reserved canal operating area, and to protect the water shed area.  In regard to this, Japan has given Panama $1.4 Million to help preserve the train forest.  In a related matter, the edge of Gaillard cut had been deforested as a consequence of the major widening of the channel.   Trees are now being planted in the area which (the last time I saw it) was mainly saw grass.

The idea of new bridges across the canal is still in the talking stage.  Now there is consideration of one on the Atlantic side.  You may recall that the only way to get across in that area is on a narrow swing bridge at Gatun Locks.

There continues to be some tension in Darien.  There are occasional minor (so far) shoot outs.  These are felt to be spill overs from the Colombian civil war, and/or drug traffickers.

It has been proposed that the tallest building in Latin America, at 1043 feet, be built in Panama City.  It would be, by comparison, 30 stories taller than Ancon Hill.

The technology company Oracle is reported to be setting up an electronic information project at the City of Knowledge (formerly Fort Clayton).  The idea is to have networks of the port facilities and some government agencies.

Santa Clara Beach has a new development.  This will be a gated community with 24 hour security.  Facilities will include a club house, marina, and sports facilities.