08:06.222N 079:38.377W - The Panamá Shuffle
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Tue 22 Feb 2022 18:15
Panamá nestles between Costa Rica to the northwest and Colombia to the
southeast. For centuries it has been the thorough fare for riches moving
from one part of the world to another, with little staying behind in the
territory itself. This all changed when Panamá gained independence from
Colombia and became the Republic of Panamá. Once the USA handed the
management of the Canal over to the Republic of Panamá, growth in the
isthmus has boomed. Panamá has overtaken Miami as the business centre of
Latin America. The world’s largest residential buildings, with 100 floors,
are close to completion.
Panamá City is a sprawling metropolis of skyscrapers, rivalling Los Angeles
is girth and Chicago in elevation. The monies generated by the Canal are now
Panamá’s to enjoy. However, there is plenty of evidence that those monies
are not evenly spread throughout the community. We wandered into a very
seedy area close to the Cinco de Mayo train station and felt very
uncomfortable and out of place. Taxis did not stop for us; Louis had a rough
encounter and was forced to hit a man who attempted to steal his phone, the
poverty was disturbing.
Perhaps most devastating of all for us, was the total lack of any type of
recycling program in the country. We were told that there had been a
recycling program in previous years, but that it no longer exists. This begs
the question, are Panamanians simple being more honest? Instead of putting
on a pretence of recycling, as we encountered in Grenada, are they admitting
defeat? Recycling does present a huge challenge for a city’s administration,
both logistically and financially. Over breakfast in the Casco Viejo area of
Panamá City, the beautifully restored old inner city, Kevin, Louis and I had
a lengthy discussion on those very logistics. What is the solution to the
increasing pollution in the oceans of the world? Is better recycling the
answer? Is a ban on certain plastics the answer? Is education the answer?
How involved should government get? You have all had similar discussions.
Our mission is to inspire you to have more conversations and to become
better informed. We are trying to do the same. We do not expect to find
solutions, but we do hope to have learned more, which will spur us on to
informed action.
Crew on sailing vessels talk of having survived the Panamá shuffle. Many a
boat owner who might not be totally happy with his crew will switch and swap
with other boat owners trying to find a better match. We, unbeknownst to
ourselves, were nominated by the Sea Gods, to join in the fun.
Upon arrival in Shelter Bay, prior to the Canal transit, we had a crew of 6
– Stuart, Louis, Kevin, James, John Hunter-Holmes, and me. On Tuesday, 8th
February, Stuart left to return to Spain, so we were 5. Homeostasis was
regained the very next day when Steve arrived. However, Steve had a positive
Covid test, so had to quarantine in a dive hotel in Colón. And so, we were
5. Preparations continued for the Canal transit. Meanwhile it was time for
James to leave and for John Egan to arrive. We were a slightly different 5.
Steve appeared to recover, and so we reached 6 again. The merry-go-round
continued to play its repetitive tune; preparations were ongoing. John
Hunter-Homes received the tragic news of his father’s death, and he made his
way as fast as possible to the family home in France. We bid him farewell
with God speed and prayers, we expect his return in the Galapagos. We
numbered 5 again! Our American friend Kevin found that boat life was not for
him, and, with a teary countenance, he departed the party to explore on
land, in Colombia. Steve did not fully recover, and even with a negative
Covid result, he needed to recover at home in his own bed. Now we were a
mere 3! Alarmed, we went in search of a 4th. Through Oyster Crew Services,
we found Rob, who, with one day’s notice, left the UK and arrived onboard in
Panamá City. Phew we are 4!
Now it is time to settle! Today we departed Panamá City and leave behind the
jinx it had placed upon our barque. We will be at sea for about 6 or 7 days
en route to the magical Galapagos islands. All is good with the world and
the shuffling dance is over.