Rising crime a threat to business, tourism and quality of life

The rise in crime in Panama is "dramatic" and a "major threat to the country" said U.S. Ambassador Barbara Stephenson at a recent forum on organized crime.
Her views were echoed by Ruben Castillo, President of the Panama Association of Business Executives, who said crime had gotten out of control and may affect the country’s competitiveness, tourism and quality of life.
They were speaking at the International Forum on Organized Crime and its Impact on the business sector

An alarming increase in the amount of cocaine and drugs transported by sea and land in Panama, has left a trail of death and corruption said Stephenson, with the number of homicides more than doubling from 363 in 2006, to 808 in 2009.
Crime "corrupts the democratic and judicial institutions, and the economy,  andkeeps young people away schools and attracts them to gang life” she said.

However, with the hiring of experts to design anti-crime programs, there is still time to save Panama from “ the horrible violence.”

Geomar Jones, the First Superior Prosecutor, acknowledged that in  Panama there is an average of two murders per day.
Authorities ere saturated by such cases and that necessitates the provision of additional resources and staff. He added that there is also increased domestic violence culminating in bloodshed across the country.