Mayor claims green light from Martinelli for Cinta Costera charade

Panama’s president, Ricardo Martinelli has once again stepped in to overrule one of his cabinet members, according to city Mayor Bosco Vallarino.

The mayor had been told by  the Ministry of Public Works that if a Christmas village was erected this year on the Cinta Costera, the city would have to come up with a $1 million bond to cover expenses incurred by the construction and for  damage caused by the public.
But, according to Vallarino, the president has ruled out a bond and  told the ministry to reach an agreement with the city.
"If there is any damage, the municipality will assume responsibility for it," the mayor said.

There was widespread controversy last year, as the work was not not tendered but awarded directly to contractors.
The Ministry of Public Works complained that the Cinta Costera's "green areas" were damaged when the village was removed and said that no further large scale public events would be permitted.
Later in the year a speeding bus crashed in an area where previously some of the plastic display units had been placed.
The display was described by many as tacky and there were complaints from local residents about noise level, and litter in adjoining streets.
High volume music was pumped out only a short distance from signs asking for silence around the nearby Hospital del Nino and Hospital Santo Tomas.
 Non stop recorded carol music played over loudspeakers until late at night. {jathumbnail off}