Audit of 2009 Christmas charade not complete but Mayor ploughs ahead

The audit of the accounts of the mayor of Panama's Christmas charade, has not been completed nearly a year after the presentation ot the controversial project. 

 Mayor Bosco Vallarino dubbed it "the world's largest Christmas"  and wanted to get into the Guiness Book of Records.

In spite of the scandals and concerns about the cost, performance, delivery  no-bid contracts, and damage and vandalism to the Cinta Costera  in 2009, the city’s mayor has already announced that the Disneyland style activity will be repeated again this year and will cost nearly $1 million with the addition of a parade of floats and a $65,000 musical event.

The government ministry that said no more large events would be allowed, and later demand a $1 million bond from  the city, backed down on orders from President Ricardo Martinelli who, earlier in the year had pushed for the mayor's resignation.
The municipality’s service manager Nadgee Bonilla said that the “villas,” will be installed from December 9. Three direct contracts have been awarded.

In November 2009, former comptroller Carlos Vallarino ordered a special audit to review the recruitment and selection process made by the mayor, and the companies that installed the holiday villas on the coastal strip.
"This year it will cost $ 930,000 about $90,000 more than the unaudited figures for last year.