OFF THE CUFF: A new travel approach

PRESIDENT Juan Carlos Varela  left  Panama on Friday, April 18  for the United States … on a commercial flight.

This follows a reign where the  presidential jet traveled the world loaded with influence peddlers,  members of the Martinelli zero (inner)circle and family members and friends. Side trips included luxury destinations hosted by convicted wheeler dealer Valter Lavitola, and side trips where the plane went off the map including reports  of appearances at major sporting events.

Not much sign of traveling in the shoes of the people, but with his own private jet at his disposal that was not something  that would appeal to the supermarket king,

Varela’s trip was reported by the Secretary of State Communication who  said the trip was personal and that Varela would be attending to “family matters.”  

He will return to the country Sunday, April 19