Price climbs for returning Christmas lights

By Margot Thomas

PANAMA’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS spectacle which  got plaudits from   scores of thousands of residents and visitors, after its introduction last year, will be  back again  in December  says Mayor  José Isabel Blandón.

This years display will cost the city more, up from $1.1 million to $1.9 million  because some public spaces  that missed out  in 2016  like the Amador Causeway in Ancón;  Parque Porras  in Calidonia and some areas in El Chorrillo   will be added.

Two  other sites, Parque Urracá  and Via  Argentina will not be Illuminated this year, as they are in the midst of  rehabilitation and improvements.

To  help finance this  year’s project, said Blandon, the city  is seeking  private sponsors.

The initiative was endorsed this week by  district  representatives during the a Municipal Council session.

Javier Sucre, representative of the community of Juan Diaz, described the proposal as a “positive action” provided that the economic resources used are managed in a “transparent “manner.

Hugo Henríquez, mayor of Pacora, said that the initiative received good comments last year but recommended putting it into practice not only in the center of the city.

CAROLS CONCERT

The  Carols By Candlelight tradition, was brought to Panama 7 years ago

The 7th annual Carols By Candlelight, concert, supported by the Mayor’s office and  organized by the CanadaPLUS Foundation to  raise funds for the  Hospital Del Nino  will be   on the Cinta Costera Thursday, Dec 14.

Plans are well advanced and there are opportunities for involvement in planning and implementing this and other Foundation  fund raising activities. If you are interested in getting involved,  email carolspanama@gmail.com.  You’ll be sure of a warm reception.