Varela gets thumbs down for UN gaff
PANAMA President Juan Carlos Varela has taken a hammering in local media and on social networks after his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 26 when he failed to mention Omar Torrijos who, with US President Jimmy Carter signed the Canal Treaty, which led to the handing over of the Canal at the start of the 21st Century. His thanks were reserved for Carter while Torrijos, father of former President Martin Torrijos was ignored.
Taking a lead from President Trump, Varela bragged of his achievements claiming full prosperity and the reduction of crime. “Panama is a different country from the one I received in 2014”, was one of the phrases which riled local talking heads.
According to the president, insecurity has been reduced in the country by 50%, while the economic capacity of communities has been increased.
