Business execs question  beach closures, Sunday lockdown

The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (Apede) are questioning the lack of coherence in government policies for the  reopening  of the economy

The business union’s protest came  on  Sunday October 11 the eve of the reopening of activities that have been closed for more than six months due to restrictions to control Covid-19.

Among the sectors that will operate again from this Monday, are hotels, tourist activities, cinemas, and casinos.

“It is inconsistent that tourist activities, hotels and resorts are reactivated, but not their beaches, one of the strong attractions that the country has. A surprising and questionable decision, when hotels that have this attraction already have previously sold packages and, their clients will not be able to use their beaches ”, says Apede.

The group questions that after a long confinement it was decided to maintain  Sunday as a day of total quarantine which prevents an effective opening of tourism.

The Ministry of Health reported this week that the beaches will be closed and that the quarantine on Sundays will continue until further notice.

Apede also warns that there are actions that generate uncertainty in the logistics and maritime sector.

“The restrictions imposed on the issuance of new licenses for auxiliary maritime industries and a moratorium on the entry of new floating equipment, rather than protecting the local industry, make the maritime sector less competitive by not allowing companies to update and renew their equipment.”

Apede pointed out that seven months have passed, without paying state suppliers. Payment represents an effective way to reactivate the economy.

In addition, transparency, speed of execution and communication of the Plan for Economic Recovery is required says Apede.