MEDIA WATCH The cynicism behind Tocumen scandal

Hoyporhoy – La Prensa, August 25

TOCUMEN, SA, the company that operates the gateway, and international image of the country, does not have the resources to complete the construction of the south terminal.

So simple and so great is the crisis facing this hinge to boost tourism as a strategic lever of our development.

Contracted with the construction company Norberto Odebrecht, the work was tendered by the previous administration at a cost of $769 million.

One reason that influences the lack of liquidity was privileged contracts. In relation to this, beautification and related tasks were of relative importance.

Convinced it would retain power and win the general election, the then Government decided to finance the expansion with the sale of commercial locations in enabled areas. But who buys a location in cash (withpayments expected by the builder) three years before it will operate?

Well, that’s why you rule. You can always twist arms from the Palace to favor those with deep pockets, and repay with long term favors. The truth is that the current authorities will have to juggle or perform miracles to complete the work.

And the cherry on the cake is the cynicism of those responsible for leaving the company without funds, blaming the government that preceded it. What effrontery!