Btesh: A man for all seasons
The hoped for benefactor of the Paitilla free land deal that now seems to have come unstuck, is one of Panama’s richest men who has walked the corridors of power and contracts through the last four presidents.
La Estrella describes forty-eight-year- old Gabriel Btesh as an enigmatic businessman who was about to acquire for free, the multi million dollar piece of land that was intended for a park in Paitilla.
It goes on to explore his relationship with the current administration, the last three presidents and their partnership with Felipe Virzi, arelative and business partner of Rcardo Martinelli
Says Estrella:
“Who is Gabriel Btesh? Those who know him, just know that that name is synonymous with power. Btesh is an entrepreneur who knows how to move the tenants of the Palace of the Herons[The presidential palace]
“His dossier of business and contracts and benefits with the last four governments,ranges from hydroelectric concessions to renting office space and high rises
“The benefits began in the government of former president Mireya Moscoso, and increased large-scale under the management of Martin Torrijos and have been further expanded under administration of Ricardo Martinelli.”
La Estrella says Btesh is a member of the PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party) founded by the military dictatorship and is described by a senior PRD member as a person who is close to the presidential chair, whoever sits in it.” During the Martin Torrijos years Btesh was given a bodyguard for 14 months.
