Government has lied to the Panamanian people – citizens’ group

A torchlight parade by opponents of the extension on the Cinta Costera extension around Casco  Viejo, will march through the old city on Saturday July 16.

The marchers will gather in Plaza Herrera at 5 p.m. and all who wish to preserve the historical heritage designation iof the area are invited  to participate

At a press conference on Thursday the National Front for the defense and preservation of historic, cultural and natural Panama,  accused Panama’s government lying to UNESCO (UN Educational  Scientific and Cultural Organization)  and to the Panamanian people.  

The  umbrella organization, representing 13 groups called   for a halt to the third phase of  the Cinta Costera to comply with the promise to UNESCO to suspend the project and to assess alternative plans for improving the districts of El Chorrillo and Santa Ana
The former director of  Patrimonio Histórico and a member of the Front, Ana Elena Porras said the government has promoted the project as supposedly to improve the viability of the city and the development of El Chorrillo, when "the reality is that is meant to benefit a group ofinvestors."
"The government of (Ricardo) Martinelli's main enemy is the truth, since what it is  is looking at  is to to build a luxury road for friends," she said.
Front members said yesterday that since October 2010 the government was aware that the landfill was considered unacceptable by UNESCO.
Patrizia Pinzon, of  AVAC (Neighborhood Association and Friends of Casco Antinguo) said that despite what was said by UNESCO in 2010, the project was awarded to the Brazilian company Odebrecht.
She stressedd that they wished to invest in Chorrillo and recover the 30 houses that are in ruins in the historic city …  not to pass a highway in front of an area that for years has been waiting for better days.