Government Christmas party time nixed?

On the same day that a Panama daily newspaper carried a front page story detailing the expenditure of $476,000 for Christmas festivities by government departments, President Martinelli issued a press release telling public offices to refrain from celebrating Christmas.

The request followed the floods that left 10 dead and over 13,000 other victims who have lost homes, been flooded or evacuated

The Ministry of Communication says the current administration "wants to bring help to all those families who suffered the blow of Panamanian nature."
Panama America gave details of seasonal events arranged with direct contracts by at least 13 governmednt departments
Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela hired Protocol, SA with a direct conract of $5,013.18 for a Friday,December 17 celebration at the Ministry headquarters
It was specified in the contract that the company should have "a thousand imperial wine glasses, for a noontime celebration.

The Foreign Ministry has also laid out $ 9,293.55 to The Christmas Machetazo for 265 gift bags and $ 5.350 for the making of "eight balls with" Christmas ribbons Frank Muñoz of Muñoz Decorations.

Varela said the direct purchases, usually made in cases of emergency were made "in order to promote the image of our country in all international issues …".
Social Development Minister, Guillermo Ferrufino, opted for a Christmas party in a "5-star hotel,  costing $29,949.93.
Ferrufino also used funds for a holiday party for $1,575.64 in the auditorium of a lottery company Daddy’s Place.

At that same party $ 2,326.50 was spent on hams, which were given to 90 people.

The Ministry of Commerce,  made a direct purchase of $21,935 for "booking and arrangement of a Christmas party," The order, says Panama America included not only the Christmas menu with drinks for 5 hours, but the participation of "girls" at the reception with Christmas outfits.

Documentation shows Multimedia Solutions as the only bidder, but he  bid $1,325 above the reference price.

Meanwhile, officials of the Electricity Generation Company (EGEMSA) were scheduled to enjoy ar party next week at the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, which was hired by for $ 3,722.18.

The officials will have "special entertainment", which is not specified in the tendering, which only indicates that the activity will take place from 7 to 11 pm. EGEMSA also paid $3,805.59 for other expenses at Price Smart.

The Electricity Transmission Company, SA(ETESA), ordered on November 30 H.Tzanetatos Inc., the delivery of 450 Christmas.bags for $24,750.
Another contract included $ 2,178 to house officials of Cocle, Veraguas, Chiriqui and Bocas in 45 double rooms.