Panama City from Casco Viejo - A new highway is under construction and visible across the bay - Old Panama and New Panama
The picture above is of the Panama City Skyline and the massive skyscrapers that are sprouting up from the view of the old Casco Viejo section of Panama City which dates back to the late 1670′s. It is a great contrast of the old, new, and future as the new construction of a highway is visible cutting right through the pristine bay which will provide “easier” access to Casco Viejo & Panama City. A subway system is also under construction and it is easy to smell it in the air that Panama is entering a new phase in it’s long history.
Panama City is currently associated with Miami or The Bahamas in the 80′s as economic and construction booms have taken hold and only seem to be picking up steam. With an economy that has expanded rapidly with over the past ten years, even when most economies are stagnant or struggling, Panama has continued to grow. The canal is currently being expanded to a third lane which will double capacity, allowing larger vessels to navigate the passage and increasing revenue. The canal zone also houses the second largest free trade zone in the world and the largest in the Americas. International banks flock to Panama as it provides a favorable environment and is a central meeting place between North America and South America along with other International players. I equate Panama as a sort of modern day Silk Road, a hub of world trade on a key trade route.
A downside to the development is that the waterfront is littered with trash and the discharge of incoming vessels. One must travel 1.5 hours away to enjoy a satisfying beach experience with clean water and beaches. However growth and development is not strictly massive buildings as the “Cinta Costera”, an ocean front green belt, provides walking and bike paths, soccer courts, and free exercise hubs for Panamanians to exercise. The Cinta Costera is the beginning of a movement to provide an oasis in the city for the residents to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Each night events are hosted and in a few minutes my roommates and I are heading down to watch the Panama vs USA World Cup Qualifier along with 12,000 Panamanians on a projection TV on the Cinta Costera. While Panama is currently sacrificing sustainability for growth it does seem like there is a movement towards sustainability as the Cinta Costera has been a huge success with a new section opening just a few weeks ago and it being constantly crowded from sunrise to sunset.
The Cinta Costera in Panama City - Panamanians Enjoying The Park- An Oasis In the City
Until next time…
Brian Clair