Tag: PANAMA

  • Panama commemorates canal handover despite Trump’s call for US control | Government News

    Panama commemorates canal handover despite Trump’s call for US control | Government News


    Top political leaders in Panama have held a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the return of the Panama Canal after decades of United States control.

    But the celebration took place under a pall, as US President-elect Donald Trump continued calls for his country to reassert dominance over the pivotal waterway, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

    Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, a right-leaning leader like Trump, was among the speakers at Tuesday’s main ceremony in the capital Panama City.

    He reassured spectators that the Panama Canal would remain in his country’s possession, dismissing Trump’s remarks without mentioning the US leader by name.

    “There are no hands involved in the canal other than Panama’s,” Mulino said. “Rest assured, it will be in our hands forever.”

    But Trump has increasingly pushed for US governance over the canal as part of his broader expansionist rhetoric.

    Jose Raul Molino, surrounded by Panamanian flags, attends a ceremony for the return of the Panama Canal
    President Jose Raul Mulino attends a ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the US ceding control of the Panama Canal in 1999 [Aris Martinez/Reuters]

    Earlier this month, Trump teased that Canada should become the 51st US state, and he repeated his desire to buy Greenland, an idea he floated during his first term in office.

    But as Trump prepares for a second term on January 20, he has alarmed some observers with threats to potentially wrest the Panama Canal back from Panama’s control.

    On December 21, in a post on his online platform Truth Social, Trump accused Panamanian officials of exacting “exorbitant prices” for passage in the canal.

    The canal allows cargo ships to pass from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean without having to navigate all the way around South America, a perilous route that stretches thousands of kilometres.

    But the canal has seen increased traffic in recent decades. It has also suffered a severe drought that stymied travel through its system of locks: water chambers that lift boats up and down when the surrounding land is not level.

    In his posts, however, Trump indicated that Panama was violating a 1977 agreement that established conditions for the canal to shift from the US to Panamanian hands.

    “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop,” Trump wrote in the first of two lengthy posts. In the second, he continued with a warning.

    “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question,” he wrote.

    “To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly.”

    Security officers stand in front of cranes at a ceremony to honor the 25th anniversary of the return of the Panama Canal
    Institutional security officers stand during a ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the return of the Panama Canal on December 31 [Aris Martinez/Reuters]

    A history of control

    Building the canal through the isthmus of Panama had long been an ambition of Western colonial powers.

    In the late 1800s, for instance, the US made overtures to construct the canal in Panama — part of Colombia at the time — but the South American country refused the deal.

    When Panama later declared independence, the US quickly supported its secession. The US was the first country to recognise Panama as its own state.

    In return for US support, Panama granted the North American country the right to build the canal and oversee the land surrounding it. That area became known as the Panama Canal Zone.

    But critics saw the agreement as a violation of Panama’s sovereignty. Ultimately, in 1977, then-US President Jimmy Carter signed two treaties to engineer the return of the canal and its surrounding lands.

    That transfer took effect on December 31, 1999, exactly 25 years ago.

    Carter died on Sunday, just shy of the anniversary. Mulino paid tribute to the late US president on Tuesday by holding a moment of silence.

    In his speech, Mulino described feeling a “mix of happiness for this 25th anniversary” and “sadness” over Carter’s death.

    A man holds up a newspaper from 2000 showing the transfer of the Panama Canal
    A man on December 31 holds up a newspaper published decades earlier on January 1, 2000, announcing the transfer of the canal to the government of Panama [Aris Martinez/Reuters]

    Remembering ‘martyrs’

    Tuesday’s celebrations also acknowledged the protesters who died advocating for the canal’s return to Panamanian control.

    Among the honoured were the more than 20 participants killed in a student protest on January 9, 1964.

    That day, known in Panama as the Martyrs Day, saw students try to raise a Panamanian flag alongside a US one at a high school in the canal zone. Violence erupted, resulting in the deaths of the protesters as well as four US soldiers.

    In recent days, Trump has accused Panama of violating the terms of the canal’s return, by allegedly allowing Chinese soldiers to operate the shipping route.

    But Panama’s officials have denied that China has any influence over the canal.

    Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the canal’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, was quoted in The Associated Press as saying that Trump has no legal basis for his claims to the canal.

    “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said.



    Panama celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, despite recent calls from former President Donald Trump to regain control of the strategic waterway.

    The handover, which took place on December 31, 1999, marked a significant moment in Panama’s history as it regained sovereignty over the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal has since become a vital source of revenue for the country, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

    Despite Trump’s recent comments calling for the United States to “take back” the canal, Panama has remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining control over this crucial waterway. President Laurentino Cortizo reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, stating that it was a symbol of the country’s independence and self-determination.

    The handover of the canal has allowed Panama to further develop its economy and infrastructure, with plans for expansion and modernization in the works. The country continues to work towards strengthening its position as a key player in global trade and transportation.

    As Panama commemorates this historic event, it serves as a reminder of the country’s resilience and determination to chart its own course in the world. The Panama Canal remains a symbol of national pride and a testament to Panama’s ability to overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.

    Tags:

    1. Panama Canal handover
    2. Panama Canal anniversary
    3. US control controversy
    4. Panama government news
    5. Canal handover ceremony
    6. Panama-US relations
    7. Trump’s call for US control
    8. Panama Canal history
    9. Panama sovereignty
    10. Panama Canal treaty

    #Panama #commemorates #canal #handover #Trumps #call #control #Government #News

  • Panama celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal handover as Trump wants to take it back

    Panama celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal handover as Trump wants to take it back


    PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama on Tuesday celebrated the 25th anniversary of the U.S. handover of the Panama Canal, which President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to take back.

    The commemoration was made more poignant by the death on Sunday of former President Jimmy Carter, who negotiated the 1999 handover deal.

    “On this, such a special day … a mix of happiness for this 25th anniversary of having the canal in Panamanian hands, and the sadness we feel for the death of former President Jimmy Carter,” said Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino.

    The ceremony included a moment of silence for Carter, who reached the handover deal with former Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos.

    Speaking at the main anniversary celebration in Panama City, Mulino said the two men “had the vision and nobility to take the road of justice.”

    Meanwhile, Trump is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He has said if things don’t change after he takes office in late January, “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.”

    Trump has asserted that a 1977 treaty “foolishly” gave the canal away. He hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat.

    During Tuesday’s ceremony, Mulino did not refer specifically to Trump’s statements. He did, however, try to deflect accusations that China may have too much influence over the waterway.

    “There are no hands involved in the canal other than Panama’s,” Mulino said. “Rest assured, it will be in our hands forever.”

    The deal involved two treaties. One was for the handover. The other, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. It gives the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control.

    Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the canal’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, has said that “there’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal.”

    “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington.

    Traffic on the canal increased 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004. Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger, modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion.

    Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic and raise usage rates. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama has said future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs.

    Canal administrator Ricaurte Vásquez has said the canal “has demonstrated that Panamanians are people who can face challenges” including the effects of climate change, world economic cycles and international conflicts.





    Panama celebrated a momentous occasion today as it marked the 25th anniversary of the handover of the Panama Canal from the United States. The historic event, which took place on December 31, 1999, symbolized Panama’s sovereignty and control over one of the world’s most important waterways.

    However, amidst the celebrations, there are concerns that the Panama Canal’s future could be at risk. President Donald Trump has recently expressed interest in taking back control of the canal, citing national security concerns and the need to protect American interests.

    Panamanian officials have strongly rejected Trump’s claims, stating that the canal is vital to their country’s economy and infrastructure. They have emphasized that the canal is operated efficiently and transparently, benefiting not only Panama but also the global economy.

    As Panama reflects on the past 25 years of independence, it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the canal’s continued success and prosperity. The handover was a momentous occasion that marked a new chapter in Panama’s history, and the country is determined to protect its sovereignty and control over this vital waterway.

    Tags:

    1. Panama Canal anniversary
    2. Panama Canal handover
    3. Panama Canal history
    4. Panama Canal news
    5. Trump Panama Canal
    6. Panama Canal takeover
    7. Panama Canal administration
    8. Panama Canal anniversary celebration
    9. Panama Canal sovereignty
    10. Panama Canal politics

    #Panama #celebrates #25th #anniversary #Panama #Canal #handover #Trump

  • Panama Canal is not for sale, Panama’s president says. What to know about the canal’s history and status

    Panama Canal is not for sale, Panama’s president says. What to know about the canal’s history and status


    President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested the United States take over the Panama Canal, a shipping waterway that cuts across Central America, unless fees for using the canal are lowered. 

    Panama’s leader shot back in a recent statement, saying the waterway is not for sale. Since then, Trump has posted repeatedly about the canal. 

    It’s the latest in a series of similar statements from Trump, who recently suggested the United States take over Greenland, an idea he also floated during his first presidency. He’s also joked about Canada being a U.S. state.  

    Here’s what to know about the history of the Panama Canal and the United States’ involvement with the shipping lane.  

    History of the Panama Canal 

    The Panama Canal was built by the United States between 1904 and 1913, and opened in 1917. Building the canal cost about $375 million, making it the most expensive construction project in U.S. history at that time, according to the Panama Canal Authority. Thousands of laborers died during the grueling construction process.

    The canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering ships a shortcut to avoid going around the tip of South America. The canal revolutionized shipping traffic in the region.  

    The U.S. acquired the rights to build and operate the canal in the early 20th century, but at the time, Panama was in the process of seceding from Colombia, whose senate was refusing to ratify a treaty that would allow the canal to be built, according to the State Department’s Office of the Historian

    Theodore Roosevelt Sitting in Crane at Panama Canal
    Theodore Roosevelt sits in a the carriage of a crane at the Panama Canal, while workers look on. 

    CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images


    To ensure the canal could be built, then-President Theodore Roosevelt supported Panamanian independence, and in 1903, the U.S. and Panama signed a treaty that established permanent U.S. rights to a “Panama Canal Zone” that stretched across the nation. However, the person who negotiated on Panama’s behalf did not have formal consent from the nation’s government and had not lived in the country for 17 years, causing many Panamanians to question the treaty’s validity, according to the Office of the Historian. 

    Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. and Panama dealt with tensions surrounding the canal, including a riot in the 1960s that led to a brief disruption in diplomatic relations between the countries. In 1967, the U.S. and Panama began negotiating a new treaty, eventually reaching an agreement, but a change in elected leaders and a coup in Panama led to the establishment of a new government in the Central American nation, according to the Office of the Historian. Because of that, the negotiations “suffered a major setback.” 

    Negotiations continued through the ’70s. When Jimmy Carter was elected president, he made concluding the negotiation process a priority, and in 1977, two treaties were submitted to the U.S. Senate: the Neutrality Treaty, which said the U.S. could use its military to defend the canal, allowing “perpetual U.S. usage” of the waterway, and the Panama Canal Treaty, which would end the existence of the Panama Canal Zone and allow the canal to be turned over to Panama in December 1999. As part of the second treaty, Panama would also become primarily responsible for defending the canal.

    The treaties, collectively known as the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, were signed on Sept. 7, 1977. In the spring of 1978, the U.S. Senate voted to ratify the treaties, and Carter signed them into law on Sept. 27, 1979. The canal was transferred to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, during the Clinton administration

    Jimmy Carter and General Omar Torrijos shake hands after signing the Panama Canal Treaty. circa 09/07/1977
    President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Brigadier General Omar Torrijos shake hands after signing the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977.

    HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images


    Who operates the Panama Canal? 

    The Panama Canal has been owned and operated by the Panama Canal Authority, a government-owned agency, since 1999. The agency was established shortly before the canal was returned to Panama. 

    Since taking control of the waterway, the Panama Canal Authority has invested billions in expanding the canal. A $5.25 billion expansion of the canal opened in 2016, doubling the waterway’s capacity and cutting global maritime costs by an estimated $8 billion a year, CBS News previously reported. The expansion also allowed larger ships to pass

    Who uses the Panama Canal? 

    About 40% of the world’s cargo ship traffic moves through the Panama Canal, CBS News previously reported, though recent droughts have forced operators to reduce ship crossings. 

    About two-thirds of the traffic in the canal is either headed for or leaving the United States, though ships from all over the world use the waterway each day, according to the Panama Canal Authority

    Trump Demands Panama Lower Transit Fees Or Return Canal
    A bulk carrier navigates through the Panama Canal on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. 

    Tarina Rodriguez/Bloomberg via Getty Images


    Between 13,000 and 14,000 ships use the canal each year, the agency said. 

    Trump and Panamanian president clash 

    Trump first seemed to suggest the United States should take over the Panama Canal in a TruthSocial post on December 21.

    He also raised the issue to a crowd of supporters at Turning Point’s AmericaFest on Sunday, where he said Panama is charging “exorbitant prices” and said the “complete ripoff of our country will immediately stop.” 

    “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving, are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” Trump said. 

    On Wednesday, Trump said he would nominate Miami-Dade International Trade Consortium member Kevin Marino Cabrera to be the U.S. ambassador to Panama. In that announcement, he accused Panama of “ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dream.” 


    Trump threatens to take the Panama Canal

    03:53

    Trump continued to post online about the U.S. regaining ownership of the canal, and referenced the canal in a Christmas Day message shared on TruthSocial. He warned of potential influence from China at the shipping waterway, though there is no Chinese presence at the canal, according to Reuters. A Hong Kong-based company manages two ports along the canal, Reuters said. 

    Panama President José Raúl Mulino said in a statement shared on social media that “every square meter” of the canal “belongs to Panama and will continue belonging to Panama.” 

    “We’ll see about that!” Trump wrote online in response. 

    Mulino responded to Trump again in a news conference on Thursday, saying that “anyone in the world is free to visit the canal” and adding that “there is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal, and on the other hand, there will not be, and we maintain a respectful, well-managed relationship with China.” Mulino hosts weekly news conferences. 

    PANAMA-POLITICS-MULINO-PRESSER
    Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino speaks during his weekly press conference at the presidential palace in Panama City on December 26, 2024.

    ARNULFO FRANCO/AFP via Getty Images


    Mulino said that while there are “delicate problems such as immigration” that both he and Trump “are concerned about as presidents,” the two leaders have “nothing to discuss” as far as ownership of the Panama Canal. 

    “The specific approach, the Canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians, there is no possibility of opening any kind of conversation about this reality that has cost the country tears, sweat and blood to achieve,” Mulino said. 



    The Panama Canal is not for sale, Panama’s president has declared. This vital waterway, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has been a source of national pride and economic prosperity for Panama since it was opened in 1914.

    The history of the Panama Canal dates back to the late 19th century when the French attempted and failed to build a canal through Panama. The United States took over the project in 1904 and completed it in 1914. The canal has since been a key strategic asset for global trade, shortening the journey between the East and West coasts of the Americas.

    In 1999, Panama gained full control of the canal under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, marking a significant moment in the country’s history. Since then, Panama has managed and operated the canal, overseeing its expansion and modernization to accommodate larger ships and increased traffic.

    Despite rumors and speculation about the potential sale of the canal, Panama’s president has firmly stated that it is not for sale. The canal remains a critical piece of infrastructure for Panama and a symbol of national sovereignty.

    As one of the busiest and most important waterways in the world, the Panama Canal plays a crucial role in global trade and commerce. Its history and status as a key asset for Panama underline the country’s commitment to managing and protecting this vital resource for generations to come.

    Tags:

    1. Panama Canal
    2. Panama’s president
    3. Canal’s history
    4. Canal’s status
    5. Panama news
    6. Panama Canal ownership
    7. Panama Canal updates
    8. Panama Canal controversy
    9. Panama Canal facts
    10. Panama Canal expansion

    #Panama #Canal #sale #Panamas #president #canals #history #status

  • Migrants traversing Darien Gap plummet 40% as Panama cracks down on major route

    Migrants traversing Darien Gap plummet 40% as Panama cracks down on major route


    The number of migrants traversing the treacherous Darien Gap in the hopes of making it to the United States has plummeted as Panama’s right-wing President José Raúl Mulino cracks down on the major migration route.

    Crossings through the 70-mile stretch of jungle — the only land bridge between South and Central America — dropped by 40% this year to about 300,000, the country’s Security Minister Frank Abrego told the Wall Street Journal.

    Mulino, who took office in July, had vowed to curb illegal immigration, with his government quickly signing an agreement with the US to crack down on migration through the Darien Gap. Under the deal, the US agreed to “cover” the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally.

    Panamanian president José Raúl Mulino has said the true US border is “actually here at the Darien Gap” and is beseeching the Trump administration to continue funding their stepped-up enforcement efforts. AFP via Getty Images

    But despite the significant drop in crossings, Mulino stressed that the numbers could creep up again without ongoing US support.

    “We want the Trump administration to realize that its border is actually here at the Darien Gap and to see how complicated that area is,” Mulino told the Journal.

    “We are still concerned,” he said.

    Last year alone, human smugglers helped more than 530,000 migrants navigate the remote jungle route on their way through the country.

    The notable decline is thanks in large part to the country beefing up their security measures to include biometric screening — which makes it easier for border agents to identify those with criminal histories.

    These numbers are promising, but ex-border chiefs previously told The Post it came more than three years too late thanks to the disastrous “border czar” reign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

    More than 530,000 migrants traversed the treacherous Darien Gap jungle path last year, but with US sending aid that figure has been reduced by 40% this year. AFP via Getty Images

    The Darien Gap has become a favorite smuggling route and helped facilitate multiple surges of migrants entering the US illegally.

    Abrego said some days as many as 25,000 people would take the route on a daily basis.

    Migrants who made their way through the dense jungle were then whisked via bus through Panama and onto Costa Rica, where the cycle would repeat.

    Panama’s pro-Trump president José Raúl Mulino is working to curb the flow of migrants trekking through his country on their way to the US border. Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Many countries along the caravan route would even provide busing to migrants in the interest of moving them along to the next country, the Journal reported.

    Mulino has taken hardline steps to end the free-for-all, including deploying troops and installing razor wire fences to keep migrants moving single-file through the wilderness, which makes them easier to track.

    Trump and Mulino don’t see eye to eye on everything, however.

    The incoming commander-in-chief has made overtures for the US to take control of the Panama Canal, which was given to the country via treaty nearly a quarter-century ago.

    Mulino said in no uncertain terms that the canal changing hands is not in the offing.



    In recent news, the number of migrants attempting to traverse the treacherous Darien Gap has dropped by 40% following Panama’s crackdown on the major migration route. The Darien Gap, a dense and dangerous jungle region that spans the border between Panama and Colombia, has long been a perilous passage for migrants seeking to reach North America.

    Panama’s efforts to stem the flow of migrants through the Darien Gap have included increased patrols, checkpoints, and cooperation with Colombian authorities. These measures have resulted in a significant decrease in the number of migrants attempting the journey, with many now opting for alternative routes or staying in Colombia.

    While the drop in migrant crossings is welcome news for authorities, the situation in the Darien Gap remains dire for those who still attempt the journey. The dense jungle terrain, harsh weather conditions, and presence of criminal organizations make it a dangerous and difficult route to navigate.

    As the crackdown on the Darien Gap continues, it is important for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants and to address the root causes of migration in order to prevent further tragedies in this unforgiving region.

    Tags:

    • Migrants crossing Darien Gap
    • Panama migration crackdown
    • Darien Gap migration decrease
    • Panama border control
    • Central American migrants
    • Panama migration route
    • Darien Gap travel restrictions
    • Panama immigration policy
    • Migrant smuggling crackdown
    • Central America migration trends

    #Migrants #traversing #Darien #Gap #plummet #Panama #cracks #major #route

  • Migrants traversing Darien Gap plummet 40% as Panama cracks down on major route

    Migrants traversing Darien Gap plummet 40% as Panama cracks down on major route


    The number of migrants traversing the treacherous Darien Gap in the hopes of making it to the United States has plummeted as Panama’s right-wing President José Raúl Mulino cracks down on the major migration route.

    Crossings through the 70-mile stretch of jungle — the only land bridge between South and Central America — dropped by 40% this year to about 300,000, the country’s Security Minister Frank Abrego told the Wall Street Journal.

    Mulino, who took office in July, had vowed to curb illegal immigration, with his government quickly signing an agreement with the US to crack down on migration through the Darien Gap. Under the deal, the US agreed to “cover” the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally.

    Panamanian president José Raúl Mulino has said the true US border is “actually here at the Darien Gap” and is beseeching the Trump administration to continue funding their stepped-up enforcement efforts. AFP via Getty ImagesPanamanian president José Raúl Mulino has said the true US border is “actually here at the Darien Gap” and is beseeching the Trump administration to continue funding their stepped-up enforcement efforts. AFP via Getty Images

    Panamanian president José Raúl Mulino has said the true US border is “actually here at the Darien Gap” and is beseeching the Trump administration to continue funding their stepped-up enforcement efforts. AFP via Getty Images

    But despite the significant drop in crossings, Mulino stressed that the numbers could creep up again without ongoing US support.

    “We want the Trump administration to realize that its border is actually here at the Darien Gap and to see how complicated that area is,” Mulino told the Journal.

    “We are still concerned,” he said.

    Last year alone, human smugglers helped more than 530,000 migrants navigate the remote jungle route on their way through the country.

    The notable decline is thanks in large part to the country beefing up their security measures to include biometric screening — which makes it easier for border agents to identify those with criminal histories.

    These numbers are promising, but ex-border chiefs previously told The Post it came more than three years too late thanks to the disastrous “border czar” reign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

    More than 530,000 migrants traversed the treacherous Darien Gap jungle path last year, but with US sending aid that figure has been reduced by 40% this year. AFP via Getty ImagesMore than 530,000 migrants traversed the treacherous Darien Gap jungle path last year, but with US sending aid that figure has been reduced by 40% this year. AFP via Getty Images

    More than 530,000 migrants traversed the treacherous Darien Gap jungle path last year, but with US sending aid that figure has been reduced by 40% this year. AFP via Getty Images

    The Darien Gap has become a favorite smuggling route and helped facilitate multiple surges of migrants entering the US illegally.

    Abrego said some days as many as 25,000 people would take the route on a daily basis.

    Migrants who made their way through the dense jungle were then whisked via bus through Panama and onto Costa Rica, where the cycle would repeat.

    Panama’s pro-Trump president José Raúl Mulino is working to curb the flow of migrants trekking through his country on their way to the US border. Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPanama’s pro-Trump president José Raúl Mulino is working to curb the flow of migrants trekking through his country on their way to the US border. Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Panama’s pro-Trump president José Raúl Mulino is working to curb the flow of migrants trekking through his country on their way to the US border. Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Many countries along the caravan route would even provide busing to migrants in the interest of moving them along to the next country, the Journal reported.

    Mulino has taken hardline steps to end the free-for-all, including deploying troops and installing razor wire fences to keep migrants moving single-file through the wilderness, which makes them easier to track.

    Trump and Mulino don’t see eye to eye on everything, however.

    The incoming commander-in-chief has made overtures for the US to take control of the Panama Canal, which was given to the country via treaty nearly a quarter-century ago.

    Mulino said in no uncertain terms that the canal changing hands is not in the offing.



    The treacherous journey through the Darien Gap, a dense and dangerous jungle region between Colombia and Panama, has become even more challenging for migrants as Panama cracks down on one of the major routes used by those seeking to reach North America.

    According to recent reports, the number of migrants traversing the Darien Gap has plummeted by 40% in recent months due to increased efforts by Panamanian authorities to disrupt the flow of migrants through the region. This crackdown, which includes increased patrols and checkpoints along the border, has made the journey even more perilous for those attempting to make the dangerous trek.

    The Darien Gap has long been a notoriously difficult and deadly route for migrants, with many facing the risk of violence, disease, and starvation as they navigate the dense jungle terrain. Despite these dangers, thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the region in recent years, hoping to reach the United States or other destinations in North America.

    The decrease in migrant crossings through the Darien Gap is a sign of the growing challenges faced by those seeking to reach North America, as countries in the region tighten their borders and crack down on irregular migration. As the journey becomes even more dangerous and difficult, it is crucial that governments and international organizations work together to address the root causes of migration and provide safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better life.

    Tags:

    1. Darien Gap migration trends
    2. Panama crackdown on migrant route
    3. Darien Gap migrant numbers decline
    4. Panama border control impacts migration
    5. Central American migrants in Darien Gap
    6. Panama’s efforts to curb migrant flow
    7. Decrease in migrants crossing Darien Gap
    8. Central American migration route affected by Panama crackdown
    9. Panama’s crackdown on Darien Gap migration
    10. Impact of Panama’s border control on migrant flow

    #Migrants #traversing #Darien #Gap #plummet #Panama #cracks #major #route

  • Germany 1910 Navy SMS Bremen MSP64 Feldpost Cover Panama Canal Americas S 107501

    Germany 1910 Navy SMS Bremen MSP64 Feldpost Cover Panama Canal Americas S 107501



    Germany 1910 Navy SMS Bremen MSP64 Feldpost Cover Panama Canal Americas S 107501

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    Germany 1910 Navy SMS Bremen MSP64 Feldpost Cover Panama Canal Americas S 107501

    In 1910, the German Navy’s SMS Bremen made a stop at the Panama Canal during its journey through the Americas. A rare Feldpost cover from this historic voyage, bearing the marking MSP64 and serial number S 107501, has recently surfaced, providing a glimpse into the naval activities of the era.

    This unique piece of postal history offers a window into the strategic importance of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century, as well as the global reach of Germany’s navy. The SMS Bremen, a light cruiser, played a crucial role in the German Navy’s operations during this time period, and its visit to the Panama Canal was likely part of a larger mission to assert Germany’s presence in the Americas.

    Collectors and history enthusiasts alike will appreciate the significance of this Feldpost cover, which serves as a tangible reminder of a bygone era of naval power and global exploration. Its connection to the Panama Canal, a marvel of modern engineering, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already fascinating piece of memorabilia.

    For those interested in naval history, postal artifacts, or the Panama Canal specifically, this Germany 1910 Navy SMS Bremen MSP64 Feldpost Cover is a must-have addition to any collection. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of history with this rare and unique item.
    #Germany #Navy #SMS #Bremen #MSP64 #Feldpost #Cover #Panama #Canal #Americas, MSP

  • PC CPA PANAMA, CANOE RACE ON THE CHAGRES RIVER, Vintage Postcard (b26328)

    PC CPA PANAMA, CANOE RACE ON THE CHAGRES RIVER, Vintage Postcard (b26328)



    PC CPA PANAMA, CANOE RACE ON THE CHAGRES RIVER, Vintage Postcard (b26328)

    Price : 12.49

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    PC CPA PANAMA, CANOE RACE ON THE CHAGRES RIVER, Vintage Postcard (b26328)

    Join us for an exciting canoe race on the Chagres River in Panama! This vintage postcard captures the thrill and excitement of the competition as participants paddle their way through the beautiful waters of the Chagres River.

    Experience the adrenaline rush as teams compete against each other in a test of skill, speed, and endurance. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just looking to have some fun, this event is sure to provide a memorable experience for all.

    Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Panama’s natural landscapes while cheering on the participants in this thrilling canoe race. Grab your friends and family and come join us for a day of excitement and adventure on the Chagres River!

    #Panama #CanoeRace #ChagresRiver #VintagePostcard #Adventure #PCCPA_PANAMA
    #CPA #PANAMA #CANOE #RACE #CHAGRES #RIVER #Vintage #Postcard #b26328

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