Panama Expat Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

6 years ago

US Invasion of Panama in 1989

6 years ago

Recent Findings on the US Invasion of 1989:
The Commission has detected cases of persons killed as a result of the US invasion of Panama that were not listed on the official list.

28 years after the invasion, there are still facts that have not been clarified and are subject of debate.
Almost three decades later, the United States' invasion of Panama, which occurred in December 1989, continues to be news and has generated controversy in Panamanian society.

The work of the Commission December 20, 1989, created on June 19, 2016, by Executive Decree No. 121 by the government of Juan Carlos Varela, has begun to bear the first fruits; however, there are also internal conflicts, to the point where the resignation of one of its members, Enrique Illueca, was reported.
In its first year, the Commission has detected cases of persons killed as a result of the US invasion of Panama that were not registered on the official list.
Juan Planells, president of the Commission, reported that fifteen people died who were not registered as fatal victims. "These new victims have been detected in the review of the files and we are now validating all the information with the institutions," said Planells.
At the same time, he reported that during the first year, the work was done as a volunteer, since the funds allocated to the Commission had not been approved.
The National Economic Council last April approved $ 916,066 for the December 20 Commission, which will be administered and managed by the City of Knowledge Foundation. On July 11, they were countersigned by the Comptroller General of the Republic.
Planells explained that the work has focused on the study of the files of the Judicial Branch in the capital city, David and Penonomé. In addition, death certificates in hospitals and personal data have been reviewed in the Electoral Tribunal, as well as documents that are in the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences.
The Public Prosecutor assigned a prosecutor to serve the Commission, said Planells.
"The new names of victims that have been detected reflect the importance of doing the investigation to discover cases that were not registered because many people did not even make the complaint," explained Planells.
The commissioner concludes that during the invasion the protocols on the deaths were not followed and then the relatives of the victims were afraid to speak.
For Planells, it is important to form public opinion so that people understand what the invasion of Panama meant, the number of innocent people who died and human rights violations during the US military intervention.
He claims that the declaration of the date as a day of mourning should be the result of the investigation and the report to be presented at the end of the Commission period.
"We have to raise public awareness of more than a recommendation, it has to be the result of a citizen's concern that feels and welcomes the proposal that we will make after having all the data to report up to where the Panamanian society suffered the consequences," he added.
In this way, Planells responds by the resignation of Illueca, last July.
In a letter sent to President Varela informing him of his resignation, Illueca affirms that at the Committee meeting on July 19, the draft resolution to declare December 20 was not approved as a day of national mourning.
The decision regarding the national mourning corresponds to the National Assembly, which must approve a law for this purpose.
In his letter of resignation, Illueca claims that the decision to declare December 20 as a day of national mourning 'is priceless, unavoidable and inescapable'.
Planells insists that this point will be considered in the final report, which will be presented in 2019.
As a result of the delay in the delivery of funds, it was requested to extend for a further year the term of work of the Commission; that is, until 2019, since it was initially established for two years, a period that expired in 2018.

http://laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/hallazgos-recientes-sobre-invasion-eeuu-1989/24022035

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.