Crime And Violence Escalates In Colon Panama
Colon City, Panama like ‘West Parade’, downtown Kingston Jamaica is never quiet. There is just constant noise, underscored by Jamaican dancehall rhythms and a distinct buzz. Crime and violence are never far away. And yet, I know I don’t feel fearful on the streets.
Moreover, there has never been a shoot-out between police and gunmen near enough to remind me of how volatile the entire city is becoming. I have been on the streets before and hear rival gangs getting at each other. Or from a distance, I see the crowd scatter and I know something is taking place. Today’s experience was too close for comfort.
I had to beat a hasty retreat into a business establishment, when just ahead of me on the street police and gunmen were engaged in a shoot fest.This particular section of the City, 13th and 12th streets is known for robberies. Another robbery took place there today.
There was another robbery today, about 30 minutes earlier. This time a few chains from our church at the local HSBC bank on Balboa Avenue in Colon. A woman went to make a deposit and was held up, robbed then murdered. I left the establishment where I took refuge and headed back to church. We found the road to church blocked by the police but didn’t know what happened until I got to church.
It was pretty sobering.
Signs of poverty are ever present throughout the city. Unemployment is high. Many of the youth who pursue university education do not have jobs in their area of expertise. They work in ‘call centres’. This is a far better option that the life of guns, gangs and glory(?) that appears to be the popular option for today’s youth.
Drug wars, turf wars are resulting in more murders. There is a national lament over the escalating crime in Panama in general. There is mourning for generations of children and youth who have opted for a life of crime. There is talk of more legislation to mete out greater punishment to these youth. But there are other voices appealing that more studies be conducted into the impact of the breakdown of family life within the society.
Thus crime and violence in Colon like Jamaica is not an isolated issue. And as in the case of Jamaica, the challenging issues that contribute to the increasing levels of criminal activity, and violence must be tackled with an integrated approach. A band aid won’t work.
In the meantime, Panama’s claim of being touted one of the most secure places to live is taking quite a beating…
Until,
Marvia
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October 17th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Hi Dave,
It is sad for true. People are becoming as fearful as back home.
Here is the other sad reality, this kind of violence is to be found mainly in Colon, and Panama City and its environs. It's increasing in those areas where gangs are also increasing. It is mostly among the most poverty stricken areas where there are a lot of unemployed youth and children who are not going to school.
The landscape looks similar to Jamaica's 'inner-cities' but with a more distinct Latin American flavour. There is a fight to get 7-8 year olds off the streets before they get caught up in this kind of activity. That's how bad it is. Like Jamaica, its the older children and youth who are toting the guns!
Peace,
Marvia
October 17th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Darn, I can't believe that kinda shoot out thing take place in Panama as well. Its very sad to say the least…Is this type of violence concentrated in Colon or is it all over Panama?
March 25th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I want to know just how dangerous is colon for an american my boyfriend is from panama colon when i ask to vist he tells me NO! he cant secure my safety and he tells me if anyone finds out i am american most likely if he turns his back they will take me and kill me. I have never been there before but i doubt what he is saying to me…
March 26th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Hi Shauntell,
Thanks for stopping by. Since I do not know where exactly in Colon your boyfriend lives, I cannot speak authoritatively on his decision. I do know there are some ‘rough areas’ in Colon that are just not safe. They are no different to other cities across the world where you find certain areas that foster violence associated with gangs, drugs and weapons. However, it is not true that the whole Colon is unsafe and that they’d take you away and kill you. That sounds like an exaggeration – but then again, it depends on where he lives.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Hi
I’m a Norwegian guy who has a friend who lives in Colon. She wants me to visit her, but things like this just make me unsure of how safe it would be for me to visit.
But then again, I heard that all the time about different neighborhoods and downtown areas in USA too, and I never ran into any trouble when I went there, even with no friends from the area.
What parts of the city would you consider safe for me, a white 25 year old guy, if I am with her, and what parts should I stay out of?
February 1st, 2010 at 11:21 am
Audun,
Thanks for visiting! Since you are well aware of tough neighbourhoods in the USA and many other places and that does not deter you from visiting the US then my response to you takes a similar approach.
Panama is beautiful and I’d encourage everyone who has the opportunity, to come see it for themselves. You just need to be alert without being paranoid and thus ruin your trip. There are some reputable hotels in the city that are in very good locations. And all I’d say is if you are a 25 year old guy with ’street smarts’ then you’ll be fine:-)
You can always contact me at my email address listed on my About page if you need further guidance.
Marvia
February 6th, 2010 at 6:03 am
Hi Marvia,
Stumbled upon your interesting site, & was touched by your story. I grew up in inner Kingston way back before crime was a serious problem, & I have also visited Colon, well over 30 yrs. ago. I was struck by the physical & cultural similarity of both places. Actually, I felt safer in Colon than in inner-city Kingston, but I was only there for a few days, maybe not long enough to have an accurate opinion.
God bless.
Jim
February 18th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Hello Jim,
Thank you for visiting and for leaving a comment. I’m always happy to meet a fellow Jamaican:-) I never thought I’d ever live to see the day when I’d feel unsafe at home. But I know now it’s not ‘all in the mind’ of those who’ve lived overseas and returned home. No mistake about it, like Kingston, Colon has its underbelly and places one should avoid unless looking for trouble. But like I said..I still love it here on the Atlantic side!!
Blessings to you too. And please visit again.
Marvia