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 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?
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