Statement released on 21 th of January, 2014 by Movement for Strengthening Panamanian Identity

Friends from Panama Equity:

I bring the statement released on 21 th of January, 2014 in La Prensa of Panama, by Movement for Strengthening Panamanian Identity (click here for our Facebook page), in which I belong. It refers to the removal of the chair of History of Relations with the United States Panama, in schools and universities in Panama.

Regards,

Katti Osorio Ugarte

The Press / 21 th of January, 2014

STATEMENT OF MOVEMENT FOR IDENTITY PANAMEÑA

Faced with the recent statements by President, in the sense that the removal of the chair of History of Panama's relations with the United States is justified, in our schools and universities, because it generates anti-American sentiment, citizens who participate in the Identity Movement Panamanian felt outraged. Thus, we join the clamor for citizens to be reinstated where this subject has been deleted and respected where it still survives, in the context of the school and university curriculum of the Republic of Panama.

Denounce:
The aforementioned public statements of the President of the Republic are regrettable because reveal a conditional identity and overly accommodating to the interests of the U.S.. by our president.

We believe that this subject should be so current and objective, without prejudice or animosity against other nations, but always in defense of decolonization and recovery of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, as well as historical memory and identity of the Panamanian. Panamanians why we have become U.S. public relations, or any other country in the world, at the expense of our right to keep and update knowledge of the national past, to defend our economic interests, political and cultural, and strengthen our identity and national project.

The decrease in hours of teaching subjects and the history of Panama absorption Relations with the United States Panama, in an overall synthesis, in schools and universities, promotes the loss of historical memory and identity of Panamanian, between youth and adults, besides damaging generational change our historians the consequent contraction of their workplace.

The proposal to eliminate this subject responds to a foreign neoliberal utilitarian guideline to reduce hours of study of national histories in general, with the aim of strengthening technical training and learning natural sciences, detriment of the humanities, intended to meet the needs of the domestic market, global, removing material for the formation of the individual, leading us to significant gaps in the sense of valuing the shared roots, social responsibility, universal and national solidarity among Panamanians. This is aimed to train robots instead of forming citizens.

We argue:
National identities are constructed dynamically and relationally against other identities: Panamanian identity, from 1850, was constructed in relation to conflict and cooperation with U.S. neocolonialism in the Isthmus. For his part, American identity, and particularly Zonian, were the most powerful Republican counterpart Panamanian identity, becoming his "significant other", explained as symbolic anthropology, Spain and Colombia replacing in that role, in earlier periods of our history.

Historical memory is the basis on which builds and renovates national identity. And national identity, bad a state can design a project inclusive, where all Panamanians can recognize and feel represented.

The subject of History of Relations between Panama and the United States is the backbone of the republican history of Panama, including separation from Colombia, The Protectorate, the site of the Canal Zone, as the creation and consolidation of the Republic of Panama, to this day. And not exclude broader and global eyes of our international relations but, conversely, focuses on the context of the new colonialism.

This chair is in effect today, because E.U.A. remain the main customer of the Panama Canal; because Panama has signed a Trade Promotion Agreement with that country with serious consequences of weakening the national agricultural sector; because the issue of combating drug trafficking has generated an international agreement that allows the construction of naval bases and requires considerable investment budget of Panama, without apparent success results; because we are also the subject of espionage by the U.S.; and the clause De Conccini, in the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, compromising the sovereignty of the nation state. These are some of the most important bilateral issues with the leading world power in this.

Social needs, current trade policies and our country require consolidating the sovereignty of the Panamanian State, design a national long-term project, whose foreign policy more proactive and diversified so far, based on the experience of the bilateral relationship with the U.S.. to redefine it in terms decolonization among nations.

Propose:
Reinstating the chair of History of Relations between Panama and the United States, the legal mandate and the necessary budget to upgrade the course and their texts; training its teachers with more comprehensive and scientific approaches that have been taken so far and the implementation of educational technologies.

The subject's use of bilateral relations with the U.S.. to rethink Panama options inside and outside of this binomial, overcoming narrow approaches to geopolitics Panama through history. From domestic criticism of U.S. relations with Panama, we can contemplate the choices we face in the present to diversify and expand our international policy and what this means to develop our regional integration best alternatives.

Liberate the study merely curricular vision of history: pedagogy adopt a mobilizing to educate ethics; overcome the description of historical facts and making visible the lived route live, by the Panamanian nation, to achieve the sovereignty of the National Government, democratic and popular, so that youth recognize their right to democratic participation and responsibility in building this goal.

Last, reiterate our call on the urgent need for Panamanians recover our historical memory and strengthen national identity. We express our Movement rejects any chauvinistic discourse on ethnic supremacy and, conversely, adopt the discourse of decolonization and cultural diversity of Panama, in tune with our Latin American and Caribbean environment, that should prompt us to build a free society, sustainable, intercultural fair and walk together to the XXI century.

Coordinators of this Notice:
Ana Elena Porras, Ricardo Rios Torres, Eduardo Flores Castro

Given in Panama, Republic of Panama, on the 18 th of January, 2014

Décimas to the Motherland on the fiftieth anniversary of 9 January

Dear friends of Patrimonio Panamá:

This has been an excellent week to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Patriotic Feat 9 th of January, 1964. With the Law No. 118 of 27 December 2013 declaring the 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, citizen initiative presented by the Citizens Movement for Strengthening Identity Panamanian, from this year on the date of the Patriotic Feat shan't be transferred to create a long holiday weekend (día puente), and will be remembered with events, TV specials, educational activities, conferences, murals and art exhibitions, as well as public State events, every year from now on.

Dear friends, I bring for you a segment “of the Ceremony commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Patriotic Feat 9 January 1964” which took place on 8 th of January, 2014 at the National Library “Ernesto J. Castillero R.” Panama City. The ceremony was carried out under the auspices of, the Citizens Movement for Strengthening of Panamanian Identity (also known as, Movement for the Rescue of Identity and Historical Memory), National Library “Ernesto J. Castillero R.”, National Institute Foundation, National Institute Association – Generation 1964, Alumni Association of the National Institute – Generation 1957. The ceremony was beautiful, involving local personalities linked to the Patriotic Feat, and the venue was completely full with public.

There was no party flags, Panamanians and jubilant friends only. There were speeches, poetry, and testimonies of the Patriotic Feat; presentation of certificates to illustrious Panamanians and of course, the itinerant exhibit of the Caravan of Sovereignty, with varied and abundant documentation on the 9 th of January, 1964 and related events.

This is the segment that I want to share with you:

El Grupo Riba-Smith, troubadours sponsored by supermarket chain Riba-Smith, sang Décimas to the Motherland on ocassion of the Solemn ceremony. They were very nice songs, so I would like to share their music with you. The Changmarín Foundation was present, and presented to el Grupo Riba-Smith a CD of Décimas to the Motherland by Master Carlos Francisco Changmarín, Panamanian author, essayist and composer of great renown, for his work on national issues. Professor Ricardo Rios, driver of the Caravan of Sovereignty, also received a CD in recognition of his worthy efforts to promote the historical memory of the homeland.

I will update this post later, with some photos.

Regards,

Katti Osorio

Panama has returned to the restored flag patriotic deed of 9 th of January, 1964

Friends from Panama Equity:

I bring a short report of the National Television Channel 2 (TVN) on arrival in Panama Flag the ground 4 th of January, 2014, carrying students from the National Institute on 9 th of January, 1964, which was torn Zonian zonians police and at the site of Balboa High School, “Balboa High School”. The tattered flag, for many years rested in an urn at the National Institute, was sent to Spain under the auspices of the Panama Canal Authority, Thanks to the efforts of the National Institute graduates Generation 1964, Ministry of Education, The Canal Museum, and the National Institute of Culture.

http://youtu.be/D5ug7FHWa40

In the video, Flag was received with honors in Tocumen International Airport, with the presence of the Minister of Government and Lic. Rimsky Sucre, he witnessed part of the historical facts of 9 th of January, 1964. I note that the flag is not displayed the flag restored, but a Panamanian flag covers honorably transported the box where the restored remains of the Panamanian flag was torn the 9 th of January, 1964.

Panamanian flag. 9 th of January, 1964.

Flag carried by the students of the National Institute on Canal Zone 9 th of January, 1964. The Panamanian delegation was reduced to six students by the authorities of the Canal Zone; the rest is in the background photo. Source: La Estrella de Panama.

Roberto Chiari President receives the torn Panamanian flag. 9 January, 1964.

President Roberto Chiari received from citizens torn by the Panamanian flag and police zonians 9 th of January, 1964.

Hopefully see you soon put on display to the public with honor and precautions for proper conservation. I am extremely curious to see what work was done in its restoration.

This is the video of the Panama Canal Authority, when the flag was moved for restoration.

Regards,

Katti Osorio.

————–
ADDITIONAL:
A pride for the Panama Canal constribuir restore flag 9 January. Panama Canal Authority, 4 th of January, 1964.

NOTE:
For everything related to Anniversary No. 50 the patriotic gesture of 9 th of January, 1964 Heritage published in Panama, Please select from the menu Categories on this site, “Anniversary No. 50 and Salón 9 th of January, 1964“.

Conclusion: A law, finally enacted, for the deeds of 9 th of January, 1964

Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panamá:

I bring great news. Today finally, has come enacted law in the Official Gazette for the deed of 9 th of January, 1964. It's a great win in Panama city! This success has come from the hand of the Citizens Movement for Strengthening Identity Panamanian.

Previous Article, for reference to the background of this triumph: Patrimonio Panama | A Law for the heroic deeds of the 9 th of January, 1964

This is the Official Gazette No. 27442-A Monday 30 December 2013, where among other things he promulgated Law No. 118 of 27 December 2013, “declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 1967 and amending an article of the Labor Code.”

Under the text signed by the President of Panama, and promulgated in Official Gazette:

Law 118 de 2013, page 1 de of

Law 118 of 2013, page 1 of 3

 

 

Law 118 de 2013, page 2 de of

Law 118 of 2013, page 2 of 3

 

 

Law 118 de 2013, page 3 de of

Law 118 of 2013, page 3 of 3

 

 

The Digital Gazette of Panama can be found at, www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa, and on the website of the National Assembly of Panama, LEGISPAN.

 

 

Regards,

 

 

Katti Osorio
——-
Note:
The text of the Act 118 of 27 December 2013, your scanned by the Official Gazette of Panama Image, and all its related information are public and freely accessible on the website of the Digital Official Gazette and National Assembly of Panama.

A Law for the heroic deeds of the 9 th of January, 1964

Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panamá:

Next year, precisely on the 9 th of January, 2014, are met 50 years since the events known in Panama as the patriotic deeds of 9 th of January, 1964. This date is crucial in the history of the consolidation of Panamanian identity, in the abolition of the exclusion zone of the Panama Canal formerly known as, “The Canal Zone” thus restoring the country's sovereign integrity, and the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama. The Citizens Movement for the Strengthening of Panamanian Identity, in which I belong, presented to the National Assembly of Panama a Citizens' Initiative for the 9 January every year, become by Law, the Day of National Sovereignty, with appropriate commemorations. Although the citizen initiative presented went on to become Bill Draft No. 669 of 2013, approved on Third Debate and sent to the President for assent and promulgation over thirty days ago, that has not yet come to pass.

(Edition of automatic translation is in progress) The construction of the Panama Canal, between 1904 and 1914, It was a titanic work. I wish nothing diminish the merits of any of the groups involved in its construction: Americans, afroantillanos, Chinese, Latin, Panamanians, European and other. His life and effort led to the great work. However, the cost to the young republic of Panama, Founded in 1903 even in the economic and human consequences of the devastating War of a Thousand Days, was unusual. The signing of the Hay-Bunau Varilla, also known as the Isthmian Canal Convention, divided into three parts the country, providing a central strip of sea to sea that stretched five miles from the centerline where after the Panama Canal would be located, domain in perpetuity to the United States. In other words, Panama was divided into three pieces, Canal Zone to be the central piece disposed in perpetuity to use and manage U.S.. The Canal Zone was in fact, a colonial enclave in the twentieth century, which was administered to himself outside the Panamanian jurisdiction with its own rules. Inclusive, Panama City, capital of the republic, was cystic but not included within the enclave, although it was subject to its rules (health and construction, for example) for decades. The Canal Zone established a strong segregationist component, where payrolls Gold Roll for “whites”, and Silver Roll, for those “colors” also determined the services, housing facilities and other privileges or lack thereof, for workers in the great work. This included the system of commissaries, with separate entrances for each payroll, and whose supply excluded local merchants (Panama Panamanian-based). European (Greeks, Italian, Spanish and other) They were on the payroll Silver Roll. Some of the Creole elite Panamanian employees in the Canal Zone were on the payroll Gold Roll, no doubt to appease local partners. The Canal Zone maintained its own postal system, passports, license plates and other signs of autonomy, under an American Governor. The Canal Zone legally existed until the second half of the twentieth century.

Returning to 9 th of January, 1964, understandable resentment by ordinary Panama by the existence of the Canal Zone and its apartheid system. Since its inception, Panamanians were upset, even visible in the architecture of the city of Panama, constricted between the Canal Zone and the sea (a corridor for the city expansion was enabled by the second decade of the twentieth century), and which had lost its deepwater port: anchorage of Isla Perico, that became part of the Causeway. The original building of the National Assembly of Panama and the most important school of the time, the National Institute, were built beside the edge of the Canal Zone, a line that became a street called Avenida 4 July, and now known as the Avenue of the Martyrs. During and in the vicinity of this same avenue in the Panamanian side, cabarets and brothels were located, activity prohibited in the Canal Zone and sought by the Americans in such places.

The National Institute is the protagonist of 9 th of January, 1964, although not the only, as this was a popular struggle. The fact is that President John F. Kennedy (E.E.U.U.) y el President Roberto Chiari (Panamá) signed the Agreement in Chiari-Kennedy 1963, which ordered the Panamanian flag hoisted in public places within the Canal Zone, where previously only the American flag was hoisted. In 1964, the governor of the Canal Zone Robert Fleming, and the inhabitants thereof (called zonians), They missed the Chiari-Kennedy Agreement. Students of the National Institute, middle school, peacefully organized to enforce the Agreement Chiari-Kennedy. They informed the Panamanian Foreign Ministry of its intention to go to the Canal Zone, specifically Balboa High School, who was also a high school, to raise the Panamanian flag on the grounds of Balboa High School. Duly authorized, the delegation of students and teachers walking entered the Canal Zone carrying the Panamanian flag used by the National Institute for big feasts, including embroidered national emblem at its center.

The result was an immense tragedy. Now to go against the Administration Building of the Panama Canal, Zonian authorities decreased the size of the delegation to be allowed access to the grounds of Balboa High School (Balboa Highschool). Six students advanced with the Panamanian flag, escorted by police from the Canal Zone. In the grounds of Balboa High School were confronted by Zonian students accompanied by their parents. The Zonian civilians attacked six Panamanian students and tore the Panamanian flag.

This attack sparked the ire of Panamanians. Violence escalated quickly, extendiéndose to Panama, where Panamanians fled assaulted by zonians, their police and finally, the U.S. Army. This invaded Panama City and opened fire on protesters. Quickly other Panamanian groups joined what had become a battle for the defense of Panama, and there was battle in the city of Columbus, terminal homologous inter-oceanic route in the Atlantic Ocean. Panama had no army. Of the dead and wounded, I do not offer numbers, but the Martyrs 9 th of January, 1964 that name Martyrs Avenue twenty-one people were. Among themselves, there were men, women, children.

Panama broke diplomatic relations with the United States of America following the events. The feat of 9 th of January, 1964 opened the way for the signing of the Torrijos-Carter 1967, which allowed the disappearance of the Canal Zone and the reversal of their land to Panama, nationalization of the Panama Canal, and the dismantling of the U.S. military bases not only in the Canal Zone, but in different areas of the country.

To further explore the events on 9 th of January, 1964, I offer you this link to an article written by historians Celestino Araúz and Patricia Pizzurno: The 9 th of January, 1964. A simple search on Google should bing up for you many more sources. This link on Slideshare (click here) is educational material for the classroom, presented by Professor of International Affairs Briseis Allard Olmos, of the University of Panama. The cover of LIFE, who reviewed the events in its issue of 24 th of January, 1964, I turned it over to the world. Although the U.S. approach insisted that it was unjustified brawls, and even promoted by communists, due to pressure on the Organization of American States (OAS), opened the door to reconciliation between Panama and the United States of America, agreeing that included renegotiating the Panama Canal treaties. In these negotiations the Panamanian diplomat shone, Ambassador representative of Panama to the OAS, licensed Miguel J. Moreno Jr., until the Moreno-Bunker Statement 12 March 1964. U.S. President Lyndon Johnson opposed the declaration, overruling its ambassador to plead against accepting conditions for negotiating with Panama and noted that there was still no talks between the presidents of both countries (Arauz and Pizzurno 1996: 473). Panama remained strong according to Moreno-Bunker Statement, bringing another round of negotiations that culminated in a Joint Declaration signed by Miguel began J. Moreno Jr. y Ellsworth Bunker en Washington, on the 3 th of April, 1964, agreeing to restore diplomatic relations, designate special ambassadors to resolve the causes of conflict, and that they would begin their work immediately to reach a fair and equitable agreement for both countries. This was the door that once opened, allowed the negotiations over the next decade led to the negotiation of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and the return of the Canal Zone and to Panamanian jurisdiction. The Araúz and Pizzurno historians refer extensively to interventions Moreno in his book, Studies Panama Republican (Arauz and Pizzurno 1996: 467-475).

LIFE magazine, 24 th of January, 1964

Home iconic LIFE magazine, 24 th of January, 1964. Source: Internet.

Despite the extraordinary importance of the harrowing events that I have described very briefly, on the 9 January, although it was declared National Mourning Day by Act No. 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, is not adequately celebrated in their proper perspective, as are other dates. Many see this inexcusable neglect the fear of offending the United States, that is one of the major trading partners of Panama, and whose influence has continued to feel, to the ends of the Panama Invasion 20 December 1989 (Operation Just Cause) it took by force the entire country to extract Manuel Antonio Noriega, emplanillado former Panamanian dictator and drug trafficker CIA, now imprisoned in the prison of La Joya. To rectify this omission, the Citizens Movement for Strengthening Identity Panamanian labor provided by Dr. Ana Elena Porras to the National Assembly, a citizens' initiative for the purpose of stating the 9 January Sovereignty Day, it can not be said bridge day, to ensure that the memory historical date, on the 9 January I celebrated it mandatory in both public offices and schools by either debates, conferences, murals, essay contests, oratorical and artistic exhibitions.

The citizen initiative was presented to the National Assembly on 12 July 2013. He went on to become the No Bill. 27 of 12 July 2013, declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code, prohijado by the Education Commission, Culture and Sports, of the National Assembly. The 21 October 2013, Bill said No. 27 was referred to the President of the National Assembly to be subjected to First Debate. The Draft Law No. 27 became the Bill Project Number. 669 of 21 October 2013, declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code. It was approved in First, Second and Third Debate, the latter 23 October 2013.

The following images show the text adopted in Third Debate in the National Assembly, and waiting to be signed by the President of the Republic of Panama, and promulgated in the Official Gazette of Panama. It covers only as law from its enactment. So far today, Wednesday 18 December 2013, President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli B., has not enacted the text signed in Digital Official Gazette of Panama.

Bill Project Number. 669 de 2013. Page 1 de of

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 1 of 2. Source: National assembly.

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 2 of 2.

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 2 of 2. Source: National assembly.

I conclude this entry Heritage Panama with the names of the Martyrs 9 th of January, 1964.

Ascanio Arosemena
Ezequiel Gonzalez Meneses
Estanislao Orobie
Victor Manuel Iglesias
Gonzalo Crance Robles
Teofilo de la Torre
Alberto Oriol, Jr.
Rodolfo Benítez Sánchez
Victor Manuel Garibaldo
Ricardo Murga
Rosa Elena Landecho
Maritza Alabarca
Rogelio Lara
Jacinto Palacios Cobos
Vicente Bonilla
Jorge Enrique Gil
Constant Nicolas Alberto
José del Cid
Lizardo Saldaña Haven
Renato Lara
Celestino Villareta.

Peace to the tombs of heroes, that honor their memory alive.

Regards,

Katti Osorio
——-
Note:
The text of the Bill not. 669 of 2013, your scanned image by the National Assembly, and all its related information are public and freely accessible on the website of the National Assembly of Panama.

References
1. National Assembly of Panama
2013 Bill Project Number. 669 of 21 October – declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code. Labour Legislativa / Projects. Electronic document, http://www.asamblea.gob.pa/, Viewed in December 2013.
2. Araúz, Celestino and Patricia Pizzurno
1996 Studies Panama Republican (1903 – 1989). First Edition. Manfer, S.A., Colombia.

Other sources used:
3. Panama Canal Authority
1999 Treaties between Panama and the United States. In, Nationality Library Collection Flight. 8.
4. Goodin, Melva Lowe de
2012 African descent in the Isthmus of Panama 1501 – 2012. Society of Friends of West Indian Museum of Panama (SAMAAP), Panamá.
5. Newton, Velma
1995 Men's Silver Roll – West Indian Migration to Panama 1850-1914. Society of Friends of West Indian Museum of Panama (SAMAAP), Panamá.
6. Osorio, Katti
2010 Research on timber frame buildings in Panama City, Part 1: A tailored image of national heritage and its influence on conservation. Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) Flight. 75 (2010) Not. 650 pp. 989-995