Martinelli orders seizure of Figali properties in Amador

PANAMA. President Ricardo Martinelli ordered the seizure of the land where the company Grupo F. International is building a marina illegally “until it pays what the company owes to the state otherwise it will feel the weight of the law. ”

In an unprecedented move President Martinelli accompanied by members of his cabinet went to the marina site and gave the company 30 days to cancel the debt to the state for using the sea bed.

“We cannot allow these people to continue defrauding the state, not paying their obligations, stopping us from implementing health and education programs and improving the salaries of policemen and teachers,” said Martinelli.

He added that the National Police units will remain on the property to make sure that no work in done until they pay.

The erection of a sign saying Government Property in front of the construction of the Marina for the Tourist Complex and High Fashion Boulevard would be clear warning that all the concessions that do not comply with the law are going to be reviewed, said the President.

A report of the Panama Maritime Authority AMP showed that the Grupo F has not presented the final designs and does not have an up to date environmental impact study.

There are also irregularities in the designs, landfills and breakwaters, which are different from those presented in 2002 and do not coincide with areas in the concession.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Group F owes to the State around $15 million.