ACROSS the isthmus

Rome. Pope Benedicto XVI has accepted President Ricardo Martinelli’s invitation to Panama in 2013 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first church to be built in Latin America in Darien. According to Martinelli, the Pope sent many blessings to Panama.

Panama. Former Education Minister, Belgis Castro, was released from hospital at the weekend and returned to his cell in the Criminal Investigation Department (DIJ) penitnciary. Castro was arrested for allegedly embezzling million of dollars from the state during his term in office. It is expected to be a week at least before his case for habeas corpus is heard.

Panama. Even though Panama wants to pull out of the organisation, the Central American Parliament, Parlacen, will be meeting in the capital for three days later this week. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the political crisis and to try to persuade Panama to retain its membership.

Panama. The head of the Panama Canal Authority, Alberto Aleman Zubieta, was awarded the annual Lloyd’s List prize in a ceremony in London earlier this week. The prize is given by the specialist British marine industry publication each year to the person who does most to promote the development of the maritime industry worldwide. The Simulation, Investigation and Marine Development Centre also won the Training Prize for its leadership in improving the quality of education and entertainment about maritime matters. Lloyd’s List is one of the oldest publications world-wide dealing with maritime issues, logistics, world business and legal matters. Zubierto said he felt “honored”.