Presidential touch for new oasis

Statistics and damned statistics. They can be twisted around and used to support arguments on both sides of a debate, as posited in a previous column about the Cinta Costera: grass surrounded by concrete, or concrete surrounded by grass. Readers have been quick to express their opinions.

Some, reflecting the view of incoming president Ricardo Martinelli, see it as a great waste of money. Others shrug their shoulders and say “at least it’s better than what we had before”.

Somw, wearing a new version of tinted glasses actually see it as a “green belt.” More, remembering the original fanfare followed by admirable graffiti works showing an oceanside parkland, see it as a poorly disguised attempt at solving some of the city’s traffic and parking problems. We needed more roads, but we are calling them parkland. Something like the “green” areas that were to have brightened the concrete jungle known as Punta Pacifica.

Road safety lessons. One astute observer, commenting on the Cinta Costera green spaces flanked by roads said: “If I took my kids there they would have to be on a leash.” A good place to take them to explain the dangers of crossing Panama roads.

Pay as you go. Others say that the giant ugly parking lots flanking the Continental Miramar Hotel will become daytime homes to the vehicles of local office workers, and suggest that the city impose parking fees as a way of recouping some of the $189 million (plus) cost.

Glory day. Whichever way you look at it, President Martin Torrijos , will not be done out of his day of glory. It is now reported that he will perform the official opening ceremony on Saturday June 27, three days before he leaves office, although the completion date for the project has been moved back 60 days.

Storms ahead. This last ditch photo op will provide him with a little ray of sunshine as he heads into a cloudy future, with former ally, city mayor, vice-presidential candidate and president wannabe, Juan Carlos Navarro wielding the knife and calling for the ouster of Torrijos from the upper echelons of the PRD.

Unhappy precedent. The last exiting president, Mireya Moscoso opened the Centennial bridge before the approach roads were completed. When they were finished, they collapsed. Not a happy auger for the Cinta Costera, already blamed by local residents for increased street flooding.

Oops and more oops. Believe it or not we do appreciate constructive criticism from our readers. It helps keep us on our toes, even when pressured by deadlines, power outages and other trivia.

However, before the armchair proof readers press the send button, we suggest a little proof reading at home. One comment, recently forwarded pointed out that this column recently spelled the name of our president “ Torillos ”. Similar pronunciation he said, but it should be “ Torijos. ” Red faces all round. The correct spelling is “ TORRIJOS. ”

Changes ahead. No, not the kind promised by politicians, but some soon to be announced changes to the Panama Star.

Before they are confirmed we will be conducting a readership survey, asking for your opinions on contents, even columnists. If you have previously written to any of our staff, you will receive your survey through the Internet. Feel free to write and ask to be added to the list. The addresses will not be released to any other source.

Otherwise the survey questions will be available in the Star and on line during the upcoming week.