Panama remembers those who helped build the Canal

It's been said and re said that Panama is a melting pot of races. But few Panamanians truly understand the spiritual dimension of the racial mix that produced our nation as we know it today. On the eve of the 95th anniversary of the official opening of the Panama Canal, The Society of Friends Afro Antillean Museum of Panama (SAMAAP) organized a series of events Conozca su Canal (Know your Canal).

On Sunday SAMAAP held a special worship service at the Balboa Union Church to remember the contribution of West Indians and their descendants.

The construction of the railroad and the Canal, brought thousands of workers from the West Indies to toil under harsh political and climate conditions.

A worker recalls the experience; “You turn to work in the morning with a gang of about 125 men and by eleven o’clock you will find about 40 men all, the others fall down with malaria.....”.

In time, the worker made Panama their homeland and enriched the emerging nation with their language, culture, cuisine and bravery.

It was the Canal which gave the final push to Panama’s birth as a nation; cutting the country in half joined forever the fate of West Indians to both halves.

Let us remember our history beyond skin color.

Two open rehearsals in which men and women with previous choral singing experience can display their skills have been scheduled by Cantus Panama for August 19 and 26.

Cantus Panama is a multicultural choir that started three years ago as the Pan-American Chorale under the leadership of the late Elizabeth Leigh. It currently has 14 members. Kristin Saltonstall is the group’s musical director assisted by Constance Blackman.

David Lortie, spokesman for Cantus, said of the auditions: “We are encouraging anyone with some past singing experience to come join us, these will be fun and easy experiences for the new singer who may have been away from choral music for a while or who is seeking a new outlet for his or her vocal talents”.

Singers interested in trying out for the chorus on either of these dates should contact Mr. Lortie at 6684-0776, davidlortie@hotmail.com,for assistance and directions in English or Michele Colburn at 6640-1270, michelepma@hotmail.com for assistance and directions in Spanish.

Transportation assistance for the initial rehearsals may also be available.

The group practices every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., usually in a private home. and new members must commit themselves to the rehearsal schedule.

The August 19 open rehearsal will be in a home in Quarry Heights while the August 26 try out will be in a Punta Pacifica apartment.

The choir is also seeking a pianist for rehearsals and concerts.

The American Society of Panama invites all to a fancy soiree and art show on August 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy the sunset and exhibition of paintings by members of the Society at the ocean front social area of the new. Some of the works will be on sale.

Aquamare condo is in Punta Pacifica near the Trump Center.

Delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine and/or soft drinks for all. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased by Aug 18. There will be no tickets sold at the door. For more information, email at american.society.panama@gmail.com