MIAMI, United States. – The elected president of the United States, donald trumpannounced this Wednesday the appointment of Cuban-American Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama, while accusing the Panamanian Government of “swindling” his nation in the administration of the Panama Canal.
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a country that is scamming us on the Panama Canal, far beyond what they could ever dream of,” Trump declared in a statement released by the EFE agency. Likewise, he described the new ambassador as “a fierce fighter” of the “America first” premise and highlighted his work in “promoting economic growth and international partnerships.”
For his part, Kevin Marino Cabrera, current commissioner of Miami-Dade County, expressed on social networks that he feels “very honored and grateful” for his nomination and added: “Let’s get to work!” Trump, who will take office on January 20, praised Cabrera’s experience in Latin American politics and anticipated that “he will do a fantastic job representing the interests” of Washington in Panama.
The announcement comes shortly after Trump threatened to retake US control of the Panama Canal if the Central American country’s government did not reduce transit fees. “They are charging too much money and they are scamming us,” the president-elect had criticized in recent days.
The new ambassador is part of a series of Trump appointments related to Latin America and figures of Cuban origin. If confirmations are made by the competent bodies, Marco Rubio will be secretary of state, Mauricio Claver-Carone will serve as special envoy of the State Department for the region and Peter Lamelas He will occupy the position of ambassador to Argentina.
