A call for national unity and peace was made this morning by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), the Federation of Chambers of Commerce (FEDECAMARAS), the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNPYME), the Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AEI), the Chamber of Commerce of Colón, while asking the authorities to establish the necessary measures to strengthen our democratic system.
In the statement made by the president of the CCIAP, Marcela Galindo, they requested the resignation of the rector of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí, Etelvina Bonagas, and also to review the general budget of the State, they also demanded that the Comptroller General of the Republic comply with his oversight duty over all the State Organs that the population claims and the Constitution obliges.
Other requests from businessmen were:
1. We are committed to supporting the search for solutions that allow us to stabilize the country. We have organized the shipment of essential supplies by sea; however, we propose to be able to arrive by land through a convoy to the interior of emergency supplies such as oxygen, medicines, medical supplies, food and fuel, in order to serve the population that has been decimated by the closures.
2. However, the establishment of a single dialogue table must be the way forward to reach agreements that address the social and economic situations that afflict citizens. Dialogue must be carried out with respect, with signs of goodwill from all. Starting by opening the roads, guaranteeing the free movement of citizens and attention to basic needs.
3. To achieve an equitable country, education is essential, so it is necessary for students to return to the classroom. We are condemning this and future generations, already seriously impacted by two years of pandemic outside of schools
4. Caring for and strengthening Panama’s institutions is up to all of us: Government, workers, private companies, and civil society. There is no room for disqualification or disrespect when it comes to building together, and for everyone, a better future.
5. It is necessary that in addition to meeting the demands of the cost of living, we also face once and for all the structural problems of the country. In the first instance, the defense and strengthening of our democratic institutionality, where the checks and balances between the three State Organs work, and account to citizens about the administration of resources, under the principle of institutional responsibility.
6. It is urgent that both the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary unceremoniously attack any act of corruption; do away with privilege and lack of transparency. We demand that you indicate as soon as possible the roadmap for the implementation of austerity plans that demonstrate a willingness to change in the face of the just demands of Panamanians. State resources belong to all of us, and we all deserve their best possible management. This includes the revision of the State Budget, the elimination of the recently approved tax incentives for tourism, the resignation of the rector of UNACHI and the approval of the law on conflicts of interest, just to mention a few.
7. We insist on the urgent need to strengthen public services; improve the educational system at all levels, as well as the real improvement in health institutions, and social security, as well as the implementation of public policies that promote sustainable economic development for all Panamanians. There are enough diagnoses. What is missing is action and the will to undertake the changes without further delay.
8. The country is at a turning point where everyone’s good will is required, so we reaffirm our commitment to be part of the solution. We have to work for a more equitable country, with respect for the rule of law, strict compliance with the laws, certainty of punishment, and guarantee of citizen participation, as well as their rights.
