Torrijos for Bigger Panama Canal

Panama
Oct 21

President Martin Torrijos Saturday called for Panamanian people to support the Panama Canal enlargement project, up for referendum next Sunday.

In a TV interview, the governor confirmed that the building of lockgates will boost development in a country where 40 percent of the population lives in poverty.

He assured that oceanic way was always a hope for Panamanians.

"Unfortunately until now we did not have the opportunity of deciding about the Canal and this cost losses in generations of struggle, deaths and sacrifices," he pointed out.

According to the Head of the Government, a Panama Canal enlargement would allow the country to become the center of world trade.

After being asked about the possible benefits of this initiative, he recognized that in the past, the canal did not provide greater contribution to social development.

However, nowadays it earns 50 million dollars a year to be used in favor of the social classes that are in complete poverty.

That"s precisely the main argument of the ones favoring the enlargement, who state that Panama Canal still does not include a social development plan.