By Jose De J. Martinez Gonzalez, ContributorON NOVEMBER 3, 2003, The Republic of Panama will be celebrating 100 years as an independent nation. The date marks the separation from the Gran Colombia, Bolivar's integration project during the years of the 19th Century.
Even though Panama and Jamaica have maintained official diplomatic relations since July 1966, with the arrival of the first ambassador to Jamaica, their ties extend further back in history. Both nations have been closely related since the last years of the 19th Century, when several West Indian labourers hired to work on the construction of the railroad and the Panama Canal arrived from Kingston.
After the conclusion of both construction projects, many West Indian families chose to stay in Panama, thus starting a process of integration to the Panamanian nationality. West Indian cultural traditions, especially Jamaicans, are nowadays part of the Panamanian culture.
BLACK CULTURE DAY
In recognition of the notable contribution of English-speaking West Indians to the formation of the Panama nation, the Government of Panama has decreed the observation of May 30 as the "Black Culture Day" every year.
The strong ties between the peoples and governments of Jamaica and Panama are everlasting and no adverse situation which might have occurred in the course of history can tarnish or weaken them. This is confirmed by facts and figures. Jamaica is Panama's second most important trade partner in the region.
There is a commercial air route between the two countries, whereby Jamaican business persons travel to Panama City and the Free Trade Zone in Colon to effect important purchases. They later market their goods to the local customers in Jamaica.
In terms of trade relations between the Free Trade Zone of Colon and Jamaica, it is important to point out that the Caribbean island used to be Trade Partner Number 17 among 118 countries at the beginning of the current century. In the region Jamaica was trade partner Number 3 of the 26 countries which developed trade activities in the Free Trade Zone of Colon. This Panamanian province, located in the Atlantic Coast of Panama, is also the home for many West Indians who participated in the construction of the Canal.
In an attempt to further the relations between Panama and the Caribbean countries, the Government of Panama has proposed the establishment of the "Casa del Caribe" (Home of the Caribbean) in Panama City, aimed at promoting the economic, commercial and cultural interests of the region. It will also house the diplomatic activities of those countries and will show Panama's contribution to strengthen the unity between the Caribbean, Central and South American countries.
HISTORICAL ROOTS
The relations between the peoples and governments of Panama and Jamaica transcend the domain of politics, based on the historical ties that stem deep down to the historical roots planted with the arrival of the West Indian labourers to Panama.
It is important to stress that the framework of the bilateral relations between Panama and Jamaica, and under the mandate of the present administration of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Kingston, significant bilateral agreements have been signed. We may refer, for instance, to the bilateral agreement for the air service between Panama and Jamaica and beyond their territories, which was signed in August 1999 and enforced in March 2001.
Furthermore, an important agreement was signed between the University of Panama and the University of the West Indies (UWI) to promote the technical assistance in areas of common interest for these tertiary educational centres. The extension towards other areas of growing importance for both centres is also anticipated.
Both countries are also studying the development of six other projects, covering several topics and which will be signed by both governments after the culmination of negotiations. While celebrating the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Panama and on behalf of the Panamanian Government, this diplomatic Mission wishes to pay tribute to all the Jamaican citizens who generously offered their toil and lives to the construction of the Panama Canal and the foundation of the Panamanian nation. It is also a good moment to renew the strong historical ties with this Caribbean island.
