Category Archives: Intangible Cultural Heritage

My Life Paraded in Front of Me

El Cruce Building just before it was demolished in June 2009; in my youth it was all one-room rentals for Westindian families

San Ramon Building at the entrance of "M" Street.

The parade route had not left the Calidonia/Wachipali district as fast as we all anticipated, as the marching pace slowed down to a halt. As we stood there marking time we noticed how official functionaries were suddenly ahead of us. It seemed as though it had been planned that way, so that the large contingent of the National Police and Firemen or “red shirts” we all called the Bomberos, was now at rest in the midst of us school children on precisely this point on the parade route.  Continue reading

The Silver People Law – Join Us to Defend Our National Patrimony

Image: One of the helpful functionaries at Participación Ciudadana explaining to me the series of steps our Proyecto de Ley would go through.

Our Bill or Proyecto de Ley #348 will be up for a very important debate next week and we are calling for people to support us with their presence.

This past Tuesday morning I was cited by the Asamblea Nacional de Panamá Permanent Commission to appear on next Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 10 A.M at the Budget Commission (Comisión de Presupuesto) to make a presentation defending our projected Law# 348 (Proyecto de Ley #348) Declaring Patrimonio Histórico the 3 cemeteries on the Banks of the Panama Canal and Black Canal Zone, Corozal (Silver), Gatún, Mount Hope (Monte Esperanza) in Colon. Continue reading

The Silver People Law- We Are Closer to Victory

The Honorable Legislators who make up the Comission on Culture, Education and Sports.

This is me in only my preliminary arguments for our Silver People Law.

The Press, of course, insisted on an interview.

Our joy and sense of satisfaction received a giant boost this past Tuesday, August 2, 2011 when we answered a citation of the Permanent Commission on Education and Culture of the Asamblea Nacional de Panamá prepared to make our presentation in 1st Debate. Continue reading

The Silver People Law- An Important Update

This is a view of Corozal Cemetery looking from the "Silver" side over the fence to the "Gold" side, American Battle MOnuments (USA).

Some ancient graves at Corozal Cemetery are in very sad condition.

It is with true and deepest admiration for our Silver People forefathers that we have been inspired to take on the important task which now seems possible. I humbly admit that it was the God of our forefathers who clearly engineered this entire struggle today. However, I am not afraid to speak out and tell the truth that it was God who ordered me to “go fix them all,” meaning to recover, safeguard and restore our ancestral burial grounds in Panama. Continue reading

We Won’t Let Them Die!

"Lord" Byron Downing as he appeared in an interview from 2008.

We usually equate the Ukulele with the famous Hawaiian singers.

With the news of the death of one of the few remaining Panamanian Calypsonians, “Lord” Byron Downing, we can’t help but feel even more motivated and convinced that they are gone but not forgotten. We are also convinced of the great importance of preserving our wonderful Westindian heritage here in Panama and for the entire world to recognize and cherish. Continue reading

The Canal Zone Was Still a Part of Us

This is the popular Chiva stop in front of Casa Muller or Muller Building in the heart of Calidonia in front of El Cruce. Image thanks to La Critica Libre.

By the time I was ready to enter secondary school in the early 1950’s the Canal Zone was undergoing radical changes. This is a good time to pause and take inventory. Continue reading