Above: Dean Gilberto Boutin and President Michel Martelly

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti President Michel Martelly visited Panama Friday, where he was honoured with an award by the University of Panama.

Martelly received the Grand Cross of the Order of Gil Colunje, named after the famous Panamanian writer, poet and statesman. The President said the award inspired him to grow with his conviction of rebuilding Haiti.

During the ceremony, the university also spoke of the role Haiti has played in history as a model for independence movements in Latin America.

Martelly also took the opportunity on the trip to visit Haiti’s Embassy in Panama City, where he met with embassy staff.

In May, Martelly accepted the credentials of Panama’s new ambassador to Haiti, John Evans Atherley.

Haiti’s president previously visited Panama in February, when he met with President Ricardo Martinelli and signed several technical agreements.