News

Juan Carlos Varela Sworn in As New President of Panama

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - July 2, 2014

Above: New Panama President Juan Carlos Varela

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Juan Carlos Varela was officially sworn in as Panama’s new President on Tuesday.

Varela succeeds outgoing President Ricardo Martinelli, who had served in the post since 2009.

Varela quickly got to work, promising a series of new initiatives, from English-language education to the renovation of the city of Colon.

He pledged to be “the president of all Panamanians and to serve with love, passion and delivery for the next five years.”

He said the foreign policy of his administration would be one of “dialogue, convergence, tolerance and mediation, seeking the welfare of all people.”

Martinelli, his predecessor, had sought deeper ties within the Caribbean region; it’s not yet clear whether Varela will do the same, although he pledged to make Colon “the jewel of the Caribbean as it was in the past.”

Varela, of Panama’s Partido Panameñista, won Panama’s general elections in May, defeating major challengers Jose Domingo Arias and Juan Carlos Navarro.

He had previously served as Martinelli’s vice president.

Popular Posts jamaica caribbean airlines kingston

Caribbean Airlines Is Bringing Back This Nonstop Flight to Kingston, Jamaica 

The art scene. The music history. The flavors. The new-look downtown. Kingston, Jamaica is hotter than ever, as travelers have begun discovering its myriad charms — and an impressive new slate of hotels all over the capital.  It’s also easier […]


Grand Bahama Is Having a Moment Right Now. Here’s a Guide to the Island’s Unique Brand of Adventure.

Grand Bahama Island pool

Embracing an authentic taste of Grand Bahamian culture stall hopping in the West End. Taking a culinary journey to Smith’s Point Fish Fry. Bonefishing in some of the most pristine flats in the hemisphere. Exploring blue holes, caves and untouched […]


American Airlines' New Caribbean Flights Will Take You Nonstop to This Resort

american airlines la romana dominican republic

You know the typical arrival protocol for a Caribbean trip. You fly to your destination, get off the plane, head to customs, get your bags and then take some kind of car or van to your hotel, usually taking somewhere […]


Related Posts cockleshell bay

Caribbean Tourism Has to “Customize” the Experience 

For Caribbean tourism, the key is to “customize: the experience to “fit diverse trailers needs across the region’s many unique destinations,” according to Caribbean Tourism Organization Secretary General Dona Regis-Prosper.  The CTO chief, who was speaking on a panel in […]


What’s Causing Cancun Airport’s Traffic Decline? 

cancun airport decline what's causing it

It’s now been a few months, and Cancun’s air traffic decline is starting to steepen, according to new data from ASUR, which manages the airport as part of a broader regional portfolio.  Passenger traffic in Cancun saw a 14.9 percent […]


There’s a Secret Resort at Nassau’s Baha Mar With a Private Lobby, Huge Suites and Butler Service 

nassau baha mar

We’ve said before: Nassau’s Baha Mar is fantastic. No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, it has you covered, whether you’re looking for a classic beach vacation, a gaming trip, a group retreat, a golf getaway, a wellness […]