Panama Real Estate Investment Travel Information


Interview with Ramon in Panama

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Written by Administrator

Monday, August 14 2006

I first met Ramon when I was working out down the street from the Veneto at Robert's Gym. I was taking a break on the bench press like I usually do with my head down not paying attention to the jibber jabber all around me, when someone tapped me on my shoulder. The guy said something unintelligible; I looked dumbfounded at his query and I said “como?” By my accent he knew I spoke English and we talked for an abnormal amount of time for what is considered “gym talk”.

Since then we have been working out together in the crappiest gym I have ever been in. The owner is a master at improvisation. For example the shaft of an engine valve turns into a pin for the weights and a rope from the Do It Center becomes part of an exercise machine. For security reasons the interviewee's name has been changed.

I gave him a call today not knowing how he would react to being asked a lot of questions that will be up on a website. He said it would be ok, but I could tell he was wary and tentative. Later I would understand why I could hear trepidation in his voice. We decided on the Greenhouse Café- the perennial hot seat favorite. It was another rainy afternoon in PC and my umbrella wasn't strong enough to handle the downpour as it failed to keep me completely dry. I arrived at our destination with my wallaby moccasins soaked and enjoyed a Soberana. When he arrived I decided to take the interview to La Taverna. This is how it all went down.

THS: So Ramon, just for the record where are you from?
I grew up in ciudad La Havana.

THS: I want to get one thing straight. You know how Al Pacino pronounces Cuba, Kuba in Scarface?
Yeah.

THS: Is that correct?
Yes and Cuva is correct too. The b and the v are interchangeable.

THS: What did you do in Cuba before you left?
I was a math teacher and a singer.

THS: That is an odd combination. How long ago did you leave?
Can we not discuss dates please?

At this point the interview took a serious turn as Ramon explained the reason he desired an interview that lacked specific dates. Ramon has been out of his country for longer than the allotted time his government will permit so he does not wish to discuss anything that will incriminate him should his government decide to investigate. I said, “I understand” and he quickly snapped back and said, “no you don't understand. Americans don't understand how it is.” “Ramon, I meant I understand what you are saying, I am not pretending to empathize,” I quipped. Ramon almost looked sad as he went on his tirade. He said, “Why? Just because I was born on this island I can't travel, I can't have freedoms- it's not fair.” I have to ask permission for everything. I have no idea what it is like to live in a country where a government strangles your most important freedoms and refuses to give people the opportunity for a better life, like traveling outside the country for long vacations. Should he return they will likely punish him. He dislikes the repressive government there that does not allow him to do what he pleases. That is why he left.

For the sake of The Panama Report and its readers the interview must continue.

THS: So When Fidel dies do you think the system will change in Cuba?
The Government has prepared a transitional structure. The system will be preserved and unfortunately nothing will change

THS: Tell me more about your business?
I buy clothes from the container ships that come into port at discount prices and then I sell them to my friends and stores for a profit. I send the money the money I make back to my mom.

THS: How do Panamanian woman compare to Cuban women?
Well, it's hard to find a good woman here like you can in Cuba but you can meet a nice girl at a modeling agency, by the university or if you are brave enough to talk to some of the dancers at Fiesta Casino.

THS: Do you see a lot of opportunity for you here in Panama?
Nobody gives me opportunities. You have to go out there and make it yourself. I make my own money. In my case, it's singing and selling clothes. But if you know the right people they can guide you in the right direction. At this point he went off on a slight tangent about Cuba again. There was no opportunity in Cuba. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba was in worse shape than it is now. The embargo really effected Cuba negatively and that's why you see all of those old cars from the ‘50s. There is no trade there and I hate the embargo it makes because it makes no sense and only hurts Cubans.

THS: Where do you sing?
At Bingo Noventa on Friday nights, private parties and Bar Mitzvahs.

I guess there is a large enough Jewish community in Panama City to give singers like Ramon the opportunity to sing at Bar Mitzvahs. I remember going to tons of Bar Mitzvahs in the eighth grade and I don't think I went to one where “everybody wang chung tonight” was not played. At this point we digressed into the topic religion and tolerance. He gave me the low down on a Cuban religion that is a mix of Christianity and Yoruba. It reminded me of voodoo which is also a blend of Christianity and West African spirituality.

THS: Are you religious?
I believe in God- just not in organized religion and I respect all people and their beliefs.

THS: Back to the singing, do you have any groupies?
Back home I did when I was in a group.

THS: Was it like Menudo?
Yeah. We were all 18-23 though. It was mostly for fun.

THS: That must have been an awesome time?
Yeah it was fun.

Then a child came to our table asking for money and interrupted our conversation. Ramon has a soft spot for these children since he identifies with their struggle. He gave the kid some money and explained that his father probably makes him go out and do this. The kid had a nasty rash on his leg which Ramon explained was probably from Varicela which is common in warm countries like Panama.

Ramon taught me a lot about what life was like in his country and it made me think about all the other immigrants around the world who move to a better place particularly the US to escape of oppression. People who live in free countries just don't know how good they have it.