The Uncertainty Principle in Casco Viejo, Panama |
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| Written by Yanuly Sanson |
| Tuesday, 30 September 2008 08:56 |
 The Inter-American Development Bank and Casco Viejo Panama Authority joint initiative to revamp San Felipe as a cultural showcase is a double-edged sword; under a positive light such move would attract business, restaurants, artisan workshops and galleries, increasing tourism and general development.
On the other hand, I feel there's a real risk in selling the area as a sort of disneyfied Panama, exactly where the republic was born; allow me to explain: we Panamanians have a history of forgetting our historical values and landmarks by letting them decay or else razing them to build something fashionable; while the rest of highly publicized projects begin with great fanfare only to die slowly when their funds are cut and/or their political importance dwindles.By changing the overall ambience of the area, the significance and continuity of the Casco Viejo becomes muddled with a sense of bohemian intellectuality the area never had, a sheen, a coat of paint and voilá, dance the night away under the rebuilt Arco Chato. The diffusion of culture, genuine culture, is more than a business plan or Chinese made souvenirs, it's an appreciation of our roots fueled by those who actually care to preserve and build upon it, and backed by a government who doesn't see it a way to make a buck or simply comply with UNESCO's policies. The charms of Casco Viejo, Panama are only that, an overly painted column, unkempt veraneras, the glimpse of life beyond the shadowed portico; to build something meaningful, perdurable, an integration of it's historical aspects and the community -old and new- that breathes life into the place is needed, else we might as well rebuild the old wall in Santa Ana and close the gate behind the last client. Trackback(0)
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  written by Mateo , October 01, 2008 Allan, I didn't write this piece. It was written by Yanuly a new contributing writer. Hopefully he'll have some clarification for ya!
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 written by Yanuly Sanson , October 01, 2008 I would say... both. Redevelopment focus is narrowed into individual properties rather than a coherent whole, you can't build a community by prettifying the outside but not dealing with existing crime, joblessness, deficient services... One might as well live behind closed doors. Tourism is ok, great, but real values must be offered: respect and maintenance of historical landmarks, regulation or removal of "bien cuidaos", re-enactments of republican (no, not yours, ours
 )life, etc. Not enought of what? EVERYTHING, but tempered by common sense. Maybe I'm too ambitious. But living there for 30 out of 38 years makes you feel that way about it. report abuse
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 written by Jim Walker , April 09, 2009 When I came here to Panama two years ago I read how investors had purchased property in Casco Viejo but were sitting on it and not developing it.
Then the other day I saw in La Prensa that a developer had impropertly modified two old buildings on the Plaza of Independence. Casco Viejo is a potential crown jewel for Panama. It troubles me that someone isn't catching these things BEFORE they happen. I read in http://abpanama.com about programs in Casco Viejo to upgrade work skills of the residents. Maybe the foundation that is involved in that work could keep a closer eye on the goings on and bring problems to light sooner. report abuse
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written by Jim Walker , April 09, 2009 I read on ABPanama's web site http://abpanama.comabout a program to upgrade skills of local workers in the old city. Good for them!
Then I read that a developer didn't know of or ignored the rules for restoring historic buildings. Seems like a mixed bag of good and bad. Hope they get their act together because Casco Antiguo could be Panama's crown jewel if property restored. panamawriter report abuse
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 September 2008 10:53 |
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Not sure what you are trying to point out? Are you saying that the government has lost it's way in organizing the redevelopment of Casco Viejo or is the area becoming too touristy? Not enough what?