Panama, Carnival deals with problems

Carnival deals with problems
la prensa

Panama City's Carnival has been suspended due to a number of problems.


Panama City's Carnival continues to be plagued by problems.
These problems include the arrest of the Carnival Board president and ongoing disputes between the board and the Panama Tourism Authority, which is in charge of the event. On Sunday, the Carnival Board announced it would suspend all activities, a decision that was reversed about an hour later.

The day started with Carlos Arias, Carnival board president, being arrested following a confrontation with police. Arias was trying to prevent police from cracking down on alcohol sales to minors. This prompted the board to announce Carnival had been suspended, even though it was unclear if they had the authority to do so.

Arias also clashed with the Tourism Authority over a fee he tried to charge to enter the opening day of Carnival on Saturday.

Also Sunday, food and beverage vendors complained about losing money Saturday night when police forced them to close at midnight.

"We feel cheated," said Zuleika Pérez, one of 175 vendors. "The Carnival Board authorized us to sell after midnight, but the police forced is to close."

Pérez said she lost five bags chorizo and other goods that she had planned to sell.

Despite all the problems, entertainment is expected to continue as scheduled, and vendors have been told they can stay open until 3 a.m.