us state dept Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Martyrs' Day

[Admin_01]

 

Martyrs’ Day is a Panamanian holiday, which commemorates the January 9, 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The incident is considered to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama City advises all U.S. citizens in Panama that Martyrs’ Day will be observed this year on Saturday, January 9, 2016.    The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to possible street closures and traffic congestion due to scheduled marches and other events around Panama City.  All U.S. citizens are reminded of the sensitivity of this day and urged to remain diligent in your personal security. 
 

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.  Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

[Keith Woolford]

This is a preview of the documentary being broadcast tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. on TVN concerning  the events of January 9th, 1964.

"The story that all of Panama should know"

https://twitter.com/tvnnoticias/status/685482137248649216

[Roger B]

On 1/6/2016 at 1:57 PM, Admin_01 said:

 

Martyrs’ Day is a Panamanian holiday, which commemorates the January 9, 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The incident is considered to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama City advises all U.S. citizens in Panama that Martyrs’ Day will be observed this year on Saturday, January 9, 2016.    The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to possible street closures and traffic congestion due to scheduled marches and other events around Panama City.  All U.S. citizens are reminded of the sensitivity of this day and urged to remain diligent in your personal security. 
 

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.  Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-47471-888-407-4747 FREE toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-44441-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

It is interesting that this message is sent every year to US citizens residents in Panama and since the US Invasion in 1989 I have never seen an incident where an US Citizens have been threatened or his/her personal security has been compromised.  

 

Edited January 9, 2016 by Roger B