May 13
A Letter From Paul And Jenny
I just received the following email from Paul and Jenny Saban.
Open Letter from paul and Jenny
From: Paul Saban
To:Car accident
Could you please put the attached letter out on your respective publications If you cannot for any reason, please let us know. I have put it as an attachment because it is the easiest way for us
Many Thanks, Paul and Jenny
The attached letter follows:
Letter from Paul and Jenny Saban.
On 15th November 2008, My wife, Jenny and I were involved in a horrific car accident. We were hit by a car traveling at great speed and using no lights, as we turned across the PanAm highway outside Pricemart.
Sadly, the passenger who was not wearing a seat belt, was killed. The car, which should have been doing less than 26 m.p.h. in this zone, was totally destroyedWe were both taken to hospital and I was detained there. The Doctor, I was advised later, knew that if I were released that night, I would be put into the local David jail and probably be refused access to a doctor and so I remained in the hospital for 4 days.
However, on the first night, immediately after the accident and whilst suffering great pain from internal bruising, I was taken to a police station outside of town to make a statement. Whilst there, I was offered not even a chair to sit down and was refused the use of a toilet. Outside, relatives had gathered and an officer held them at bay with a revolver. They were clammering for blood, mine, and had their machetes with them ready to attack me.
By 3 a.m. no-one had come to take the statement and I was returned to the hospital, 4 of us crammed into a 2 seater truck with a revolver for protection, and we ran the gauntlet of the mob. Another police truck blockaded their mini bus to stop them following.During the next few days, an armed officer was with me all the time and I assume that this was for my own safety but it could have been to stop me running away. (Not that I could even walk at this time)!
The following day I had visits from a lawyer appointed by the insurance company, police and staff from the Court. I was not given any positive information, and was not even told that I could not drive. However, I was instructed that I had to report to the Court every Monday to sign in.
I did this with out fail until the middle of April and it would usually involve being in David for most of the day. The Court staff seem to enjoy the power that they have in making one wait.During the next 4 months we have been plagued by anonymous phone calls in the middle of the night. We have also had to endure truck loads of sullen men usually 4 or 5, sitting in our car park and watching us come and go, never speaking, just watching.
We have discovered that the other driver has a prior conviction for driving without lights but cannot even find out if he has insurance so must assume that he does not. We have not been able to ascertain whether a drink driving or blood test was done after the accident but we did find that there were no witnesses.
A police witness statement said that there was no evidence to show that the other car was speeding!!
At the same time we discovered that the Lawyer for the other side is well known for his dishonesty and that, not only was he trying to distort the facts of the case but also was withholding information regarding the insurance cover from his employers. Presumable he was hoping to collect the cash sum.Around mid March, I had a meeting with my lawyer and she informed me of 2 things. 1st, that there would be a police reconstruction of the accident on 18th June and 2nd, that the other side now has 3 witnesses. Quite where these came from, or how much they were paid, one can only guess, but this goes to illustrate the problems that I face in this case.
I decided to seek the advice of another lawyer and over the course of 2 weeks, sought the advice and opinions of 4 respectable firms. Generally, they seem to agree on one point and that can be summarized thus.
I am a foreigner and as such am perceived to be wealthy. There is no way that I will win this case. The likely outcome will be that I shall be found to be guilty and sentenced to a custodial sentence which will not be commuted until I have paid over a substantial sum of money to a corrupt Judge. At that time, the sentence will be reduced and I shall be given a Community Service order which could be for as long as 4 years. (This on top of the 2 years that I might have to wait for the case to come to Court).
I am neither prepared nor willing to take the chance, especially as we would not be able to find the money required, nor to get onto that merry go round and so we decided that we would leave Panama and our beloved Paradise Gardens forever. We then discovered that I am not allowed to leave the country.
We enlisted the help of some Panamanian friends of dubious character and bribed our way out of the country. At last, the system that has been working against us has been harnessed in our favour.
Paradise Gardens will now be managed by Michelle and Yadin and both we, and the owners hope that it will continue to be a haven for animals and birds as well as an educational facility for the children of tomorrow. Please continue to offer your support to them as so many of you did to us.
Finally, our apologies for leaving so many good friends without so much as a good bye. We hope you will understand that we had no choice. We had to maintain as much secrecy as possible and to conceal our true movements from literally everyone. Had we not done it this way, our plan could have been compromised and if discovered ……………….. who would know.
Could it happen to you – probably not. We have now found that those over sixty do not go to jail. If this had happened in 2 more years time, we could have stayed. As things are, we hope this letter will go some way to stopping the rumour mongers and gossips and to act as fair warning to all.
We are currently back ‘home’ and getting some medical treatment. We shall be keeping the same email for any one wishing to contact us.
Any way you look at it, this is a shame. It is a shame that the accident occurred. It is a shame that a death and injuries occurred. It is a shame that money corrupts people. It is a shame that Paradise is not always Paradise.
To reiterate, I posted the above letter at the author’s request.
89 responses so far Panama Journal
I too am so sad for all the families. My husband and I are moving there soon and would really appreciate it if someone knows a way to minimize going through such a horrific chain of events (besides not leaving home). Is there any insurance available there there does cover criminal as well as civil cases so you don’t risk your life savings?
What would it take to get a traffic light by PriceSmart? We are moving with the mindset to “fit in” as a guest there. We’re learning Spanish and want Panamanian friends as well as American expats. We’re not rich Americans which is why we were drawn to a beautiful country with lovely people in order to afford retirement.
Thank you for any helpful tips or suggestons to help re-enforce making this move.
Joy, I can only tell you that you are moving with the right mindset. Learning Spanish will help. Adapting to Panama will help. Being aware of differences will help. Being courteous to Panamanians will help. You never see a Panamanian walk into a doctor’s waiting area or any similar area without greeting those that are already there.
I like it here. I enjoy almost every day. But I try to be alert to potential problems.
Lisa, I was born and raised in Pennsylvania but I have lived in Panama for 10 years. I am married to a Panamanian and have a Panamanian child (a four year old little girl). We speak Spanish in the home. In fact I have been negligent because I always speak Spanish to my little girl so she hasn’t learned any English yet. I plan to live permanently in Panama but I would like to go back to the US for a period of time so the kid can learn English. Here in Panama it is hard to break the habit of using Spanish with the family.
Don,
I certainly agree with your viewpoint and Bruce Gillies on his perspective on this tragic accident. He is someone who has lived here in Panama for awhile and is quite familiar with the way things are done.
It does seem true though that the young man, even if at fault, has been forgotten in this situation. Instead, his death has been an exercise in injustice and avarice…rather than finding a solution to avoid other needless fatalities in this location. Either a traffic light, speed bumps, or a left turn bypass or overpass, flashing hazard lights, etc., (one, or a combination of ) would ameliorate this problem area. Plus, such safety measures would provide responsible and meaningful action to a young man’s memory and a personal family loss, in ensuring that perhaps other lives can be saved.
Allan
The last few posts seem to be drifting off the subject here so I will make this my last on the subject.
I reiterate ~ a collision between two cars occurred when one turned in front of the other. The result was the death of a 17yr old youth. The person driving the car that CAUSED the collision has evaded the Law, no matter how we view the Law in Panama it is still The Law. Whatever anyone feels about Paul, he being a good man, a caring man, a man who cares for animals, etc, it has NOTHING to do with the facts concerning this event.
Some have said on here that gross negligence is the factor taken in consideration in the US for a criminal charge and perhaps it is but, in my opinion, negligence is already proven because the collision occurred. It became gross to me when the young man died.
I have no axe to grind and know none of the involved but, if it was my son who had been KILLED and knowing the person responsible had fled, bribing Border officials in his desperation to escape and in so doing evades the Law, I tell you folks I would be some upset.
Sorry to say this, but from what i read it was Paul fault, and he caused the death of a 17 years old kid, which he even didn’t mention the age, and the entire american community jumped to blame the system. We know only his side of the story, and someone mentioned that this was a hit and run accident? This is a verry serious offence in states and the person could be charged with vehicular man-slaughter, and I think here is the same. The fact they are wonderful people, doesn’t really matter when someone dies in an accident.
Hi Mike, as a clarification, this was not a hit and run accident. The police went to the accident site as I understand it.
It is always a shame when someone dies, the age is immaterial, young or old, it is the same to me. Without being at the scene of the accident, I don’t believe anyone can make a perfect judgment of fault.
However, if speed limits were obeyed, if seats belts were worn, if, if , if. then perhaps things would have turned out differently.
It is always too easy to jump to a conclusions.
Fortunately for most Mr. Coker has no knowledge of law in any state.
If ignorance is bliss he must be one happy fellow.
Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one they are usually full of shit.
The only fact spoken on this matter was the lady who checked and reported the time of sunset on the fateful day.
While the original letter possess more questions than answers,
Only thoughts and beliefs have been added to a convoluted tragedy.
From the get go most have bantered about their opinions as is they had any validity. Other then childish emotions you add nothing, you improve nothing, you assistance no one.
Valid scientific review would easily answer the questions of speed, lighting, vehicles and other conditions affecting the drivers one that day.
I, and no one else posting, has a clue what the PNP will be able to determine if anything about this collision.
Examination of the headlight debris will tell to a scientific certainty if the headlights were on.
Valid vehicle reconstruction will provide true speed at the time of impact.
Skid and tire marks, or the lack of, will indicate driver attentiveness, vision and other factors.
A valid interrogatory into witness statements would prove their worth.
People do die at 25Mph.
True in the most general sense a driver turning left has no “right of way”, but the mitigating circumstances alleged, if found true, would certainly mitigate any criminal and civil damages in a just court.
Given what I see, I cant say I’d hang around either, Due Process is a very important practice in the US and from what I read here and elsewhere its not well afforded to most in Panama, let alone non-natives.
The fact that so many seem to want to lay blame to one side or another, better yet lay GUILT, with no facts, no evidence and no knowledge is very freightening.
Hi Jack. I used to love your show on TV (Dragnet) and true to form you are still just asking for the facts.
You are right Jack. I don’t have the facts in this case because I wasn’t there but my experience here in Panama tells me that the justice system can be very corrupt although some of the time it may work okay. Laying guilt without proper evidence is what most likely would happen in this kind of a case. For the motive of financial gain very often justice goes out the window. So naturally people are skeptical. In the US the police have good pay plus good retirement, etc. so they have a lot to lose by accepting bribes. Likewise for the justices, etc. I am hoping that under the new president things will improve here. He is much better than Balbina would have been. I really think that the people made a good choice. Some improvements have been made. Before you could easily pay $30 extra buy a driver’s license but now you pretty much have to take the test. There is some effort to eliminate corruption but it is difficult..
Wrong Mr Webb, I do know Law and as you say, opinions are like a…….. However, I won’t stoop to you on that level
Unfortunately I do seem to know more than you regarding this case. As do many people.
If you are advocating evading due process there in Panama then you advocate anarchy.
I read daily the whine, “we are guests here so adapt and do not try to change it”. Doesn’t that mean if you live there enjoying all their benefits you should also accept and adapt yourself?
What you are simply stating is “I believe this country has no rights to exert theirs laws which are wholly corrupt and lawless and if I killed someone in a collision I too would run”. ?
Well done Mr Webb, you show your true colors.
As for forensic evidence? Of course, this would prove or disprove a lot of the pertaining facts but, the fact remains, the person CAUSING the collision irrespective of light, road conditions, visibility, speeds, seat belts, et al, has rejected and dismissed any chance of his innocence being proven or otherwise by absconding. Therefore Mens Rea plays a part Mr Webb (actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea – this refers to a persons state of mind or intent Mr Webb – look it up and be educated).
In many 1st world countries absconding pre-charge or pre-trail has a direct inference on cause and effect and one which is valid and can be accepted in Law as an inference of guilt so please, do not try to defend these indefensible circumstances.
Further, late last year, I too attended this particular junction on a decent night which as far as I was informed was close to the prevailing conditions of the collision and I could see for a long, long way. It is not a badly lit area though I agree that excessive speed is common there, as most frequent visitors would have known (and as Paul would have known as he had lived there for some years I believe).
Before you opine in such a way again Mr Webb please, give people respect rather than your disrespectful vitriol which is offensive and unnecessary. This is an open forum and which is attended by good, decent and knowing people.
To summarize, you also must be one happy fellow and proud of it I suppose, for you seem to write in pure ignorance.
res ipsa loquitur
Yes it does, and in volumes Mr Webb, in volumes.
Hence the abscond.
I rest my case.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who answered my question about being from Panama or not. I was asking it for curiosity and not to pass judgement, and I am so very happy that everyone took it in the positive manner in which it was intended. You all seem so nice! I might sign up for these even though I moved to Houston, if that is alright? I probably will some day come back for the rest of my life.
I have one question that no one has brought up—the young driver was 17 years old. Did he have the required uber-extra insurance for drivers under the age of 18 in Panama? He couldn’t have been driving very long, hence I tend to believe the speeding, reckless driving bit. When my son wanted to get a Panamanian license, we were told that essentially we couldn’t afford an underage driver because the parents are liable for everything, that only rabiblanco kids drive at 17. At 18, they are considered adults and they are considered legally responsible, not the parents. Has this changed or perhaps there is legal divergence in different provinces? The only exception we could find was for a tourist driving on a foreign license and that only works for 90 days.
As for blame, when making a left turn across traffic, a driver always carries blame for causing an accident. Extenuating circumstances like, an unlit vehicle, high rate of speed and darkness (Nov 15 is about a month from the shortest day of the year) coupled with an inexperienced possibly reckless driver do cloud the issue. If I hit you in a cross walk, it’s my fault, but if you hide in the bushes and jump in front of me, you are much more at fault. This sounds like a mix.
As I understand it the 17 year old was a passenger, but I am told that no one was wearing a seatbelt.
Years ago I was told that if traffic lights are put on the Hwy. then the province will have to pay for all road maintenance instead of the national government because traffic lights change the status of what type of road it is. We can certainly all see the many weaves, twists and turns that never used to exist but have been implemented in order to try to keep the Hwy as safe as possible for crossing while clearly avoiding installing traffic lights. I’m quite sure that there are a lot of people who are very frustrated with the general traffic situation and lack of safety due to no lights in a population booming area. People have been killed and will continue to be until the day that Chiriqui is able to pay for their own road maintenance and put in lights, Or until the Federal govt. can be convinced to allow traffic lights and continue with road maintenance. Perhaps everyone’s energies here could go to a cause of improving the future and assisting with solutions instead of complaining about the past or present.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Pat.
Jack Webb–”Examination of the headlight debris will tell to a scientific certainty if the headlights were on.”
Really? Wow. I’m a professional mechanic and amateur bodyman, and have seen plenty of headlight debris. I can’t imagine anything that would provide scientific certainty as to whether or not headlights were on at the moment of impact.
How does that work?
See (or google) the book “Forensic Medical Investigation of Motor Vehicle Incidents” by Micheal P Burke. Pages 189/190 specifically concerns headlights. One of many referances that can be accepted in a civil or criminal trial in and for my jurisdiction.
Mr Webb,
Do you honestly believe that the police will (if they even have the ability in David) go to that extreme? I highly doubt it. Also, does anyone even know for sure if skid mark racks were even taken. I have not read anything that shows the extent of the initial investigation, and by the time the re-enactment is done in June, a lot will have changed evidence wise I am sure.
As has been stated both pro and con against the Saban/Panamanian persons accident, it is a tragedy, and I doubt the whole truth will ever be known. Speaking for myself only, I do not know what I would have done, or would do in the situation that has arisen. I just hope it never has to be dealt with..
This will be a troubling and contentious issue for some time to come I suspect.
-Dougie,
As I stated to my original post, i have no idea what the PNP is trained in.
I was replying to Dave’s question. Providing a reference how headlight debris can be scientifically evaluated. This is actually fairly easy for the cop, they package the debris and mail it to a engineering lab. And NO, I have no idea if they have a lab. My point was “just the facts ma’me”
As far as Nigel (Google “minister of silly walks”) I was only yanking his chain, (he said he was done commenting) while pointing out a need for facts instead of emotion, rumor and newspaper articles. The tragedy is not diminished, nor averted by rumor. (you may quote me)
Nigel, I apologize. I will buy the first round and we can discuss the mens rea of a left turn. But you gotta wear your powdered wig!
Buenos Tardes,
Vine Vide Vici
Buy Bonds
JESUS CHRIST, I NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY LAWYERS, INVESTIGATORS, AND JUDGES LIVE HERE. NICE GOING DON RAY. WHAT OTHER TRASH CAN YOU DIG UP.
OK, so back to the issue of sympathy for the family of the boy who was killed. I am a future (soon I hope) resident of Boquete and I would like to challenge someone, who is already fortunate enough to be there, with making contact with the family and starting a memorial fund for him. I will happily be the first contributor.
I will also contribute if someone will pick this up and run with it. I remember a while back, a similar initiative was setup for flooding victims up in the highlands. Contributions were made through PayPal to an expat who funneled the funds to the appropriate party. Someone with a “verified” PayPal account can email an invoice to individuals without a PayPal account but who desire to contribute. The contributor can make payment with a credit card.
Hi Don Ray,
Thank you for posting all sides on this most unfortunate incident. My sympathy to the family on the loss of their son. My sympathy also to the Sabans for the treatment they received at the hands of what passes for justice in Panama.
When I read the entire blog entry to Nena, she was not surprised at any of the actions taken by the police or authorities. She has seen or heard many such incidents occur before and has always had hope that the next administration will “fix everything”.
I have been to that PriceSmart and know that NO ONE drives the speed limit unless there is a visible police presence. I have been stopped at 6:10 PM for driving without my lights on (headlights on at 6PM was the LAW regardless of visibility).
Panama City has been “harvesting” foreigners for their money for decades, now that David has such a huge influx of foreigners it is fertile ground for all the corrupt individuals to farm. It will continue to be so.
As Nena says, if you are not “en la papa” in Panama, you are fair game as soon as you put a foot wrong.
The Sabans did the “right” thing by leaving, I do not believe that waiting six months before departing the country constitutes hit and run?
jim and nena
fort worth
I MUST BE MISSING SOMETHING HERE. I THOUGHT THEY LIVED HERE. A BOY DIED. WHETHER THEY LIVE HERE, OR VISITING I DOUBT IF THEY WILL COME BACK NOW. THEY WILL GO TO JAIL FOR SURE. ANYWAY YOU LOOK AT IT THEY WERE HIT AND CHOSE TO RUN. THAT ACT ALONG MAKES THEM GUILTY. PEOPLE NEED TO REALIZE THAT IN ORDER TO LIVE HERE YOU HAVE TO HAVE BACK BONE. IF THIS HAPPENED IN THE U.S. WERE WOULD THEY RUN TO? SORRY, BUT I WOULDN’T RUN. IM A LITTLE TOUGHER THAN THAT. T.J. YOUR RIGHT EXCEPT FOR THE SABANS RUNNING. IF THEY ARE READING THIS, THEN THEY KNOW THAT THEY WILL LIVE WITH IT FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. WHAT STORYS WILL THEY TELL THEIR FRIENDS ABOUT PANAMA?
LARRY, please use the same id when you make a comment. It reduces my need to approve your comments. You first you used was larry massing, then PANAMAJO and now LARRY. If you could chose one, I would appreciate it.
YOU KNOW ALL THREE. LETS TRY LARRY, OK.
Works for me. Thanks.
I am a panamanian and were I Mr. Saban y would have run because there is no justice in Panamá for a foreigner or a panamanian either.
It will never be better as long as panamanians are what they are. We panamanians do know what corrupt police and judges we have so if they have stayed… It is not only sad for that boy but our society is the one who is really guilty. The thugs in power and the ones who are coming,stealed the street lights, put no street paints, pays policement poorly etc. etc And the worst has yet to come. Dont come to Panama for your retirement it is not gold everything that shines!
Hi Amarillys. Thanks for adding your comment.
I think that one of the real problems in Panama is the existence of victim reparations that come combined with criminal prosecutions.
I believe that victims need compensation. For this exists insurance.
In Panama there is a very strong incentive and ability of victims of accidents to use the fear of incarcelation to extract money from the person who caused the accident. It is enabled by the legal system in the name of compensating the victim. However well intentioned, it really harms the system. The victims family should have compensation. The responible party should be determined. If there is a crime it should be punishment(in this case however it looks like an accident) by the state. Crimes are against society punishment meted out by the government. Paying a victim should not alllow one to escape punishment.
The rights of the victims should not be converted into a marketable asset that the perpetrator has to buy, for which the victim will invest (ie buy witnesses) to recieve a better price. This monetarization of justice in Panama ruins the criminal justice system as much as open corruption.
A very sad case for all.
Three years ago my husband and I retired in Argentina, but before we chose Argentina, we looked at retiring in Panama—specifically Boquete. We loved Boquete, but it was just a little too remote for us. We are young retirees and we wanted to enjoy the energy of a big city. That is why we chose Argentina. Currently we are on our way back to the USA and we decided to revisit Boquete. Paradise Gardens was not finished when we were here before so we wanted to see it. It was raining during our visit, but we still loved it.
We do not know Paul and Jenny Saban. However, we were saddened to hear about what happened to them. A woman we met suggested we visit this chat site, and after reading the various comments about their tragic situation, we are down right angry. To their credit, some people seem to have grasped the unfairness of the Panamanian system of justice, but a few self-righteous individuals clearly do not understanding what is going on and seem to be accusing the Saban’s of fleeing the country to avoid justice.
I do not know anything beyond what I read in the postings here, but I am retired from a position in the US Government where I analyzed complicated international situations. I have no problem seeing the inequity of the Panamanian justice system (or what suffices for a justice system) in Panama. Understandably, feelings are running high about what happened. This is normal whenever a human life is lost, but to unjustly convict, or even accuse someone simply to assign blame because a death occurred, is not justice.
Before anyone jumps to premature judgment, I want to point out that a murder did not occur during the accident. Therefore, putting someone on trial for murder or even threatening to try someone for murder is a gross injustice. In the case of manslaughter, the case in this situation, it is important to point out that the person who died was not wearing a seatbelt—a clear violation of Panamanian law, and not the fault of the people in the other car. Had that individual been adhering to Panamanian law he may not have died. Should another person be punished for his failure to comply with Panama law?
Even though there is no evidence to prove exactly how fast the car that hit the Saban car was traveling, the damage would indicate that it was likely traveling over the posted limit. It is highly doubtful that anyone witnessing the accident could accurately determine the speed of the car that hit the Saban car, so in this case, any number of witnesses, paid or not, does not constitute a factual analysis. Only a detailed scientific examination could determine the exact speed. Apparently, the police did not conduct an investigation at the time of the collision.
Panama law requires the use of headlights after 6:00PM, irrespective of the ambient lighting conditions. Therefore, a car operating without headlights after 6:00PM is in violation of Panamanian law. The use of headlights, even at midday can be an aid to determining the distance and closure rate of an approaching vehicle. If the car that hit Paul and Jenny Saban had been displaying lights, the collision may not have occurred at all. Should the Saban’s be punished because the driver of the other car failed to comply with Panama law?
Other factors come in to play in this particular collision. Many of them already offered for consideration on this chat page so I will not repeat them here. Clearly, some people have already made up their minds and have assigned guilt. People seem polarized on one side or another, but three factors in this case validate the Saban’s decision to leave the country.
First, the Panamanian keystone cops did not do a proper CSI of the accident at the time it happened. If I understand correctly, they didn’t do any investigation the night of the collision. Secondly, the sudden appearance of witnesses for the bereaved family weeks after the incident is highly questionable. This would not stand up in a court proceeding taking place in a country like the USA, or in the Saban’s native country, England. We may agree that when in Panama we must adhere to their system of justice, but when clear injustice means imprisonment, or the payment of an incredible sum of money to buy a different result, then only a fool would allow himself or herself to be subject to the inevitable outcome. Finally, if by some miracle the Saban’s were judged not responsible in a court proceeding, they would still be subject to “street justice” by an angry family for the rest of their time in Panama. They truly cannot win in this case.
I do not know the Saban’s, but I know that if my husband and I were in the same situation as they found themselves in, we too would heed the advice of experienced local attorneys and leave the country. A corrupt justice system cannot fairly administer justice, and to allow oneself to be subject to such a system is clearly unwise. To criticize someone for not wanting to expose him or herself to injustice is sheer foolishness. I am aware that hundreds of American citizens are serving time in foreign prisons. Some of them may have deserved their fate, but not all.
My decision to live in Argentina was not based on the Panamanian justice system, but I must say that after hearing the story about the Saban’s, my husband and I now feel very smart about our choice. Argentina is not perfect, but apparently, it does have some advantages over Panama.
It rained very hard today so our time at Paradise Gardens was a bit short, but what we saw was marvelous. If Paul and Jenny can read this from England, we wish them the best of luck.
Sally & Bob
Hi Sally. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I think the insident will be on the minds of many that consider Panama. Hopefully the new President will consider the country’s court system and crime in Panama as a something that requires attention.
After reading all of the comments on this case, I did not see one that included the most pertinent: Panamanian civil law is based on the Napoleonic Code: you are assumed guilty until you prove yourself innocent. Therefore quoting ad infinitum laws in the USA or Europe is a waste of time and space. In moving here, you had better make sure you know the law, and make sure you have a “back door”!
I think most people (ex-pats and Panamanians) would agree the Judicial system there is frightfully corrupt, as are many police. How to frame this…What the couple did will affect future ex-pats involved in situations like this. Just as every person who pays a bribe furthers the custom of bribery whether it is to a police officer, or a member of the Judicial system, or immigration officials. I commend Don Ray for refusing to pay a bribe. If more ex-pats would firmly, and politely refuse to pay bribes, law enforcement officer might become less inclined to demand one, for real or manufactured offenses.
Ex-pats all over the world enjoy the benefits of their host countries; lower cost of living, wonderful climate, slower pace of life, all a trade-off for less desirable traits. We like to take the good, and when it comes to the bad, or ugly….apparently we cross that bridge when we come to it.
I’m sure this couple was scared out of their wits. I’m sure they are terribly remorseful that someone died. Fleeing, though, was not the right thing to do. What they have done is ensure that next time an ex-pat or foreigner is involved in an accident, or incident, the treatment might be much worse. The next person might not have the option of marching to court once a week. They furthered the same corrupt system we all abhor.
This is one of the most horrible, tragic situations I have read about, and while I feel very badly for what appears to be a traffic accident (crash.accident.crash), if it irresponsible to take all the good things you enjoy, and reject the ugly.
One last thing. You certainly CAN have testing done to determine if headlights were on or not. Speed CAN be easily investigated. It would have most likely have fallen on the couple to have that done, as it would have been in their best interest, and probably not in the best interest of the victim of the crash.
Remember: Panama=beauty, mostly good folks, low-cost of living, poverty, crime, preventative detention.
Hi Vicki. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
I just came back from the US, and read this letter, I wen’t thru a horrible accident and it was because some one didn’t respect the stop sign. My wife and my son that was 1 month old at the time were hurt , it has been three years since the accident and we are still waiting for the police or who ever is in charge to put that guy in jail. Yes it was an accident but here in Panama the justice sistem is bad, people are used to get paid to do something, part of that problem started with our own people, paying others to get things done faster. My son has been thru so many things, just because this justice sistem. I drive to David three days a week and I see so many crazy things on the rode, that I bealive What Paul is saying that the other person did not has headlights, I have seen it all….