The weather and rain patterns have reversed a dangerous drought situation in Panama and brought the Madden Reservoir to historic high levels.
The transit rate is now 36 a day with a maximum draft of 50 feet (U.S. Aircraft Carriers (which can’t fit through the Canal) hit roughly 35 feet). This is good for business, good for Panama, and good for the Americas.
President Mulino can’t rest and is accelerating work on two back up reservoirs, an observation from the trip I took to Panama last fall with Ann Vandersteel and Michael Yon.
The Great Game in Central America is China’s intent to put Panama out of business. Nicaragua may have backed out of their deal with China, but that was likely because of non-progress and Nicaragua seeking a better deal. China is now distracted with trying to keep Maduro in power in Venezuela when multiple Central and South American Leaders are calling for Gonzalez to be named the winner.