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Panamanians Voting on Canal Future

A measure under consideration in the Central American nation of Panama could decide whether authorities there expand the capabilities of the Panama Canal, the system of locks and waterways which connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. The United States helped secure Panamanian independence from Colombia in order to build the waterway, which aids in the passage of commerce between both major oceans but which has grown increasingly outdated as ships have gotten bigger.

The Panama Canal is a huge source of pride as well as a huge source of revenue for Panama. Though under U.S. administration until the late 1990s, the Panama Canal has been a symbol of international cooperation. U.S. engineers helped build the original canal, which revolutionized the future of shipping by cutting incredibly the amount of time and distance a ship needed to travel to deliver goods from one location to another. Again, though, as ships have gotten bigger the Canal at its current size is impractical.

The measure that is set to widen the canal seems destined for widespread endorsement, and if approved with create an estimated 40,000 jobs for a nation with 9.5 percent unemployment. However, there are many who worry about the loss to homes or businesses situated along the Canal`s current boundaries. Even so, the overwhelming support for the Canal in general means that sooner or later it will either be expanded or abandoned.