On March 10th, Panama confirmed the first Coronavirus-linked death in Central America. Consequently, President Laurentino Cortizo has declared a national emergency, implementing a series of restrictive measures that will last indefinitely. Though this choice was made in order to prioritize citizens’ health and limit the impact of the pandemic, it has critically affected the economy and above all the hope and security of the communities. The workers of the capital’s informal economy earn their living day to day, and this crisis has effectively barred them from securing food, shelter, and basic necessities. Panama City is now home to some 196,000 street vendors. They both characterize the country and are among its most vulnerable populations. The heart of this community lies in the neighborhood of Santa Ana, the crucible of Panamanian culture where the nation’s leaders and artists are forged. The main artery of this normally thriving community, Avenida Central, today stands still. What once were colorful intersections of exotic aromas and bold rhythms, Santa Ana’s streets are now left deserted by unemployment and uncertainty. This neighborhood, its traditions, and its future are in danger. The government’s apathetic response to their immediate needs has left those barricaded at home wondering what tomorrow will bring. Local organizations and community leaders have come together in the Hotel Santa Ana, to respond to this crisis of quarantine by supporting street vendors, and others in need.
One of the biggest enablers in this time is the sustainable development company Conservatorio S.A. The company is known for putting energy into making sure what they build adds value to the urban eco-system around it. Their vision of sustainability means controlling negative externalities, such as displacement and cultural homogenization and they look for ways to create positive social change in the areas they work in. “Our greatest concern was the social impact that COVID-19 would have had among our community, therefore, we have activated a plan, involving Santa Ana Lidera, which holds a community room in the premises,” clarified Ricardo Garcés, Hotel Administrator. Santa Ana Lidera is a collective that seeks to promote social integration and development, the strengthening of family and community, and the reduction of poverty in all its dimensions in the township of Santa Ana. One of the collective’s fundamental programs is LiderazCo, an empowerment training workshop where community leaders and volunteers can be prepared to effectively identify and overcome challenges to the wellbeing of their community. The collective’s pillars are Marilu Salvador, Director of Sustainability at Conservatorio S.A., and Carolina Hausman, Director of Fundación Casa Santa Ana. Together they have activated the #DaSiPuedes campaign, working with donations from foundations and private sources to purchase food and basic necessities, which are delivered to the most vulnerable families, attentively determined by the LiderazCo leaders. The Communal Board of the township and the National Police have now also joined the initiative, supporting the distribution efforts in areas where the virus is present. “Together we will be able to face whatever challenges lie ahead on the other side of the quarantine,” said Carolina Hausman. Every day, the donations are sorted at Hotel Santa Ana: they consist of 30 products that can last about two weeks for a household. They are divided into capacious red bags by the volunteers and picked up by the community leaders.
To date, more than 900 families have been assisted by the effort. Due to the indefinite nature of the lockdown, they will continue providing aid as long as the need is dire. The project strives to make the community stronger and better connected. “I believe in trust. Trust is one of the main components of any community-building endeavor. It made it all possible. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People now feel a sense of relief, know- ing that somebody has their back and that they are not alone. This is such a powerful message in such a difficult time of distress and uncertainty. Community is us, the people. We are doing our best to show one another that we care,” said Marilu Salvador. We are facing conditions of unpredictability, yet through collective actions like the #DaSiPuedes campaign, our community can learn to mobilize and become certain of its own strength. Confidence within our community is building security and hope to overcome this global crisis.