Latin America's Forbidden City: Colon, Panama

#PANAMA
We traveled to one of the most dangerous yet culturally rich cities in the world. Neyah and I walked through Panama's 2nd city on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Due to years of migration, the culture in Colon is distinctly Afro-Caribbean.

If Havana and Kingston had a baby it would be Colon, Panama. LETS GOO!

[darthconquest]

What's good 🇯🇲 My mother tells me that so many Jamaicans went to Panama to build the canal, Panamanians speak Spanish with a Jamaican accent. Panamanians are our cousins.

[Nino_J]

My family is originally from Jamaica, great grandparents migrated to Panama in the early 1900s to work on the banana plantations. We’re proud of our roots🇵🇦🇯🇲

I still say I’m Panamanian tho 😅

[edgardomunoz]

Colón and Bocas del Toro have the major afro caribbean heritage of Panama. Specially from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, etc. There was two biggest migrations, first one directly from África by europeans(spanish) and second one from Antilles by french and americans because Panamá Canal construcción. They have been integrate in our culture; making a huge influence in all Panamanian population throughout the years until today.

[richardmcrae]

this video almost moved me to tears. My family is originally from Colon, and just seeing my home after all these years almost brought me to tears. 10/10 thanks for showing my home every inch of it has history that needs to be known.

[alyria]

One of the best videos I've seen about my ancestral homeland by far! I appreciate how you touch on historical/educational aspects as well as current issues/events. I can't thank you enough for giving us our props for the birthplace of modern-day Reggaeton, muchisima gracias, bravo!

[Ohiology]

I'm glad that mentioned the true place of origin of Reggaeton which is Panamá.

[KingNoBale]

My grandfather who’s Jamaican was the last man alive that helped build the Panama Canal. National Geographic went looking for him but by the time they had his information to do a story he had already passed away. His brothers stayed in Panama and I have plenty of family there in Colon. My grandfather moved to Cuba afterwards and that’s where he met my grandma. My father, aunts and uncles were born and raised in Cuba. But Jamaica is our home base and we have tons of family there too as well. We speak both Spanish and Patois which a lot of people find interesting. Muchas bendiciones yuh dun kno 🇯🇲 🇵🇦 🇨🇺

[jennifernaburn]

Thank you so much for the positive review and accurate information. So many times people talk down on Colon. But there are so many beautiful things about Colon too.

[RussCLW]

In 1964/65 my dad worked for the canal zone. I was 8/9. We lived in Coco Solo just outside Colón. I remember it as a child’s paradise. We spent much time in Colón and traveled to Panama City by rail and by car. In fact, we explored all over the country. I really enjoyed your walk-through. It really has changed a lot in 60 years.

[raydawg]

I'm from Barbados 🇧🇧 lots of Bajans migrated to Panama 🇵🇦 very informative video. Thank you.

[genghisken]

Was at Ft. Sherman in '87 for jungle school and of course in '89 for "Just Cause" I spent quality time in Colon in '87. Love the country, the music, the food and the culture. Also loved those .25 cent rum n Cokes, and the long drunken cab rides back to Sherman. "Tiny Whiney"!!

[Mrs.T]

I'm Jamaican and I have family in Colon and in Cuba, but most are in Limon, Costa Rica.
Bluefields, Nicaragua and Roatan, Honduras are other Caribbean territories in Central America.
Jamaican, Caymanian and St. Vincent migrated to some of these places.
Oh don't forget San Andres, Colombia too, they literally speak patois and Spanish
Thanks for sharing.

[opinionmorais]

Great video, man! I am a Panamanian living in the U.S. I think you did a fair assessment of the place and it is greatly appreciated. You are not like some entitled Americans/foreigners passing judgement, but you walked around the place and observed what was going on while providing a bit of history about it. Definitely the best video I have seen of late and you made it interesting. Loving the Barry White low voice you do sometimes. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos. 😊😊😊

[jennifferwhyte]

Thank you for this video, I'm using it in my classroom and to share with other teachers.

[nowbest]

Thank you for sharing, I was 8 years old when I migrated to the United States! My father now buried in Palenque. My memories are so vague, but imagine being 7years old and doing a jungle trek alone all day! The best memories of my life!

[clarkmessec]

Thanks, Well done. Haven't been to Panama in a few years I would go to the Pacific side mostly.I tried a few times to go to the Caribbean side. Always enjoyed speaking with Afro/Panamanians because of the English. Even after a few dozen time there, I found your video most interesting. I've caught a few of your works and it reminds me of Traveling Robert Vids. I did see your Havana piece, very good. Haven't been there in awhile. Again, thanks

[leftylion]

That is where my father is from. Never been there as I grew up in NYC. Thank you for sharing your visit and the sights you saw and history your learned. I look forward to taking my family to Panama one day very soon.

[kfelix]

@0:4:07 Just want to say raspado is from Raspar to scratch. I had to laugh when you ask him what you call it ;)

[michaelhoward]

I was stationed at Fort Gulick 8th special forces base just outside of Colon in 1967-1968. Went to parachute jump school and jungle training at Fort Sherman, also close to Colon. At that time, Colon and its adjoining city Cristobal were wonderful places, still with the colonial charm, friendly people and great food and drinks. There were a few bars we hung out at frequently. There was nothing dangerous about that area. Could walk the streets at night with no concerns. Seeing the city now with its dilapidated buildings, empty stores, trash strewn streets and hopeless inhabitants makes me very sad. Wonder what it would be like today if the US hadn't given up control of the canal.

[BPD]

Was stationed at Howard AFB from '96-'99...regret not getting out to tour the Atlantic side of Panama while there. Nice video.