President-elect Donald J. Trump selected Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama, shortly after advocating for U.S. control over the Panama Canal. The appointment underscores Trump’s emphasis on Latin American politics and his administration’s concerns regarding fees charged by Panama for canal usage. Cabrera’s previous political engagement with Trump positions him as a significant representative for American interests in the region.
On November 10, 2016, President-elect Donald J. Trump appointed Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Miami-Dade County commissioner, as the new ambassador to Panama. This decision came shortly after Mr. Trump urged for the United States to reclaim control over the Panama Canal, which has been under Panamanian governance since 1999. Mr. Cabrera, currently serving as the District 6 commissioner and vice chair of the International Trade Consortium, has been an active supporter of Trump’s administration, having worked on the campaign in 2020 and playing a role within the Florida Republican Party.
In his announcement, Mr. Trump stated, “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin. He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” The President has also criticized Panama, alleging that the nation is exploiting the United States through exorbitant fees related to the Panama Canal. Historically, the canal, which spans approximately 50 miles, has been a crucial maritime route that significantly reduces travel time between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Mr. Trump has previously voiced concerns about the canal potentially falling into the “wrong hands,” particularly referring to China, which is the second-largest user of this vital waterway. While a Hong Kong-based firm manages two nearby ports, it is important to note that China does not have control over the canal itself. Mr. Trump’s administration is in pursuit of a more assertive stance on international relations, particularly with countries in Central America.
The Panama Canal is an important strategic asset, allowing vessels to navigate between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without detouring around South America. The canal has been significant in international shipping since it opened in 1914. The United States maintained control over the canal until 1979, when President Jimmy Carter negotiated its turnover to Panama, which was fully completed in 1999. In recent years, discussions surrounding the canal have intensified, especially concerning fees imposed on American shipping by the Panamanian government, which some U.S. officials have characterized as unreasonably high. Additionally, concerns over Chinese influence in the region have sparked renewed interest in U.S. oversight of this critical maritime route.
The appointment of Kevin Marino Cabrera as ambassador to Panama reflects President Trump’s ongoing efforts to enhance U.S. influence in Latin America. His statements regarding the Panama Canal hint at a desire to reassess relations with Panama, particularly in the context of economic feasibility for American shipping. As the new ambassador, Mr. Cabrera is expected to navigate these complex dynamics, reinforcing American interests while engaging with Central American politics.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
