metro

Carnaval move requested

According to organizers, Panama City's Carnaval resulted in an economic benefit to the country of millions of dollars. But residents of Bethania, where the event was held, said none of that money went into their neighborhood.

Instead, residents said they were left with higher bills and a mess from February's event.

"We have to invest in better security because of the increased number of thefts," said Leonora de Muñoz, a resident of Camino Real.

She and her neighbors do not have good memories of Carnaval. On the contrary, they say it was a time of "anxiety." Therefore, they have formed a "No to Carnaval on Transístmica" organization seeking to have the event relocated.

Member Max Lopez said the group wants to meet with Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro to discuss the situation. He argued that, if the event makes as much money as organizers claim, they should be able to afford to have it in a place where it won't impact a community.

Meanwhile, officials are trying to sort out the finances from this year's event.

Government officials have requested information about spending from the Carnaval committee, as well as on the revenue the committee received.

According to government records, there is a $120,000 discrepancy between the amount of money the commitee received versus the amount it spent. The committee received $3.3 million, but could account for only $3.2 million in expenses.