international

U.S. ambassador takes the reins

Barbara Stephenson arrived in Panama yesterday. She will replace William Eaton.

Gabriel Rodríguez/La Prensa

Barbara Stephenson1069366

Barbara Stephenson, the new United States ambassador to Panama, arrived yesterday afternoon in the Panamanian capital, returning to the same city where she began her career more than 20 years ago.

Stephenson expressed her pleasure at being back in the country where she got her start in the foreign service as an economic affairs officer and then as a political affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy.

“I am very keen to see the city, the rest of the country and all of the changes,” she said upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport.

She thanked her predecessor, William Eaton, for all of his hard work during the three years he spent in the post. She noted that the new U.S. embassy symbolizes the excellent relations between Panama and the U.S.

Stephenson was welcomed at the airport by members of the media and officials with the U.S. Embassy. There were no Panamanian officials present at the event.

Stephenson is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she also received a doctorate in English. She was previously the deputy coordinator for Iraq at the U.S. State Department.