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Two
Villanova Alums’ Role in Shaping Modern Panama
 Two
Panamanian Alumni have played serious roles in the long road back to political
stability in the once war torn and dictator-ruled country of Panama. Aurelio
Barria ’73 C&F and Dr. Ricuarte Vasquez ’73 A&S returned
to their home country of Panama from the United States to make a difference
in a country that desperately needed it.
Like most of Latin America, Panama was once a Spanish colony. In 1821
what is now Panama gained independence from Spain as a part of the nation
that is now Colombia. However, because of its strategic location, Panama
was an attractive target for European powers wishing to create an Atlantic
to Pacific trading route. Through diplomatic and military efforts by the
French, the British, and finally the Americans, Panama became a free country
in 1903. The following year, the United States Senate ratified the treaty
to begin construction of the Panama Canal.
From its completion in 1914 until the United States handed over control
of the canal in 2000, Panama has endured harsh political regimes as well
as an interesting relationship with the United States. A delicate democracy
in name, Panama was closely watched by the United States, until 1936 when
it gave up its rights to use force outside of the Canal Zone. A series
of military dictatorships ending with the overthrow of Noriega in 1989,
perhaps Panama’s worst, is still a sharp and poignant memory for
many Panamanians. Both Villanova Alums have helped to shape Panama into
a more stable and successful country in the 15 years since its freedom
from Noriega.
Aurelio Barria, an economics graduate of the college of Commerce and Finance
here at Villanova, returned to Panama with a strong interest in civil
society and business. By 1987 he was president of the “Camara de
Comercio,” something similar to our Chamber of Commerce -. By this
time, political tension had increased tremendously because of Noriega’s
harsh oppression of the Panamanian people. Barria was invited to witness
the newly founded elections in the Philippines, after the fall of President
Ferdinand Marcos, and upon his return to Panama he dedicated himself to
establishing an organization to monitoring the upcoming elections in his
country, which had been historically corrupt and staged.
He began by uniting different members of the business, education, union,
medical and civic groups to form a force for fair elections. This group
became stronger and unified, as the offenses of the regime became graver.
It gained its title of “Cruzada Civilista Nacional” or the
National Civic Crusade. With the purpose of investigating crimes committed
by the reigning military government and the guarantee of free elections,
Barria’s group began to take a central role in peaceful local opposition
to Noriega. After Noriega denounced the winner of the May 1989 elections,
his power waned, and international approval with it. Barria’s group,
with a strong local support by nationalist Panamanians worked closely
with the United States Government in an effort to oust Noriega, and in
late 1989 U.S. troops invaded and successfully captured Noriega. The peaceful,
liberal and democratic virtues espoused by Barria, have over the past
15 years taken root in Panama, and the country is now enjoying control
of its primary asset, the canal, as well as a stable government.
Dr. Ricuarte Vasquez’s roles in the affairs of Panama have been
more prominent in the last 15 years. He is a member of a group of businessmen
who are making Panama not only a key trading nation, but a center for
international business and banking. With a strong background in Business
from the United States, starting with his Mathematics degree from Villanova
in 1973 as well as an MBA from RPI, Vasquez has taught, and worked for
corporations throughout the financial industry for firms including Chase
Manhattan Bank.
In 1996 Vasquez was appointed Deputy Administrator for the Panama Canal.
His job title also included leading the department of Finances for the
canal. One of his primary responsibilities is overseeing the modernization
of the canal and ensuring that it maintains its importance in the maritime
trade industry. He also has served the government as Minister of Finance
and Chief Debt Negotiator for the Government of Panama Refinancing Program.
Vasquez is one of the individuals who has helped transform Panama into
a stable and profitable place to do business. He also helped to make the
transition between U.S. and Panamanian governance of the canal smooth
and successful. His economic guidance and contributions to Panama during
the last 15 years have been remarkable.
The result of the efforts of both men has been nothing short of magnificent
for the country as a whole. These international Villanovans have truly
helped to change their country for the better. Aurelio Barria’s
son Juan Barria ’05 C&F now attends Villanova, and will be graduating
in 2005.
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