Panama City. The control of the Sea

In December 31, 1999, the US Government granted Panamanians free control of their Canal, of their waters. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) assumed command of the waterway, the control of the sea. This ongoing documentary project is a photographic observation of the economic and social repercussions this political decision has in the natural and urban landscape of a country that recovers the control of the ocean. Mostly shot in Panama City, this body of work is the evidence of the consequences that the control of the sea have in the economic development of the central American country. Economic opportunity was given back to Panamanians as a consequence of the US political decision. As a result, the historic buildings of Panama City are being torn down in order to rebuilt a new Panama City where skyscrapers and gentrification might be new reality. While the US Government did the right thing after Panamanian protests, this photographs question the future of a country that might be ruled by Real State developers. What is going to happen to the people living in Panama Viejo if their homes are replaced by new modern housing?Is the Panamanian Government going to take care of the people who have been living in Panama Viejo for years?Are this people going to be given better homes in the same area they used to live or on the contrary, they will have to move out and find places that better suit their economic means?