The canal that symbolized nearly a century of outside control by the United States was officially passed into Panamanian hands. Ugarte grew up in Panama, and came to Utah for college three years ago. In the '70s Panamanian General Omar Torrijos staunchly pushed for negotiations between the two countries.
Few people dispute that Panama has the ability to keep the canal running though.
One man, a dual citizen of Panama and the United States, who was born in Panama and lives there now, is a member of the U.S. Army. He echoes the sentiments of many other American bred individuals living in Panama. Everything will become privatized, and they will just pocket the money. Several experts agree, according to Panama specialist and Utah State University Professor Bill Furlong. Furlong has studied the country for 30 years, written a book on the treaties leading to the change of control, and taught at the University of Panama.