Latin America's Forbidden City: Colon, Panama

#PANAMA
We traveled to one of the most dangerous yet culturally rich cities in the world. Neyah and I walked through Panama's 2nd city on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Due to years of migration, the culture in Colon is distinctly Afro-Caribbean.
If Havana and Kingston had a baby it would be Colon, Panama. LETS GOO!

[@KeenanLambert198]

If you would like to see my video from the streets of Havana Cuba.... Click on this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmqUl3qjasZpeck

[@anymjohnson1729]

GREAT Video, I am Glad that You Mentioned also the history of the Place and the Social economic impact. Thank You for this Video --it was well narrated.

[@arealhebrew]

Aboriginal Indigenous Negro Shemetic humans have been in the Americas/Caribbean contrary to what they're teaching in their school systems, that's controlled by their Democratic KKK in the Republican KKK systems of the Americas/Caribbean. I'm not against a continent called Africa originally Ham-Kemet, but most of us were already hear long before a transatlantic slave trade several thousands of years ago FOUNDATIONAL NECHEE NEGROID Seeds-Souls INDIGENOUS. We were written out of the records expunged from the records to cover up the truth

[@ashielarry]

Bredda we don't call that snow cone in Jamaica, we call that sky juice. Don't know why, it has nothing to do with the sky, but that's what we call it.

[@brianbutton6346]

Nice video. I watched to the end. My favorite parts are when you can communicate the "vibe". For example, port cities have a special vibe due to all the port-related stuff. When I visited Puntarenas on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, it was the overwhelming factor. And it kinda made it special. Anyway, thanks again. You made me interested in the Caribbean side of Central America.

[@arealhebrew]

Peace to the Israelite Negro Seed tribe of Zebulon in Panama

[@darthconquest1046]

What's good 🇯🇲 My mother tells me that so many Jamaicans went to Panama to build the canal, Panamanians speak Spanish with a Jamaican accent. Panamanians are our cousins.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Very true! Big ups to mommy! I knew I had to be on point with this one to respect the cousins.

[@214_Angelo]

central american latinos with a carribean twist💪🏾

[@ImFlorid]

My great grandparents r jamaican n Panamanian🇯🇲🇵🇦

[@KeenanLambert198]

@@XxxclusiveReviews well, I speak in American version of English as to reach a universal audience but I also speak patois or patawa along with some Spanish grew up in a intensely Caribbean ethnic enclave in Brooklyn….. I grew up with great grandparents, grandparents, parents from 🇯🇲… I’m spent summers getting destroyed by mosquitoes in country ah yaad 🇯🇲… My channel is about exploring and tying together the diaspora….. The flag is my personal tribute to my ancestors…. I was born in the states but I’m a proud son of Jamaica.

[@josedelosrios4024]

Truth dam im here now in Panama

[@Nino_J]

My family is originally from Jamaica, great grandparents migrated to Panama in the early 1900s to work on the banana plantations. We’re proud of our roots🇵🇦🇯🇲 I still say I’m Panamanian tho 😅

[@KeenanLambert198]

Big ups family!!!!

[@Nino_J]

@@KeenanLambert198 Beautiful chocolate sista you was with too 👀 need me one 💯

[@KeenanLambert198]

@@Nino_J We all need one my G! Dem niceeee!

[@dfaro8453]

@@Nino_J I am in love with the Afro Latin chocolate sistas. ❤

[@ychanan36]

Shalom/Peace

[@richardmcrae9850]

this video almost moved me to tears. My family is originally from Colon, and just seeing my home after all these years almost brought me to tears. 10/10 thanks for showing my home every inch of it has history that needs to be known.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I’m glad I was able to bring you back hike for a little bit ✊🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@charissahuie9131]

Same

[@tomcarpenter1153]

Help me with the ON pronunciation of Colon. He says Colon like Coloan but when I was there a long time ago it was Colon as in Col-on. Hope that makes sense.

[@edgardomunoz2688]

Colón and Bocas del Toro have the major afro caribbean heritage of Panama. Specially from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, etc. There was two biggest migrations, first one directly from África by europeans(spanish) and second one from Antilles by french and americans because Panamá Canal construcción. They have been integrate in our culture; making a huge influence in all Panamanian population throughout the years until today.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Straight facts Edgardo.. This video was aimed at speaking to the experience of the second wave.... Bless up

[@miguelfong1]

@@KeenanLambert198 certain! But no story about blackness in Panama should omit the Hispanic wave, since the population in general is influenced by this group.

[@KeenanLambert198]

@@miguelfong1 respected! Maybe I will do a video discussing blackness in Panama in the future but this one was a special piece for the black ethnically West Indian population…. I understand their experience to be different than those existing in Panama from the era of enslavement…

[@bartstinson4805]

After the Carter-Torrijos treaties, Colon absorbed immaculate Cristobal and the middle-class Antillean zone worker housing called Rainbow City, renamed Arco Iris, which was a self-suffiencient community with its own high school, ballfields, a large commercial bakery, Mt. Hope Baptist Church and cemetery, where most of my deceased inlaws are buried. Arco Iris has deteriorated somewhat, but has retained its old character too. A lot of diaspora is returning from NYC and the U.S. military, building security grills on the windows and porches, which nobody needed back in the day. Nobody plays baseball anymore in the cradle of Rod Carew; they're obsessed with futbol, and there's a major soccer field at Arco Iris now.

[@Nutty151]

There's also an Afro influence in Darien, the Perlas Archipelago, and all over Panama really. The Sub-Saharan African genetic component is the largest in Panama, similar to the Dominican Republic and Belize.

[@KingNoBale444]

My grandfather who’s Jamaican was the last man alive that helped build the Panama Canal. National Geographic went looking for him but by the time they had his information to do a story he had already passed away. His brothers stayed in Panama and I have plenty of family there in Colon. My grandfather moved to Cuba afterwards and that’s where he met my grandma. My father, aunts and uncles were born and raised in Cuba. But Jamaica is our home base and we have tons of family there too as well. We speak both Spanish and Patois which a lot of people find interesting. Muchas bendiciones yuh dun kno 🇯🇲 🇵🇦 🇨🇺

[@katharine1285]

I want to learn Patios. My dad speak what my mom call mash up Spanish 😂. He was raised and born in Barbados where all the Jamaicans that worked on the canal resided. So most people born there is what they call “bush” city lol has ancestors from Jamaica and are darker skin the city people.

[@dama_shares]

This is so amazing, @KingNoBale44. Your story is beautiful. My maternal grandmother's father also helped build the Panamá Canal. From what I know, her lineage is from Grenada and Montserrat. The story that has been passed down to me is that after black workers were done helping to build the canal, the people in power wanted to send them back to their various Caribbean islands of origin. However, the male ancestors of my family remained in Panamá, purchased land, built homes, and began families. I was born and brought up in America. However, within the past few months, I've worked on obtaining my Panamanian citizenship. Having obtained my cedula and passport this week, I am now officially a dual citizen of both America and Panama.

[@alyria76]

One of the best videos I've seen about my ancestral homeland by far! I appreciate how you touch on historical/educational aspects as well as current issues/events. I can't thank you enough for giving us our props for the birthplace of modern-day Reggaeton, muchisima gracias, bravo!

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much Alyria. I wanted to create a video on Colon and Antillean Panamanians that I felt was missing on this platform. I grew up knowing Panamanians in NYC and wanted to speak to their journey as a people. I also seek to eliminate some of the negative stereotypes attached to places like Colon to increase tourism and related economic development. GRACIAS mi hermanaa!

[@robertoglencoco7861]

The birthplace of modern Reggaeton is Puerto Rico. They were already doing underground(Perreo) which was Spanish hip hop over reggae beats. Modern Reggaeton consists of dancehall(dembow riddim) NY Hip-hop, Perreo, Latin Caribbean genres(Salsa, merengue, Bachata, Bomba, Plena)and electro. Plena being an actual musical genre from PR recognized by musicologists around the world. Not the Plena slang term Panameños use to describe music they like. Reggae en español is Panama. which was an inspiration but not the birth of reggaeton. It was just dancehall songs translated in Spanish, nothing original. The influence of Reggaeton created in PR is Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Dominican, and currently Colombian. No original style of Panamanian music has gone into the genre.

[@opinionmorais9704]

Great video, man! I am a Panamanian living in the U.S. I think you did a fair assessment of the place and it is greatly appreciated. You are not like some entitled Americans/foreigners passing judgement, but you walked around the place and observed what was going on while providing a bit of history about it. Definitely the best video I have seen of late and you made it interesting. Loving the Barry White low voice you do sometimes. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos. 😊😊😊

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you Morais!!!! Going to the Afro Antillean museum gave me a lot of prospective to understand the push migration factors and even beyond what I knew from growing up with Panamanians in New York… I wanted to make the best Colon video possible to speak to what happened and address the current situation… I’m happy at the mostly warm reception I have received here….. Thank you so much!

[@franksmith944]

Ahhh iv been to Panama many times, as an American thanks for insulting all of us as a hole. Never once judge your country or thought bad about any part of it. Panama is very beautiful with a rich culture and many ethnicity that get along very well. I love Panama

[@Abstract.Noir414]

As a American I want to give you a middle finger 🖕

[@DennisLove-qs3uj]

@@franksmith944anti white racism in Panama is normal. If you’re a white foreigner in Panama you better keep your wits about you, especially in a place as dangerous as Colon. That’s not to say there aren’t some nice friendly Panamanians. It’s a beautiful country but it can be a dangerous country too.

[@monroealie4030]

Most islander who travel to nearby islands, for the most part feel at home. Some won't understand.🏝️🇩🇲👏

[@jennifferwhyte4840]

Thank you for this video, I'm using it in my classroom and to share with other teachers.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much Ms. Whyte! You've made my day. What elements are you touching on... Afro Caribbean migration to Latin America? The Panama Canal? United Fruit Company involvement in Central America? I might have few other videos that might help.. Thanks! KL

[@Ohiology]

I'm glad that mentioned the true place of origin of Reggaeton which is Panamá.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I had to make it clear for the people in the back!

[@genghisken0181]

Was at Ft. Sherman in '87 for jungle school and of course in '89 for "Just Cause" I spent quality time in Colon in '87. Love the country, the music, the food and the culture. Also loved those .25 cent rum n Cokes, and the long drunken cab rides back to Sherman. "Tiny Whiney"!!

[@grahamholton8542]

I was in Colon in 1973. Still recognise some of it

[@KeenanLambert198]

Does it look - feel radically different here? THANKS!!!

[@Mrs.T305]

I'm Jamaican and I have family in Colon and in Cuba, but most are in Limon, Costa Rica. Bluefields, Nicaragua and Roatan, Honduras are other Caribbean territories in Central America. Jamaican, Caymanian and St. Vincent migrated to some of these places. Oh don't forget San Andres, Colombia too, they literally speak patois and Spanish Thanks for sharing.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I want to link the diaspora and show our common bond….. One blood Mi seh

[@antoniotula262]

The little museum on the top floor of the Miraflores Locks documents our story. It even has photos & names the ships Ancon & Cristobal that brought workers in from other Caribbean nations. I was very happy to see this. We stopped in a Colon supermarket to use the bathroom, but somehow ended up over by the Bakery area. Well, I know a coconut bread when I see one & the difference between a beef patty & an empanada. They looked at us the same way we looked them. Instantly familiar. Unforgettable experience.

[@RussCLW]

In 1964/65 my dad worked for the canal zone. I was 8/9. We lived in Coco Solo just outside Colón. I remember it as a child’s paradise. We spent much time in Colón and traveled to Panama City by rail and by car. In fact, we explored all over the country. I really enjoyed your walk-through. It really has changed a lot in 60 years.

[@RussCLW]

Oh, BTW: I am from New Orleans originally and there it is a SnoBall

[@jennifernaburn2022]

Thank you so much for the positive review and accurate information. So many times people talk down on Colon. But there are so many beautiful things about Colon too.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thanks so much Jennifer! This is a fact!!

[@michaelhoward5360]

I was stationed at Fort Gulick 8th special forces base just outside of Colon in 1967-1968. Went to parachute jump school and jungle training at Fort Sherman, also close to Colon. At that time, Colon and its adjoining city Cristobal were wonderful places, still with the colonial charm, friendly people and great food and drinks. There were a few bars we hung out at frequently. There was nothing dangerous about that area. Could walk the streets at night with no concerns. Seeing the city now with its dilapidated buildings, empty stores, trash strewn streets and hopeless inhabitants makes me very sad. Wonder what it would be like today if the US hadn't given up control of the canal.

[@4nowbest]

Thank you for sharing, I was 8 years old when I migrated to the United States! My father now buried in Palenque. My memories are so vague, but imagine being 7years old and doing a jungle trek alone all day! The best memories of my life!

[@KeenanLambert198]

Beautiful story! Rest well to your father! One love!!✊🏾

[@4nowbest]

@@KeenanLambert198 As a kid I would walk the coast line and fish, play and swim in the waters near the hospital of Colon, was poor, what I learned was humbleness. Seeing what I saw in your video still wakes my humbleness. Colon then was almos 100% a town with life but now with so much dis repaired buildings. But you know that Colon will not remain this way forever, investors will show up to the rebirthing party as I would someday reinvest!

[@raydawg1234]

I'm from Barbados 🇧🇧 lots of Bajans migrated to Panama 🇵🇦 very informative video. Thank you.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Bless up my Bajan brother…. The Bajan influence is strong in Colon…. I noticed it immediately in the hot sauce….. The hot sauce that’s probably the most popular is D’Elida’s and it’s made in the Bajan model…..

[@chuckbrooks2271]

My Grandmother's father live at, 6013 Cristobal st. He took 7 of here brothers. From Barbados, they and never returned. However, after speaking with a person from there a lawyer in NY. Our story connected. And he was here nephew, big up peoples

[@saeyhaqeiqa4628]

Colon has the best Afro-Caribbean Panamanian food. My wife is from Panama City and I love all of Panama 🇵🇦

[@KeenanLambert198]

Blessings!!! Agreed!

[@manuelpinzon9854]

It looks like SHIT

[@anthonynunez6220]

Thanks for showing love my brotha respect 👊🏽🇵🇦🇺🇸🇯🇲

[@KeenanLambert198]

Big ups my G!!! One love fam✊🏾

[@clarkmessec7580]

Thanks,Well done. Haven't been to Panama in a few years I would go to the Pacific side mostly.I tried a few times to go to the Caribbean side. Always enjoyed speaking with Afro/Panamanians because of the English. Even after a few dozen time there, I found your video most interesting. I've caught a few of your works and it reminds me of Traveling Robert Vids. I did see your Havana piece , very good. Haven't been there in awhile. Again, thanks

[@BPD1586]

Was stationed at Howard AFB from '96-'99...regret not getting out to tour the Atlantic side of Panama while there. Nice video.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Oh no!!!!! I'm sorry you didn't make it over.... Was the narrative at that time.. It was too dangerous to travel to?

[@BPD1586]

@@KeenanLambert198 Actually yes, several Panamanians working on base at the time told me it was dangerous to travel to Colon alone.

[@cagelsthrough]

Afro-Trinidadian here...thanks for showing us the Antillean influence in Panamá

[@KeenanLambert198]

Blessings my brother Nigel! One day I will touch T&T!

[@omniaiuris8104]

That was a really good one: "If Habana, Cuba had a baby with Jamaica it would be Colon, Panama". Well said❤

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thanks Omnia!!! ❤️ Thank you for watching this one!

[@2of3gb]

Many good memories of my time in Panama. Military pre invasion.

[@leftylion816]

That is where my father is from. Never been there as I grew up in NYC. Thank you for sharing your visit and the sights you saw and history your learned. I look forward to taking my family to Panama one day very soon.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Lefty! Big up yourself my brother. You are the person I envisoned creating this video for. I grew up with plenty of Antillean Panamanians in Brooklyn and I wanted to speak to their movements as a people! I'm Jamaican but Panamanians have always felt like cousins I had mad love for... Bless up my brother!

[@leftylion816]

@Keenan Lambert I grew up in Brooklyn too! My family has strong ties to Jamaica and Barbados as well. Thank you so much King! Bless 💯

[@blaggard132]

I was in the Army and posted just out side of Colon on Fort Davis I loved it there. Sorry to see it's gone down like it has. But it WAS a really happening place, good thing I was younger I might not have survived. I learned you CAN actually party TOO HARD. I Do Miss It Still. A lot of the civilian folks I met and formed friendships with made me feel comfortable,safe and happy. I hated and regreted leaving.

[@normancook9191]

I was stationed at Ft Davis 4/10 Inf ( 1974-1977). I used visit Colon often. I also visit Rio Abio on the Pacific side. Panamanians are very friendly people. Rest their laws and you have no problem.

[@1144Messages]

My maternal side is all from Colón and Costa Rica. Its great to see this video and learn more .

[@KeenanLambert198]

Stay close…. I’m hitting with a piece from Rio Abajo soon 🙏🏾

[@nicolen7479]

Loved this video, my family is from Colon and I lived there in my younger years, those were some of the best years of my life, other bloggers bash Colon but you actually showed the good and the bad, Colon was once such a beautiful place, kinda hurts A little to see some of the deteriorating buildings

[@KeenanLambert198]

Nicole it was my pleasure to cover Colon. Under the devastation I can see the beauty and brightness of the culture… I have Panamanian neighbors and grew up with many Panamanian people so this was my attempt to show respect to the culture. I wanted touch on exodus without explicitly blaming certain government entities

[@frankhogan161]

As a Panamanian of Jamaican and bajan descent you did a good job on this video. No bashing or judging the town and the people. Colon was the Party City in my younger years

[@KeenanLambert198]

Bless up Mr. Hogan! Appreciate the love✊🏾

[@dianakrajewski6597]

Was mine also. I am so sorry to see the decay. Outsiders want Colon and the owners of the old buildings are probably dead and their off springs left the country. Many lives in the US. Many of us went back there to build along the beach where I swam at but was denied. My sister owned a bar down there but had to close it. She is still there and lives on the highway. The rest of my family lives in Arco Iris. You did not go there. I would love to see Colon blossom again!

[@edgaracevedo9658]

Thanks for the video peek of Colon. I noticed a lot of Panama Cruises stop bye in Colon.

[@winstonp.prescott3845]

I was a Marine in Panama in 1989, who helped remove Noriega, what a beautiful country and people..i'm sad to see it looking like the way it does. I had the pleasure of seeing Nuevo Arrijan, La Chorrera Balboa Point...

[@andrewmckenley5355]

MAYBE Noriega wasn't bad after all

[@JohnWick-gl6mw]

I don't blame you , I blame the US government for their nefarious behavior ....

[@winstonp.prescott3845]

@@andrewmckenley5355 naw that dude was bad, trust me!

[@Mangoshii]

Thank you for your service. I was 6 months old and you all saved me and my family. Now I serve others as a community health nurse.

[@winstonp.prescott3845]

@@Mangoshii You are so welcome!

[@darrenwilliams7437]

Keenan, this is my first time to your, channel..Thank you. Great video...I've never traveled anywhere in Central America but if I do , Colon will be my first visit, I've been to Portmore Jamaica, had some fun at Hellshire beach... Walking the streets with a camera helps me to see the real Colon .. such an interesting place, a mix of Caribbean and Latin American cultures and I will probably save tons of money traveling here because I don't see any fancy resorts,.. just real working-class people , I'm going to plan a trip

[@williesweetjr8713]

My family lived in Mt Hope as my Dad was minister of the Cristobal Church of Christ from 1966 - 1969. Even then Colon was a more vibrant area then Panama City and though we went to many places in Panama, it was Colon and Rainbow City that buzzed with life like no other. We shoped there, visited friends, rode the Chiva's and lined the sidewalks during Carnival soaking up the sites and sounds. As a young child from the Jim Crow South, it was here I learned what freedom looked like. No it was not utopia then and it is sad to see the decay now with the march of time but it is a place and people I came to know and love.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much for your perspect Mr. Sweet Jr.!

[@Noobchannel518]

Im surprised how knowledgeable you are... Im really impressed. Not alot of people know about all of this. Hat off big dawg 💪🏻💪🏻

[@RobertsDigital]

Black guy here. I live in Italy Panama for me is my dream country. I'm so excited to see fellow black Panamanians. Panama for me is a country of my heart. The country I love the most in the entire world. It feels so homely. Hope to retire there someday in the future. God willing.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Panama awaits you my friend…. It’s a beautiful experience indeed! Bless up!

[@ronstevens5412]

Great video. Interesting and enlighting

[@ShahinPourgol]

In Iran we call the snow cone "yakh dar behesht" literally meaning "ice in paradise"! 😀 I live in Panama for 5 years but never visited Colon. Your video made me think about visit it. Thanks.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thanks so much! Glad I could bring you back! Thanks for teaching us some Farsi 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tommies3772]

Really love how you show respect to the citizens and is always willing to learn and share your knowledge. Safe travels to you❤❤❤

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you Tommie! Sending love and blessings back to you!

[@maiamaya6083]

Thank you for coming to my beautiful country compadre, C3, Colón, rich in culture, can't describe with words how beautiful it is, their food, music, dances, everything has something special.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much! Give me an idea where to hit next in Colon Province!

[@donnawoodford6641]

Panamá sería festivo en el mes de noviembre.

[@Nere950]

From New York.. Thank you for showing my city Colòn..long time I'm not been there. People are very friendly, hope you enjoy your steady there.

[@federicolindo5951]

Great video, most of Panamá’s culture and talent comes from Colon. Colon economic decline started soon after President Carter signed a treaty with Panama, stating that Panama would have full control of the Canal. Most West Indians worked for the US government in Colon the jobs payed 5 to 10 times more than what most Panamanians would earn, you could pay your rent with 10% of your salary. Most of us left Colon once that agreement was made with the Panamanian government we knew we won’t get a fair opportunity of employment because of the resentment that they had because we didn’t want the US to give Panama full control of the Canal. Once Panama got full control of the Canal it was payback for them to oppress us because we didn’t support what they wanted to get from the US government. The economic decline started soon after that.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I also read a lot about this in the Afro-Antillean Museum. I also read there was mass interest in West Indians being deported out of Panama. Its terrible....

[@miguelfong1]

I would have to add that the government of the day established patronage and badly accustomed the colonenses. and subsequent governments have taken advantage of this bad behavior to rise and stay in power, to the detriment of "Colón".

[@urracabolivar1374]

good riddance my friend, hopefully you stay in the USA where they treat you as second class citizen. You left because you are a gringo lover and were happy cleaning the gringos shoes and toilets. Many Blacks Colonenses work in that Panama Canal making 200K for year.

[@urracabolivar1374]

you were born in Panama but you have lived all your live as a black gringo and NEVER care to integrate with the rest of the country, you segregate yourself, you were comfortable under the gringo oppression, you knew you were always going to make less money than the racist gringo but you were happy to make more than the rest of the blacks and criollos in Panama...you are part of the problem my friend.

[@federicolindo5951]

@@urracabolivar1374, I was a minor while I lived in Panama but I don’t think you get it we had more opportunity much more than what Panama could give us they disliked us to the point once Panama took full ownership all of the West Indians were unemployed, living situation it’s far worse today because of it.

[@kobenkeenan]

Thank you, Keenan! My mother was from Colon. I have never been there. I am inspired to go after watching your video. It's not as bad as my cousin let on. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. The rules are the same in every poverty ghetto.

[@yresa15]

Oh Panamá 🇵🇦 my beloved country! I am from the other side of the country, province of Chiriqui, but raised in Panamá City, let me tell you something, gastronomy from Colón is the best! Bet you didn’t eat Mondongo a la Culona 😂 that’s hot!! You need several days to see the entire province of Colón, when you get into the mountains and the campo side you will find nature at its best!! Thank you for sharing. Regards from New Jersey

[@kikibrown9548]

Hey, my grandfather is from Chiriqui as well! He grew up in Concepcion.

[@kfelix2934]

@0:4:07 Just want to say raspado is from Raspar to scratch. I had to laugh when you ask him what you call it ;)

[@brunildamachore2660]

I apreciate very much that you enjoyed been in the city of Colon. I also like the way you walked all over the city and wasn't scare. Good food, good vibe. I hope you can visir other nice places in the Province, like Portobelo, Guaira-isla Grande, Margarita Island, Gatun Locks.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thanks so much Brunilda!!! I will return to Panama, I had such a great time. I spoke with a beautiful young Colonesa today who advised me to go further and see more of Panama… She advised on some of the same places…. I will surely return… ❤️❤️

[@serenalloyd7421]

Thanks for sharing! My family came to Panama from Jamaica, so that was cool to see.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Hi Serena!!! Big ups! As you sent this message I was filming a piece on Afro-Jamaican-Costa Ricans in Limon.... Not too far from Colon! I will be dropping another piece from the Atlantic side of Panama maybe in January..

[@ivargasbushcrafts]

Colon is pretty rough, I'm from Panama and have been to Colon like twice?! 😅 It is sad the economic decline that has happened in Colon, and how it has affected the community😢 Great video and the reference to reggaeton was awesome, thank you 😃

[@TeamBramchman]

My family is from colon, I want to visit next year but I keep reading it’s not the best place to visit. Where do you suggest I go?

[@b1ueocean]

top content right here - first video I’ve watched about Panama and it was well worth it - well done! 👏👏👏

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much Blue Ocean!!! I’m happy you enjoy my approach to making this one! Thank you!!!

[@kingdang855]

Cool content. I actually feel like I’m learning something watching this video

[@KeenanLambert198]

Big up yourself King! I tried to give a piece of history in all of these vids... I'm glad you are picking up what I'm laying down... Blessings!

[@johnmitchell4311]

Hi, like your video you miss the cruise line ship area in colon, old city colon with the white gazebo and the canal zone but glad you favor Colon over Panama City. My wife is from Colon and fell in love with Colon back in the late 1980's (street lights, police controlled traffic area, main Street monuments, benches, beautiful trees with lights in them and the peoples). Check out the mall outside of colon before Panama City 3 stories high with a new highway area. Again, thanks for sharing your video. ❤

[@randygaleano1534]

Nice Video, You should go to Costa Rica to the Caribbean side to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita , we have a big population in the province of Limon that also came mainly from Jamaica but also from Africa and other places including panama for the same reasons you mentioned. about rice and beans it greatly depends on each restaurant, I've been to very authentic places and other ones not so authentic but is a hit and miss, like you said I personally prefer it when it's softer and less spicy!

[@KeenanLambert198]

Respect brother Randy!!! I went to Costa Rica but didn’t have the time to range over to Puerto Limon. Next time for sure

[@lorenasull5735]

Nice! You captured much, and obviously did your research to bring such informative, and factual cultural details from where I hail from, big up you! And the sister who accompanied you.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much sister Lorena! 💪🏾✊🏾🙏🏾

[@RayBuckner]

I fell in love with Panama back in 1989, when I was in the Army. My dream has to have a vacation home there!

[@KeenanLambert198]

DO IT big brother!

[@toddmaek5436]

Just came back to this video. I'll make sure to visit this city when I come to Panama. Currently in Mexico, planning on trying to get my permanent residence visa. Also hey what is the name of the restraurant you said you are going back to in the video? I want to eat there when we come. I should be there later this year.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I support your choice to head out to Colon! Arrecifes is the name of the restaurant my friend! One love!

[@vielkalewis3162]

Thank you for visiting our humble but happy City of Colón, still mis to see other places of interés, hope when you are back to take you guys around, there is a lot history to tell. Keep Bless.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you sooo much Vielka! I will look you up the next time I go to Colon Province.

[@TawanaAyee]

My grandfather is from Panama, I am Jamaican tho. My father told me that his father worked on the canal and met some Jamaican who convinced him to come bk to Jamaica with him. My grandfather came to Jamaica and he met my grandma and had my father and his 2 siblings. He died early tho so my father never got a chance to learn his language or hear stories abt Colon.

[@mikaels6009]

i been hip to the afro Caribbean heritage of colon for years as a Trini American. but I felt like around 2013 and so on, moved away from that culture aspect. I think it's due to the Latino marketing & popularity wave in the USA. I remember growing up with Panas and they would be with us. with the soca , dancehall the whole goings. Now they heavy on the Rico suavementeeeee wave lol. the Panamanian dancehall now is nothing like it was in the 80s,90s, early 2000s. it was known simply as "reggae en Espanol". it's like they felt out done by the Puerto Rican reggaeton, so they felt compelled to jump in that lane in order to get some recognition. which isn't surprising, to get Spanish listeners and to get the Puerto Rican DJs to play your Chunes in new York, you got get down with the get down. Also, giving out of all the Caribbean coastal towns in central America with big Afro Caribbean influence, colon assimilated with the "Hispanicized" population in which I read was done by discrimination pressure by the Spanish speaking population outside the canal zone. places like Limon Costa Rica, Bluefields/Corn island Nicaragua, San Andreas, Colombia, the Bay islands Honduras etc. they still heavy with the English and afro Caribbean heritage in general. Panama seems the most water down imo. it's says that because of this discrimination from Spanish speaking population, many prominent afro Caribbean last names moved to Brooklyn, Significantly decreasing the English speaking afro Caribbean population in colon.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Brother! This is pure gold!!!! Lmao the Sauvemente wave!!!! Things have certainly changed a little bit…. Even in the comments here you see some folks accusing the Colonesas of “separating” themselves, for hanging onto culture and speaking English smh… I have another video from Puerto Barrios…. Another Caribbean coastal town with some West Indian people.. Interesting vibe my brother

[@mikaels6009]

@@KeenanLambert198 that's what inspired my comment. I even seen a comment where someone saying you have to mention the so called "Hispanic blacks" from the Spanish slave trade if your going to talk about blacks in Panama. I don't know how to take that, but that seems like the attitude that influence the assimilating pressure that has water down the afro Caribbean heritage in colon. It's like they didn't like the afro So the discrimination cane in but I be dam if they didn't benefit off our culture in Panama as a whole! As a matter of fact I have a good friend from San Miguel and one from what they call the interior, both including Panas I met through them online had attitudes that were so obvious they wanted to suppress the afro Caribbean identity and promote a more typical light skinned Latin America vibes. Bro they even try to start a SocaTina movement in Brooklyn! Them and the tone and Tina thing is wildlife to me.

[@Abstract.Noir414]

@mikaels6009 this is why I laughed at that video from Jamaica gleaned asking should jamaicas second language be spanish. Spanish speaking countries not trying to make English a 2nd language so why yall got to kiss up to them. Makes no sense. Same thing with the music it seems like Jamaicans were forced to do collaborations with puerto Ricans but in reality it should have been the other way around

[@rigger8609]

I live in Panama for 8 years during the 1960's so you can believe me, I love seeing it again, I and my friends were raised there and it was great place to be. I new canal was put in were a lake use too exist and I and my friends use swimming and fishing. I use to fish along the gatun Locks not from what I can see the location is gone. And now the lake is gone, that was right next to Ft. Davis base.

[@thegoodwheel]

Great video. My Dad was from Colon/Rainbow city. My Mom from Panamá city. Family lineage was from Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent and St. Lucia. Panama city itself has been white or hispanic washed, but don't be fooled... a large number of the people you see in Panama city are of African descent a few generations removed. The Canal Zone, in the townships of Pedro Miguel, Paraiso, Gamboa and Rainbow city during the late 60s, 70s and early eighties was the zenith for the black carribean culture in Panama. Educated, professional, nuclear families brought up their kids with community in mind. We had our own everything there. Our parents worked for the PanCanal government and made sure we all had a fundamental understanding and pride in our Afro/Carribean roots. The Canal Zone broke down after the 80s treaty with Jimmy Carter. It was at this point that the children and some parents of the aforementioned communities in the zone, moved to the US. Our bond growing up that way is evident and we have a strong network of friendships. Panamanians reffered to us as Zonians.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Yes!!! I read some bit about Zonians. I heard there is a convention once a year in the states too! Ive always had a lot of love for Panamanians growing up in Brooklyn and always felt the love back. 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦

[@thegoodwheel]

@@KeenanLambert198 yes Sir! There are a couple different reunions. Keep doing what you are doing... it is appreciated.

[@gabajan]

I was stationed at fort Davis 1973-1975 loved my time in the zone, spent a lot of time in Rainbow City. My off duty time was spent with my friends in Colon, being Barbadian was a plus for me. Sad to see how my favorite part of Panama has deteriorated. Always wondered how the Zonians were treated after the canal was handed over.

[@HablemosDelHuerto]

Lot of fake products in the Zona Libre. But, yeah… great people. Very very welcoming. Went there many years ago. Wish I could go again one day.

[@CastleDragon78]

Nice video! Now I know why the paint on the buildings there fade so easily. And Reggaeton comes from Colon? I love Panama, but never really spent enough time in Colon. One of my favorite videos!! Thank You

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you soooo much for watching family! My research on the history on Reggaeton reached a dead end on locating whether the tradition started in PTY or Colon…. I’m leaning Colon though!

[@randythomas2888]

🤩✍️Wow!...👍🏻Really enjoyed watching & learning from this great video!💝

[@wingnut4217]

Panama has always been high on my list to visit and Colon was at the top.

[@KeenanLambert198]

You certainly won’t regret it!

[@lianespicer7623]

The shaved ice treat is called snow cone in Trinidad too. PS: Great video. You have a lovely voice.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much Liane! Come back soonnnnn

[@Mrbengus]

The best description:Havana, Cuba and Jamaica had a baby it would be Colon. I go there for over a decade (due to marriage) and I love the place. Forget what others say about rough and dangerous, they are nice people and I love the place.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Agreed my friend! Welcome to the channel! aka the family!

[@freshwilliams1586]

My Grandma From Jamaica so is myself She always Tell me her Fourth Father come From Panama and Cuba

[@noerodriguez1252]

I'm married to a Panamanian. I love going there, but I see the poverty in Panama, different from the US. I believe their slums come mostly from economic problems. The US reason for its slums derives from homeless people, drugs, and crime and now got worst with today's economy and inflation. I compare our big cities to Panama, I would be scared of walking in Philadelphia, Detroit, and any large metropolitan city.

[@KeenanLambert198]

I would say our slums are also related to economic problems and the other stuff are symptoms of the unequal distribution of wealth.

[@uncleobscurenobody8861]

People are homeless because of poverty. They commit crimes cuz they can't make a living any other way. Drugs are just a way of dealing with an unlivable situation. Don't be so quick to judge the poor in a so-called rich country

[@dolittle6781]

An eye opening experience in a positive sense! Thanks for sharing info about Colon Panama.

[@DonNeeZeeTV]

Dang I saw a lot of 🎂Cakes🎂 Great Looking Food and Co-Host🔥 Great Views! Great Vlog Bro💪🏾

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you my brother.... I'm trying my best to improve with every video....

[@DonNeeZeeTV]

@@KeenanLambert198 I know that’s right! Welcome Bro💪🏾

[@HARDCHARGER1011]

Great video. Short, straight to the point but, very informative.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you Arawak! I appreciate it fam! I try my best to deliver quality tightly wrapped.

[@bartstinson4805]

I was stationed there in the Army about 45 years ago. The last of the Canal construction generation was still alive. One lady told me that Colon in its prime was the jewel of the region; that people came from all over South and Central America to see it. First Latin American city with electric street lights, lovely architecture, spotless hygiene, etc. Then they vanquished the colonialists (us) by stages and the decline set in. Due to pervasive squatting, the real estate market was not sustainable and a South Bronx death spiral took many beautiful neighborhoods down. Crime and blight drove middle class families out. Panama also did the Afro-Antilleans dirty, pressuring them to discourage their kids from using English, as a gesture of solidarity and Panamanian nationalism. After they did so, the elite Panamanians turned around and rejected Colon high school graduates as unemployable in the Free Zone and tourism industry because their English was inadequate. Didn't help that Colon young people got a reputation for stealing, looting and gunplay. So much if not most of the labor force in the Free Zone commutes in by train, bus or automobile from out of the province, and rushes back home at sunset. Tragic, IMHO.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Your comment outlines the history I read about in the Afro Antillean Museum. The economic take down of the community in Colon felt intentional. There is a limit to what I can say on KZbin before my video gets flagged but I 100% endorse this comment

[@alyria76]

Thank you for sharing your experience! My Abuela experienced this kind of backlash as a kid and used to get punished by her parents for speaking English in that dialect, I’m sure their intentions were because of what was going on at that time. So sad.

[@lashaemanley5805]

My grandpa was a creole from New Orleans and was in the army got stationed in Panama around that same time 🥺 made 4 babies with a colonesa & now we’re half Panamanian ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇵🇦

[@urracabolivar1374]

Panama is NOT USA where blacks are second class citizens, many Colonenses moved to Panama City, thousands work in the Panama Canal making 200k a year, Panama GDP increased by more than 20 times since the gringos left. However, I do agree Colon is in shambles and need to be rebuilt, but Panama is NOT racist America, we HAVE NEVER HAD in our history race riot like in USA, intermarriage in Panama is the NORM not the exception.

[@urracabolivar1374]

@@KeenanLambert198 Panama is NOT USA, nobody in Panama wants Colon to be in shambles, you think like a black gringo and your bring your prejudice and craziness with you.

[@multitieredinvestor183]

Vivía en Panamá cuartos años 70-74. Mi cuñada es de Pañama. Colon was dangerous in the 70’s. However, I could go mostly anywhere in Panama City then sin problemas.

[@BlackmantisProductions]

I'm Panamenian from Colón the hot sauce is called Chombo Sauce or Picante Chombo. I like your video 💯 thank you for all the memories of my city. Thank for acknowledging our music contributions in my city, thank you for showing bravery In the eye of criticism I tell many Americans you can get killed here in the United States going to the grocery store the market the movie theater sitting in your house so don't tell me that another country is dangerous compared to here in the United States dangerous everywhere if you don't pay attention.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you Mr. Blackman! Every month I buy a new bottle of D'Elida's chombo sauce!! It was my pleasure to bring you back home. I grew up with many Panamanians in New York and this was my special piece to honor them in their "semi-forced" migration as a people. You are 100% correct, the amount of guns here in the US is absurd and our cities are wild because of it.

[@champanachampana4881]

Good morning. Never heard of you, but I'm truly glad you did a thing about Panama. I would not be caught dead in Colon. Presently, I live in Panama. I'm Panamenian, and I moved here in 2002. from NYC, I'm a professional Jazz guitarist that got tired of the road. The last time I was in Colon, was in 1977. I'm getting out of the bus, then I hear like, buff, bamb bamb. The Hatian woman ahead of me got mugged and robbed. I asked the bus driver, where is the next bus to the city. I had brought a Canadian woman with me. I got on the bus and went back to the city. I have been to the Free Zone, but not to the city. My birth day is Colon day. Do I want to go to Colon.... Hell no! Great presentation. Afro meals, not only in Colon, is the best. All over the country. I don't eat no Aqui (don't know if that's the correct spelling), but you from Jamaica. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Thanks for the share. Keep up your good work. Cheers.

[@j.joseph5353]

Spent about a month in Colon. Mostly on a sailboat docked at a marina. Never had any trouble in the town but we also did not wander about at night. Most unpleasant thing we had to deal with was sewers backing up into the streets during frequent heavy downpours. I would not say I saw a lot of the city but nothing I did see would ever make me wish to return. Overall, I loved my time in Panama (about a year), but Colon is a hard pass if I ever return. I do wish I sampled more of the local food there instead of primarily eating at the marina, but not enough to revisit.

[@KeenanLambert198]

GIve Colon a try! Its nice during the day!

[@DennisLove-qs3uj]

@@KeenanLambert198that says it all.

[@LindaDLoweLLivingthelife]

Great video! Are there any beaches in Colon?

[@KeenanLambert198]

Yes! To the East and West! They’re beaches…. I might have to fly back to give that piece

[@TommyTropical]

My great grandparents were born in Panama when their Jamaican parents went there to make the canal. A lot of British Caribbean islanders went to Panama during the 1990s for work during the building of the Panama canal

[@KeenanLambert198]

Correct! Some returned to their country of origin… Many did not. I went to go visit the cousins

[@MarolinRagoobar]

Your co star is absolutely beautiful

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Thanks, i enjoyed that tour. Greetings from Montego Bay Jamaica.

[@KeenanLambert198]

🇯🇲🇯🇲 bless up mi fren! ✊🏾✊🏾

[@ElPrincipeDebeLeer]

Nice video, I was born in Colon City my people still struggling but we´ll never give up!

[@KeenanLambert198]

✊🏾🇵🇦 Colon will rise again! Hold the faith…

[@amiyrbarclift1640]

Thanks for this one. I was always thinking of visiting Panama. Man it looks rough out there. It does have this rust belt feel for it. So do they speak all English out there or Spanish? Y'all prefer Colon over Panama City? Wow.

[@KeenanLambert198]

The older generation speaks English and Spanish but the younger ones are mainly Spanish....

[@rosa9251]

Nice job, bredrin! Todo mi familia es de Panamá and we are also Afro-Antillean. Attention most definitely needs to be drawn to the decay, debris and destitution that has been allowed to fester in Colón. No bueno! Gracias for using your platform to keep us posted and informed. #ColonesaNegra 🙏🏾❤️🖤💚🇵🇦

[@KeenanLambert198]

Bigs up mi sistren! The goal was to cover the real Colon and speak to the experience and history of Afro-Panamanians… I’m happy to have done it some justice and bring back some of you with roots in the area… Your comment and encouragement puts the battery in my back to keep going…. ✊🏾🔥🙏🏾 Gracias mi negra!

[@cocoaorange1]

I hope the city picks up financially someday.

[@marklester6143]

Place looks a lot like Down Town Kingston. In some places I could swear you're walking down King Street or Church Street. Big up from Yard. This is a great video.

[@ivonnereid9014]

My family lived in Gamboa, Canal Zone and where we were born. My paternal and maternal grandparents migrated from Jamaica (the roots I identify with because my maternal grandmother was from Jamaica) and grandfather from St Vincent, and paternal grandparents were from Barbados, to help build the Panamá Canal. I love my country.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Hi Ivonne! With your family history - You are a proper Zonian... I made this video with you in mind.... Blessings family!

[@michaelburnett9393]

as a kid the communities of Rainbow City..and Colon were forbidden for me coming from panama city. but i would catch the train past Paraiso and Gatun and enjoy the strong west indian vibe ...loved it. miss it. going back in a few weeks

[@KeenanLambert198]

That’s a beautiful thing my friend! Enjoy it to the fullest💪🏾🔥

[@qofi-verrati3546]

The rice and beans look very much like "Waakye" in Ghana ...representing the roots in Panama

[@KeenanLambert198]

Wow! You are right it looks just like Waakye! Its looks just like one of the styles that's popular in Jamaica! Bless up my brother!

[@willm5814]

Would be awesome if those buildings could be torn down, site cleared and replaced with greenspace and/or food-forests - it wouldn’t cost that much and would dramatically change the vibe - a lot of that was done in Detroit and it made a huge difference

[@Pattybluehayes]

I live in Panama - only passed through Colon but heard the government doesn’t put a lot, if any, resources there. People have been struggling and they are kind of cut off from the funds that other districts get 😕 Portobelo is also rich with history and delicious Caribbean flavors.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thats exactly what it feels like Patty! A there is sooo much struggle out there..... Something needs to be done... On the return trip I will go to Portobelo for sure!

[@glensterling223]

My question topanamanian subscribers is: who are the "chombos", it's a word I haven't heard since I grew-up back in the 60s and 70s...

[@macman9689]

just like anywhere in the Central America with majority Afro heritage

[@andersongibbons8560]

Same thing happened in the states. As soon as suburbs were built with the condition that no blacks be allowed to move there, whites left the cities and all funding dried up, now people are shocked the way cities are.

[@KeenanLambert198]

@@andersongibbons8560 100% correct! Suburbanization (Referred to as white flight) and deindustrialization robbed cities of so much wealth….. You’re making me consider this Detroit vid heavy… 🙇🏽‍♂️

[@RighteousWriter]

What a wonderful video! It is insightful, thoughtful, and educational!

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much Johanna!!! I apreciate it plenty!!!! Welcome to the channel if this is one of your first videos!

[@unitchief-bgi1182]

Bajans to the world, so much family im told I have down there. will visit someday soon.

[@KeenanLambert198]

🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧 big ups to the strongest small islandddd!! No offense to Grenada!

[@trdriver430]

Great video. Love the rumba playing among many other things. Thanks and safe travels. Fellow new yawker

[@KeenanLambert198]

Much love NY family! I tried to create a video that would accurately yield the history yet capture the present day endurance of the people….

[@ME-kc8hn]

I went to Colon on the train. Got off and started walking down the main boulevard towards the ocean mid morning. I envisioned a street that in the 1930s-50s may have been a unique place. As I walked, a policeman began to blow his whistle at me so I went to him. He asked me what I was doing and warned me of the risks I was unaware of. Rough place.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Rough indeed

[@angelmay4007]

This My City, I Haven't Been Here Since 92. I'm From Calle 4, It Is Dope To See The City Where I Was Born. Bless King.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Welcome Angel!!! I am happy to have brought you back home! 🙏🏾

[@chiaramilano]

Love your history on panama at beginning of video. I have to do the same explanation to others living in nyc don’t understand thinking all Panamanians are the same since most migrated to nyc from colon

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much for watching… I wanted to create a piece my Antillean Panamanian friends could be proud of… I felt like existing Colon videos on YT were good but missing on either the historical element, the present day life or the push factor migration piece out of Colon…

[@roderickbrown2552]

Chiara greetings from Panama

[@003faze]

This has been the best video of Colon that I've seen so far. My mother was from the city and she used to say you would have to go to Colon if you really wanted to party and when I was out there you could feel the energy hopefully it will get back to its rightful place. Just subbed thx!

[@KeenanLambert198]

Thank you so much for joining the family Frank! I grew up with many Afro-Panamanians in Brooklyn so I had to do right by them and you. There is another video on my channel from a somewhat similar city in Guatemala called Puerto Barrios… When you get time… Give that one a look.. Bless up!

[@Linjamin1975]

Great Video! Another interesting place with very similarities that is often overlooked is Costa Rica 🇨🇷 city of Limoń or Puerto Viejo. This is the home of Afro-Costa Ricans.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Absolutely my brother! As soon as I see cheapy back to Costa Rica I’m going for it!

[@bartstinson8564]

Limon is Colon without the litter and squalor.

[@elvdell5582]

It was hard to tell from the video, but it looked pretty rough. Are there nicer areas of Colon? I'm assuming there are? How would Colon compare to Panam City when it comes to expat life? Great video BTW.

[@c.8535]

In Bmore they call them sno cones too. Btw, def think it’s clothes and the walk that gives “tourist vibes”

[@KeenanLambert198]

C!!!!!! We have to touch inner harbor one of these days fam.... Its def the clothes, me walking.... the camera... the backpack lol!!

[@muminibnluqmanasadullah8949]

I once dated a sister from Panama in 1996 while living in California. I had to go back down south to New Orleans and it seperated us.Her name was Kathy and she had a sister.I pray she is well and i never forgotten you!!

[@pawshands9706]

Panamá is one of my top favorites in America Central, but the cost of living keep rising.

[@KeenanLambert198]

Panama is beautiful! It’s a shame the cost of living is going up without wages following… Coming from NY, I found transportation and lodging to be extremely inexpensive- I need to go back and talk to more locals to get a sense of how it is for them.

[@pawshands9706]

@@KeenanLambert198 that makes sense. I too am from NYC, but I had to temporarily come to Puerto Rico because I can't afford the rent back in the states. It's a mess for so many.

[@davidramos2181]

@@KeenanLambert198 How you u doing ? Excellent I see you keep doing what you enjoy traveling