The Foreign Service Journal, January 2006

year before I could accept foreign government employ- ment.) The naming of a U.S. adviser in the foreign min- istry was uncontroversial at first, and a number of com- mentators congratulated the new administration for its good sense in utilizing talent from various sources. However, in mid-2005, a leftist construction union (more interested in rabble-rousing than the welfare of workers) denounced the “shameful” appointment of a gringo advis- er “who dictates Panamanian foreign policy.” Mutual Benefit Few others jumped on this bandwagon, however, and Foreign Minister Lewis Navarro supported me energeti- cally and publicly as an important asset to his foreign pol- icy team. Additionally, as one U.S. mission wag com- mented privately, “I don’t know what the union is com- plaining about. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry has one gringo adviser. We have 300 Panamanian employees, and they run the embassy.” The union soon moved on to other perceived grievances with which to bash the gov- ernment. But not long after that episode, while driving I found myself alongside a public demonstration, and a pro- tester thrust a leaflet through my car window that chided the government for its gringo adviser. Certainly some former U.S. colleagues looked warily at my working for a foreign government after almost 30 years in the Foreign Service. But I pointed out that the U.S. also benefits from my employment as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs adviser, precisely because I can explain U.S. policies and motivations more clearly to my Panamanian colleagues so they can formulate appropriate responses. Moreover, most of the resources and advan- tage cards are stacked overwhelmingly in favor of U.S. government interlocutors. Panama is not the enemy, after all. It is arguably the U.S.’s firmest friend in our hemi- sphere, and deserves to have a more level playing field. Unusual as it was, my 29-year passage from U.S. Foreign Service junior officer to Foreign Service National in Panama’s Foreign Ministry has been interesting and rewarding in ways I never could have foreseen. n F O C U S 42 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 6 Home Suite Home The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 www.georgetownsuites.com sales@georgetownsuites.com t ti ’r i t i f r t t , r lf t t r t it . it r i t t l r t l r , f rt l it , ’ll f l ri t t . l ’r r t t t rt t. ll t ! the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 . r t it . l r t suites.co