CAPTAIN THOM LANE OF PEDASI : THE VIGILANTE OF THE BEACH

Selecta Magazine - October Issue, 2007

Panama is a country blessed by its exuberant beaches. These beaches have impressed the foreigners visiting the country, more so than the natives. Every day, it is more evident by the number of foerigners having established their vacation homes and (sometimes permanent homes) on the seaboard and interior of the country.

The tropical paradise of San Blas and Bocas del Toro have captured the attention of adventurous people all the world, however in the last few years serious competition has begun for the jewel of the Panamanian Caribbean-&-Pacific. this Panamanian jewel is known as the "Azuero Peninsula"' located on the Pacific Ocean side, specifically in the Pedasi District, whose beauty of its beaches has been echoed all over the world.

Thomas Lane, a retired Sailing Captain and lover of the nature, was long sailing the world; and heard of a sanctuary beach for surfers located in Pedasi. captain Lane, a man avid of adventure travel, finally retired in the end of his tireless trip: the sanctuary beach of Playa Venao.

Playa Venao is a magnet for lovers of surf from all over the world, however for Thom it is more than surf, Playa Venao is an artwork of nature, a place that must be preserved for the current and future generations - that they also have the privilege of enjoying it.

He was so committed to the beach, that he did something that in that time it seemed impossible. To build his retirement home "in front of this sanctuary beach". According to him, it happened because the people living in the area realized that he was interested in preserving the benefits of nature in the evitable development of Playa Venao.

The native people of the area were right. Thom Lane not only has showed his love for this beach, but its people as well. In 1983 he married with a native woman of Mariabe, however she passed away later on. After her death, he contributed to take care of the children's park and the cemetery of his wife's homeland. Continuing its painting and lawn maintenance every time it is necessary.

Other of the many contributions that Thom have done to the area, have been to offer supports and small business loans of capital for increasing business opportunities and organizing the first Real Estate Office in Pedasi. Knowing he is retired, he only assists in this practice in panama, as he has a vast experience in this business. Because he has been a man who is familiar with the real estate Market in different parts of the world.

However, one of his greatest satisfaction; has been to gain the respect and love of the majority of the people in the area. Many of them have asked to Thom for support, when they receive offers from foreigners for buying their farms or beach properties.

This service without charge practice has gained some opponents; who see him as an obstacle for their objectives. However "the only issue I want - is to see they get the price/terms they deserve" Thom said, On the contrary, the people that have received his help they express their thanks through letters because of the help that Thom has offered them at all times.