Panama, Noriega Home - A brief History

Manuel Noriega was born February 11, 1938 and was the former military leader of Panama. He resided in Panama City and was at one time a very strong ally of the United States. By the late 1980s relations had turned extremely tense between Noriega and the United States government, and in 1989 the general was overthrown and captured by the U.S. He was taken to the United States, tried for drug trafficking, and imprisoned in 1992. He is still in a federal prison in Miami, Florida awaiting a decision on extradition.

John`s Recollections - 2009 This unusual visit for us was only being in the right place at the right time. Trying to peek thru the gates and get some pictures of the Noriega placque outside caused the POLICE to drop by. After a brief conversation we were invited in to visit the locked up home. It was still in a total state of disrepair, but with climbing over broken stairs and thru obstucted doorways we were able to see how the man Noriega lived when he was so powerful. One could not help but compare this home to his current. Must admit being a bit shocked to see it in such a state but still the inside structure not touched.

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While on this 2006 winter vacation we were fortunate to have a tour of his home and grounds. Pictures from the outside show the state of disrepair of the home. Inside, the immense reception room, his library, and entrance vestibule show a home left in its' original state over the years. Outside the gardens, the fountains with adjoining buildings, and the grounds are also not maintained. The home, while still remaining, indicates the lack of support from the Panamanian government who in 1999 requested that Noriega be extradited to face murder charges in Panama, as he had been found guilty in absentia in 1995. Click above underliined links for Noriega Home video clips

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