And now for the real world take...
This should put in perspective the credentials that might be presented by those who would criticize him most....
Richard Fifer Carles (born January 23, 1957 in Panama)is a Panamanian businessman and former politician. He is called the "Father of modern mining in Panama" by Boletín El Minero .
Early life and education
Richard Fifer is the son of Richard Glen Fifer Witte (son of Anne Witte and Elzy Fifer) and a Panamanian mother, Celina Carles Montenegro (daughter of Celina Isabel Montenegro and Jorge Isaac Carles).
He attended primary school at St. Mary’s School, transferred in 9th grade to Curundu Junior High and completed in 1974 his High School education In Balboa High School.
After completing his elementary studies, Richard Fifer-Carles concluded his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Utah. He is also participated in the Geophysical Engineering program Rice University and took advanced Finance studies at Tulane University.
Career
As President and CEO of Petaquilla Minerals Ltd, Fifer has been involved in the mining project since its commencement. He serves on the Board of Directors of Petaquilla Minerals Ltd. and has done so on more than one occasion. Petaquilla Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company.
In 1993, he was appointed Governor of the Province of Cocle during the presidency of Mireya Moscoso. While under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Panama, he was also the President's Plenipotentiary Ambassador-at-large from March 2002 to September 2003. He later returned to the mining industry as President and Chairman of CODEMIN (Corporación de Desarrollo Minero), Panama's State Mining Company. He also assumed the role National Security Advisor to the President of Panama from 1999 to 2002.
Fifer is the founder of Grupo GEO formed by seven companies that provided services and products to diverse industries, such as Oil, Aviation, Mining, Reforestation, and Technology. He is also currently chairman and CEO of another enterprise, Geoinfo International, S. A., a company that operates in Panama through its affiliated company, Geoinfo, S. A., founded in 1992. Its main activities are the development of mapping technologies, the integration of Geographic Information Systems and business intelligence consulting in the Republic of Panama where it enjoys a complete monopoly in government contracts.
Fifer created the Castilla Del Oro Foundation which promotes sustainable development of rural communities in the central provinces in Panama. It aims to promote projects and provide structures that will turn the region into a cultural tourism destination.
Fifer was honored with the title Caballero de Guadalupe in October 2011, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Spanish Catholic Church for his Foundation and charitable work.
IT IS PETAQUILLA AND FQM THAT NEED RICHARD IN PANAMA AND SPAIN, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. LOL! DON'T LET THE FACTS GET IN THE WAY OF ENVY AND AGENDAS!
