the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX in Spanish); the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce; the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AMCHAM); The Young Presidents' Organization, and the Gabriel Lewis Galindo Foundation, dedicated to promoting education in Panama. Political career Lewis' participation as a citizen concerned with the defense of the interests of his country in the international field was demonstrated by his work as Special Ambassador of Panama (1994–1999) and his voluntary service in organizations and public bodies such as the Advisory Committee of the Panama Canal (1994–1999), the National Council on Foreign Affairs (1999–2003) and the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority (1998–2002). The latter state institution, wholly run by Panama since December 31, 1999, is responsible for the management of the waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Finally, his involvement in partisan politics started in 1993, when he founded the Solidarity Party, of which he was the Vice President from 1993 to 2003. He resigned from it to contribute as an independent citizen to finding solutions to the serious social, political and moral problems facing the Panamanian nation. External Links / References SEDI State Dept Vice presidents of Panama People from Panama City 1957 births Living people Solidarity Party (Panama) politicians Government ministers of Panama Ambassadors of Panama