Panama Mule International (PMI) creation
Welcome to PMI Virtual Community
As the founder of Panama Mule International (PMI), I want to first start by welcoming you to this virtual community that was created to share information on culture and health while preserving our heritage. One of the most valuable key elements that tells us about who we are and where we came from.
The Name
I have been asked why Panama Mule? I say, I like the name, and it is more than just the idea of a drink that I created in 2014. The drink was created with a mixture of Panamanian seco and passion fruit as the main ingredients. The combination of these words, Panama and Mule to establish a whole different meaning lead me to trust that I have something that will grow significantly.
The name means force strength, vision, family, heritage, culture, change, dedication, and hard work . The people who came over to the isthmus of Panama like my grandfather, Percy Archbold Eugene Hinds, a migrant from Barbados who helped build the Panama Canal (Mira Flores Locks) and worked for the Panama Canal Administration building, had the vision and the courage to build a future in Panama.
My great-grandfather purchased property in Rio Abajo, built a two-story house with 4 apartments, a common area, and land with mangos, cane, plums, and jimbilin among a few other fruits that were common in the community (There are so many other fruits that came from Jamaica and Barbados that were planted here on this Isthmus). On this same land I built Staple’s Café and later Panama Mule International (PMI).
The name Panama Mule will continue to represent much more than just an idea of a drink..
Who is Genetta
My name is Genetta N. Staple Ward I grew up in Rio Abajo in the 60s. I went to school in Panama City and on the Canal Zone. Graduated from Balboa High School in 1985. Throughout the late 70s and 80s, my family traveled to the U.S. during our school breaks in the winter and summer.
I lived, worked, and studied in the U.S., worked in corporate America, served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Honor Guard. I have an Associates degree in Information Management, a Bachelors degree in Business Administration, and a Master’s degree in Information Management.
My many years of experience in different office settings and diverse communities attribute to my understanding of others and their beliefs. This practice gives me the ability to communicate and have a better relationship with persons of background.
My intention is to share valuable information from various sources that is focused on culture and health. And with that focus in mind, I will be reaching out to those who believe in sharing and embracing diversity. That is Panama Mule!
Genetta N. Staple, CEO
Founder of PMI