José Domingo Espinar

José Domingo Espinar was a prominent military leader and strategist in the early 19th century, best known for declaring Panama's separation from Gran Colombia in 1830. As a mulatto from the outskirts of Santa Ana in Panama City, he built a remarkable career as a general, engineer, geographer, and politician. Espinar's declaration was driven not by a romantic notion of independence, but by a political demand for the reinstatement of Simón Bolívar as president, following political turmoil and Bolívar's forced resignation. Despite facing strong opposition from the local oligarchy, Espinar played a crucial role in shaping Panama's early political landscape.