By Anita Cumberbatch 
I went home in August 2007 to Panama, and my beloved Colon, where I visited with friends and relatives. We were honored to be accompanied by Canal Port Captain Leon Cumberbatch on a tour of the majestic Gatun locks, drive along the Atlantic coastal area, and tour the enchanting town of Portobelo. As a daughter of the Atlantic coast, I have always been fascinated by the heavenly beauty of Gatun locks. My father worked there during his years as an employee of the Panama Canal, and I have some of the fondest and loveliest memories of Gatun.
Our community has produced remarkable individuals with the talent, intelligence, grace, and dignity that we should be proud of. Here is a biography of an accomplished Afro-Panamanian who is working skillfully and efficiently in the success of the ships transiting the Panama Canal.
Leon Cumberbatch’s current position is Canal Port Captain and he is an employee of the Panama Canal for 37 years. His functions consist of attending to all emergencies that arrive with the ships at the port. He deals with all deficiencies, to make sure each ship is ready for transit through the Panama Canal. Because an efficient, and smooth transit is vital, and important, Mr. Cumberbatch is the person in charge of setting up all procedures, and verifying and checking so that that there are no glitches, or problems of the vessels, and the ships would be ready for an excellent transit.
I was impressed, and filled with admiration, on how he graciously explained his functions, and I was able to comprehend how such thoroughness is required to have a complete and successful daily transit. Leon Cumberbatch is a dedicated Panama Canal professional. The Silvermen would have been so pleased.
Leon graduated from Rainbow City High School in 1968, and was part of the Panama Canal Apprenticeship program. He also has completed courses in the United States pertinent to his function.
Mr. Cumberbatch is married to the lovely Vanessa Cumberbatch .They reside in a lovely home in Margarita, Colon, Panama. They have two children: Leon Jr. and Shaherah, both whom are married. The Cumberbatch’s have two grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way.
Leon Cumberbatch also involves himself in various community activities, and is presently making preparations with the Rainbow City Class of 1968, for a class reunion this coming August of 2008.
Afropanavisions.com Website sponsored by the Rainbow City High Newsletter |