The annual in-person IARU Region 2 Executive Committee meeting was held in Panama City, Panama, on October 12 – 14, 2018, with the presence of IARU R2 President, Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM, Vice-President and Area C Director, Ramón Santoyo XE1KK, Secretary and Area D Director, José Arturo Molina, YS1MS,

Treasurer and Area B Director, Jay Bellows, KØQB, Area A Director, George Gorsline, VE3YV, Area E Director, Noel E. Donawa, 9Y4X, Area F Director, Gustavo de Faria Franco PT2ADM?and Area G Director, Ernesto Syriani, LU8AE

Two observers were also present: representing the IARU International Secretariat was Secretary Dave Sumner K1ZZ and IARU Region 2 Band Planning Committee Chairman Alphonse Penney VO1NO / VA1AVR.

Among the issues addressed at the meeting, the reports of officers, area directors and coordinators were read and analyzed, and the situation of each area and of member societies was discussed. Special emphasis was placed on the issues to be discussed at the future World Radio Conference of 2019, to be held in Egypt.

Another event that was widely commented was the next Region 2 General Assembly, to be held in Lima, Peru, in the second half of 2019, where an emergency communications workshop will also be provided. The participants have welcomed this event.

Given that Panama was the venue of the meeting, Region 2 officers were able to meet with local telecommunications authorities related to the radio amateurs and with officers of the Member Society (LPRA) and colleagues to exchange points of view about the local situation.

All participants were satisfied with the results of the meeting; they also commented on the good results of the periodic virtual meetings and reiterated their commitment to continue working in favor of their respective areas and of amateur radio.

Also available in Español (Spanish).