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Birth of a Leader
February 11, 1938, Manuel Noriega is born, from parents Ricaurte Noriega, and Maria Feliz Morena. His Dad was an accountant, while his mother was a former maid. She just happened to be his father's maid. -
Unfortunately...
In 1939, He was given up for adoption at just 5 years old. He was given to a school teacher. He then studied at the National Institute, which was one of the top schools in Panama. -
Period: to
Starting Point
1958, after all his schooling, his parents couldn’t afford to send him to medical school. So he accepted a scholarship for studying in the Chorrillos Military School at Lima, Peru. In 1962, he graduated with a degree in engineering, and started his military career. -
When I Return
1962, when he returned to Panama, Noriega was first commissioned as a sub-lieutenant, and was stationed in Colon, Panama. He then got a string of promotions, and got acquainted with Captain Omar Torrijos. In 1967, Manuel also received his counterintelligence and intelligence training at Fort Gulick. -
Promotion
He was promoted as a lieutenant in the year 1968 and supported Omar Torrijos in the failed military coup that happened in 1969.He was elevated to the position of lieutenant colonel as a reward for his loyalty and was eventually given the position of chief of military intelligence by Omar. When Manuel was assigned the position of chief of military intelligence, he managed to establish contacts with the intelligence service of the United States of America. -
A Day To Remember
Omar Torrijos had died in a weather related plane crash in 1981. In 1983, Noriega had taken control of the Panamanian Armed forces, and unify them with the Panamanian Defence Forces. He then proceeded to take control of the National Guard. He also promoted himself the the position of general. -
Court
Mid-to-late eighties, Noriega was charged for the murder of Hugo Spadafora. He was later charged for laundering money related to drugs. He also was charged with selling restricted American information and technology. -
I Surrender!
On 3rd January, 1990, Manuel Noriega eventually surrendered to the U.S.A. Thereafter, he was taken to Miami and was charged with a series of criminal offences. His charges included cocaine trafficking, and money laundering. -
Prison!
1992, the federal court sentenced him for 40 years behind bars. But, his sentence got reduced because he had good behavior. The sentance that he surved was around 22 years. -
Still Alive
Noriega lives today. He has been reduced to a wheelchair because of the many strokes that he has suffered in the past. He no longer waves around his huge machete.
