Panamanians sceptical of Mayan prophesy

XINHUA/Archivo

Un hombre participando en una ceremonia maya realizada en la ciudad de Mérida, capital del estado de Yucatán, al sureste de México.

20/12/2012 - The interpretation by some of the Mayan calendar, which ends on Dec. 21, that it will be the end of the world has largely been received with scepticism by Panamanians.

Spiritualist Carmen Arcila, alias Carmencita, said the Mayan prophecy has generated more clients in her office.

"Some have been worried, others even despair, wondering how much truth there was in the Mayan Apocalypse," she said.

Carmencita is quite clear: "The end of the world comes not until each person dies," she said, adding "it has nothing to do with Dec. 21 as some have interpreted the Mayan calendar."

Meanwhile, Evangelist Pastor Celio Ruiz ensures that the world is not going to end Friday.

"Human beings will continue to be the sole cause of the destruction of the planet in the future," the pastor said.

Church of la Merced Priest Narciso Vioque acknowledges that some people have transmitted some concerns, "mostly older people and more women than men."

But he said the same thing was true in December of 1999, when people thought the world would end at the year 2000.

NOT CONCERNED

On the street, prensa.com reporters were unable to find anyone who believed the alleged Mayan prognosis.