Dr. Merchant’s grandfather, Crede Calhoun, moved to Panama, at age 18, and after obtaining a degree in journalism, from the University of Wyoming, returned to Panama. He became Chief of the Division for Civil Affairs and Director of Posts, from 1916-1947; and was a passenger on the first ship to cross the Panama Canal. He continued to work as a journalist, writing articles for the New York Times, New York Herald Tribune, and Newsweek; and after retiring as Chief of…..