Martin Torrijos, the son of a former dictator, took office as Panama’s president Wednesday promising jobs, better relations with Cuba and a referendum on a proposed $8 billion expansion of the Panama Canal. Torrijos said Panamanians should decide on the proposal to widen the canal for a new generation of bigger ships because of its high cost for this poor nation, where 40 percent of the people live in poverty. He also promised an investor-friendly government that is concerned for the poor. “Doing business in Panama has become a headache,” he said. Torrijos had tough words for his predecessor, Mireya Moscoso, calling her term “five years of wasted opportunities.” “We receive a country full of youth without hopes,” he added. Full Story