Experience Panama in San Diego

Carlylse Cave currently serves as the President of the House of Panama. The organization promotes Panamanian culture and traditions within the historic House of Pacific Relations International Cottages (HPR) in Balboa Park. Born in Panama City, Panama, in 1970. Later, with his parents immigrated to the United States as a child and completed high school in Massachusetts.

Served in the U.S. Army as combat Medic and later became a computer specialist. Attended trade school to specialize as an Electronic Engineering technician. Has had a career spanning over 30 years as a computer specialist, primarily focused on IT storage networks.

Volunteered and helped the House of Panama at their events and programs.

joining as an official member in 2008, to aid in the push for physical building in the decade-long effort to build a permanent museum for the House of Panama. This culminated in 2021 when Panama became one of nine nations to open a new cottage in the park expansion.

Service is a family commitment; his wife is a fellow member, and his daughter has served as one of the organization’s princesses, representing the community during official cultural programs.

Dyrol Amantine is a dedicated professional whose career spans military service, education, counseling, and ministry. Born in Panama and raised in Gamboa and Parque Lefebre, he moved to the United States in 1979 and graduated from North Hollywood High School. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy before retiring and relocating to St. Louis, where he earned his teaching credentials and taught high school for eight years. He later returned to California, where he currently serves as a Mental Health Counselor within the school system and practices as an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, supporting both young adults and older individuals. In addition, he is the founder and Pastor of Clear Visions Ministries, a role he has held for over a decade. Throughout his career, Dyrol has remained committed to mentoring boys and men across schools, churches, military settings, community programs, and correctional institutions. He has been married for 35 years and is a proud father of six children and grandfather of five.

Yolanda Burgess was born in the Republic of Panama and immigrated to the United States in August 1977. She made a career for herself in the banking industry and retired after 23 years of hard work and dedication. In 2001, Yolanda started a Bookkeeper/Office Analysis business and has maintained clients that range from Engineers and Architects to Restaurateurs and Non-Profit organizations. For over 39 years, she has been a member of the House of Panama in San Diego, CA, and served on the board as the treasurer for serval years. Yolanda has also served as a board member for Community Outreach Ministries for 25 years, with the sole priority of breaking the cycle of crime and delinquency in the children of incarcerated parents. While a part of this non-profit organization, Yolanda has been recognized on numerous occasions at the county and state levels. In addition, she currently serves as the Treasurer of the San Diego International Sister City Association’s executive board. Yolanda is married with two children and has two grandchildren. She lives in Southern California and enjoys spending time with her family and sewing in her free time.

The House of Panama started as a vision to inform others of Panamanian culture. One sunny afternoon while visiting the House of United States cottage, I approached a woman and inquired about the purpose

of Balboa Park and cottages. Noticing my accent, she asked where I was from; I proudly said I was from Panama. She explained to me that Balboa Park was named for Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the first European explorer to cross the

Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean. The cottages were the sleeping quarters to host the Captain and Admiral of the first ships that came through the Panama Canal in 1914. I asked where the House for Panama was; she immediately told me they didn't have a House of Panama and invited me to the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages' meetings. After the meeting, and knowing this was a good thing, I took the initiative to get the paperwork started. Along the way I obtained

the assistance of Mrs. Maritza Bowen (the first Vice President) and started the House of Panama.

Aili spent her young childhood in Panama, before relocating full time to the United States. Her father, siblings, and extended family still call Panama home, and while she visits often, staying connected to that side of her life while in the U.S. has always mattered to her. Since relocating to San Diego in 2023, she's been an active member of House of Panama, where she gets to celebrate her culture alongside a community that feels like home. Professionally, Aili is a Group Manager of Customer Success at Intuit, where she leads teams focused on customer experience and service delivery. When she's not at work or at House of Panama events, Aili is likely at home with her two cats, Seymour and Evans.