Larry's Central American Travels

Battleships Patrolling Canal Entrances?

 

What’s happening in Panama?

Battleships Patrolling Canal Entrances?

Panama is participating in PANAMAX 2011, a 12-day military exercise focused on ensuring the security of the Panama Canal. It began Monday, with over 3,500 participants from 17 nations. The exercise includes an event in which 22 ships are patrolling the areas north and south of the Panama Canal during the exercise.

This multi-national exercise, led by U.S. Southern Command and Army South, also includes Marine Forces South, Special Operations Command South, Naval Forces Southern Command and armed forces from 16 partner nations. It is taking place off both coasts of Panama as well as in various sites in the US. The main purpose is defending the Panama Canal from attacks by terrorist organizations, as well as responding to natural disasters and pandemic outbreaks.

 

Bacteria Death Toll In Panama Reaches 50

From DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The special committee formed in response to the crisis created by the presence of the antibiotic resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemases (KPC) bacteria in Panama reported the confirmed death toll has climbed to 50. This committee is composed of representatives from the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventive Medicine, as well as Panamanian doctors and specialists in infectious medicine. 

The committee was only created after the existence of the killer bacteria and the deaths it was causing broke in the news media in late July 2011. Before the story broke in the press the Director of Panama's Social Security Fund tried to cover it up, and even issued an internal memo warning doctors and staff not to discuss "internal problems" with the media. After the news broke Social Security officials tried to paint a rosy picture of their handling of the debacle in the press, and even while President Ricardo Martinelli Tweeted "they tell me the KPC situation is under control," three more people died. At that point the death toll was in the 20's, and now it's in the 50's - not exactly what one would describe as being under control.

Meanwhile, public confidence in the Arnulfo Arias Madrid Metropolitan Hospital Complex in Panama City fades to nonexistent and even very sick people are refusing treatment there - but unfortunately the very poor who rely on the government's socialized medicine system rarely have any other choice. And in the meantime, people keep dying due to KPC in Panama.

 

Consultant Study Confirms Presence of Oil In Panama's Darien

In the basins of rivers in Darien Provence there are an estimated 900 million barrels of oil, according to studies conducted by the company Empresa OTS Latinamérica LLC. The exploitation of these assets would represent $15 billion dollars for the Panamanian state in the form of royalties and taxes, estimating the price per barrel of oil at $100 dollars, over a period of 20 years, as reflected in the calculations made by the consultant. OTS delivered data with all of the information already classified and digitized through specialized software that will serve to facilitate the start of the bidding process.

Larry Notes: As ‘Oil Discoveries’ go, this is not an earth-shaking discovery.  In fact, according to Don Winter (Panama - Guide), it does not even fall in the 'discovery' category. The discovery came several years ago, but there was so much hanky-panky going on between government officials and oil exploration experts that all the companies that specialize in this type of exploration, including ones from the U.S., walked off in disgust.  Bribe requests and attempts at under-the-table transactions? Welcome to Panama!

Now, under the administration of Ricardo Martinelli, maybe some oil might start coming out of the ground.  

 

 

Panama Saw 710,000 Visitors In First Four Months of 2011

A total of 710,403 visitors came to Panama in the first four months of 2011, 9.4% more than the same period last year, representing an income of foreign currencies of $645 million dollars. The Department of Social and Economic Analysis of the Panamanian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) said in a statement that 70.5 per cent of people admitted into Panamanian territory were tourists (at least one night sleeping in the country). He also indicated that the other 25.9% were cruise ship passengers (those who do not sleep in a hotel). The most visitors came from South America (37.2%) and North America (36.4%) and the rest (26.4%) came from Central America, West Indies and Europe.

 

Faster Smartphones with 4G Technology

Claro celebrated becoming the first telecommunications company in Panama to offer the speedy Fourth Generation network last week. The “4G” network allows users to enjoy an exponentially faster speed on data transmission, Internet navigation and downloads on smartphones and 4G portable modems.

The 4G technology, three times faster than the previously fastest 3.5G, is currently available in The Panama metro area and in the Colón metro area. It should be available throughout the country by end of this year.

 

 

Snapshots From David

American Convicted of Murder For Shooting ‘Drug-ed Up’ Burglar

A recent burglary attempt gone awry has really created a stir here in Chiriqui province. The details are coming in fast and furious, so it is really hard to keep up with much less sort out.  But, in short, an American, who is a retired police officer, was found guilty of murder after he shot a night time home invasion burglar, who was all hopped up on cocaine and came after him with a machete while ignoring warning shots. The details of this incident and the trial are absolutely unbelievable!  I will update in a future blog posting, when some of the dust settles. In the meantime, this link gives an early summary of the situation. You won’t believe it!

Panama Guide Article - Murder Conviction 

 

Children’s March Against Violence

Today (Aug 25) was a big march that many of the city’s Junior and Senior high school students participated in. There were the almost obligatory drum corps and drill teams representing various clubs and special activities. The finale was a big show in the park that included an awards ceremony (which I could not translate enough to determine the purpose).

The central theme of the event was a call for ‘no violence’, specifically ‘no violence’ towards children, women and the aged (which is what this banner translates to). 

This sign is a bit more expansive, and probably more to the point. Basically it says: “Children are not property of the family, You can not do with them as you want. the child is a human being, belongs to society and represents their future.” Well, that pretty well says it all, huh?

Domestic violence is not considered a big issue here in Panama, but there is a rising awareness, both in the population and the government, that domestic violence in particular is one of those ‘elephant in the middle of the room’ issues, and has been historically. Hopefully the modern world is crowding out the ‘macho mentality’ that says the male can do much as he pleases with impunity. I guess time will tell, but I feel certain that awareness of this problem at an early age has to be a good step in the right direction.

 

Panama's Walk for Cancer  

Panama's big cancer walk, the Caminata Familiar Susie Thayer will take place on Sunday, August 28. The activity benefits the FundaCancer organization. It has become a major national event, celebrated simultaneously throughout the country in David, Colón, Penonomé and Chitré. The walk in David will center on the downtown Parque Cervantes.

The walk is named after Susie Thayer, who died of cancer in 1999. She was an executive at American Airlines for 25 years. Two co-workers founded the walk, which in Panama City still departs from the American Airlines company parking lot.

 

To take part, the only requirement is to buy the $5 participant t-shirt, which can be purchased at the various events or in advance at the Hard Rock Café in Panama City.

 

For Sale: Small Coffee Farm – Chiriqui Highlands

I often get questions from friends in the U.S. about real estate. Thought you might find this ad interesting and enlightening. 

2.5 Hectares (6+ acres) of mostly flat farmland planted in plantains and coffee. Small rolling pasture. Large house (2100 Sq Ft.), 5 bedrooms, two baths, huge front porch. House has burglar bars. Frontage on Road. FSBO. $125,000.

Any takers?

 

My Book – ‘Angels in Panama’

Judy Brown from Texas sent me a nice review of my book. She also included this picture with is most appreciated and very clever. Thanks again Judy.

Bad News – My publisher now syas that the ‘disconnect’ between them and retailers, causing the eBook version of my book on both Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) to be priced off the chart, should be corrected within a couple of days. However until it is, I will not add those links to my postings.

The link below is for the paperback version of my book from Publish America (the publisher) I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of ‘Angels in Panama’ if you want.

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

'Angels in Panama' Website 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

  

A Serial Killer Still Causing Trouble

 

Snapshots From David

More Noise Out OF ‘Wild Bill’ Holbert

William Dathan Holbert, also known as ‘Wild Bill’, the American who is being held in the prison in David, Panama, after having confessed to five murders in Bocas del Toro, encouraged other prisoners to start a hunger strike on Monday, 15 August 2011. Through text messages emanating from prison, Holbert and other internal groups say they have reached a consensus in half a dozen prisons in Panama for this protest action.  The David prison warden said he didn't know anything about the supposed leadership of "Wild Bill" in making this call for a hunger strike, and he added that the prisoners themselves expelled Holbert from an association they created to improved prison conditions in David.

I’ll bet you’re wondering, How does Holbert get access to cell phones and text messages? Well, contraband is a problem in Panamanian prisons. However you would think it would be easy to ‘cut-off’ a specific individual if you decided to target him, wouldn’t you?

 

A Little-Known Beauty Spot in Chiriqui Province

Los Cangilones de Gualaca is an unusual attraction. Located in the Province of Chiriquí, it is a natural wonder of rock formations on both sides of the Estí river, where the flowing water has created pools that appear to have been built intentionally by man’s hand. Investigators believe that these formations were the result of the lava flow from ancient eruptions of the Volcán Barú. The combination of these perfect rock formations and crystal clear waters make Los Cangilones de Gualacá a special place for tourists and locals to visit.

Los Cangilones de Gualaca, is right outside of David off of the road to Bocas del Toro. In fact it is close enough that buses from David will take you directly to Los Cangilones.

 

What’s Happening in Panama?

Hotel Occupancy Falling in Panama

Hotel occupancy rates will fall from 70% (2011) to 38% in 2012 in hotels with more than 100 rooms, according to estimates from the Panamanian Association of Hotels (Apatel). The percentage decrease is attributed to the 6,000 new rooms will become available, surpassing demand, although the number of visitors grew by 10% during the first half of this year.

Among the hotels already under construction that will open next year include the Megapolis; Renaissance, of the Marriott chain; Panama Hilton; Waldord Astoria; Garden Inn and Hyatt Place, among others. Between 2010 and 2014 more than 10,00 new hotel rooms will become available in Panama City, bring the total to about 18,000 in the province of Panama.

 

Ocú Pays Homage to Countryside Ways

The traditions of the Azuero Peninsula will be celebrated at the Festival Nacional del Manito in the town of Ocú in the Herrera Province. The festival was founded 38 years ago by teachers who wanted to keep the traditions of their community alive.  “Manito” is a term of endearment used among “Ocueños” (people from Ocú), it is a diminutive of “hermanito”, which means little brother.

The party starts with the crowning of the Festival del Manito Queen, at the Fairgrounds in San Sebastian. The festivities will include folklore presentations, regional dances, song and dance.

The “Public Country Wedding” will take place , a real wedding after which a couple rides out of the church on a horse. They are followed by the assembled group to the fairgrounds, where delicious local food is waiting. Music and dancing, of course, are in order. At night, the “Tamarindo Duel” takes place, with 30 actors participating in the recreation of a battle between two young men for a young lady’s heart.

A big parade on Sunday featuring students from the surrounding areas and even the capital city participate to recreate a grand folkloric display. The colorful “Diablicos” of Los Santos and Chitre as well as many beautiful ladies in Pollera dresses will be in the parade as well. Throughout the Festival, various venues will be open with different musical offerings and activities and people can dance to the music of their choice

 

Captain Henry Morgan’s Sunken Fleet Discovered

Captain Henry Morgan’s sunken fleet may have been found here in Panama. The hunch that the famous British privateer’s ships would be discovered here increased this year when six 17th century iron cannons turned up near the mouth of the Chagres River on the Caribbean side.

Now, a team of underwater archeologists is studying the similarities between the designs of Morgans’ fleet and five sunken vessels. Already identified is the section of a hull that is probably Morgan’s old flagship, called Satisfaction.

The discovery was made by archaeologists from Texas State University who were diving near the Lajas Reef. Divers found a section of the starboard side of a wooden hull, containing unopened cargo boxes and chests all covered with coral.

You all probably know the name 'Captain Morgan', but do you know the story? Read on!

Captain Morgan - A Tale for the Ages

The star of the story is Sir Morgan, a Welsh sea captain given the British crown’s official sanction to prey on Spanish sea trade and a royal title (Yes, that Captain Morgan). Morgan raided and took Panama City in January of 1671 using the force of 1,400 men. He preyed on Spanish forces on behalf of the English crown, though his clearance for the Panama attack is disputed.

Morgan and his pirates of the Caribbean took over the Spanish fort on the cliff overlooking the entrance to the Chagres River and went on to overwhelm the city’s defenders. But in the process, he lost his flagship and four other ships to the rough seas and shallow reef surrounding the fort.

When the British buccaneers finally took over the city, they discovered that Spanish authorities had moved much of their treasure out to sea, beyond their reach. That made Morgan’s men angry. Their mistreatment of the local citizenry in the wake of the “Sack of Panama” added to Morgan’s disreputable image. By the time he died in 1688, Morgan was seen as one of the most bloodthirsty (and most successful) pirates in the Americas. His exploits inspired enough pirate tales to fill a dead man’s chest, including the Errol Flynn movie “Captain Blood” and the James Bond novel “Live and Let Die.”

 

My Book – ‘Angels in Panama’

Judy Brown from Texas sent me a nice review of my book. She also included this picture with is most appreciated and very clever. Thanks again Judy.

Bad News – Due to some kind of disconnect between the publisher and retailers, the ebook version of my book on both Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) are priced off the chart. I am trying to get that resolved, but until it is I have removed those links from my postings.

The link below is for the paperback version of my book from Publish America (the publisher) I have also included a link to my website where you can read exerpts of ‘Angels in Panama’ to browse if you want.

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

'Angels in Panama' Web Site

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

  

Problems In Panama!

 

You can click on any of the images on this blog and enlarge the photo.

A Health Care Crises in Panama

How Many Killed by Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemases (KPC) Bacteria in Panama?: Epaminondas Castillo on Sunday became another possible victim of the antibiotic resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Carbapenemases (KPC) bacteria in Panama. Castillo, who spent 40 days in the Intensive Care Unit of the coronary ward in the Specialized Building of the Social Security hospital, was admitted for heart disease but later was presumably affected by the KPC bacteria. This man, who suffered from heart disease, could be the 21st death caused by the KPC bacteria in Panama since it was detected a year ago. Yesterday prosecutors took Castillo's body to the Offices of Forensic Medicine to conduct rigorous tests and to determine the cause of his death.

Larry Notes: This crises has turned into a colossal mess. In a nutshell, it appears hospital administrators tried to cover up, rather than confront, this outbreak and as a result it got away from them. The special committee just now formed to study the crisis has confirmed the presence of the pathogen in 71 patients. These are not new cases, but the result the study of patient records dating back to August 2010. It also appears there may have been additional deaths over recent months that did not get identified.

As you may or may not be aware, getting ahead of one of these horrible bacteria in an enclosed environment (like a hospital) takes some drastic and decisive action. These killer bacteria do not sweep under the rug! To make matters worse, there are also some indications that the ‘cover-up’ went way up the national health care administration chain. Oh my!

This just in as I was posting this : A famous doctor with a national reputation, who has 40 years of experience, filed for the immediate separation of the head of the Social Security Fund and the National Director of Medical Services. He has also filed a criminal complaint against the head of the Social Security Fund for the alleged crimes of manslaughter and negligence. The doctor based his complaint on, "in August 2010 the presence of a nosocomial bacteria was reported in the operating rooms and intensive care unit at the Metropolitan Complex, but they did not react properly".

 

William Dathan Holbert - "Wild Bill" - Complaining About Prison Conditions

The confessed murderer William Holbert, aka "Wild Bill" presented a legal complaint against those responsible for the prison system. Holbert's lawyer, Claudia Alvarado, said the complaint is about alleged human rights violations in prisons throughout the country, among them overcrowding, and a lack of timely and adequate medical care. "Wild Bill" is being held in the public jail of David, Chiriqui for having murdered five people. (TVN)

 

Maybe Congress Should Visit Panama: Don Winter (Panama Guide) reports : A (recently passed) annual budget of $14.4 billion dollars is the largest in the history of the Republic of Panama. As the economy continues to grow and expand, the government of Panama is seeing more and more income (revenue, taxes, monies from all sources) and the administration of Ricardo Martinelli is hard at work, spending that money on all kinds of infrastructure projects, upgrades, improvements, and other new stuff. They are, in effect, pouring that money right back into the economy, stimulating even more growth. Panama has "fiscal responsibility" laws in place which put caps on how much the government can borrow and spend, as a percentage of the total GDP. And what's more, Panama is paying off it's debt and reducing the percentage of the budget that has to be used to service the existing debt … The economy in Panama just keeps chugging along. Hey - look - Panama actually has an annual budget. They are being fiscally responsible. Their debt rating is improving (up to investment grade for the first time). They are living within their means, paying their bills, and not getting in over their heads. As a result, unemployment is lower now than at any time in the last 45 years, and the economy is growing faster than any other in Latin America. Maybe the guys in Washington could learn a thing or two from little Panama... 

 

 

The Drug War Continues: Police officers in conjunction with officials from the Anti Drug Prosecutor's Office incinerated today more than 5.2 tons of different types of narcotics. Police officials confirmed the destruction of a total of 4,485 kilos of cocaine, 592 kilos of marijuana and 34 kilos of heroin, which were burned at the Cerro Patacon landfill.

 

Snapshots From David

Oops: At 15 minutes after midnight Wed night (Thurs. morn, Aug 4th) I was rudely awakened because someone was trying to crawl in bed with me. Then I got awake and no such luck. We were having an earthquake - 4.6 on the Richter, centered about 25 miles from David. And then I was wide awake - watch a movie!

Is Panama 3^rd World? This is probably one of the biggest misconception I run into when people in the U.S. question me about my ‘new home’. The simple answer is ‘No way,’ but it is not really a simple question.

On the one hand consider this. On the ground floor of the my hotel on the town center park, there is a small ‘soda’ that sells pastries, ice cream and coffee, a locally popular cafeteria, an appliance and electronics store, a computer and electronics repair facility, and (recently added) a bar and casino. And the casino has a state-of-the-art ATM machine so I no longer even have to walk across the street to the Nacional Bank’s machine. And right outside on the sidewalk is a new machine that will add minutes to your cell phone automatically (just select your carrier, enter your phone #, insert $1-$10 and your phone buzzes to tell you the minutes where added. The vast majority of the 4 million cell phones in Panama are not on monthly plans).  There are three cable and two satellite TV companies to choose from and a free government provided WiFi system. And, David is ‘small town’ compared to Panama City.

But, on the other hand, there are definitely some differences that remind you ‘Dorothy, we ain’t in Kansas anymore.” The most noticeable is private automobiles. To use a U.S. analogy, though admittedly a broad generalization, the people who own cars are the upper middle class and above, say management level types. However, public transportation is everywhere. You can go practically any place in town, and in the country, by modern, clean and inexpensive bus. And taxis in David are knee-deep, so you can go almost any place in town for a $1.

The real difference is in what the Panamanians refer to as ‘the interior’, and it does have a 3^rd world flavor in many ways. Since South Carolina is about the same size and population as Panama, let’s use S.C. as an example. Now imagine that the Interstate comes south out of Charlotte runs through Columbia and dead-ins down to Charleston, and that is the only way to transit the state. A third of the population (about 1 million) live in the capital of Columbia, another 1 million live in 4-5 smaller towns strung along and fairly close to the interstate, and the final third are mostly indigenous Indians of three different tribes living on reservations out in the boondocks, which make up a big portion of the land area of the state.

One of those indigenous groups is literally living in the ‘loin cloth and blow gun’ era in the jungles near the Colombian border. And on most of the huge Ngobe Bugle Camarca (reservation) in this part of Panama, during the six months of the rainy season, the dirt roads of the interior are basically impassable.  Would it surprise you to find that on the reservations thing are grim (hmm, sounds familiar). Education, health care, infant mortality, life expectancy are significantly less than in the modern parts of the country. 

Panama is one of, if not ‘the’, most prosperous nations in Latin America, and definitely outshines its neighbors in Central America. So you ask, “Why don’t these problems get fixed?” I suspect for the same reasons that the American Indian reservations situation continues to exist. "Out of sight, out of mind and no political clout!"

A Snapshot Look At Health Care in the David/Boquete Area: Lee Zeltzer, an expat who lives in Boquete, just recently posted a very informative article on his blog which tells an interesting story about the health care system here in Panama. I suggest you might want to take a minute and read his article. This is the link:

Boquete Guide Article

 

My Book – ‘Angels in Panama’

Judy Brown from Texas sent me a nice review of my book. She also included this picture with is most appreciated and very clever. Thanks again Judy.

Bad News – Due to some kind of disconnect between the publisher and retailers, the ebook version of my book on both Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) are priced off the chart. I am trying to get that resolved, but until it is I have removed those links from my postings.

The link below is for the paperback version of my book from Publish America (the publisher) I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of ‘Angels in Panama’ if you want.

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

 'Angels in Panama' Web Site

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

 

   

 

Everything Is Not Always Roses In Panama!

 

You can click on any of the thumbnails on this blog to enlarge the photos.

When Troubling Statistics Meet Stark Reality

Last week I had a chance to spend a couple hours with four young men in from ‘the interior’ on a break of sorts from their duties as Peace Corp volunteers working with the Ngobe Bugle indigenous people in the Camarca (reservation). All of them are impressive young folks – in their 20s, college educated with degrees in fields critical in the camarca (health, diet, agriculture, etc.) and bright-eyed and bushy-tailed all.

I got into a long and detailed conversation with young Paul as he explained what a welcome break it was to get back to ‘civilization’ that included such things as potable water and electricity, and a chance to have a conversation with an English-speaker. He peaked my interest when he described his travel itinerary the next day back to his village. There ain’t no bus stop at his place! This story requires another beer.

Paul’s trip starts on the bus from David to Chiriqui Grande, a small town about two hours down the highway on the way over to the Pacific coast province of Bocas del Toro. Then he takes a two hour voyage by canoe across a bay where he is met by some folks from his village at the mouth of the river for another hour by canoe upriver. Then it is only about an hour’s hike to the village from there, trail conditions permitting. Phew!

After another beer, we started comparing notes. Last year I had unearthed some alarming statistics about life in Panama’s interior, which really became the basis for my book, ‘Angels in Panama’. Paul had a ‘head full’ of Peace Corp and other agency stats. “Is the life expectancy still nine years less in the interior than in the rest of Panama,” I asked. Pre-natal care still nonexistent?  Childhood diseases running rampant out of control? And only about 30% even complete grade school? …“Yes to all,” Paul replied.

The mood turned somber when I asked, “And the infant mortality rate in the first two years of life still about 50%?” Paul’s face turned to stone. After a long silence he offered, “A year and a half ago on my very first day, before I had even been introduced around, the chief took me with him when he was called to a hut. A little girl about 11 months old was on her death bed. I asked why, from what and no one seemed to know. So they called in some kind of ‘Holy Man’ and before morning they were burying her.”

He then looked me in the eye and said, “In all the villages around mine, so I assume it is the same throughout the camarca, they don’t even name a little one until they are about two years old.” Then he added with a forced grin, “Why waste names?”

 

Oh my. Sometimes putting a face on statistics can be painful!

 

What’s Hot In Panama?

Things You May Not Know About Panama (Want to get a pencil?)

- Panama has the second largest duty free zone in the world, second only to Hong Kong

- Panama (the approximate area of South Carolina) has more birds than the United States and Canada combined.

- At its narrowest point, it is only 80 kilometers across Panama. That’s right, you could leave a beach on the Pacific, and drive 48 miles and be on an Atlantic beach.

 

Emergency Room Doctors Strike: Doctors working in the Emergency Room of the Metropolitan Hospital Complex of the Social Security protested over a lack of supplies and better conditions to be able to care for patients. The doctors, who did not suspend the attention in the emergency room, have been complaining about the lack of gloves and equipment such as electrodes for weeks, and they are having to improvise to be able to test patients. They say the directors of the Social Security Fund are obliged to meet these needs. The director of the Hospital Roberto Mitre expressed willingness to meet with the doctors when they choose.  Mitre said he was willing to review each demand made by the Emergency Room doctors. (TVN)   

- Larry Notes: The Social Security Hospital system is part of the federal government healthcare system. Probably the closest comparable thing in the U.S. would be the V.A. system. Many of the doctors are government employees and union members. There is constant turmoil of this type surrounding the system. You sure you like the idea of U.S. government healthcare?  Of course, every time one of these situations rears its ugly head I wonder the same thing. And that is, ‘Where was this director who is so eager to talk yesterday?’

 

Unemployment in Panama: Roberto Henriquez, Panama's Minister of Economy and Finance, sent via his Twitter account - "Unemployment in Panama is at 5.6%, the lowest rate in 45 years. Together we will resolve the problems of health and education."

Don Winter of Panama Guide notes: The unemployment rate in Panama continues to fall and in fact I don't really trust this 5.6% number because I think in reality it's even lower. Large business owners and employers will tell you they are having more and more problems finding qualified workers to fill the positions already available. Both the government and private entities are working hard to "train up" those Panamanians who are ready and willing to work, but who lack a skill set that would allow them to enter the labor market. …. The unprecedented growth in the Panamanian economy will continue to generate additional revenue for the government, which they can spend to fix the problems of health and education.

 

Snapshots From David

Dengue Fever Returns To Panama: So far this year there have been 245 confirmed cases of classic dengue, and two of hemorrhagic dengue fever. So far, the regions with the highest rate of infestation include Chiriqui with 5.9%. The most affected population is those between 25 and 49 years of age

There are four dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. The first time a person is infected by any of four virus they will acquire dengue fever. After that you will never be infected by the same virus again, however you remain susceptible to the other three serotypes. If the person is again bitten by a mosquito carrying one of the three remaining virus, dengue hemorrhagic fever may develop, which is much more dangerous and causes death in most cases. There are no vaccines for any of the serotypes, the only way to prevent dengue is to eliminate the mosquito and to keep from being bitten in the first place.

Rains in the country have intensified in recent weeks, increasing the risk of the creation of additional breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Following two recent deaths, the Ministry of Health has increased fumigation and home visits in order to head off a possible epidemic.

 

Heavy Rains Cause Damage In/Around David: Multiple damages were reported on the evening of July 28th, a product of heavy rains and winds that left at least 10 trees fallen on homes, streets and power lines; also nine homes were affected by overflowing storm drains. The heavy downpour was accompanied by heavy rain, thunder and lightening, and gusting winds. The main effects addressed by the Department of Emergency Response were a house in a neighborhood of David, where a family lost all of their belongings due to flooding, trees falling on houses in several areas of Chiriqui, and damage stopping traffic in an outlying neighborhood.

 

And On The Two Days After The Rains: On the Friday after the deluge, David hosted a big bike race. The field of competitors included riders from six Latin American countries.

The race was a mountain riding test with the route going up into the mountains in Chiriqui. The winner (a Colombian) traveled the 15 mile course, in the rain through the winding highway in the mountains in 24 minutes. WOW!

 

And on Saturday there was a big festival in Parque de Cervantes. The festivities started with a parade that must have included every club, organization, school and church group in the nation.  Maybe some people marched several times?

Then everyone collected in the park for bands, singers, choral groups, dancers ,etc. A good time was had by all. And the afternoon showers held off until the festivities were concluded. Double WOW!

 

My Book – ‘Angels in Panama’

Judy Brown from Texas sent me a nice review of my book. She also included this picture which is most appreciated and very clever. Thanks again Judy.

Bad News – Due to some kind of disconnect between the publisher and retailers, the ebook version of my book on both Amazon (Kindle) and Barnes and Noble (Nook) are priced off the chart. I am trying to get that resolved, but until it is I have removed those links from my postings.

The link below is for the paperback version of my book from Publish America (the publisher) I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of ‘Angels in Panama’ if you want.

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

'Angels in Panama' Web Site 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida