Larry's Central American Travels

Panama – Life In The Slow Lane

 

Snapshots From David

 

Life In David is a Learning Process

Street Dividing Lines: Turns out that the dividing lines on the streets are color coded (assuming they have marked the dividing line), or so I found out this week. According to Don Ray Williams over at Chiriqui Chatter, if the streets are one way, the dividing line will be white. So if you are on a street with a white dividing line, you better make sure you are going the right direction. Two way streets have a yellowish orange dividing line.

So if you are crawling down the middle of the street late at night trying to get home from the bar, you now have a color reference to tell you whether you need to occasionally check behind you.

The Streets of David: I also found out from the same source (Chiriqui Chatter ) that I have been using the word calle (street) incorrectly.  I mean come on, that is one of the first words I had to learn because you need to know that your hotel is on Calle 4ta. (4^th Street). Sorry Larry, the ‘streets’ are actually Avenues and Streets in David. The ones running east and west are “Avenidas” and only the ones running north and south are “Calles”. Oh! 

 

Things In Panama That An American Will Never Get Used To

Cuatro Restaurant is one of life’s pleasures right here in David. It is really a professional operation that I am convinced would be a big hit in any city in the U.S. you chose to drop it into.  Cuatro has several things that are noticeably missing in the restaurant scene in David - things like a nice ambience, a varied menu, many gourmet dishes, stunning meal presentations, superb desserts and excellent attentive service. In most of the ‘better’ restaurants in David you feel good if you get two of those traits consistently.

For me the topping on the cake is the outside porch on the side of the building. The restaurant is set back off of the street, a street that gets relatively quiet after dark.  And, on a typical David evening (year round), by about eight o’clock in the evening the temperature has dropped to about 75-77 degrees and there is a slight breeze blowing across the porch. Pipe in some soft beautiful music (last time it was Andrea Bocelli), bring me that fantastic dry Absolute martini up, hand me a menu that I know is going to be hard to make a choice from, and then try and convince me that I am not in heaven.

 

The chef, Luis Mendizábal, although he grew up in David (in fact as a child lived in what is now the restaurant), spent time in New York studying the culinary arts. He also studied in Florida and worked for several restaurants there prior to returning to Panama.

So why my lead-in above about things hard to get used to? Last weekend late Saturday afternoon, I went by the restaurant coming back from a shopping trip and realized the place was closed, or appeared to be anyway. I didn’t realize it until I had passed it, so Sunday when I went by it again (they are now open on Sunday afternoons), I had the cab driver slow down and took a good look. Closed – dead as a door nail.  Oh no, I thought. We have lost the best place in town after about only six months in business.

I discovered a few days later that Chef Mendizábal had been a participant in a big culinary event down in Panama called Panama Gastronomica. The event was kind of a cooking show and Iron Chefs competition kind of event. So when Mendizábal got the invitation to participate he took advantage of the opportunity as you would expect.

Question: If you had a really nice popular restaurant and you were going to close it for a couple of days (on the weekend to boot), would you not think it appropriate, maybe essential, to put a big sign of some kind out front announcing the closing and why?

 

What’s happening in Panama?

Mariano Rivera Get's Save Number 600

New York Yankee star pitcher (and Panamanian National Hero) Mariano Rivera got his 600th career save, only the second pitcher in MLB history to reach that impressive milestone. Rivera is two saves away from passing Trevor Hoffman and becoming the all-time leader in saves, but the postseason is what he truly cares about. His focus is the World Series at the end of the year. He explained to the press  - "I’m not focused on that (record). I’m not that type of guy. I’m a team player. I tell you guys many times and I’ll continue to tell you, it doesn’t depend on myself. It depends on my teammates giving me the opportunity to be able to pitch."

The closest pitcher even remotely close to Rivera among active pitchers is Francisco Cordero, who’s 36, with 322 saves. So it is very unlikely anyone will reach these numbers again, at least in my lifetime.

 

Panama Has Its Warts Also!

- Immigration Official Arrested At Tocumen International Airport

The Directorate of Judicial Investigation of the Tocumen Airport yesterday arrested an official of the National Immigration Service (SNM), for allegedly charging to process visas for foreigners. An informed source said it is Dinorah Ruiz Diaz, who presumably charged up to $2,000 for each document. It was learned the woman was on loan to the National Immigration Service, but she actually works for the Tocumen airport.

 

- Citizens Allege Police Abuse and Beatings

National Police officers in La Chorrera are being accused of an alleged beating and police abuse. Hector Castro, one of two complainants, said everything started at a swimming hole when a police lieutenant arrived who started throwing out the citizens. Castro protested, which led to his arrest and before his arrest he was sprayed with pepper gas in "excess" as he described. Once at the headquarters, says Castro, he was transferred to the "hall of justice," a room located below the water tank. There the police officers made him lay on the floor, where he was beaten with a police baton in both the ankles and the buttocks (see photo). Both Castro and his partner filed a complaint.

 

- Forty Remain In Prison On Money Laundering Charges

Panama's First Anti Drug Prosecutor ordered the continued detention of forty people who belong to a drug trafficking ring.  That network was dismantled on Monday, and during the operation 80 people were arrested, of whom more than thirty were granted a preventative measure other than detention, said the prosecutor. The prosecution filed charges for the crime of money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime. In this case it was determined that a defendant posing as a Panamanian citizen, had a fleet of 25 trucks with containers and a farm on the Rio Congo, in La Chorrera.

Don Winter's Explains: In Panama if they think you're really guilty and an active participant in the crime, they will keep you in prison while they investigate. However they also tend to cast a pretty wide net, and they will scoop up anyone and everyone associated in any way with the criminal activity. Normally those people are let go (not held in jail) awaiting trial, but they might have to give up their passport, report in to the prosecutor's office on a regular basis, or some other such thing. So, it looks like about half of the people who were originally arrested are going to stay in prison until the trial, which could take years. This was a very large drug trafficking and money laundering network that ran tons of cocaine every year along Panama's Caribbean coast, from Colombia to parts North.   

 

 

Science Fiction in Lake Gatun?

The presence of a giant boa constrictor in the waters of Gatun Lake near the village of Escobal in the province of Colon has caused much fear among the fishermen and locals who bathe in those waters. Luis Montero, 22, who hunts lizards and crocodiles, was the first to see the reptile, and he said he has seen all sorts of marine animals, but the boa has left him paralyzed (with fear). (Larry notes: Gatun Lake is an integral part of the Panama canal. It is the source of the water used to flood the locks and raise/lower the ships as they pass through.)

Anacondas can grow to as much as 25 feet in length and some unverified reports have them twice that length. There was in fact an article that appeared in the Panama America newspaper back in March 2011, saying that an Anaconda had reportedly escaped from an American in Arenosa, and that the snake had taken up residency in Lake Gatun.

 

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 says 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 The Publisher $9.95

The 'Angels in Panama Web Site

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

 

An American Convicted of Murder in Panama

 

 

 

Snapshots From David

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

  Last week I reported on an American, a retired police officer, who was found guilty of murder after he shot a night time home invasion burglar, who had broken into a neighbor’s house. The neighborhood was suffering from a rash of burglary break-ins and when the neighbor (shooter) went to investigate, he was attacked by the burglar with a machete who ignoring warning shots. The man bled to death waiting for an ambulance. It came to light in the aftermath of the incident that the burglar was well known to both the police and Panamanian residents in the area. He had a history of arrests for break-ins, and in fact, had been shot twice before during burglaries (by Panamanians). The autopsy also revealed the burglar was ‘wacked-out’ on cocaine.

In an effort to make some sense out of this seemingly outlandish result, Lee Zeltzer, a civic leader of the expat community in Boquete (and a retired lawyer), arranged for a Panamanian lawyer to explain the law that applies in this case. This is a shortened and edited version of what he explained:

 -----------

 To appreciate this and other criminal laws in Panama, understand that unlike most developed countries, in Panama if you are arrested for a crime, you are presumed guilty unless you can prove yourself innocent.

 Acts of self-defense that the local courts may find justified are as follows:

 ■The existence of an unjust aggression, actual or imminent.

 ■Using a rational means to prevent or repel aggression.

 ■Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of one who advocates or is defended

 ■It is presumed to be acting reasonably in self-defense to repel an attack against you, when without your consent, a person has entered your residence, dwelling, house or room.

 Take note of the last point. IF YOU ARE IN THE PLACE YOU ARE LIVING, your home, a home you are house sitting, where you are residing and you act to defend yourself from a person who did not have your consent to enter the dwelling the burden shifts. You are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise. It does not cover your car, your front yard or someone you invited into your dwelling.

 Lee’s analysis based on facts as known: The shooter was a member of a neighborhood watch group. He was watching a neighbor’s house, not residing in it. He witnessed a burglary in progress, armed himself with a shotgun and proceeded to the house. He confronted the burglar, who threatened him with a machete. He shot the burglar, who died waiting for a delayed ambulance. This account, true or not, is the basis for the hypothetical discussion below.

 In my untrained interpretation of the law of Panama as stated above applied to the hypothetical shooting in the facts related above. (Note: this is a hypothetical because I do NOT know the facts only the internet chatter)

 1. The shooting did not take place in the dwelling of the shooter.

 2. The shooter entered another, unoccupied dwelling with his weapon in an effort to stop a burglary.

 3. He was threatened with a lethal weapon and he used lethal force.

 It was not his dwelling, he left his dwelling to investigate he was armed. He acted as if he was a policeman, he was not. In doing that, under the law, as I read it, his action of entering the premise armed, could be interpreted as having provoked the machete attack. In that case the law provides no protection.

 

Larry adds: In situations such as this, the U.S. laws vary widely just from state to state. I suggest that one would have a ‘legal problem’ almost anywhere in the U.S., though probably not a murder charge. But, we are not in the U.S. And I have spent time in a lot of countries over the years and I can’t think of a one of them that this would not be a BIG problem for a visiting American. Better leave your guns at home in storage!

In my 20/20 hindsight it appears what was missing here was a home security system. With modern home security systems (alarms, motion sensors and outdoor lighting, etc.) and something as simple as a dog, I find it hard to envision someone getting in the house. And there are a variety of non-lethal weapons such as pepper sprays and tazers which would make any intruder wish he hadn’t.

 

 

 

What’s happening in Panama?

Government In Turmoil

DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The political alliance between Ricardo Martinelli's Cambio Democratico political party and Juan Carlos Varela's Panameñista party is now officially dead and buried. All of the Panameñista party members on the Executive Cabinet Council who were Ministers have either resigned or been fired. Ricardo Martinelli fired Juan Carlos Varela, who is the Vice President of the country, as the Foreign Minister.

All of this comes because Martinelli is insisting on pushing through an initiative to change the electoral law in Panama to allow for a second round of voting in national elections if no candidate wins a clear 50% +1 majority in the first round - so the two candidates with the most votes would go to a second round. The Panameñistas dug in their heels and resisted. In response Martinelli went out and recruited three more votes in the National Assembly, and he now has the 36 votes needed to pound through anything he wants. Therefore, he no longer needs the Panameñistas.

 

 

Panama’s Baseball Hero Closing In On Record

Panamanian Mariano Rivera, the star closing pitcher for the New York Yankees, picked up his 34th save of the 2011 Major League Baseball season in the 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. With this save Rivera now has a total of 593 career saves, meaning he needs just eight more saves to tie Trevor Hoffman (who retired after last season with 601 career saves) for the most of any pitcher in history. If he stays on pace Rivera could get another seven or eight saves before the end of the regular season. If the Yankees make the playoffs then he will get a few more, so there's a very good chance he will hit the 602 mark sometime this season.

It's just another record for the man who already holds 17 regular season records, 13 post season records, two All Star records, and six team records. However, this is the "big one" - most career saves. When he reaches 602 Mariano Rivera will just be cementing what many already know, that he's the best closer of all time.

 

 

The Panamanian Rodeo That’s “Gringo” Friendly

Each year, expat Jerin Tate extends an open invitation to his English speaking community to come and join in on the fantastic time that is to be had at a traditional Panamanian rodeo. On Sunday, August 28, Jerin’s wife Elena’s family holds the “Tradicional Hierra” rodeo, an event that has become known in the expat community as the “Gringo Rodeo” for the popularity that Jerin generated among foreigners here.

Friends and families come to enjoy festive music and cattle roping. The bravest of all jump in the ring and actually try to tackle one of the young bulls. Everyone pays close attention when a “Gringo” decides to step up to the challenge. Eager faces dot the fence line to watch one of the many foreigners who attend the Hierra Rodeo try to take down a bull. Often three or four “Gringos” are involved in the attempt, and sometimes they even succeed

The activities start at around 4:00 p.m. and carry on long into the night. It is one of the bigger rodeos, with nearly 3,500 people in attendance last year. Admission is only $3, and beers are only 75 cents. There will be Panamanian food for sale, as well as singing, dancing, fireworks, rodeo, and a performance by Ulpiano Vergara in the evening.

 

 

Panama City will host 2012 Ironman triathlon

Panama City will host an Ironman Triathlon on February 12, 2012. Organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). These grueling competitions are famous for their television coverage. This first-ever event for Panama will be a 70.3 mile half triathlon. Racers and spectators will see a lot of what Panama City is about through the event.

Athletes will swim 1.2 miles (1.9 km) in the Pacific Ocean at the entrance to the Panama Canal then bike 56 miles (90 km), crossing the Bridge of the Americas en route to the Inter American Highway. The 13.1 mile (21km) double-loop running course will take athletes along the Amador Causeway.

Panama’s event is one of over 50 Ironman 70.3 series events worldwide, and will offer a professional prize purse of $75,000.

 

 

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 says 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

 

 

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

   

   

 

Changes Coming To Panama!

 

Snapshots From David

There Is A First Time For Everything: For four years I have viewed the traffic in  David’s downtown, and around the Parque Centro in particular. On numerous occasions I have marveled at how few auto accidents there are based on the way folks drive - a scene I compare to ‘un-scripted chaos while seemingly totally oblivious to surroundings’. However given that, I have seen only two accidents, both minor fender-benders. Shows what I know?

Even more amazing is the fact that pedestrians seemed to be bullet-proof. They all – young, old, handicapped, loaded with packages, monitoring a bunch of kids - just wade out into the traffic as is it doesn’t exist. Some cars yield, some change lanes and zoom past, and others just modify there heading just slightly just missing them by inches. But there are seldom screeching brakes and no one gets run over. Well, until yesterday!

I was sitting on the balcony reading the morning paper when two things happened almost simultaneously. I realized that I no longer heard the ambulances I’d heard approaching (and they had not passed me), and I saw some folks on the sidewalk along the park running towards the corner (no one in David EVER runs on the streets). Sure enough there was a pedestrian down.

(My camera was in my room so I took this picture after he was picked up.)

There was a man on the ground partially under the front bumper of a taxi. Ironically he was down in a pedestrian cross walk. The EMTs from two ambulances were attending to the injured man, and after about 15 minutes he was transported to the hospital. I don’t know how serious it was, but it was encouraging that he was talking to the EMTs.

I did find it interesting that the spectators who arrived on the scene responded in typical Panamanian manner. I have mentioned before that the Panamanians, by our standards, are very inconsiderate of others. It manifests itself in a lot of ways, but it is just a cultural thing you have to get used to. In this incident that manifested itself by many who arrived on the accident scene merely pushed themselves through the crowd to the front so they could get a ‘good look’. People where practically standing on the injured guy. Even the EMTs where getting jostled by one person after another as they positioned themselves for a better look. And the fact that it never even occurred to either the medical people or the policemen present to do any crowd control illustrates how ingrained that attitude that you don’t infringe on others prerogatives runs. Did not even hear a single ‘Step back and give us a little room here, folks,” not even a hand signal of such.

The Deaf People Around The Park: There is a large group of deaf people who tend to collect around the hotel. I am not certain whether that has something to do with the fact that several deaf people work in the hotel and restaurant, or the reverse – people got introduced to the hotel because they hang around in the area. (By the way – I apologize in advance if ‘deaf’ is not the politically correct term for people who cannot hear and converse using sign language.)

I have had a couple of interchanges with some of the group that I find rather amusing that I thought you might appreciate:

- When employees in the hotel come across me sitting on the balcony ‘trying’ to read the newspaper in solitude, there must be something in their job description that requires that they stop and tell me a story.  They must get extra credit if it is a long story, and bonus points are evidently involved if they talk fast enough that they insure that when they are through, I have not even figured out what the subject is. Then, and only then, they are authorized to walk off smiling.

However, if either one of the two deaf porters decides to share the latest with me – by the time they combine sign language, grunts (and other noises for which there are no descriptive terms), facial expressions and a repertoire of body language that would make a mime envious – I understand the whole story. Seriously. Even the punch line. Everytime!

- One of the young fellows in this group can talk, and even speaks a little English (he knows sign language because several of his relatives are deaf). Just as a lark, one day I had him show me how to sign ‘Hello’. And a couple of nights later I had a chance to show off my new language fluency.

As I was coming across the edge of the park returning from the pharmacy, a large group of the deaf folks (about 20) where having a big conversation of some kind on the park in front of the hotel. As I approached, one of the guys stopped ‘talking’ when he made eye contact with me and mouthed ‘Hello’. I responded by signing the new greeting I had learned. Initially he looked stunned, but then broke out in a big smile.

But, as I was crossing the street I heard a commotion behind me. When I turned around and looked about half the group was in convulsions laughing and the remainder where looking at me. About an hour later when I came back out of the hotel my ‘speaking’ friend approached me to assure me that they were not laughing at me. One of the guys had just said something funny. “What was said?” I asked. He chuckled, “He said that it is hard to understand a ‘signer’ with an English accent.” OMG, that’s funny!

 

What’s Hot In Panama?

New Police Vehicles The National Police have a new fleet of cars to fight crime. Thirty-four new Ford F-150 pickup trucks are waiting to take to the streets, and the motorized units have a lot of 20 new 350 horsepower motorcycles to safeguard the security on the beaches, as well as ten new ATV's and twelve vehicles specially modified for the riot control units. (La Critica)

Striking Banana Workers Close Bridge: The San Bosco banana company said through a press release their workers have been on strike for more than 15 days, after three months of fruitless negotiations. The press release highlights this is the first time in 30 years the banana company has been affected by a strike, which, they say, is unusual in this industry. The union decided to go on strike as a means of applying pressure, as is their right under the labor law. Among the threats made by the strikers is the possible invasion of private farms, the use of violence, and impediment through intimidation.

Larry’s Comments: Unions are very strong in Panama and virtually every industry and sector is unionized. One of the things that makes this entire thing so delicate is that Panama has basically one highway in the country. The Inter-American Highway (we call it the Pan Am highway in the U.S.) runs the length of the country from the Costa Rican border to the Darien jungle bordering Columbia and that is it – the only route. The point is, when unions strike and close down the highway, they have shut-down the country. The other thing that is shocking to an outsider (or visitor) is that most strikes are accompanied with threats of serious violence issued by the unions.

Serious Health Issues:

- Health officials are investigating a possible death due to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in the district of San Miguelito. If the investigation turns out to be positive, this would be the second death caused by DHF. The first was reported in the village of 24 de Diciembre in the district of Panama where a child died because of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

- In addition, 50 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Social Security Fund hospital have been infected by a bacteria resistant to antibiotics, in the past two months of which 30% have died, explained Lizka Richard, the National Sub-director of Health Facilities. The Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC) bacteria attacks ventilated patients by air, infects internal organs and in some cases leads to death, especially those in delicate condition (50 confirmed cases, 30% have died = 15 deaths in Panama in the past two months). 

Problems Filling Newly Created Jobs: The growth of the Panamanian economy and labor market is a fact, and there are serious problems getting local talent to fill the vacancies being generated by the economic development. That is the general conclusion reached by the participants of the forum "Education: Pilar for the labor market," organized by Corporación La Prensa SA.

Larry Notes: The report from the forum then went on to itemize the problems of education, training, labor pool, competition, blah, blah, blah.  The problem with all of this was that most of the solutions being pondered would have resulted in the speaker(s) being flunked out of Basic Economics 101 in any reputable school.

They discuss the shortages of young Panamanians of a certain age being unavailable in the work force as if discussing it to death will make a demographics problem go away. Hey, go count heads again folks – they ain’t here.

They also discuss all kind of ‘endemic’ problems that basically boil down to the fact that Panamanians have, as a general rule, NO concept of customer service. My comments in the article above about being ‘inconsiderate’ – do you think that attitude goes away when they go to work. Just try to find a ‘good’ bartender in this country, or get service in a department store – you will swear you are invisible. Now envision that approach when manning a Call Center or a high tech group that requires a lot of enthusiastic cooperation and coordination!

One corporate head complained that they are forced to train people up, and once they are prepared and experienced they leave to go get a better (higher paying) job somewhere else. It is as if a competitive compensation environment is totally foreign to them. “But our employment manual says we pay $ __s for this job!”

I think Don Winters (Panama Guide) hits the nail on the head: “I bet no one at this forum said ‘get more dudes’ or ‘relax the restrictions on labor laws for immigrants’ or ‘allow foreigners to work in Panama.’ That simply has to happen, and I've been predicting it for years.”  

Hmm. Nuff said!

 

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 Publish America $9.95

'Angels in Panama' Web Site 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

People and Faces from Granada, Nicaragua

   

 

An Irish Pub? In Granada?

 

Crime And Politics In Panama

 

This Just In – An Earthquake

While I was putting the finishing touches on this blog posting, we had an earthquake.

The details as reported by the USGS: “An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale occurred at 10:51 am this morning near Panama. The epicenter was located 94 miles to the south of David, Panama.”

I was sitting on the balcony proofreading and statrted getting jiggled. Oops. You never realized how high up this balcony is until you look down at the street below during a minor earthquake.

 

Panamanian Politics

You think U.S. politics are a mess? You ain’t seen nothing yet. In Panama it gets bloody, and to the sideline observer, if often appears that the party in power’s only motivation is posturing for the next election.

Seemingly forever, President Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela , Vice President (but a member of the Panameñistas Party), have been ‘doing a dance’ as Varela attempts to position himself to become the next president (Martinelli can not serve a second consecutive term).  Martinelli would like to foil that plan and block him, but must do it in a way that he can hang onto Varela supporters in the Assembly. Those supporters are critical because it is that coalition that gives Martinelli the much needed majority in the assembly that allows him to basically run the country as he wishes.

After months of battles followed by ‘kiss-and-make up’ cycles on a variety of issues, Martinelli and Varela had a face-to-face sit down and cut a deal. Now everybody is happy and the battle is over. Well maybe. Here’s the latest.

About two weeks ago  president Ricardo Martinelli went to Spain on a state visit. (Martinelli shown with Spain’s King Juan Carlos) Apparently he has not yet returned to Panama, presumably he went off somewhere on vacation once he was done in Spain. The salient point is that he's been out of the country for more than ten consecutive days.

The problem is that the Panamanian  Constitution, Article 183 says: “ If the President is absent for more than ten days, the First Vice President will be responsible as the President, ……… . He who serves in that office will hold the title of Officer of the Presidency of the Republic.”

Varela has announced publicly that he will NOT assume the presidency. Why in the world would he do that? Another part of the constitution states that if he serves as president for even a day, he is ineligible to run for president in the next election. So he is now catching a lot of heat, even from some of his own supporters, for putting his political ambitions over the constitution’s provisions.

Maybe Martinelli didn’t realize that if he was out of the country for more than ten days that ………   Yeah, right!

 

Bread Now Sold By Weight In Panama

Throughout the Republic of Panama, bread is now sold by the pound. The move angered some, and for others it was a novelty.  Many people were concerned about the new measure, which far from being convenient, seems to attack the pockets of the lower class and underprivileged.

Officials of the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition were auditing businesses, to make sure they were complying with the requirement to display prices. In Colon buyers were upset because now the prices are slightly higher.

Larry notes for readers outside of Panama: The Panamanians commonly stop by their local bakery on the way home from work to buy 'straight-out-of-the-oven' loaves of bread to take home. The bakery departments in the super markets do a brisk business as well. This measure is not aimed at the loaves of bread off-the-shelf that we are accustomed to in the U.S., for instance.

 Don Winner (Panama-Guide) adds: This change was implemented because bakers can "inflate" the bread with more air. So, you might get more pieces of bread but less weight. This change to force bakers to sell bread by weight was designed, therefore, to protect consumers.

  

Oops! Prosecutors In Chiriqui Faced With Threats

Panama's Second Superior Prosecutor, Nedelka Diaz, said gang members and minors who are being investigated for homicides and other serious crimes are making death threats against the prosecutors of the Public Ministry who are investigating their cases. Diaz said this situation has caused the prosecutors to ask for increased security, especially in the Office of the Prosecutor for Adolescent Crimes, and the office of the prosecutors who are investigating gang related crime in Chiriqui. "We need more support to provide greater security to our prosecutors," said Diaz. She said other threats have been made in recent times and the criminals have called the prosecutors and their staff, posing as members of the national police to seek information about their cases.

 

David Happenings

- The Ecology Push in David. The ecology movement is active and vocal in Panama, and David is certainly no exception. All over town there are signs and billboards preaching ‘limpiar, verde, conservar y reciclar’ (clean, green, conserve and recycle). And that push is very evident in the town center park

About six months ago they changed out all the trash receptacles in Cervantes Parque and replaced them with sets of color coded and labeled sets of new containers. The sets of three containers, one container each for paper, plastic and organic, are deployed throughout the park (I can see five sets in the half of the park I can see from my perch across the street).

Like any new program there are some kinks that still have to be worked out. For starters, the guys who come around and empty the cans either can’t read or did not get the email on separating the trash. As you can see, the trash is dumped into one big container when it is collected. And I doubt that they sort it by hand some place later.

But the real kicker is that the new containers are significantly smaller than the old ones so they are very susceptible to the wind. During the rainy season the cans get blown around by wind gusts during a rain shower and trash is strewn all over downtown. 

- Panamanian Hospitality. After four years I have a new room in the Hotel Occidental. The hotel has three big rooms that they call ‘the suites’ that are about three times the size of the normal rooms, and as I understand it, about three times the price. I have never paid that much attention because I was perfectly happy right where I was.

As part of a room-by-room remodeling project, they recently overhauled the suite that is on the opposite end of the balcony from me. One of the assistant managers wanted to show it off, and insisted I had to walk over and look it over. Wow, impressive! Repainted, new tile and drapes, big leather couch and matching chair, dining room set, king-sized bed and new TV. Hmm!   Out of curiosity I ask what the cost was and I didn’t understand his answer, so I took it to mean the price was still ‘to be determined’.

The next day that same manager comes by and starts telling me about a discussion with the jefe (the general manager) and I can’t figure out what he is telling me. It turns out, he assumed from my ‘price question’ that I wanted to move in, so he had negotiated a price with the boss man. It finally sunk in, If I moved into this suite my rent was going to increase to the ‘astronomical’ figure of about $16 a day.  I avoided saying ‘you’re kidding’.

So we had a deal, but I was getting ready to go back to the U.S. for about a month for my Spring visit. So I suggested to the jefe that I would wait until I came back before I moved. I did not see any sense in taking one of the more expensive rooms out of his inventory to just sit vacant. He appeared to appreciate the gesture, so 1 June after I returned from the U.S. became my move-in date.

Well, come ‘move-in day’ before I even finished my cup of coffee, and with no previous discussion, one of the porters and the assistant manger show up to move me. They just swapped dresser drawers between the rooms, carried the stuff on hangers, etc. And with that type of help, instead of breaking down my computer setup and moving a component at a time, I was able to just unplug in, and the three of us carried it desk-and-all to the new digs and plugged it in.  The whole move, that I had been dreading, was completed in a little over an hour.

About an hour later, the jefe came by to welcome me to my new room. (By the way, this is the view I have as I sit at the desk and work on my computer. Yes, it is easy to become distracted..) He also explained to me that since I had been since a good customer for four years, he couldn’t raise my rate – he just wouldn’t feel right. So my suite overlooking the park, all expenses included with daily maid service still averages out to $13 a day.  What a place. Home Sweet Home!

- Rain, Rain Go Away: One of the nice things about the climate in and around David is that the rainy season is not the ‘tropical rain forest’ version that is common in much of this part of the world. For example, in Golfito the rainy season I experienced there had me considering calling in Noah to help me build an ark. But in David the typical rainy season day features sun most of the day, then it clouds up in late afternoon, and (with plenty of advanced warning) it usually rains for and hour or two. And that is it for the day.

Well this last week we had a strange weather front. I woke about midnight on Thursday and it was raining. It rained all night and continued all through Friday. Then it continued all night Friday, and wait a minute, it rained all through Saturday morning. Luckily it was a light rain so the streets (and the storefronts at street level) did not flood as they do during a downpour.

Ironically, within an hour of the rain stopping (about 1PM) the parade of the Merchant Marine cadets started up. Given the fact that there are some logistics involved in a parade of this sort, it really makes you wonder what they knew that I didn’t about the weather.

And by the way, after four years here I still find it amusing that, in a country that prides itself in not having a military, it seems everyone has and wears a uniform of some kind.

 

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 the Publisher $9.95

'Angels In Panama' Web Site 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

  

 

 

An Unforgettable Character

 

I posted this article about my 'new' adventures five years ago, just shortly after I had come down to Costa Rica. I had forgotten this article until a reader sent me an email last week referencing it. I realized when I went back and read it that I had kind of a 'wide-eyed' fascination with my new surroundings back then. But it also struck me that not much has changed in five years. I thought you would enjoy the re-telling.

 

A Sampling From My 'Unforgettable Characters' Inventory

April 30, 2007 

I have been here long enough now to begin to appreciate the magnitude of unforgettable characters I'm surrounded by in Golfito. I guess I shouldn't have been to surprised, let's face it the American expatriate who settles here is not your normal 'breed of cat'. But, as I get to know people better and we start trading stories (and person A starts trading stories about Person B – Didn't you know about the time Ed went out and ..........?), the stories and situations are varied and, sometimes border on the unreal – no - some border on the surreal.

Let's start with Ron Kalman. In an earlier life, Ron traveled a couple of north eastern states in the U. S. as a provisions supplier for school cafeterias. Due to a variety of circumstances ( I didn't press for details), he ended up in Golfito, divorced and starting over. Initially he supported himself (and rather nicely) as a gold prospector – Huh? [This is Ron, on left talking to my Aussie friend, Brad} Yes, 1800s gold rush prospector thing, except the prospecting involved tramping around in the jungles and rain forests of Costa Rica (more on that subject later). He subsequently married a Costa Rican woman and really started over.

In the early 1970s, he purchased his place on 'The Island'. When you sit in the marinas on the bay in Golfito, The Island sets about ¾ mile directly across the bay, and Ron's place is staring right at you. (ironically Gringo logic says that The Island must have a name, but no one knows what it is - so, it is just The Island. Kind of like the highway that runs through town – it is The Highway). Over the next few years, he methodically cleared back the underbrush adjoining his cove to provide for a home site.

About 30 yards behind the house, the rain forest begins and rises sharply to the top [on left, view of the casa from the beach] of the mountain, which than curves clam-shell like around his property back down to the beach. A number of years ago the Costa Rican government's instituted strict new environmental laws that banned clearing of rain forest – type land. So, the tract of land that he had already cleared for his home - that was it – the rest of the property will remain rain forest. So, the bad news is that the present area of his home site (approximately 10 acres of the 200+ acres total) is frozen. However, the good news is that the land adjacent to his property, and most of the rest of the other half of the island [on right, Golfito seen from the front porch]behind him will undoubtedly remain uninhabited, has no commercial or residential value – it can't be cleared so it can't be built on!

Ron made a nice living for about 6-7 years harvesting the coco beans from the trees in his yard and the adjoining rain forest (Did you know chocolate grew on trees? I did not). Then a blight of some kind hit this part of Costa Rica and not only killed the existing coco crop, but rendered the trees sterile, evidently, forever. Not to be dissuaded, Ron then turned to harvesting the fruit of the vanilla trees growing wild in the forest. Though it is on a much smaller scale than his earlier coco operation, he still harvest the vanilla beans to this day.

Ron also got into raising chickens on his place - at one time his flock exceeded 350 chickens. Every day he would load up his boat with dressed chickens and plats of eggs, and steam off across the harbor to Golfito and supply his accounts of restaurants and stores. He was doing quite well at this venture, and then, another crises. The big egg conglomerate in San Jose bought the only chicken feed supplier in Costa Rica. Then, immediately sharply reduced the price of their eggs while simultaneously sharply increasing the price of feed (Wonder why they did that?). Today, he keeps about 100 chickens, producing just enough eggs and fryers for personal use and for friends.

But, Ron's 'real thing' has been, and still is gold. A few years ago he decided the prospecting part of the business was not for him any longer. He felt he was getting too old (he is now 67) for the rigors involved in surviving in the rain forest, occasionally for weeks at a time. For several years after he quit prospecting, he would pack up and traipse back into the forest and find the prospectors and buy their gold on the spot. Now he just lets the prospectors bring the gold to him. He decided even that going into the forest was getting too dangerous – carrying large amounts of cash and/or gold and dealing with people he didn't always know. Plus, as he put it, “A lot of the younger generation prospectors didn't know me by reputation. So they might not know that the pistol I laid on the negotiations table was not just for show. The older fellows knew better.”

What does he do with the gold? Gold nugget jewelry! I am no jewelry expert, but I know stunning.

 But First

A quick primer on gold – something that I had no knowledge of previously. For those of you that already know this subject, indulge my naivety a couple minutes, and skip on down below.

• Costa Rican gold is some of the purest in the world and is sought after for its subtle color and beauty.

• Much of Costa Rica gold is in nugget form (only about 2% of all the gold extracted throughout the world is in nugget form. Most is in chip and dust form and is then combined with an alloy to produce what we refer to generically as gold.)

• A carat is equal to 1/24^th parts. Thus, a 14K rating = 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. The nuggets in Ron's jewelry average 22 to 23K.

• To truly appreciate the rarity of gold, it is estimated that if all the pure gold in existence were combined in one cube, the resultant cube would only be about 50 cubic meters.

Ron and his son are goldsmiths and their company, Aragon Designs, SA, produces an amazing, though small inventory. A man's ring - 14K gold band (the U. S. standard for gold bands is 10K) with 6 or 7 small gold nuggets inset and affixed with gold solder. A gold heart-shaped 14K necklace with nuggets inset on the face of it. A crucifix necklace of similar construction. Necklaces with matching earrings. How about a necklace that the bauble is a small clear cylinder filled with gold flakes. STUNNING STUFF. I am bringing several pieces back with me in May. I want to get a U.S jeweler to appraise them with the idea of selling them on Ebay, on one of my growing list of web sites, or both.

Meanwhile, back at Ron's spread. It is definitely an idyllic place, his little chunk of heaven.  They have all the creature comforts – running water, cell phone, satellite TV, and electric power (solar panel with generator back-up). And the sea breeze and the proximity of the forest keeps the insect away (the mosquitoes, flies, etc. prefer the forest (the house doesn't even have windows – just openings) But, it is not for everybody. For starters everything comes to the house by boat - groceries, supplies, new furniture - everything. Ron's daughter, Samantha and her son live with Ron and she makes the daily round trip to take him to school in Golfito (just as she and her siblings did when they were growing up here on The Island). A trip to the store involves a round trip boat ride and a trek from the beach up to the house. No small feat even at high tide. But at low tide, you have to park the boat down the beach, so add a journey across the beach to the trek up the hill       [as seen on right]

 

Samantha told me a story that kind of puts what I am saying in perspective. As she recounted to me, [left, Meet Samantha] “About five years ago, my Dad's workers came down the path with a hugh Boa Constrictor they had killed strung across their shoulders to show my Dad. It took the three of them to carry it. My Dad gave them hell. He said that the Boa was not poisonous and , although it was big, it was not big enough to bother them because a boa is smart. It will not tackle anything that is too big for them to eat. He told them that we only kill the poisonous snakes.” Then she adds, “About two months later I went in the kitchen and opened the cabinet under the sink and there was a little boa in the cabinet. He was only about 3 feet long.”

I am trying to keep a poker face during this discussion as if Boas in the kitchen is something we hear all the time in NC. She continued, “I asked my Dad what to do. He said to just leave it alone, he'll take carry of those little jungle rats you have been complaining about.”

She explained to me that she thinks what they call a 'jungle rat' is actually not a rat but some breed of mouse, similar to the field mice in the U.S. They get in the house from time to time and they are hard to get rid of and make a mess.

“So, for a couple of months I just worked around the boa,” she added. “But he stayed pretty much to the kitchen. One time he camped out on one of the counter tops for about three days, but My Dad said just use the other counter top over there. That was kind of inconvenient because we don't have that much counter top,” she added with a shrug.

By now I am waiting for Alllen Funt or someone to jump out and holler at me that I have been 'punked'. But then, Samantha put the topping on the cake when she concluded with, “ So after about 2 months I noticed that I hadn't seen a jungle rat, or any left-behind evidence of them for a couple of days. And 3 days later, the boa was gone. We have never seen him again.” Pura Vida!

 

By the way, I spent over 15 years designing kitchens. Over the years I have accommodated (design wise) some pretty off-the-wall, out-of-left field requirements that had to be included in the new kitchen's layout. A place for the dog or cat was not uncommon. Twice a place for the bird cage was included (he gets lonely in the other room). And a parrot roost once. But, I can honestly say that I was never, ever tasked with designing or providing for Boa storage!

 

 

So until next time when I'll pass on some more of The Strange Goings-on In Golfito

Think it will rain?

The walk from the docks up to the Banana Bay Marina

From the dining room of Rancho Grande

View from the gravel road leading to Playa Cacao