Larry's Central American Travels

Back Home In Panama

 

The Good News From Panama

1.  President Ricardo Martinelli described Panama as a country with no unemployment and no financial crisis in an interview he gave to CNN in Spanish on Tuesday, 3 May 2011. In his statements Martinelli also noted there are many professions and skills required for jobs and there are no Panamanians qualified to fill them. A local study earlier this year indicated there are companies seeking bilingual accountants and financiers, administrative assistants, sales managers, engineers, laborers, mechanics and customer service representatives, and that these people are simply not available.

Martinelli has been catching boatloads of crap from his political opponents and others with vested interests.  But, Martinelli is right. The global financial crisis largely missed Panama completely - because the local banks are much more conservative than their "fast and loose" counterparts in the United States - and they didn't buy into any of that mortgage derivatives crap that caused all of the problems up North. Panama's economy was on fire, growing at 11.5% per year when the crisis hit, and it slowed down somewhat due to decreases in global demand, but locally the economy just kept right on growing while everyone else was in a recession. And a growing economy creates jobs, so the unemployment rate in Panama is much lower that that of the United States. The left-wing goof balls will always bitch about 'that businessman Martinelli'. However, you can't argue with success, and anyone with a clue knows Martinelli (and Vallarino) are right on this issue.

2. Bocas Del Toro - One Of 50 Best Yachting Towns. Bocas del Toro was recently identified as one of the "50 Best Yachting Towns" in an article published by Yachting Magazine. The Bocas related excerpt from the article reads "Bocas Del Toro, Panama - A nature lover's paradise and one of Panama's most popular tourist spots. Bocas' 5,000 residents are still way outnumbered by the surrounding wildlife. And reader Dan Cranney reminded us that "this island archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama is one of the few hurricane-free places in the Caribbean."

 

The Not-So-Good News From Panama

1. A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama on Saturday, the U.S.   Geological Survey said. The quake hit 384 kilometers (238 miles) southwest of the  capital, Panama City. There were no immediate reports of damage. However, Vanessa del Leon, who works at a hotel in David, said she felt the quake, whose epicenter was 110 miles south of the city. "Everyone started screaming. We heard a lot of things breaking and computer keyboards smashing on the floor," she said. "This hotel has eight floors and it swayed like a palm tree." The USGS had said the quake was a magnitude 6.1, but later revised it to 6.0. It hit at 3:19 a.m. local time, according to the USGS.

2. The headline read, "Ruling in favor of Perez B. can be appealed"  Panama's Attorney General Jose Ayu Prado was emphatic when saying today that the decision of the Ninth Criminal Court, Judge Diego Fernandez, which acquitted former president Ernesto Perez Balladares and 14 others of money laundering charges, "can be appealed" to the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice.

Yes, that is correct. In the Panama criminal justice system a 'not guilty' determination can be appealed to a higher court by the prosecution.  So politics reign

  

The Bad News From Panama

Politics in Panama are 'rough and tumble' to say the least. It seems the party in power's main goal is to crush the minority party in advance of upcoming elections. But, as often happens, the party in power 'lives in a glass house'.  Here are the latest exposes out of the Martinelli government as outlined by Don Winner at Panama - Guide.

Panama's Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino responded to the critics of the government of Ricardo Martinelli in an interview given to the Channel 13 Telemetro News, referring to the crisis in the government.  The accusations include 1) Minister of Tourism, Solomon Shamah, who has been linked to drug traffickers, according to confidential diplomatic cables. 2) The Director of the National Immigration Service, María Cristina González, is being investigated for trafficking in visas to Chinese citizens. 3) Enrique Ho, the Director of the Cleanliness Authority, is involved in a scandal for having received money from Ernesto Chong Coronado during the campaign of then presidential candidate and now President of the Republic Ricardo Martinelli. (Ernesto Chong Coronado was formerly a financial adviser for the convicted Colombian David Murcia Guzmán).

You now have the irony that the Minister of Tourism can not travel to the states because the U.S. has canceled his visa.

 

Future Postings

I will be outlining the highlights of my recent journeys in future posting as soon as I get organized and get my act together.  For now, I will just add some photos.

 

 

 

 

 

Till Next Time Pura Vida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Is A Big Deal In Panama

 

April Is Entertainment Bonanza In Panama

1. Shakira concert in April

Magic Dreams Productions has confirmed an open-air concert by Colombian bombshell singer Shakira for Tuesday, April 12 at Plaza Figali. The concert is part of Shakira’s world tour called “Sale el Sol”. 

The show will feature high definition displays, specialized lighting engineering and a catwalk-style stage that extends out into the audience so that the artiste can get close to the public. 

Shakira - singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, and philanthropist - is recognized as the most successful “crossover” artists, having reached fame in Latin America before taking over the US and worldwide markets. 

2. Andrea Bocelli in Panama

 On April 3, Figali Convention Center will resound with the world-famous voice of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the most popular classical singer of our time. Critics attribute the revival of classical music to this tenor and multi-instrumentalist. And now this world-famous artist will come to Panama for the first time with his great talent, accompanied by the National Symphonic Orchestra of Panama

The list of awards received by Andrea Bocelli is long. He made it into the Guinness Book of World Records, as he simultaneously held the top three positions on the U.S. classical albums charts. He even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Come Along With Me?

On Friday, this Friday 1 April, I am departing Colon, Panama on the 9-day cruise around the Latin American Caribbean.  I am sailing with Pullmantur Cruise Lines, a Spanish cruise line that offers contemporary cruises to a mostly Spanish-speaking clientele. Pullmantur, which was purchased by Royal Caribbean a couple of years ago, has only one ship down here.  Most of their operations are out of European ports.

One of the things that make this cruise line unique is that Pullmantur offers all-inclusive prices that include all food and beverages, including most alcoholic beverages (although premium label liquor is an additional charge). Yes, you read that right. Cruise pricing that is all-inclusive. OMG!

But, the itinerary for this cruise is what caught my eye as much as anything. After leaving Colon, the next day is spent in Cartagena, Colombia and the following day a bit farther south down the coast in Santa Marta, Colombia. I have made stops at both these locations in the past and both are fascinating places to spend a day. I am not particularly excited about Day 3's stop in Aruba which I find to be 'boringly tourist-ey'. But...

I am, however, looking forward to two days of new experiences associated with stops in La Guaira (Caracas), Venezuela and Curacao respectively. A relaxing day at sea will get us back to Colon on Saturday morning (the 8th).  That assumes of course that I have not been air-evaced off the ship at some point - a victim of the all-inclusive liquor policy. Yikes.

The other thing that caught my eye about this cruise as I was investigating cruise possibilities?  The price!  Pullmantur is evidently using promotion pricing on this cruise as they try to establish a presence in Latin America. As you may or may not be aware, the cruise lines charge people traveling alone a 'singles supplement'. The advertized prices are usually stated as 'per person, double occupancy.' So I, traveling alone, pay a 'single supplement' add-on to that price that is an anywhere from 10% to 100%, depending on the cruise line and/or the specific cruise.  In the case of this cruise, even with taxes and the single supplement, the price comes out to less than $100 a day. Wow! Did I mention it is all-inclusive?

I also find it interesting that the Pullmantur literature cautions that the line caters primarily to Spanish speakers. But then in the fine print, they state that menus are printed in both English and Spanish, and all PA announcements are broadcast in both languages. So how does that make it different than my experiences the last two years on Royal Caribbean? It isn't any different.  No big deal.

 

From The 'You Can't Make This Up" Files

Coffee anyone? Kopi luwak coffee, which is harvested in Bali, is said to be the most expensive coffee in the world. Unlike most coffee beans, kopi luwak beans are first ingested by a luwak (a weasel-like animal) and then passed through their digestive tract and excreted as waste.  Local Balinesians then gather the droppings, wash them, and dry them before roasting and finally grinding to drink.

Want to try some? It is said to be smooth, not bitter. But it costs $100 per pound?  Think I'll pass. Too expensive. 

 

My Book

 My book is available in different formats as shown here.  You can also read excerpts on my website by clicking on the link below.

 Paperback from Publisher $9.95

Kindle from Amazon $9.99 

Read Excerpts from 'Angels in Panama

 

 

 

Not sure when I will have access to a computer next week, so I am not sure when the next update will be. The last cruise ship I traveled on (Royal Caribbean) wanted something like $30 an hour for internet access and the connection was so slow that it was one step above a Dixie Cup and a string.

 

 

So, Till Next Time. Pura Vida.

   

 

A Sad Day Comes To Panama

Panama Loses A Patriotic Hero

In Panama a State Funeral was held for Guillermo 'Billy' Ford on Tuesday March 22 and the day was declared a National Day of Mourning.

In the Panamanian presidential election of 1989, Guillermo Endara and Guillermo, (Billy) Ford ran as the candidates of an alliance of parties against Carlos Duque the candidate of a pro-Noriega coalition. The early results of the election showed the Endara/Guillermo ticket defeating Carlos Duque by a nearly 3-to-1 margin, the highest in Panamanian electoral history. Noriega had planned to declare Duque the winner regardless of the actual results, but Duque refused to go along. Due to Duque’s refusal, Noriega called off the election and declared the results void.

The next day, after a rally in support of Endara and Ford, men with guns, pipes, and wooden planks attacked Endara, Ford and their entourage. (click on the picture to enlarge) Ford gained international fame when this photo of the attack on him, showing Ford “bloody but unbowed”, appeared on the cover of Time magazine, Newsweek, and U.S. News.  United States president George H. W. Bush called the men hired by Noriega “Doberman thugs”.

After the US invasion of 1989 Endara and Ford were sworn in as President and Vice President of Panama. Senor Ford was a 'freedom fighter' activist during the Noriega dictatorship, a mission that nearly cost him his life. He went on to be, not only the country's Vice President (1989-94), but also the Ambassador to the U.S. (1999-2004).

This picture makes one realize just how 'new' this democracy of Panama is. Ford being attacked on the street by members of a Noriega 'Dignity Battalion', while in the background there is a policeman (Noriega's military police) standing idly watching. A person brutally attacked in broad daylight on a city street. My God!

Senor Ford, Vaya con Dios

  

Fasten Your Seatbelts - It Is Fair Time!

This from the tourist magazine El Visitante:

"As many as 300,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the Feria Internacional de David. The 56th “David Fair” will run from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 27. It is the largest fair in the Chiriquí province – a combination fair and trade show with some 500 exhibits. Here, one will find agricultural exhibits, commercial and industrial displays, folklore displays, tourism, as well as art, culture and handicrafts.

The third-largest urban center in the republic, David is the capital of a prosperous province, the residents of which are the proud producers of a large percentage of the country’s agricultural crops and beef.

Just as with other fairs around the country during the season, the David International Fair has evolved, from a mainly agricultural event to a grand party with a complete array of activities for all ages and preferences, such as rock concerts, folklore dance shows, games and mechanical rides. On the bill are also numerous exhibits from a number of Latin American countries.

Bring your appetite, too. There will be plenty of tamales, chicharrones (fried pig skin) and arroz con guandu for all. Dances with live music will be held long into the night on weekends and there will be cotton candy, activities and rides for the kids during the day."

 

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This entire town, except for the fairgrounds, comes to a stop for the ten days of the Fair.  The normally bustling downtown often looks like a ghost town.  In fact, it gets so slow in the city center that some businesses just 'go with the flow' and close up.  Just close 'er up and take some time off.

 

Seeing Is Not Necessarily Believing

Some things in Panama you have to see to believe. Mid-day on Saturday it was obvious something was up.  People started lining the streets in parade mode and sure enough, you could soon hear a band coming. It was the annual horse parade. This is the 3rd year I have watched The Cabalgata, and I still don't believe it. The annual David Cabalgata is the largest in Panama.

For the next 2 hours (solid) the street in front of the hotel was jammed with the passing horses, estimated to total over 3,700 horses and riders.  What I did not realize was that the reason the head of the parade paused at the park for a few moments was that the Grand Marshall (and lead horse) was Juan Carlos Navarro, who is assumed by all to be the PRD party's next presidential candidate. As Lee Zeltzer put it, "He was out kissing babies and chicas working on his future run to the presidency."

But in Panama you cannot have a parade with just horses.  For one thing, they had trucks in the middle of all this firing off firecrackers.  Do firecrackers and horses mix? Really?  Well, the riders flinch - the horses don't. Ha!

You have to have bands. But the Panamanian bands are to smart to walk down a parade route behind several hundred horses (duh!).  So you have band trucks, and they are intermixed throughout the flow. I stopped counting at 14 bands.

You absolutely have to have trucks to supply the riders. You need both beer trucks and trucks dispensing Abuelo (Panamanian Rum).  Too many trucks to count.

 

  Then you have a show horse or two. Wow!

  

And at least one guy who didn't get the email. An oxen?

 

Plus the obligatory drunks intermixed in the flow. This clown walked (sort of) the entire route, getting his beer refreshed as necessary.  And he responded to the crowd's cheers by waving his beer aloft and dancing around in his imitation of a prancing horse.

Now, are you ready for the 'topper'?  I find out this morning that this unbelievable Cabalgata was just one of two.  There is a competing but simultaneous one on the other side of town that is the favorite of the other political party.  As this picture by Lee Zeltzer shows, that shindig was headed up by Presidente Martinelli (white hair),  and the current Vice President (red hat). They were shaking hands and kissing chicas too. Interestingly Lee also noted, "I only saw two men with security radios in their ears. It is clear this is not Kansas, the President here can get out and meet the people."

In short this big shindig involved over 5,000 horses.  And to the viewer, after two hours, you would swear that there can not be this many horses in all of Panama, maybe even in Central America.  They must be coming by here two or three times. Ha! 

 

My Book Is Still Available

Using one of the links below, you can buy my book in a variety of different formats. I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of the book if you care to.  Yes, the book proceeds go to needy children charities in Panama (the 'Angels').

 Paperback from Publisher $9.95

Kindle from Amazon $9.99

Read Excerpts Here

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.

 

 

 

Panama - Carnivals and Earthquakes

Ring of Fire - An Old Johnny Cash Song? 

No, I am talking about the Pacific Ring of Fire.  Sometimes referred to as just the Ring of Fire, it is an area where large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur in the basin of the Pacific Ocean. In a 25,000 mile horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes. About 90% of all the world's earthquakes and 80% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire.

This huge ring of volcanic and seismic (earthquake) activity was noticed and described before the invention of the theory of plate tectonics theory. Now scientists know that the Ring of Fire is located at the borders of the Pacific Plate and other major tectonic plates.

Why am I talking about this?  Well I just 'discovered' the Ringer of Fire. We had a minor quake here in David last Wednesday night, two days before the big one in Japan.  Quake press coverage here in the days after referred to 'The Ring' like I was supposed to know what it was.  So I looked it up. I find that some of the countries that share a position on this ring with Japan are New Zealand (major quake just weeks ago), the U.S. (the San Andreas fault line), Costa Rica (major quake two years ago), Chile (remember last year?) and (AND) Panama. I personally set through a 6.4 (Richter Scale) here in David about two years ago.

What is the irony here? About three years ago, right after I moved down to David, I wrote an article for my blog trumpeting the virtues of living in David. High marks went to the weather, the cleanliness, the infrastructure, political stability, low prices, friendly natives, good food, cheap beer, etc., blah, blah.  In addition, I explained the fact that we are out of the hurricane routes (true) and, with no active volcanoes, in a 'low probability' earthquake zone!  Huh?  Guess a bartender told me that - late at night. Duh!

 

Tsunami Warning Responses

A friend of mine got off the plane with a group of other boaters in Kona, Hawaii and while waiting for his bag, the tsunami siren went off.  They dashed to the harbor and joined about 100 other boats heading out to sea for the night. The next morning, when the 'coast was clear', they came back to the marina and discovered only one small boat had sunk at the dock. 

For those of you that are not mariners, while out at sea the tsunami roars along below the surface and is basically forced to the surface when it reaches a shoreline. If you're in a boat several miles offshore, the tsunami energy would pass underneath your boat and you might hardly notice.

In Panama, when the tsunami warning went out, fishing activity along the coast of the Azuero peninsula came to a halt and fishermen pulled their boats up on to the beach. I asked friends of mine, "Why? By pulling the boat up on the shore you're putting it right where it will get smashed to bits if a powerful tsunami does hit."

The answer: "What really matters is the safety of the fishermen. The fishermen are out of danger if they are up on the hill there at the local cantina, right?"

 

Welcome To The World

Want to go on a cruise?  Have you ever heard of the cruise ship 'The World'? Well, it just spent several days here in the waters of Panama. The official literature says, ".. A 165-unit luxury residential ship that offers its owners an enriched traveler's experience offering the best destinations and gastronomy from around the world ($1 million to $15 million per unit)."

Yeah, you buy/own a suite on board.  Really!

 

Panama Carnival 2011 - Final Hours

Strong operations and security by the National Police provided safety for the carnival celebrations in the different parts of the country and a good atmosphere, and today thousands of Panamanians participated in the "culecos" - the last day revelry. Entire families arrived at the coastal strip to enjoy the water being sprayed on the crowds and the performing artists on stage. The excitement on their faces was evident, children and adults with their hair dyed blond and red or braided together, entering the area of the Carnival celebrations one by one, police officers verified their identity cards with the handheld "Pele Police" data system, and others patted them down to make sure no one could introduce anything into the area that might cause harm to others. 

While thousands were still enjoying the carnival and parades in the interior of the country, some were already beginning their return to the capital. By 8:00 am Monday 70,235 vehicles had already returned to the city. All of the bus terminals within the country and Panama City were full of Panamanians looking for transportation home. The authorities declared Carnival of 2011 a success after more than 100,000 people moved to the interior of the country to enjoy the Carnival festivities without as much trauma as in other years.  Most notably, not one person was killed within any of the carnival areas

 

My Book Is Still Available

Using one of the links below, you can buy my book in a variety of different formats. I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of the book if you care to.  Yes, the book proceeds go to needy children charities in Panama (the 'Angels').

 Paperback from Publisher $9.95

 Kindle Version - Amazon $9.99

Softcover from Amazon $29.95

Read Excerpts Here

 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.

 Click thumbnails to enlarge

 

Carnival In Panama Winds Down

You Think Your Walk To Work Is Tricky?

Well, how is this for a headline. "Colon Cops Catch Carnivorous Carnival Crock".

A huge crocodile was captured in the city of Colon in the Free Zone by security agents who were guarding the warehouses in the area. The reptile was captured near a site where thousands of workers pass daily. According to reports from security agents in this sector there are many reptiles in the area that endanger workers.

So watch your steps as you come in from the parking lot in the morning.

   

Panama Has A New Human Rights Ombudsman

Patria Portugal yesterday became the first woman to hold the office of Human Rights Ombudsman. Like much of politics in Panama the ruling bloc, made up of the Democratic Change and the Panamanian political parties, gave support to Portugal, while members of the opposition Democratic Revolutionary Party abstained from voting. 

After being sworn in, Portugal said she would do what her father was not allowed to do, to fight so that the human rights of all of the citizens of the country are respected. (Larry's Note: Potugal's father was one of the more famous people in Panama who 'disappeared' after getting on Noriega's bad side.) She promised to do justice to every single citizen of the country. "Their rights will be respected and we will demand justice for the people of Panama ... because justice is not requested, but required," she said.

The controversy surrounding her appointment centered around Portugal's legal credentials (or lack of same) - she is in her last year of law school in the University of Panama.  Her 'claim to fame' is the legal battle she waged to recover the remains of her father Heliodoro Portugal, who was assassinated during the military dictatorship in 1970. Portugal took the Panamanian government before the Inter American Court of Human Rights, and won a judgment against the State, which was ordered to pay $190,000 dollars and to make changes in its legislation on torture and disappearances.

 

Keeping It Simple

Sometimes we just need to keep things simple.  You know, just boil things down to the basics. In this case it is simple - earrings!

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See what I mean?

 

 

The Other Side Of The Carnival Celebration

The Traffic Operations Division (DOT) of the National Police has handed out a total of 1,352 traffic tickets through Sunday for various violations of different vehicles during the carnival activities held both in Panama City and the provinces. Of that total, 270 violations were for speeding, 139 for drunkenness, and the rest for other offenses according to the DOT. They have also attended 134 accidents, and a total of 172 vehicles have towed away either for being involved in accidents or for being parked in prohibited places. The authorities reported no fatalities from carnival related traffic accidents.

In the area of the 'Carnival of the City', in the coastal strip, the National Police found 228 'wanted people' using the "Pele Police" handheld devices. In the district of San Miguelito 254 people were verified. There were about 44 arrests, 151 were "conducted" to the proper authorities, and 23 citations were handed out yesterday in the coastal strip, while in San Miguelito, three people were arrested.

 

A Resolution To The Mining Crises?

Panama's president Ricardo Martinelli went to the area of San Felix, Chiriqui Province on March 3, where he announced that Law 8, which amends the Code of Mineral Resources, would be repealed. Martinelli acknowledged that a large majority of the population is against the new law. Therefore, he announced a special meeting of the Executive Cabinet Council to approve the repeal.

Don Winter's (Panama Guide) Comment:  Martinelli and company have gone about beating themselves in the head, twice. The first time was the "banana riots" of July 2010 when the indigenous people in Changuinola went to war over Law 30 - the 9 in 1 "sausage law" which was eventually repealed. In those riots Martinelli first tried to respond with violence and tear gas, with the riot control forces actually shooting people in the face with bird shot. OK, that didn't work at all, and eventually the government was forced to retreat and punt the issue away.

This time the indigenous peoples of Chiriqui (mostly) have gone to war over Law 8, and Martinelli's response was more measured. They tried to slide the measure through the legislature, taking their time, and doing it slowly. No matter, once it passed the indigenous people still went to war, shutting down the Inter American highway in San Felix in Chiriqui and at Pacora to the East of Panama City. Martinelli tried to wait them out, and that didn't work. He tried to send in the riot control police and they got their butts handed to them because they had to operate under a more restrained set of "rules of engagement" in order to avoid a repeat of Changuinola (no, you can't shoot guys in the face.) So, Martinelli has capitulated. This is not just a punt, it's a total surrender.

So in coming months, no matter what Martinelli's tries to do the opposition groups will try to hammer him from all angles, again using their ground troops - the indigenous peoples of Panama. Ah, the realities of politics on the ground in the Republic of Panama. All of these mistakes are a reflection of what happens when you take a hard charging business executive like Ricardo Martinelli - who is perfectly accustomed to getting his way when he barks an order - and mixing that into a political environment when skills like an ability to negotiate, make deals, and horse trade are generally more valuable, politically speaking. It's still relatively early in Martinelli's administration and he has more than enough time to recover from this kick in the nuts.

Larry adds: And you all thought that it was only U.S. politics that were loopy?

 

A Problem That Just Seems To Get Worse

- At least 86 kilos of suspected cocaine were found inside a house in the province of  Colon. The search operation conducted by police officers led to the discovery of drugs inside the house. Police sources said the drugs were hidden in plastic shopping bags so they could be carried into the house and between vehicles without raising suspicion. A resident was arrested, placed in police custody and a vehicle he allegedly owns was confiscated.

- French customs seized 702 kilos of cocaine that came from Panama in the port of Le Havre (northwest), This is the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in the shipping industry, said Francois Baroin, in congratulating customs officers. Baroin added that the drugs were discovered on 10 January 2011, after exploring in depth three cargo containers that were on a ship traveling from Panama to Belgium. The operation was performed after a long process of monitoring and analysis "of a society already known to the customs authorities for trafficking cocaine in 2009," the ministerial statement said.    

 

My Book

Get your copy while they are hot!  Well, sort of....  Use the links below to order.  You can also go to the website (link below) to read excerpts from the book.

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

 Kindle from Amazon $9.99

Softcover from Amazon $29.95

Read Excepts Here

 

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.

 

   

  

Carnival Is Coming To Panama

Carnival is Coming!

 

The Carnival is coming to Penonome, Panama City, La Chorrera and Las Tablas. This pre-Lenten celebration “of the flesh” is coming to every part of Panama! Even the beach hotels where people go to get away from all the madness will feature Carnival-inspired shows and festivities. Firework shows will be in the sky to accompany this grand tradition, in which Panamanians show off their culture, heritage and uncanny ability to have a good time. 

Carnival fever strikes on Wednesday, March 2, when many professionals begin to take leave from their duties in order to get into the party spirit. Most businesses close down early by Friday at mid-day. The queens are crowned at a ceremony on Friday, 4 March.

Carnival is designed to enjoy the “earthly pleasures” to their fullest before the coming  repentance and Lent during 40 days following last day of the party, on Tuesday, March 8 – Fat Tuesday or ‘Martes de Carnaval’. Tradition calls for everyone to get all pleasures and sins out of their system in order to prepare for the Easter celebrations of ‘Semana Santa’ – the country’s ‘Holy Week’, another summertime vacation period.

There are a few corners of the Republic without a party. Las Tablas and Panama City are the biggest crowd-drawers but the most recommended plan of action is to go to one’s favorite nook of the country and have a great time. True Carnival sociologists, however, will concur that the best plan of action is to “Carnival hop” from one celebration to the next across the country.  There is no better way to soak up the spirit than to take in as much as you can possibly handle.

 

Indians and Farmers Continue Anti Mining Protests

This last week Chiriquí, Veraguas, Bocas del Toro, Colón and Panama were all points of protest against Law 8, which amended the Mining Code.  Those were the key points for the Indians and farmers who protested:

- For more than three hours, a few thousand indigenous people from the Ngäbe Bugle Comarca closed the Inter American highway at San Félix, in the Chiriquí province. People of all ages participated in the protest, from little children to elders, who were armed with bows, arrows, batons and even bottles of vinegar, to avoid the effects of tear gas. But there were no incidents with the police. 

- In other sectors, including the city of David, all four lanes of the Inter American highway were blocked off at the entrance to the company Fertica, for more than two hours at noon, while the same action occurred in Las Vueltas, Horconcitos and Galique. Ngöbe Indians also took over the Governor's mansion of Chiriqui and were stationed outside of the building without letting any official enter.  They were also demanding the presence of the president

- In Veraguas - With dances, the Ngäbes and the Buglés of Veraguas closed the Inter American highway at four points in this province.  About 300 Indians were stationed near the bridge over the river Vigui. 

- In Colon - From four in the morning farmers from the northern sector of the provinces   of Cocle and Colon closed the route of Loma Blanca, in Donoso, that leads to mining projects in the sector.  The farmers said they will remain on the road until the president will listen. 

- In Panama - A group of Indians took to the streets and closed the Pan American Highway at the bridge over the river Pacora. In the premises of the National Assembly a group of Indians also protested and requested the presence of the President.    

- Most recently the Inter American Highway was closed by demonstrators. The closing of this highway stranded hundreds of travelers, many of whom went to the David Enrique Malek airport in David to try to obtain tickets for travel by air. However, the avalanche of demand has taken up all of the available tickets. Indigenous people who were injured in clashes with riot police remain in the regional hospital of David, while the police officers who were wounded in the unrest have been moved from the hospital in San Felix to David. The Red Cross has ruled out the riots as the cause of death of a girl in San Lorenzo.

  Larry notes: For those of you not familiar with Panama it is difficult to comprehend the significance of the closing of the Inter American highway (the highway we in the U.S. refer to as the Pan Am highway). The Inter American runs the length of, and right through the center of Panama, east to west. And it is not that this highway is the major highway across the country - it is THE highway that crosses the country.  Unlike, for instance, I-95 that runs north to south along the U.S.'s East Coast, there is no highway like U.S. Route 1 paralleling the highway.  There are no alternate routes to take if you run into a traffic jam. You sit and wait for it to clear up. Turn around? And go where? Nada!

 

Pirate Henry Morgan's Cannons Discovered in Panama

 

The discovery of six antique British cannons submerged in the waters of Panama's Caribbean coast confirmed that the pirate Henry Morgan was in Panama and led the attack against the Spanish strongholds in this country in the seventeenth century. This was confirmed on Friday by the General Secretary of the National Institute of Culture (INAC), Raul Castro, after the discovery of the light artillery pieces, two to five feet long, in Las Lajas, an area of reefs in the Caribbean in the province of Colon. The guns were recovered under 18 feet of water by the scuba divers and American scientists. The six pieces of artillery will be submitted over the next two years to a rigorous process of restoration, before they are put on display at the Museum of Old Panama, in the ruins of the city that survived the fury of pirates and the passage of time. (La Prensa)

 

Luis Moreno: Panamanian Soccer Player - Duh! 

The Latin American version of the Michael Vick awards goes to.... Luis Moreno who made thousands of enemies when he ran up and kicked an owl during a game against Atletico Junior Barranquilla. It gets worse - The owl was Junior Barranquilla's mascot, and had flown down and landed on the pitch after getting hit by the ball during the game's 28th minute. The video clearly shows Luis Moreno run up and kick the owl.  The crowd went berserk, and Moreno was escorted off the field so he wouldn't be assaulted by any Junior players or their fans, who were chanting, "¡Asesino! ¡Asesino! ¡Asesino!" ("Murderer! Murderer! Murderer!")

 

Moreno made no new friends with his explanation of why he ran up and kicked the owl. "I apologize to the fans, it wasn't my intention, I did it to see if the owl could fly," said Moreno after the game, which he left amid a heavy police guard. He then made matters worse when he later tried to explain by suggesting he did it to rid the field of the bird as quickly as possible.

 

Things went from bad to worse when the Country Veterinary Clinic in Barranquilla confirmed the death of the bird at 2:57 am on Tuesday. Moreno could face up to 45 days in jail, because a legal process has been opened against him for animal abuse. Animal advocates who protested outside the offices of the Division Mayor del Futbol Profesional Colombiano (Dimayor) in Bogotá require that the Panamanian Luis "Lucho" Moreno be withdrawn from the Deportivo Pereira and Colombia's professional soccer league.

 

Discovering beaches and real estate on Isla Saboga 

The new Saboga Contadora Ferry, offering service between Panama City and the Pearl Islands aboard a 66-foot catamaran, opens up a world of possibilities for discovering all that the Pearl Islands have to offer.

 

Beach club style facilities are set up at the Cuna Shack at El Encanto Beach on Saboga Island. This is the ferry’s first stop before it drops off passengers at nearby Contadora Island. At El Encanto there are kayaks, a volley net and beach chairs with umbrellas as well as good food and drink.

 

Tourists on the trip will notice that many of the passengers are there to take a look at the construction taking place on the hillside above the beach. Isla Saboga is a 750-acre island under development by Grupo del Sol, an environmentally conscious builder that incorporates “green” features  in the development like rain collecting roofs. And that is a very good thing, considering that the island is mostly undeveloped and has some very beautiful beaches and vistas.

 

A “zebra” beach?  A five to ten minute walk to the right of El Encanto is Bluebird Beach, with its zebra sand (half black volcanic sand and half white sand). It is next to a powder-white beach called Playa Blanca. 

 

FARC Guerrillas plead guilty in New York

 

Two guerrillas who were arrested in 2008 after a clash with Panamanian police officers just off the coast near Jaque in the province of the Darien, who had been extradited to the United States, pleaded guilty yesterday in New York of the crimes they are accused of collaborating with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). According to federal prosecutors in Manhattan, the pair acknowledged their cooperation with the FARC - as members of the 57th FARC Front - and pleaded guilty to charges of having provided "material support" to a terrorist group. Both were extradited to the United States in April 2009, and face a maximum penalty of 15 years. Along with them were four others and also extradited to the United States.

Don Winter's Comment (Panama Guide): The key to this article - they were convicted as terrorists. The fact that Panama can extradite FARC guys to the United States where they can be convicted as terrorists has got to be going a long way towards helping to keep a lid on FARC activities in the southern portions of Panama.  

 

My Book - Now Available in Kindle Format

My book is now available in three formats - take your pick with the links below.

You can also read excerpts at this website.

 Angels in Panama Website

Paperback from Publisher $9.99

Kindle from Amazon $9.99 

Softcover from Amazon $29.90

 

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida

    

Panama - From Festivals to Noriega

You Don't Understand Festivals

It was a busy week in the town center park across the street from my hotel (and right off of my balcony). And I mean BUSY.  The days featured workmen scurrying around getting ready for the evenings performances.  And, needless to say the evenings were not quiet tranquil affairs.  Even deaf people were bothered by the volume.

All day Friday and Saturday dozens of workmen set up stages, hauled in equipment, set up tents, and help vendors set up their stands.  I could tell this show was a big deal because two insulated tents the size of small businesses were set up that included finished floors and air conditioning - read VIPs!  Saturday afternoon the park vibrated most of the evening with sound checks, instrument tunings and short practice riffs.

Sure enough it was a VIP show. Samy y Sandra Sandoval is a brother and sister musical duo, which are performers of típica or pindin (traditional music from Panama) and cumbia style music of Panama. They are also known as "Patrones de la Cumbia" (Masters of the Cumbia) and are immensely popular in Panamanian pop culture.

When Samy was eleven, and Sandra just nine, the two began performing on stages in their native Herrera Province. Over the years their rise in popularity was deemed an artistic evolution and so influential in gaining a fan base, that Samy and Sandra Sandoval are often credited as having been the first to expose the general public to musica típica. 1994, at the Festival "Encuentro de Acordeones" they were a huge hit with the song La Gallina Fina, which they also performed in the movie The Tailor of Panama in 2001. They have also released 15 albums, sold more than 30,000 records and have a platinum album.

It is interesting to note that a lyric from one of their songs has worked its way into Panamanian lexicon.  "No hay mujer fea, sino mujer sin plata” (There are no ugly women, only women without money) is now an ever popular phrase amongst many Panamanians.

I could not figure out why, but Sunday morning the work crews were out early in the morning to disassemble and haul off the music venue they had spent two days building (Sunday morning?). Well Monday morning I found out why.  Crews came in and have spent all of Monday and Tuesday building another music festival facility.  AND I guess tonight (Wednesday) we will be hopping late into the night once again. But, beats shoveling snow!

 

Noriega, Closer to Returning to Panama?

This article recently ran in the publication Panama America:

 "Although the return to Panama's of the former general Manuel Antonio Noriega is in the hands of the US State Department, Panama's Foreign Minister and Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela, hinted that his extradition is a fact. According to Varela, U.S. authorities have said they have no objection with Noriega serving his sentences in Panama. Therefore, he explained that it will fall to the Attorney General to send their special agents to France to request the delivery of Noriega. Both the defense lawyers of the former dictator and Panama's president Ricardo Martinelli have said that, upon meeting the procedures of repatriation or in case of a reduced sentence, Noriega could return to Panama by next June or July."

This is a subject that smolders right under the surface in Panama - kind of like what we refer to in U.S. politics as a 'third rail subject'.  The vast majority of the population can really work themselves into frenzy at the very mention that Noriega might be returned to Panama.  Yes, they know that he was convicted on two murder charges (in abstencia) here in Panama, and faces a laundry list of other charges that have never been pursued since he was already in prison (for years in the U.S. and now in France). But many are convinced that politics and politicians will come into play and Noriega will not go into prison here.  The most commonly mentioned theory has Noriega living out his years in relative luxury under some sort of house arrest in a luxury property somewhere.

There are Noriega apologists, sympathizers and old cronies around.  And, Panamanian politics being what they are, the conspiracy theories are not implausible.  So stand by, the subject is not dead by a long shot.

 

The Noriega Legend

It is rather strange to hear people tell personal stories about the Noriega era, particularly stories of the U.S. invasion (as it is called by Panamanians).  Most Americans have no personal experience with combat on their home soil or daily living under a repressive dictatorship. To me, hearing people I know recount such things is like 'being behind the scenes of the drama.'

About a year after I came down here (mid '08), a young 30ish Panamanian fellow recounted a personal invasion experience. It was quite an experience for me, first of all because it came out of left field, totally off the subject of the conversation.  In addition, like most Americans (I assume), my knowledge of the invasion was sketchy and I thought all the invasion military actions took place down in the Panama City area.

Several of us were talking about something to do with local agricultural and a specific area up the road from David came up.  This young man suddenly said that his family had owned a farm up in Dolega and that he would never forget one day in particular when he was visiting his grandfather, He went on to say he was sitting with the old man under a big shade tree in the backyard when his grandfather suddenly pointed in the air and exclaimed, "Oh my God."  He asked his grandfather what kind of birds those were that were filling the sky. His grandfather answered, and kept repeating, "God heard our prayers. The Americans have come." The 'birds' were U.S. paratroopers being air-dropped into Chiriqui!  Some 25 years later this young man teared up as he recounted how his grandfather ran around the house in tears, calling to the neighbors, "Amigos, our prayers have been answered. The gringos are here!"

In a similar vein, just this past Monday I was coming out of the pharmacy on the corner and stopped to watch workmen erecting a stage for a show coming to the park. I was joined by a fellow that stays in the hotel on a regular basis. Jorge is a native Panamanian who has lived in the U.S. for the past 40 years; in fact he owns dry cleaners someplace in California.  He spends a week in the hotel about every other month while working on the house he plans to retire to here in David later this year.  I talk with him often and we had a nice conversation as we stood and watched the construction commotion in the park.

As we turned to cross the street back to the hotel, contemplating our latest game of 'dodge the cars', out of the blue Jorge says, "In the Noriega days you didn't have to look out for traffic. There was none."

I was surprised and responded with something real intelligent like, "People didn't have cars?"

Jorge summarized it nicely. "Those people who had cars couldn't afford to drive them - gas prices and availability. And in a repressive regime, people stay out of sight as much as possible. People were not in the park and people that passed you on the street did not make eye contact. The laughter and smiling faces you see daily were missing. The bustling and vibrant Panama you experience today is not, in many cases, a scene from our past."

 

Panama Immigration Problem Is U.S. Problem?

A new phenomenon of migration has been recorded in Panama with the emergence of hundreds of migrants from African and Asian countries, which regularly arrive in Panamanian territory illegally from Colombia. These groups of immigrants are passing through the rugged mountains that divide the two countries, until they arrive at the Panamanian province of Darién.

The situation for the Panamanian immigration authorities is also difficult because they have to take over the maintenance of these individuals and provide health care when needed. The human face of the African and Asian immigration is becoming the new phenomenon of migration, and has caused the Panamanian authorities to step up surveillance on the southern border with Colombia, where we share a mountainous border of 266 kilometers.

There's one important angle this story fails to mention. A few months ago a group of people who were supposedly poor Somali farmers were arrested in the Darien. They had apparently come from Africa across the Atlantic and arrived in Venezuela, then moved over sea and land to Colombia and Panama where they were apprehended. Each of them had a brand new Venezuelan passport and about $5,000 dollars in cash. An official from the US embassy speculated that these people were actually Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists who were trying to eventually infiltrate the United States through the Southern border with Mexico. This capture was significant because it might end up being a "smoking gun" case of Hugo Chavez working together with terrorists, to help them with documents and ease of passage. Sure, this is an immigration issue for Panama, but there are much larger implications for the United States. People from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the jungles of the Darien in Panama on their way to the US?

 

Carnival Party Features Popular Musical Groups of Panama

The Penonome Carnival is known for attracting the “ye-ye” segment of Panamanian society to celebrate this Lenten fiesta. Top Panamanian bands will be featured at PesKito Arriba, a pay-to-enter discotheque/bar that is operated for the sixth consecutive year by PesKito, a popular Panama City sports bar featuring beer, fried fish and televised sporting events.

“Ye-ye” is a term for well-to-do folk which falls just short of terming someone as snobby. The Penonome Carnival celebration features one day of water-bound entertainment as the queen and her court board a floating float on the river and are cheered on by the onlookers from the river bank.

This year the Carnival in Panama will take place from March 5 to 8. PesKito will offer promotions, reasonable drink prices and amenities in addition to the biggest names in Panama’s music scene

 

My Book

 

As I mentioned last time, my book is now available in the Kindle format from Amazon. It is still available as well in more traditional formats (see the links below).  I invite and welcome any, and all, critiques and comments.

 

 Kindle from Amazon $9.99

 Paperback from Publisher $9.95

 Softcover from Amazon $29.95

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

Click on the thumbnails to view photos full size.

   

 

 

A Crisis in Panama

Mining and Mineral Exploitation

For a couple of  weeks, protests have taken place against the proposed changes to Panama’s Mining Code that are being analysed in the legislative body. In Panama City, students, teachers, environmentalist groups and representatives of Ngobe Bugle Indians protested in front of the National Assembly. And a group of university students faced off riot police at the University of Panama. Tear gas was used.

A Little History is Required: Back in the early 1990's several groups, mostly Canadians, obtained concessions to develop the mineral deposits in the Republic of Panama. No significant projects were put into operation because of the economics, e.g. due to the price of gold, silver, copper, and other minerals. It simply did not make sense to invest in the infrastructure required to extract the minerals held under Panama's soil.

Well in the intervening years mineral prices have soared. Most people are aware that gold has risen to over $1,000 per ounce. And while that's good, it's not nearly as attractive as cooper, and Panama’s copper deposits could turn out to be the largest on the planet. All of that means that a 2004 investment in Panamanian mining suddenly became a very smart business decision. The money has started pouring in and has not stopped. The numbers surrounding these projects run into the billions (with a ‘B’).

Put The Money Into Perspective: In one project alone, a copper mine project known as Cerro Colorado, it will cost more than $6 billion dollars to fully develop the copper mine. All of that money will be Foreign Direct Investment - meaning it's new money from outside of Panama -  and at $6 billion that means this project alone is larger than the expansion of the Panama Canal. What's more, this is only the initial investment.  But, the estimated deposits range up to 100 million tons of copper that can be extracted, deposits that will keep the mine operating for more than 70 years. In short, the copper in the ground under Cerro Colorado has a current value of $910 billion dollars. That's right, almost one TRILLION dollars.

So what’s the problem?  The term ‘impoverished region’ is the key phrase.  The rich copper deposits are smack dab in the middle of the Ngöbe Bugle indigenous tribe’s Comarca (reservation). And the government is now at the ‘11^th   Hour’ in starting this project and has never, over the years, ‘sold the project’ to the Indians. The government has not established the fact and designated funds specifically to help the people who live in the Comarca - better schools, roads, clinics, opportunities. The indigenous have not been made aware that this copper mine could be the best thing that ever happened to them. The mine will directly create at least 500 permanent new jobs - in an area where there are no jobs right now - and the trickle down economic impact of the project will be enormous for this impoverished region.

But the Indians have been ‘sold’ by the environmental activists in Panama – groups that are strong and vocal – that this is a bad thing for them.  And you don’t have to be a mining expert or knowledgeable about this part of the world to know that mining and mineral exploration does not have a good record in Latin America.  So what do the Indians and their supporters do? Protest! And some insist that the political operatives - who really only want to promote their own agendas - use and manipulate these people. It's simply sad to watch knowing that the government was (is) so short-sighted (arrogant?) that they created their own crises.

And This Week Things Really Heated Up.  Protests and demonstrations against amendments to Panama’s mining laws were held across the country on Tuesday, January 15 and were continued on Wednesday.

- Protests and street closings took place In Bocas de Toro, Chiriquí, Veraguas, and across province of Panama.

- In San Félix, Chiriquí, some 10,000 members of the Nägbe indigenous community took to the streets.  And Deputy Labor Minister Luis Ernesto Carles was attacked by a group of enraged protesters that rejected his call for dialogue. The group kept the Pan-American Highway in San Félix closed until 6 p.m.

- The protesters have rejected further dialogue after the government’s fait accompli which went through the Assembly in four days and was immediately signed into law by Martinelli.

- In Panama city university students closed some streets at 12 noon

- In the afternoon, environmentalists, workers, students, and leaders of civil organizations alike marched along Federico Boyd.  Later they held a vigil outside the El Carmen Church, after blocking all four lanes of Vía España during rush hour.

I am certain that this is not going to be resolved easily.  I am equally certain that there are going to be people who are very unhappy (rightly or wrongly) when it does get resolved.  But, I bet you the $910 billion’ side wins!

 

Big Brother Is Watching

He got caught because he went on vacation, after avoiding justice for 17 years. This week  a Colombian man was arrested at the "Colon 2000" cruise ship port by officers of the Panamanian National Police, as he disembarked from a cruise ship and was about to enter the country as a tourist. This man, who is now 70 years old, was reflected as being a fugitive from justice by the Interpol office in Bogotá, Colombia, for crimes against public health in the United States. He has been wanted since 14 January 1994 by law enforcement authorities from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Don Winter’s (Panama Guide) Comment: Ain't computers wunderful... The people who are trying to hide in Panama to avoid law enforcement authorities from the United States or elsewhere should take note. With each passing day the Panamanian government is getting more and more "wired" into regional and international information sharing networks. Most of these have been put in place to fight drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as terrorism, weapons smuggling, and the trafficking of illegal aliens and other types of organized crime. I suspect the next step will have international  warrants available to every street cop via the "pele police" handheld units. They (will be able to) stop a tourist on the street, plug in this passport number, and "bingo" - you're under arrest for child pornography charges in Seattle, or for not paying your child support payments, or for not paying your taxes, or for whatever you're running from. The message is clear - go somewhere else, now, while you still can. Panama is the wrong place for you. This guy found that out the hard way.

 

A Nice Problem To Have?

The hotels segment is the fastest growing employer in Panama. On the Pacific coast of the country, 14 new hotels are planned to open in the next three years. That also means that there will be ever growing demand for hotel personnel at all levels, from cleaning personnel to administration, and at the moment it is difficult to imagine how these positions will be filled, due to the lack of skilled local labor.

Panama’s Tourism Authority (ATP) is aware of the problem and as its  representative put it: “[government] must step on the gas and begin training young people for these jobs.” The new hotel projects are expected to generate some 13,000 new jobs. Just one of them – Hard Rock Café Hotel in San Carlos - will have 400 rooms to service.

More young people are being trained for various hotel industry jobs that ever but even more needs to be done, according to the National Institute for Training and Human Development.

 

Panama in Guinness Book of World Records?

On March 19, Panamanian surfer Gary Saavedra will make history in Panama when he becomes the first person to transit the Panama Canal on a surf board in what is being called the Red Bull Canal Cross project. Gary will ride a wave created by a ‘wakesurfing’ boat for four hours, breaking two world records at once: 1.) The longest wave ever surfed,  and 2.) the longest time up on a non-static wave. This feat is made possible due to a special wave-producing boat.

Gary Saavedra , with 13 different titles as national surf champion in Panama under his belt, is getting ready for the biggest challenge of is professional career. He is applying the same focus and dedication that has characterized how he applies himself to his sport, “I am ready for the Red Bull Canal Cross. I have been training for months now for this project, preparing for the physical and mental challenge that is ahead,” said Gary, who is training in and out of the water, “I am doing lots of cardiovascular training, swimming and strengthening my legs, and that’s getting me into shape to complete this crazy feat, added the Azuero-born surf star turned businessman.

Of the two Guinness Book of World Records feats that Gary is setting out to break, the most challenging will be the longest time up on a non static wave. “The current record is 45 minutes and my goal is four hours,” shared Gary. Guinness Book representatives will be present in Panama for the event to certify the feat.

Another aspect that has Saavedra excited is that the day of the event is the first birthday of his daughter, Gabriella Saavedra Baiz. “I want to do it for her and my family, who have always supported my throughout my career.”

 

My Book

My book is now available (finally) in the Kindle format on Amazon.com as well as the other formats.  I understand that it will be available next month in the ‘Nook’ format at Barnes and Noble as well.

Kindle from Amazon $9.99

Paperback from Publisher $9.95

Softcover from Amazon $29.95

 

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida

 Click on the thumbnail to view the photo.

   

The Super Bowl in David?

Super Bowl Panamanian Style

Like everything else in Panama, if there is any conceivable reason for it, there will be a celebration. And if the is a celebration there will be a BIG party at Fiesta Casino in their big showroom/restaurant/sports bar complex. For Super Bowl Sunday there was a crowd of about 300, most of whom were Americans. And most of whom were 'rough and rowdy' by kick-off, having participated in the pre-game festivities that started about 2PM.

 

Like most of the events in the Fiesta, there was a 'sponsor' for the day, and as usual it was one of the beer companies.  The sponsor has a special for the day that is encouraged by representatives of the company. For Super Bowl the sponsor was a company you may have heard of - Budweiser Beer.  And the company reps were the Budweiser Chicas. I got so distracted with the ladies' explaining the 'Special of the Day', that it wasn't till Monday that I realized that "7 long-necks for $7" was more than we normally pay. Ha!

Needless to say was a good time.  And really a great game. Well, at least as well as I remember. Brazil won, right?

 

Wild Bill Again - What a Slime-Ball!

From DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The confessed serial killer William  Dathan Holbert, alias "Wild Bill", supposedly composed a letter on Christmas day, 25 December 2010, while imprisoned in the La Joya prison in Panama City, in the Republic of Panama. In his letter he admits his guilt and asks the families of his victims for forgiveness. He has since turned the original of that letter over to prosecutors in David, in the province of Chiriqui where he is currently being held, for it to be included in his case file. One thing has become blazingly clear - every time Holbert has any kind of interaction with the prosecutors he's obviously trying to influence or manipulate the situation to his benefit. And there's another very simple question this letter creates - Why would he write such a letter in Spanish? The family members of all of his victims speak English and not Spanish. If the contents of this letter were true and sincere, wouldn't it make more sense to write the letter in English and have it sent to the family members themselves?

 

Fuel Oil Spill Contaminates Panama's Atlantic Coast

In the area of Fort Sherman a bunker spill from a ship that was seized and guarded by the Office of the Anti Drug Prosecutor is affecting the coast and mangroves in Colon (as reported by TVN). The first to glimpse the damage were swimmers, who later filed a complaint with the National Environmental Authority. The spill (actually leakage) has been occurring since last 25 January, and has now reached the areas used by bathers. The Director of ANAM in Colon, reported that there are 4 more stranded vessels in the bay, so there are fears that another accident could occur.

Comments by Don Winters, Panama-Guide: Panama has a terrible record of managing goods and assets seized during anti drug operations. It's no surprise that there are four or five large vessels at anchor off in the bay off of the coast near Fort Sherman that were seized and impounded as part of earlier anti drug operations. It's also no surprise to learn that these same vessels have been basically abandoned, ignored, and mismanaged to the point that they are now leaking thousands of gallons of fuel oil into the ocean. The government of Panama obviously has to get their act together in this respect.   

 

What Is The Big Problem With Culecos?

In Panamanian Spanish, "culecos" are the street parties where people gather around a water tanker truck, and people spray them down with water hoses. As I mentioned previously (see last weeks posting below), there is a big discussion going on about cancelling the traditional culecos in the upcoming carnival in Panama City.  The reason for the cancellation was reported to be connected to the ongoing water shortage in the city.  Like 'all things Panamanian', it turns out there is more to the story.

Panama's Public Works Minister, Federico Suarez, said he will not allow, at any time, holding "culecos" on the coastal strip, a new and upscale tourist area of  Panama City.  Suarez said if it turns out that the carnival celebrations are held on the strip, then the "culecos" will have to be held elsewhere. Suarez said that the parade of floats and bands could be held at this site, as it is apparently being planned at the moment. However, he said that "we will not allow for the deterioration of the coastal strip, which is a place of recreation and exercise".

As part of the "culecos" tradition, in addition to spraying people down with water hoses, there's usually loud music blasting from five different directions. Almost everyone starts drinking early and hard, so by the middle of the day most people have a buzz, and a certain percentage of the participants are falling down drunk. It can resemble a 'drunken brawl'.

The authorities’ cordon off the area and anyone who wants to participate has to enter and exit through designated points. People are searched for weapons or other kinds of dangerous contraband (glass containers are not allowed). And in recent years the police also screen the participants with the "Pele Police", handheld data devices to check to see if they are wanted or if an arrest warrant has been issued. For the most part security is pretty good, and the police call out every kind of reinforcement they can think of. They even take the cadets who are still studying at the police academy and press them into service for the duration of the carnivals.

The normal flow of carnivals is "culecos" during the day, followed by some kind of a parade with floats and the carnival queens, go home to change and an afternoon nap, then come back out at night for more drinking, another parade, and then bands and music on stage.

So the governmental authorities who were considering the possibility of cancelling carnival in Panama City due to the water crisis, now say it looks like it's going to happen, but they have not yet decided where, exactly.

 

My Book

Here ye, hear ye - My book is available in two different formats. Just use the links below.

You can also read excerpts at my website - this link Angels in Panama Website  

  

 

Order Paperback Here

or

Order Softcover Here

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

Views from Bocas del Toro.  Click on the thumbnail to view full-size.

  

 

 

 

The Serial Killer - Wild Bill - Update.

The Panamanian Justice System and 'Wild Bill' Holbert

The Second Superior Prosecutor of Chiriqui will perform the reconstruction for the crimes committed by William Datham Holbert, aka "Wild Bill" at the end of February. He committed the crimes against five Americans in the province of Bocas del Toro. "Wild Bill" and his wife Laura Michelle Reese were arrested for these murders. "Wild Bill" is being held in jail in the city of David.

But the Panamanian justice system is a little (lot) different.  This explanation from Don Winter at Panama-Guide.com..

"In Panama they regularly perform "reconstructions" of crimes like this. They bring everyone out to the scene of the crime and do a slow and deliberate walk-through, with Holbert explaining exactly when, where, and how he committed his crimes. They will have government employees stand in for the victims. These kinds of things can lead to the discovery of new evidence. For example, they will position a person exactly where Cher Hughes was when Holbert shot her from behind, and that will describe the trajectory of the bullet, which might allow investigators to dig in the exactly correct spot to recover the bullet itself from the ground. They videotape the entire thing from five different angles, take still photos and audio recordings. And, the story as being told by the confessed serial killer Holbert has to line up exactly with the forensic evidence - if not, then they can prove that he's lying in his confession."

 (Larry notes: In the Panamanian system it is a very serious matter if you lie when you confess. Confession is done to simplify things and you get some leniency in return. If the confession includes lies, the confession can still be used to convict you, but all bets are off on the sentence. Most people close to the case suspect Holbert's story is just chock full of lies, an attempt to protect Laura Michelle Reese.)   

 

Carnival Celebrations in Panama City Still In Doubt

Carnival  is a major holiday in Panama, scheduled for March 4-8,  but authorities  still have not decided whether to hold it in Panama City. Salo Shamah, Minister of Tourism, confirmed he has been working to organize the Carnival celebrations and is progessing "as if the Carnival celebrations are going to happen".  The water crisis facing the capital district is the main reason why Carnival is in doubt.  Some citizens have suggested that Carnival be held, but without the "culecos" (spraying water on the crowd during the day) to keep from wasting drinking water on this activity. However, Shamah said the Culecos are part of the character of the celebration itself.

 

Some Humor For You

 

This cartoon is a good example of how the subtlties of the Spanish language can be used for full humorous effect.  The top panel depicts President Martinelli with his campaign slogan, 'El Cambio' or 'The Change'.

In the second panel, when the workman adds the accent marks to the text it changes the meaning to 'He Changed!'.

Very clever, huh? 

 

 

Traveling To Mexico? Good Luck!

On Tuesday, January 25, Mexicao's President Calderón declared 2011 to be "the year of tourism" in the hope that better times are ahead. However, in my opinion any American who considers traveling to Mexico is 'on something' or not reading the newspapers.

I subscribe to U.S.A. Today's daily news bulleting that provides highlights of articles covering what is happening in the world of travel. Wednesday, January 26 edition featured two articles concerning travel in Mexico:

1. 'Acapulco is both heaven and hell'

Acapulco regularly welcomed the Hollywood set to the cliff-top inns during its heyday in the 1950s, and has been a popular stop since then for travelers from all over the world.  But currently, "Acapulco is both heaven and hell," says Abel Barrera, director of the Human Rights Center in Guerrero.

Acapulco rang in the New Year with a wave of violence in which 15 decapitated bodies were left in front of a shopping center Jan. 8. Further violence included the bodies of six youths shot at close range being stuffed into a taxi and the skin being peeled off a prison guard's face and placed over a car seat, according to the Guerrero government.

The violence breached the main tourist strip, too: Two senior investigative police officers were shot dead in public Jan. 7 by gunmen with assault rifles who arrived at the scene in luxury SUVs, according to El Universal newspaper.

The article then went on to itemized similar instances in previous months/years.

2. Attacks on cruisers prompt lines to cancel calls in Mazatlan.

Three major cruise lines have canceled calls in Mazatlan, Mexico this week in the wake of a wave of crime against cruisers visiting the city.

Holland America, Princess and the Disney Cruise Line are diverting ships that normally visit the West Coast port as part of Mexican Riviera voyages from California.

Disney says the Disney Wonder, which was scheduled to visit Mazatlan regularly through April as part of a new seven-night Mexico itinerary, will not go back. Instead, it will spend extra time in Cabo San Lucas.

 

Kite Surf Season at Punta Chame

Each January, when the winds begin to blow from the north, signifying the  beginning of Panama’s dry ‘summer’ season, the kite surfers return like migratory birds to Panama. These extreme sport enthusiasts live for the perfect wind and conditions that they find at Punta Chame, a one hour drive from Panama City on the Pacific Coast.

This is Miles Light getting ready to take flight last weekend. Originally from Colorado, Miles was in town on business and extended his trip to include a weekend of kite surfing, a sport he took up three years ago. While in Chame, he “nested” at Punta Chame Villas, situated along the 22 miles of uninterrupted white sand beach that the area is famous for.

 

Looking For A Hideaway?

Coral Cay is a tiny island surrounded by mangroves and coral, as its name implies. Located in the channel between Isla Bastimentos and Isla Popa, it is about a 45 minute boat ride from Bocas Town on Isla Colón, on Panama’s Caribbean coast. Tourists are drawn to this lesser-known destination within Bocas del Toro for its coral formations that are in very good condition.

The island, popular with snorkelers and nature enthusiasts, is off the beaten path, yet still offers anything a tourist might need. There is a small community on the island, three lodgings and three seafood restaurants. A small village it mostly built on the shoreline over the sea.

 

This is A Cute Thing

This article ran in a Panama travel publication. I thought it was worth passing on.

Children from an Emberá Indian Village shown forming a heart to send a message of love to the world. Taking a visit to one of Panama’s tribes, particularly the Emberá, is often one of the most memorable experiences that tourists have while in the country.

 

My Book

The publisher finally has the logistics problem fixed with Amazon. The softcover is available from Amazon, the paperback from the publisher.  The only difference between the two (other than the price) is the quality and texture of the paper cover.

  

 Order Your copy with the links below!

 

Paperback from Publisher - $9.95

 

Softcover from Amazon - $29.95

 

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida  (Click on the thumbnail to view photos)

  

 

Still In Panama and Still Kicking

The Water Situation In Panama City Impacts David?

The water problems in Panama have now caused a crises in David.  The heavy rains, reservoir overflows, etc. a month ago is still affecting Panama City.  Although the water is technically potable (.i.e. bacteria free), turgidity is still a problem.  The water not only looks bad, you might object to the grit.

How does that affect us in David some 275 miles away?  The nation's breweries are in the Panama City area.  Two of the country's four beers are now not available anywhere in David!  Yikes!

 

Words To Live By

You finally get old enough that All the answers to life’s' problems become obvious. So, ALL GUYS LISTEN UP! Stop debating the 'toilet seat up or down' thing. You are not going to win and it will never end.

Just shut up and recognize that is the very reason that SOME GUY invented pedestal sinks. Problem solved!

 

Build It And WHO Will Come?

The District of Guararé has the first airfield prepared for the tourist development of the Azuero peninsula. Mayor Luis Carlos Sanchez  requested the appointment of  permanent 24 hour staff to monitor the new Augusto Vergara airfield, located in the village of La Enea, in this community. The Mayor said the surveillance is necessary to prevent the airfield from being used for illegal purposes, and that during the night there are no guards, and no lights.

Sanchez hopes that with the rehabilitation of this airfield flights will start to come and go to and from this place, with the aim of promoting tourism in the peninsula of Azuero. Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) inaugurated the new airfield after restoration work was completed. The project includes rehabilitation of the terminal building, the restructuring and paving of the runway, the installation of a perimeter fence and a new platform (parking area) for aircraft.

In short, they constructed a runway in this isolated area as the first step in developing an airport and opening an isolated area of the country. Now have to be concerned about it being used by drug traffickers.

 

Classic Cars Rally In Chiriquí

This classic car in the lobby of the Gran Hotel Nacional in David is getting the Chiriquí province excited about the three day tour in classic cars.

From January 21 to 23, the province of Chiriquí hosted the 5th International Rally for antique, old and vintage sports cars organized by an organization called ADEPA – a club dedicated to the preservation of the antique and sports vehicles of Panama. ADEPA organizes different activities throughout the year like rallies, car shows and caravans and this January it held the biggest event of the year, a three-day that will start from the Grand Hotel Nacional in David and wind up through the towns of Fortuna, Boquete, Potrerillos and Volcán, and come back to David, where the event will end with a big show with all of the classic participating cars at the Grand Hotel Nacional.

 

Did You Know The Smithsonian Is In Panama?

The Panamanian summer is here and the kids are on vacation. The Smithsonian has a wide variety of camp options to keep them busy. The Smithsonian Tropical  Research Institute (STRI) holds summer camp at its Nature Center at Punta Culebra, on the Amador Causeway. Sea turtles at the STRI Nature Center at Punta Culebra are always a hit with the kids.

One such camp is for children from eight to 12 years of age, and it was offered from January 17 to 21. Kids will enjoy scientific activities and learn about marine and coastal environments in Panama. They will also enjoy fun games and group activities in the natural and safe environment of the Nature Center.

 

My Book

 

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Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

(Click On Thumbnails To View Full-Size)

   

   

It Is Happening In Panama!

 

The Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair

One of the most spectacular fairs in Panama’s countryside is going on now. It is the 39th annual Flowers and Coffee Fair taking place through January 23 in Boquete, Chirquí. This highly-celebrated event attracts people from all over Panama and beyond to see the beautiful flower gardens at the fairgrounds.

The flowerbeds are carefully tended all year long, beginning in May, so that the display of so many flowers in bloom at once  happens right during the January fair. This year the Fair coincides with the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Boquete district.

Boquete is also Panama's 'coffee country'.  Come and taste the specialty coffees that the region is so famous for. The volcanic fertile soil, high altitude and temperate climate combine to make Boquete an ideal place for coffee growers. Geisha coffee, which sells for over $100 a pound in Japan, is grown here.

 

Panama Facts You Probably Don't Know

 - When it was built the Panama Railroad was the most expensive railroad ever built ($8 million over 5 years).

 - At one point in history, the shares of the Panama Railroad were the highest priced stock on the New York Stock Exchange ($295 a share).

 - At the narrowest point across Panama, there is only 48 miles (80 kilometers) of land mass separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific.

 - Panama has the second largest duty free zone in the world (after Hong Kong).

 - Panama, whose total area is roughly equal to South Carolina, has more birds than the United States and Canada combined.

 

Oh, I Understand Now!

Well, I feel better, now that I understand the health care plan we were "gifted" with (and are forced to buy), covers at least ten million more people, and adds 16,000 new IRS agents, but not a single new doctor.  A bill written by a committee whose chairman said he didn't understand it, then passed by a Congress that didn't read it, and signed by our highly 'health-conscious' President (who smokes, but knows what is best for us). And we will only be taxed for four years before most of the benefits take effect.

Of course predictably, Congress exempted themselves from the bill, and a growing list of organizations and companies have already been 'exempted' from the plan, many of whom were vocal supporters of the bill.  Got it, right?

The program will be enforced by the Treasury Chief who didn't pay his taxes, monitored by a Surgeon General (who is noticeably obese), and managed by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare while running up a debt of $14 trillion.

Get on board people!  I mean, 'What the hell could possibly go wrong?'

 

Your Mental Image Of Panama?

I would bet that when you hear a mention of Panama that the mental image that pops into your mind is nothing like Tucán Country Club & Resort (Pictured here. That is the Panama City skyline in the background).  Just across the Bridge of the Americas, minutes outside Panama City, the luxury residential community has become a big player in Panama’s solid real estate market. Much of the attention that the development is getting is because of its par-72 golf course (golf courses are relative rare here).  And the lush tropical  forests that border this private gated golf community, along with the fresh air and escape-from-the-city appeal are certainly big factors as well.

Tucan offers a choice of villas, apartments and condos of different styles and sizes designed by award-winning architect Humberto Echeverria. There are also houses and apartments available for rent, for the golf-minded traveler who prefers to stay close to the city. It is a natural environment with all the amenities available

 

A Scottish Night in Panama?

Panama’s Scottish community and friends get together every year on the anniversary of the birth of Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet. This year the St. Andrew’s Society of Panama will celebrate Burn’s Night on Friday, January 21 at the City Club in Panama City.

Scottish patriots can don their kilts and sashes. Scotch whisky will be flowing freely. Haggis will, of course, be on the bill of fare. Expat Scots and anyone else who wishes to join a night of conviviality with Scottish music, poetry and dancing is welcome... even Sassenachs, says the chieftain of the St. Andrews Society.

And You doubted that the Scots are everywhere?

 

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Till Next Time. Pura Vida

More Boquete pictures. Click on the thumbnails to view full-size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's New In Panama?

Yankees Resign Panamanian National Hero

The New York Yankees announced they are bringing back 41-year-old closer Mariano Rivera with a two-year deal reportedly worth $30 million. In his 16-year career, Rivera  ranks second all- time with 559 saves and an average of 40 saves per season since he became the Yankees’ full-time closer in 1997.

During this past season, Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA in 61 appearances and notched 33 saves. If he continues to perform near his historical saves-per-season mark, he will become baseball's all-time saves leader, possibly as soon as the end of the upcoming season.

 

Latino Logic Anyone?

There is a little hole-in-the-wall bar around the corner across the street from Romero's supermarket. It is one of those non-desript little places we gringos refer to as a 'local's bar'. But The Green Bar has the advantage of location. Several of us have gotten into the habit of ducking in there for a drink or two if Romero's appears to be busy when we decide to go grocery shopping. 'Wait for the crowd to clear out', as we say. As you might guess, Romero's always just happens to be busy when we show up.

The Green Bar, which has but 7-8 stools at the bar, only has three or four hard liquors to offer, primarily because 95% of the alcohol served in Panama is beer (know your market!). Our rum and cokes are served in small plastic cups, which is fine with us because the cup size prevents the bartender from 'over-pouring' - over-pouring the coke, that is.

The owner, Arturo, announced last week he was changing the price of all mixed drinks. He was reducing the price to 50 cents (from 60 cents). "Reducing the price?" we asked. Arturo explained that he did not have a cash register, the cash is kept lose in a drawer under the bar. And since all beers were 75 cents, if the mixed drinks were 50 cents, the only change he would have to keep would be dollar bills and quarters. Got that?

Arturo was only slightly amused when my friend John and I showed up the next day with pockets full of dimes to pay for our drinks. I wonder why these people think gringos are crazy.

　

You Think You Got Cell Phones?

Panama with a population of only 3.4 million has nearly six and a half million cell phones in use. Factoring out very young children and other non-users, the figures indicate that 6 out of 10 Panamanians have at least two phones.

 Of the 6.496 million users. the majority prefer prepaid cards. Only 324,808 subscribe to contracts with one of the country’s four telephone companies. Despite those figure, growth prospects for the telecommunications sector remain encouraging and authorities are projecting an increase in revenues of $693 million for the mobile phone industry in the next four years.

　

Will This Ever End?

There are still lingering problems two months after the torrential rains and severe flooding clobbered Panama.

- Drinking Water Doesn't Contain Bacteria - Just Suspended Particles (Contributed by: Don Winner of Panama-Guide).

Panama's health and water officials conducted a bacteriological test to determine if the drinking water being supplied to the central area of the province of Panama was fit for human consumption. In a press release, the Ministry of Health determined that the water has no bacteria, but he still does not recommend its consumption.

Tests determined there was no bacteria present in the water, but there are still high levels of turbidity in the water. Therefore health officials recommend that people filter and boil the water before drinking. Executives have repeatedly said they are still waiting for nature to take its course in order for the levels of turbidity in the source water in Lake Alajuela to be reduced.

Winter's Editorial Comment: "We're blasting the water with enough chlorine to kill all of the bacteria, but there is still solid particles suspended in the water, so you might want to filter that crap out first before you drink it. It won't hurt you, but you might not want to have to chew your drinking water."

- Flooding alert in Chiriqui

More concerns over flooding in Panama, this time in Chiriqui where the country's civil defense agency (Sinaproc) has warned that the Fortuna hydroelectric dam in the district  of Gualaca, is close to flooding.

After suffering the rainiest year on record, Panama has headed into 2011 with rainfall continuing into the "Dry Season". Additionally, forecasters say it will rain well into March.

Officials had to evacuate communities near the Bayano reservoir due to high water levels in December. Officials say that people living along the Chiriqui River should monitor media reports and be prepared in the case of an emergency.

Sinaproc Regional Manager José Donderis said recently, "We are constantly monitoring a network of satellite stations and keeping a close eye on rainfall in the area to avoid an emergency".

　

My Book Is Still Available

 

You haven't read my book yet? You do know there will be a test?

 

Order Paperback From Publishers With This Link

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Till Next Time.  Pura Vida!

(Click On Thumbnail To View)

 

 

 

 

 

　

 

A Shout-Out From David, Panama

All Is Not Gold In Panama

I have included two exerpts from recent articles by Don Winner, from the English language newspaper, Panama-Guide.com, that may provide you a better perspective on the drug wars, and the complexity of solving it.

- "A common theme throughout all of Latin America with regards to the war on drugs is that most of the countries involved know they wouldn't have any problems with drug traffickers, the associated crime and violence, money laundering, etc., if the drug addicts in the United States didn't create such a lucrative demand. For example, all  week the news has been dominated by the revelations of WikiLeaks and the cables written by the former US Ambassador to Panama about President Martinelli's supposed attempts to use the DEA's "Matador" cellular telephone intercept system against his political rivals." (rather than focusing the use of the equipment on tracking drug traffic-ers)

(Larry notes: When you add to this the fact that thousands of illegal sophisticated military weapons flow out of the U.S. to drug cartels in Mexico and other countries to our south, you can begin to see why 'our partners' in this war on drugs may doubt our level of commitment to stamping out the drug traffic.)

- "The bail granted by the former Panamanian Anti Drug Prosecutor was revoked for  the four people linked to the case of the 'drug plane', according to the 'supplemental' Attorney General.  The bails were replace by newly issued arrest warrants.

"These four suspected drug traffickers apparently obtained their freedom by paying massive bribes to officials within the Public Ministry. The details have yet to be investigated and clarified, but the scandal resulted in the resignation of the previous 'supplemental' Attorney General. In addition investigations have been launched against several former officials of the Public Ministry, including the former Chief of Human Relations (who's hiding in Vienna), the former Secretary General (who's hiding in London), and the former Anti Drug Prosecutor who issued the order to release the four drug traffickers. And the four drug guys are also long gone.  Now Panama will have to issue an alert through Interpol to see if anyone else can pick them up somewhere."

Add This To The Health Care Debate

Starting January 15, visitors arriving at Tocumen International Airport in Panama will be covered by a state-appointed free health insurance policy.

Each visitor will be given a pamphlet containing an identification card for beneficiaries. This card must be presented together with a passport if a visitor needs medical care.

The policy covers medical expenditures up to $7,000. In addition. if the visitor needs to be transferred to another medical center, overseas transportation up to $40,000 will be provided. The insurance also contains $20,000 in coverage if a visitor dies while in Panama. The coverage lasts 30 days.

It will be voided if a visitor is injured while consuming drugs or under the influence of alcohol. Extreme sports and natural phenomenon are also excluded.

Ancient bells of La Merced Church

The bells that once rang at La Merced Church in Panama’s Casco Viejo are nearly eight centuries old.  Located in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter of Panama City, La Merced, one of the oldest churches in Panama, was built in 1688.

Recently, the priest of La Merced, Padre Narciso Vioque Perez, who is dedicated to recovering the ancient treasures of the church, invited an expert to Panama to asses the old set of the church's tower bells.  And to much surprise, the bells are much older than the church itself. According to church bell expert Manuel Quintana, the bells date back to the 13th century, precisely to the year 1232.

This discovery means that the bells were already more than 400 years old when they came to Panama. The bells were also signed by the artisan who made them nearly eight centuries ago – Imanuel Perea. Unfortunately, the bells that had been removed due to cracks, cannot be restored to a functional state. But given their rarity and antiquity, Quintana has suggested that the bells be declared 'objects of cultural interest'.

 

Today's Thought

The U.S. economy is so bad Motel 6 won’t leave the light on anymore.

A British Racing Pigeon in Panama?

A British racing pigeon named Houdini has turned up in Panama City. The bird had been lost after its first race in England. Houdini was supposed to have completed a 224-mile trip from Guernsey to Dudley in the West Midlands of England. The bird's owner, Darren Cubberly, was quite surprised to receive a phone call five weeks later from Panama City reporting that his pigeon had been found some 5,200 miles away. The bird was identified using the information on the band around the bird’s leg. 

Given the pigeon’s good physical condition when found by the Ortiz family in Panama City, it is assumed that Houdini perched aboard a Panama-bound ship where he was fed well during the trip.

Mr. Ortiz called England using the information on the bird's band. Regarding the call, Mr. Cubberly told The London Telegraph: “I was gobsmacked. I didn’t even know where Panama was!” Mr. Cubberly and Senor Ortiz came to the agreement that Houdini would stay here in Panana with his new family.

Stranger than fiction, I guess!

 

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Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

    

 

The Holiday Festivities in Panama

Holiday Traditions Are Different In Panama

The festive holiday traditions are noticeably different in Panama - different than those in the U.S.  All the streets around the town center park are blocked off to vehicular traffic starting about the 15th of December, and the streets fill up with vendors.  And I do mean the streets, not just the sidewalks, the streets.  The only piece of land in sight not blanketed by vendor stands is the park itself, which remains sacrosanct throughout the celebration (you can't even walk your bicycle through El Parque Cervantes).

Some of the food vendor stands are large covered structures (like you would see at a county fair), complete with a seated dining area with plastic tables and chairs. A few feet away is an old man with a BBQ grill cooking God-only-knows-what.  Next to him is a lady with a cooler full of some type of fruit punch. And...and ... for blocks around the park.

There are stands where you can buy cell phones (all four cell phone service  providers have multiple stands).  Need packages gift wrapped?  There are probably a dozen stands to handle that for you. Fruit, vegetables, cerviche, snow cones, hot dogs, soft ice-cream, pastries and Christmas cakes are all readily available.  Half a dozen government agencies have big tents handing out brochures and 'how-to' guides. Handicraft items, toys, trinkets, artwork, figurines, T-shirts, hats, and lawn furniture is available as well.  There is even a roulette wheel at each end of the street.  Whew!

All evening the entire downtown area looks like the streets around a big sports stadium right after the big game is over.

The bars around town have a big night, more like New Years Eve in the U.S., and the bands are scheduled to play until 2AM.  All the revelers, in both the bars and the park, are waiting for midnight.  A two- hour fireworks displays starts promptly at midnight. Well, fireworks displays plural.  You can see in the distance that fireworks are going off all over town.

By contrast, on New Year's Eve most of the local bars will be closed because people celebrating quietly at home.  New Years Eve is a family celebration.

 

City Hall Suspends the Panama City Christmas Parade

Panama City mayor Bosco Vallarino canceled the annual Christmas Parade and instructed the Comptroller of the Republic to redirect the parade funds to the victims affected by the tragic flooding caused by unusually heavy rains. Even though the parade was canceled, there was free holiday entertainment for all at the “Christmas Villas”.

Carnival-style Christmas decorations adorn Panama City’s waterfront along the Cinta Costera. And, the Cinta Costera was all dressed up for the party, with “Christmas Villas” adorning both sides of Panama City’s coastal beltway.

Larger-than-life figures and holiday scenes have been built in the Carnival style that is typical of Panama’s floats. Live music, rides and other entertainment is being provided for free for anyone who wished to visit the big Christmas scene. It will be open to the public through the first weeks of the New Year.

 

And In Boquete, A Train Tour

The Chicky Train has become a Boquete tourist attraction since it began offering tours in the Chiriquí highland town last year. It is a children’s train that is fun for all ages, says operator Lorena Merlo.  Festive lights and music make the train fun for all.  Riders get to see the touristic sights of Boquete along the 15-minute ride. The route   includes seeing the Christmas lights at Valle Escondido, the town's fairgrounds and the Panamonte Hotel.

The Chicky Train also led the Boquete Christmas Parade on December 25, right behind the Boquete Mayor’s Office float.

 

My Book Is Still Available - Late Christmas Present?

 

 

Order Paperback Copy Here

 

  

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!  Till Next Time.  Pura Vida

 

 

Feliz Navidad From David Panama

Christmas in Panama

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose  ....."

Uhhh. Never mind.  Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

 

Panama Issues Sanitary Alert - Cholera. 

Panama's government Tuesday (Dec. 21) declared a sanitary alert to prevent the spread of cholera, which has been sweeping across Haiti since October. "Panama is not immune from this disease since it is a transit country," Panamanian Health Minister Franklin Vergara said when announcing the measure. Vergara said the measure includes the reinforcement of health checks at the main entry points into the country. "We have not relaxed (our vigilance), and we maintain checkpoints in ports and airports in the entire country," Vergara said. Vergara also urged people to maintain strict hygiene measures, especially in the zones affected by the flooding.

According to the latest reports, the cholera epidemic in Haiti has so far killed 2,535 people, with some cases also found in countries like the Dominican Republic and the United States.   

Continued Fall-Out From The Torrential Rains

Record setting rainfall.  Heavy rains started falling in Panama two weeks ago, on Tuesday, 7 December 2010. (Note: This was after record setting rainfalls in November). The rains lasted for three solid days, and the amount of rainfall has been described as "historic" and "unprecedented." In fact, records were broken all over the country during that period but the heaviest amounts of rain fell on the Eastern part of the province of Panama, as well as in the province of the Darien which borders with Colombia, and in the province of Colon.

Problems with Drinking Water.  The tremendous amounts of rainfall caused mudslides all over the country. Massive amounts of mud and debris were washed into Lake Alajuela, which provides drinking water for the capital of Panama City through the water purification plant in Chilibre. Officials advised that people can use the water coming from the taps to bathe, wash clothes, or flush toilets, but it should be boiled first before drinking it or using it to cook with.  Officials have been trying to "ration" water service around Panama City, however there are some neighborhoods located in higher elevations where the pressure in the "system" never gets high enough to bring water up to their residences. The net result is that thousands of people have been going without water service for weeks. And those who do have water have seen the water come and go as the service is supposedly "spread around" town on a kind of distribution schedule. Only those who have large water tanks on the roofs of their buildings have been spared.

More Than 225,000 Domestic Animals Killed by Flooding. The Panamanian government reports that about 225,000 animals died in three provinces, resulting from the floods in Panama last week. Panamanian Minister of Agricultural Development (MIDA), Emilio Kieswetter, presented a preliminary report at a press conference detailing the affects of the heavy rains. He said as of 15 December 2010, about 222,000 birds (poultry), 2,000 head of cattle, and 350 pigs were killed in the district of Chepo, in the eastern province of Panama, and there were another 600 head of cattle killed in the Darien. As for the Caribbean province of Colon, in addition to incurring losses of animals in as yet unspecified amounts, the entire planting of agricultural production was destroyed. However, Kieswetter noted that in Chepo, more than 100,000 birds (poultry) survived, which meet the requirements for human consumption.

The Ministry of Health established a sanitary cordon in the affected communities of Chepo to prevent epidemics and diseases, as well as in the Darien, in the border areas with Colombia. The National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers began earlier this week a temporary program of potable water rationing because the water treatment plants in the Panama City area were affected by sedimentation. According to the Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) rains in these areas left at least 10 dead, 2,720 homeless, 13,071 people and 2,586 homes affected, as well as bridges and roads destroyed.    

Centennial Bridge Completely Closed Due To Erosion and Mudslides. Panama's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) announced that the Centennial Bridge, affected by  heavy rains, will be completely closed as of Friday, 17 December 2010.  In a city that already has traffic problems this closure restricts traffic moving from Panama City to the Western sector of the province of Panama was suspended. It is going to take a lot of work to repair the damage done to the approach to the Centennial Bridge.

 

Drug Problem Is Not Going Away

More Than 2,900 Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Two Days.  The Naval Air Service of Panama (SENAN) over the past two days seized in raids a total of 2,750 kilos of cocaine hidden in different locations that were awaiting to be transported. Authorities discovered the whereabouts of 31 large bags of cocaine which were hidden in the town of Palmilla in the province of Colon. That seizure led authorities to another 79 large bags hidden in a nearby cove, a hideaway used by drug traffickers who take advantage of the many beaches, rivers and mountainous areas in different parts of the country to hide drugs.  So far there have been no arrests related to this seizure.

In the same operation, along the Atlantic coast, authorities seized 30 assault rifles, 28 of which are AK-47's. One Panamanian was arrested who is being questioned to see if there might be a possibility of making other arrests.  The authorities also announced on Friday the seizure of another 200 kilos of cocaine in another police operation, which amounts to nearly three tons of drugs seized during the last few days. This year Panama seized more drugs than at any other time in the nation's history. Before these busts they had already passed more than 70 tons seized in 2010, compared to about 50 tons in all of 2009.  

My Book

This link is for the paperback version, presntly available only from the publisher, Publish America.  The book should be available in e-book form in the next 30 days from both Amazon (Kindle version) and from Google books.

Order Paperback Here

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida!

  

 Yes, the Christmas tree is the park is blue!

 

As Seen From Panama!

A Photography Class?

A friend suggested I should sign up for a photography class here in David to take advantage of all the features designed into my new camera. I countered with the argument that the camera had an ‘automatic’ setting so there was little reason for me to sit in a class for several hours to learn about features I would not use.  I am the guy that thinks ‘F-stop’ is some kind of vulgar abbreviation.

 

Well yesterday I met the instructor of the class. She convinced me to sign up, and I researched the various courses that were being offered.  I signed up for the advanced class. It is only about six weeks long.  What did she say to change my mind about the photo instruction?  She said, “Hi.” 

 

 

Culture Shock?

You pick up some habits living in a foreign country that are culturally unique. And I found out on my last trip that those habits can cause problems when I return to the States.

For instance, it is very common here in Panama for people to casually ask me where I am from.  And, 'the U.S.' is not the right answer - they assume that you are American (much to the chagrin of Anglo Canadians, Aussies, Europeans, etc., I might add). And when I tell the cab driver or waitress that I am from Carolina Norte, a conversation ensues about their brother who is living in Florida, or uncle in California or whatever. A great ice-breaker I guess.

Well one morning in November I am in a 7-11 in the Charlotte suburbs and, as it is every morning, the place is a beehive of activity. The majority of the traffic is made up of construction workers on the way to work. I am standing in line to pay for my coffee and morning paper, behind three Latino construction laborers who are also stopping for coffee.  At the head of the line a gringo woman is holding things up as she keeps remembering 'one more thing' every time the clerk gets her rung up.  The fellow in front of me in line turns and looks at me and rolls his eyes.  We share a silent grin.

The lady at the register digs around in her purse, after all of this, and determines she doesn't have enough cash and starts a new search for her credit card. The guy turns to me again and grins while shaking his head.  As he turns back, without thinking I more or less automatically ask, "Where are you guys from?"  Oh my, you would have thought I farted!

All three guys' heads snapped around like they were on swivels and they just stared at me with that 'deer/headlights look'.  I still didn't realize what was happening until one of them mumbled something about California. They looked like they were about to bolt. Then, BOOM, it hit me. I quickly added in my 'best' Spanish that I lived in Panama, and the guy reminded me of a Panamanian friend and I thought he might be related, or some such thing  Whew!  They all started talking at once at that point.  And even though my Spanish is not that good, I faked my way through a short exchange and a crisis was avoided. Phew!

Note to self - Be careful what you ask strangers in the U.S.

 

You Think The U.S. Has Economic Problems?

In early December, Spanish air traffic controllers conducted a weekend-long wildcat strike to protest the government efforts to cut their pay and increase the normal work hours. The Spanish government is struggling with huge budget problems that threaten the country's very existence - some say problems that are even more severe than those in Greece.

But the controllers had to call off the strike that shut down all the country's airports, due to a backlash from the Spanish public.  What? The public lashed out?  Well in a country where unemployment exceeds 20% and is facing severe (very severe) austerity measures, the public had no sympathy for the controllers when it became public knowledge that the average pay for the nation's 1,900 controllers was $463,000 a year.  That is not a typo - the AVERAGE salary is 463 thousand dollars a year, and some make as much as $1.29 million.

Several years ago the union negotiated a new contract that reduced the work week and placed a big pay premium on controllers who worked extra shifts. The theory was that these measures would light a fire under the government agencies to train and hire new controllers to maintain the force at the proper level of 2,400 controllers, something the government had not done consistently in the past.

Due to government mis-management, tight budgets and long training lead-times (3 years), the normal staffing level of 2,400 controllers has shrunk to 1,900.  In addition, a large number of controllers are due to retire in the near future.  Fly the Friendly Skys of ....?

 

The U.S. Budget Problems

Did you know that the U.S. Defense budget (664 Billion) is equal to the rest of the world's nations combined?  And all the perennial problems still exist.  The uniformed services still tend to design and procure expensive weapon systems aimed to fight the last war.  And Congress insisting on buying weapon systems the services don't want because it provides employment in their districts.  Add to that equation the fact that we are still fighting wars on two fronts, that seem to have no end in sight.

These observations come from a retired military man, so these comments are in no way anti-military.  But the people who are getting hurt are always the same - the folks on the ground in one of these s**t-hole countries. How we continue to recruit and retain these young people, who leave their families for repeated tours in these war zones, baffles me.  I am convinced that the 'cost' to many of them will only be visible in coming years.

 

The TSA - Continuing To Keep Us Safe

In early December Meera Shankar, 60, was selected for a 'feel-up' (er, 'enhanced pat-down') by TSA screeners at Jackson-Evers International Airport in Jackson, Mississippi.

Since this was the second time in a month Shakar had been singled out for pat-down, she knew to request that the search be conducted in private. That request was denied and the 'enhanced pat-down' was conducted in a clear glass box in the security processing area - a 'very humiliating experience' according to research associates from Mississippi State University traveling with her.

The fact that her request for privacy was not honored is not too surprising when you realize that the TSA agents were also not impressed by the fact that her diplomatic passport clearly confirmed the fact that Ms. Shankar is India's Ambassador to the U.S. (The broad is Bass oder to what?)

On the surface it would be easy to make jokes about 'red-neck Bubba who got him a job with 'T' somethin'-or-other out at the airport last week'. However, true to form, TSA officials maintained that "personnel followed TSA guidelines in the processing of the Ambassador".  Oh!

 

MY Book

I am still involved in a struggle with my book's publisher.  Even though the paperback version is available and in print, the publisher has still not gotten it listed on Amazon, Borders, etc. So on Amazon, for example, the only option is the $29.95 soft cover version (versus $12.95 for the paperback).  So I am no longer posting the more expensive option.  If for some reazon you prefer the soft cover, you can do a search on Amazon or Borders.

 Order Paperback from Publisher

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.

    

Crises In Panama

I discussed in an earlier posting the travel problems I encountered when I returned to Panama in early November.  Well, in mid-December Panama continues to be battered by heavy and persistent rain systems.  Government officials report that this year is the most rain since the government first started recording such information 73 years ago. 

The items below are merely an overview of the impact on the country:

-  Panama's President Ricardo Martinelli has decreed a "state of national emergency"  to expedite aid to target the different areas of the country that have been affected by floods, overflowing rivers and landslides.  The situation in the eastern provinces of Panama, Colon, and Darien is especially critical where the security sectors reported the death of 10 people, more than 4,000 affected and 962 houses with total or partial damage.

-  The President also admitted that the dam at the Bayano Lake was about to give way, due to the amount of water that had accumulating. He indicated that the information was not revealed earlier so as not to alarm the community.  However, Martinelli said the water company, AES Panama, would have to answer for any damages, saying that the emergency discharge of water could have been done sooner.

-  The Panama Canal had to be closed for only the third time in its storied 96-year history. Officials closed the canal after heavy rain in the Chagres River area, caused water behind the Gatun Dam -- which creates Lake Gatun, a significant part of the canal -- to rise. The canal was reopened 17 hours later. The last time the canal closed was in 1989, after the United States invaded Panama to topple strongman Manuel Noriega.

-  Access roads to the province of Colon have collapsed due to the bad weather that has prevailed in recent days. One of the main points on Via Transístmica, collapsed completely, as the result of a mudslide. Also, a bridge that links the community of Nueva Italia and the Residencial Los Lagos collapsed, when a nearby hill suffered a mudslide.

-  The Ministry of the Interior issued an order which prohibits any movement by air, land, or sea in the disaster area in the district of Chepo.  This measure was taken because the airspace is being used to deliver humanitarian assistance to the affected areas. And, the suspension of movement via ground and sea is aimed at safeguarding the lives of citizens, because the release of water from the Bayano dam continues to generate strong currents.

-  The secretary general of the Association of Educators Veragüenses called for help from the government authorities, because many calls have been received  from teachers who remain isolated in the areas of Kuna Yala and Yavisa in the Darien. He said teachers have stated there is no water or electricity and that the community is running out of food. According to the teachers' union leader there are more than 200 teachers who have not yet been evacuated. (Larry notes: The labor agreement between the teachers union and the government specifies that teachers who volunteer to teach in Panama's remote interior will be evacuated from those areas in case of fire, flood, earthquake, civil unrest, etc.  This is a classic example of a disparity between the government’s intentions and their actual capabilities.)

-  A major roadway leading to the Centennial Bridge near downtown Panama City  collapsed earlier in the week. The underlying cement slab gave way due to water running under the roadway, according to reports. Traffic police continue a special operation in the area after one lane was closed and the passage of heavy trucks and equipment was suspended.

-  Several children and adults were rescued from the Bayano area, after the National Air Service made several evacuations. The people were worried because they had gone for several days without eating. Once rescued, they were treated by ambulance paramedics who were in the community and then transferred to the regional center at the Chepo University, where a temporary shelter has been established. The Rio de los Indios is one of those that has overflowed its banks onto the roadway, preventing access to several communities where there are still people waiting to be rescued.

-  On a sadder and more personal note, Canadian Greg Coy, who is well known in the area as the owner of a popular restaurant, is in the hospital recovering from serious injuries, the result of a devastating mudslide in Portobelo. His wife Susanna Murell, his wife's adult son Pablo, Pablo's wife Corvacho, and the couple's three-month-old baby girl were all killed in the mudslide. Greg's pelvis was shattered, broken in three places, and it's a miracle he's still alive. The mudslide destroyed his family, his home, his business, and wiped out all of his belongings. Greg's adult children from an earlier marriage are making arrangements to fly down to Panama to be with their father. The Prime Minister of Canada is organizing fundraising efforts there to help Greg's children fly to Panama.

 

I plan to make my normal weekly blog posting on Friday, 17 December.

My Thanks to Don Winner @ Panama Guide for Providing Current Information

Till Next Time. Pura Vida!

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The Holiday Month Is Over!

  

Dorthy, I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore!

There are some interesting sites throughout Costa Rica, some of which are not in the guide books. Pictured here is a crocodile resting on a river bank in the province of Puntarenas. This picture was taken from a bridge where the highway crosses the Tarcoles River just 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of the country's capitol city, San Jose.

The Tarcoles River has a big crocodile population. On the weekends many people in this part of Costa Rica visit this (and other bridges) bearing buckets of chicken parts to feed the crocs.

　

My Big Night At The Hotel National

Last Thursday night one of the big hotels in David, Gran Hotel National, kicked off their third, and final Karaoke Bonanza of the year. Each Thursday for the next eight weeks contestants will compete in their big ballroom/night club. The winners of each weekly competition face off in the finals in January.

Each weekly competition is 'sponsored' by a company, usually either one of the country's beer companies or one of the premium rum makers. The sponsors 'freebies' only add to the enjoyment and the delight of the audience.

As I have mentioned previously, karaoke audiences here are not passive. They tend to respond more like a soccer game crowd than recital attendees. And on the finals night, the normal weekly crowd of 200-250 people swells to a standing-room only crowd about twice that size. A good time had by all.

Well guess what? I won! I was surprised, if for no other reason, unlike several of the other contestants, I do not have an entourage in attendance. So there was no core to cheer and hoot when the judge holds his hand over my head when it comes time to vote. (Yes, it is a 'noise' vote that decides the winner). So, in addition to a spot in the finals, I won a dinner certificate in the hotel dining room and a quart of premium 15-year old Ron Abuelo rum. Yahoo!

But the best part of the evening was yet to come. With flashbulbs going off by the two event  photographers, my prize was presented by Diana Patricia Broce, Miss Panama 2009. What a sweetheart, and as you can see, a real stunner.

I wanted to include a picture of her on this posting, so she gave me her website URL. I intentionally avoided the beauty queen shots (bikinis and formal gowns), just so I could highlight her beautiful face. Breathtaking!

I don't know what prizes are being given for the final winner. I did confirm that Senorita Broce is not included in the package. Whew! The pressure is off. Ha!

　

Panama's Continuing Drug War.

The National Police seized a total of 2,030 kilos of cocaine recently at a checkpoint in Guabala, in the province of Chiriqui, about an hour outside of David. The authorities said three people were arrested as part of this case, a Panamanian, a Mexican and a Honduran. The drugs were hidden in the rear compartment of a white van that was transporting the illegal substance to Central America. Several firearms were also seized.

By the way, 2,030 kilos equates to 4,475 pounds of cocaine, or more than 2.23 tons. Officials estimates the Chicago street value at more than $249.6 million dollars. A quarter of a billion dollars, in one van...

The National Police director, Gustavo Perez, confirmed to local media that they continue to work together with anti-drug prosecutors to fight against drug trafficking.

　

My Book

　

Christmas gift possibility?  You can order in paperback or the larger softcover.  Yes The paper back is cheaper.　

　Paperback from Publisher

Softcover from Amazon

 

 

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida.

　

　

 

A Month Of Festivals In Panama

 

November 28 was the last of the 13 or 14 November holidays (depending on who is  counting) in Panama. This one was Independence Day from Spain (different than the November 3rd Independence Day from Spain).

Sunday (the 27th) is Independence Day Parade Day in David. The first parade, however, came down the street on Saturday night about 10PM. Then, bright and early Sunday morning (at 7:45 AM) the first marching band came down the street accompanied by a police drill team. The parades lasted all day, with only about 20 minute breaks, until the last one passed the hotel at 4PM.

Whew! John Phillip Sousa overload.

 

Inventive Advertising

You have to experience it to fully appreciate some of the advertising in Panama. And the seemimgly over-the-top stuff is not confined to any specific advertisers or advertising medium. This photo is the graphic that accompanied the news announcement (below) in a newspaper about electricity rates.

"The new rates for electricity in Panama that will take effect starting from January 2011, will remain the same as they are now, said the administrator of the National Authority of Public Services, Dennis Moreno on Tuesday."

  I swear to you, I did not make this up!

 　

Panama and U.S. Accords

The Secretary of Homeland Security United States, Janet Napolitano, and the vice president and foreign minister, Juan Carlos Varela, yesterday signed a cooperation  agreement, a core part of which includes the establishment of a database and access to US intelligence information on individuals who have been identified as being drug traffickers, terrorists, or involved in the trafficking of human beings.

"The government of President Ricardo Martinelli is focused on protecting and preserving our logistics platforms: the Free Zone, airports and borders," said Varela. According to the memorandum of understanding, the exchange of information will allow for the identification of persons dangerous to aviation safety.

"This agreement will allow Panama to access information about people who may pose a threat on flights departing from the Tocumen International Airport," said the chancellor. Varela reaffirmed Panama's commitment as a strategic ally of the United States in the region to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.

　

Are Women Better Financial Planners Than Men?

Meet my new financial planner. This little story explains my selection.

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed to find a wife with whom to share his fortune.

One evening, at an investment meeting, he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary guy," he said to her, "but in just a few years, my father will die and I will inherit $200 million." Impressed, the woman asked for his business card.

Three days later, she became Dan's new stepmother.

See, women are so much better at financial planning than men. Case closed!

　

My Book

 Christmas is coming. Here's an idea for you. Order a copy of my book for someone you don't like.  Serves them right. 

As you might expect, the paperback is cheaper

　Order Softcover from Amazon

　Order Paperback from Publisher

　

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida

Click on the thumbnails to view the photos.

How's this for a hideaway?　

Oh my!