Panamanowonline.com was established to become the #1 news source in English in and around the Republic of Panama. Our goal is and will always be to provide the best possible up to date news and information in English geared at reporting on the issues that touch and effect the expat community in Panama. Through sharing relevant articles as reported in the local press as well as through contributing writers and affiliates this site was designed to share not just news and information but to provide a platform for our readership to tune in daily whether living, visiting or planning to relocate to Panama. Thank you for visiting our site, hasta la proxima vez!
Local Culture

Weekend Festival will showcase convergence of diverse mix of cultures

The Festival of Congos and Devils of Portobelo 2019 will have a special halo. It will be its first celebration after the recognition of the ritual and festive expressions of the conga culture as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity in November 2018, as determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and …

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Environmental

Complaint accepted related to dirty Toboga Mayor that has allowed development to cut trees.

The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) accepted the complaint filed by the Center for Environmental Impact (CIAM) for possible environmental damage on Boná Island. CIAM’s complaint, filed last Monday, April 15, is based on the cutting down of trees, the opening of a path of penetration inside the island, marked trees …

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Politics

15 Days and Counting: Signs point to showdown between PRD and CD. Cortizo still comfortably ahead.

To fifteen days for the presidential elections of May 2019, an opinion study conducted by the company StratMark Consultores SA for Protesa and La Estrella de Panama suggests that the results of the elections will be a duel between the candidates of two parties opponents. So far the results of …

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Crime

More ODEBRECHT dirt coming out, as they still receive Panamanian contracts

The Special Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office , which is investigating the Odebrecht case, ordered the investigation of the businessmen Fotis Lymberópulos , and Rodrigo Rod Díaz , to make a statement in this case. Odebrecht case: 76 defendants and $ 255.1 million recovered, the prosecution said Odebrecht: half a million emails, …

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Church

Pope speaks out against Maduro and Venezuela.

Pope Francis urged on Sunday to put an end to “social injustices, abuses and violence” in Venezuela and called for “a peaceful and negotiated solution” in Nicaragua . In his traditional Easter Sunday message, Francisco reminded Latin Americans that “they suffer the consequences of difficult political and economic situations.” The …

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World Events

Apparent warnings existed prior to Sri Lanka Terror attacks.

The Sri Lankan authorities did not heed the warnings of intelligence agencies about the threat of an attack by a radical Islamic group that authorities attribute the Easter Sunday attacks in which more than 200 people died, according to what he said on Monday. April the country’s Minister of Health. …

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"JB"

PNO.com readers: Happy Easter and Passover

I would like to extend my best wishes to all that visit our site on this most cherished day. To all our reader and contributors both here in Panama and abroad, we hope you are enjoying this day with loved ones. Saludos- “JB”

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"JB"

Varela in China………………………AGAIN!!

OP ED: by James “JB” Bryson So other than China being under Communist totalitarian rule, charged with a host of human rights violations, firm allies with Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, one of the nations that still recognize the Maduro rule in Venezuela, ………………….beyond that I can see exactly …

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US News of note

US NEWS: Mueller states Trump was complicit, but could not prove criminality. Country reacts

At last publicly disclosed, special prosecutor Robert Mueller’s report revealed on Thursday to an expectant United States that President Donald Trump tried to control the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 elections and dismiss Mueller to prevent him from investigating a possible obstruction of justice on the part of …

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Legal

Prosecution presents documents in Martinelli phone tap charges

The oral trial of former President Ricardo Martinelli resumed on Wednesday, April 17, without the presence of the media and the public, with the review of a portfolio of 164 documents that must be recognized by the expert Luis Enrique Rivera Calle . Witness recognizes material intercepted by victims Public …

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World Events

WORLD NEWS: All eyes on France as work begins to save Notre Dame

After a devastating fire nearly engulfed Paris’ iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on Monday, firefighters and officials are assessing damages. Paris firefighters spokesman Gabriel Plus said the challenge Tuesday is no longer fire, but how the 850-year-old structure “will resist” or remain standing. The tragedy comes during Holy Week, an important event for the Catholic Church with Easter days …

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Legal

Prosecutions eager to show evidence in Phone Tap case against Martinelli

The oral trial that is followed by former President Ricardo Martinelli , for the alleged commission of crimes against the inviolability of secrecy and the right to privacy, and embezzlement, resumed on the morning of this Tuesday, April 16. MP: Trial court violates due process The diligence of this process …

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Legal

Imprisoned former President STILL WINNING MAYORAL RACE. Love this place!!

In the electoral race for the mayoralty of the capital district, four candidates are in contention, but two of them are competing for the leadership: Ricardo Martinelli (Cambio Democrático) and José Luis Fábrega (PRD). The first accumulates the sympathies of 25.3% of the electorate in the capital district, and the …

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Politics

Panama: And the steps needed to move into the next phase on world stage.

Taking advantage of the advantages offered by logistics, strengthening institutions and improving human capital through education are the three main ingredients of the recipe that could turn Panama into a decade in a country with similar incomes to the nations of southern Europe. . This is what Luis Alberto Moreno …

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Environmental

DARIEN LOGGING: More than just a regional issue. Panama LOSES AGAIN.

Considered the last reserve of the most important biosphere in Central America and a world heritage site, the Darién jungle is under threat, due to an activity that grows, despite regulations and local and international restrictions: logging. In the joint project of ‘La Prensa’ and the Pulitzer Center, learn the …

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"JB"

$200K Fund to preserve the only Big Cat species indigenous to Panama. KISS MY ASS

by James “JB” Bryson In what amounts to what is spent on one fancy dinner of elbow rubbing and gas bagging, a fund has been set up to help conserve the JAGUAR. One of the more endangered big cats of the world, that just happens to be native to Panama. …

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Energy/Infrastructure

Whiffs of bullshit and payoffs related to sweetheart deal for Oil Company in Taboga.

The National Economic Council (Cena) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) justified the low rent lease authorized in the concession contract between the Mayor’s Office of Taboga and the company Bona Pacific Corp. , to establish an oil terminal in more than 34 hectares located on Boná Island. …

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Energy/Infrastructure

Increasing tropical temperatures causes worrisome spike in Electrical demand.

The overwhelming heat caused by the high temperatures of the dry season and an increase in customers increased the demand for energy to 1,801 megawatts (MW) on Monday, April 1 at 3:00 p.m. ASEP differs with Etesa in fourth electric line When the dry season began last January, the peak …

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Politics

Last debate on the horizon, as Cortizo looks to solidify lead

One of the objectives of the last presidential debate, which will be next Wednesday, April 10 and co-organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) , is for voters to know the contents of the respective government programs and that each one of the aspirants commit …

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Environmental

Take a look at this SHIT!! Everybody could do a bit more.

In order to prevent tons of garbage from reaching the Bay of Panama, the Marea Verde Association placed a containment barrier in the Matías Hernández River. After the downpour of the afternoon of this Saturday, April 6, the problem of waste in the Panamanian rivers was evident, and especially in …

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Panama Tourism

As Tourism continues to drag, questions arise for Panama.

The tourism sector drags a decline that has led to layoffs, decrease in services and products; as well as, in other regrettable cases, the closing of companies. This is only the result, on the one hand, of not addressing tourism through state policies that transcend government administrations, that do not lend …

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Energy/Infrastructure
1

Low River levels call for H20 moderation.

Due to the prolongation of the dry season that occurs in the country, the flow of most rivers has decreased, therefore, the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewage Systems (Idaan) asks the population to “reduce the consumption” of water potable. Due to the drought, production of drinking water decreases in Pacora …

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Environmental

Panama on board for Plastic Bag ban. Effective JULY 20th.

In Panama, it will be prohibited, as of July 20, 2019 , the delivery of plastic bags of polyethylene in supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers, as established by Law 1 of January 19, 2018, recalled the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of the Competition . Panama says goodbye to polyethylene …

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International Relations

Venezuela: Essential functions begin to crumble under Maduro.

Millions of Venezuelans have been left “without a drop of water” by a shortage sharpened by the series of massive blackouts since early March, which forced Nicolás Maduro to ration electricity and reduce working hours in the oil country. Protest for lack of electricity and water Cacerolazos and spontaneous protests …

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"JB"

Varela heads to China for third time. ( Looking for condo in Beijing on July 1st. “IMO”)

( “So I’d like a place with a big kitchen to make tostones and Corvina.”)   The President of the Republic, Juan Carlos Varela , will travel to China in the coming days, confirmed the Secretary of State Communication yesterday afternoon. It will be the third time the president traveled …

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Air Travel

BE ADVISED: American Airlines suspending travel to Venezuela

American Airlines will suspend its flights to Venezuela indefinitely due to the political crisis and turmoil that continues to afflict the South American country, the airline announced on Thursday. Mexico has not considered giving asylum to Nicolás Maduro American Airlines will try to resume service when conditions are right, but …

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"JB"
2

Heading out with the wife to see a pal. Loving the upgrade in COPA.

by James “JB” Bryson So heading out to meet some pals who we have not seen in a while. Have to say I am enjoying the new upgrades of the COPA 1st Class lounge at Tocumen. This life if not normally afforded to the Jubilado Pensionado gringos that are now …

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Politics

Cortizo solidifies his position and firm lead in quest for Presidency.

A few days before reaching the middle of the political campaign, heading for the presidential elections of May 5, Laurentino Cortizo, candidate of the PRD / Molirena, remains at the head of the intention of votes and registers above 50%, according to an opinion study by StratMark Consultores SA This …

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International Relations

Venezuela polarizes the tension between US and Russia/China.

The United States warned on Monday, March 25, that it will not remain passive while Russia exacerbates tensions in Venezuela with its support for the government of Nicolás Maduro . Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told his counterpart Sergei Lavrov that “the continued insertion of Russian military personnel to support …

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Environmental

Study reinforces importance of Colon’ to Panamanian Ecosystem.

The always cautious jaguar. A couple of cougars. Trigrillos, peccaries, deer, capybaras or a tapir … At least 25 species of mammals use the biological corridor or strip of forest that joins the Panama Canal basin, to the west, with the natural reserves of Chagres and Portobelo, in the East …

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