OP ED: by James “JB” Bryson

Over the course of this past year, I have been able to meet and correspond with quite a few locals in Bocas del Toro. Of course it was generally not talking over a good subject, but some of the people (“some”) have been pretty pleasant and nice.

Turns out a few of them have a common thread. It seems that there is some gutless and opportunistic scumbag that gets people to hand over their LAPTOPS, IPhones, etc under the pretense of fixing them and then just KEEPS THEIR SHIT!!!

I have read communication and text threads where EX-PATS are being STOLE from in broad daylight and NOTHING is being done to this prick. That the authorities have a file and stacks of complaints and he still operates with no recourse or punishment.

If ANYONE can send PNO further information on the prick, please do so. I would like to see what the hold up is on him being arrested…??? If EX-PATS stop retiring to Bocas, if foreign travelers don’t feel safe in that third world shithole of Isla Colon, then that entire area is impacted and it just becomes another waterfront slum.

I have written all year that the government of Panama is missing the boat on that place and puts ZERO money into it. Only line their own pockets. How does the #1 tourist site of Panama have an airport that you can routinely see kids playing soccer on and dogs running around? It makes Jose Marti airport in Havana look like Dubai. But that’s a different rant. There are many good people there that are legit trying to do business and help others, and these types of people are making it harder for them.

Tell me more about the guy stealing EX-PATS personal items.

Saludos-

“JB”