US News of note

EX-PAT NEWS: Just WTF happened in Baltimore with bridge collapse?

Ship passed through Canal two weeks ago with no issues. https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/acp-choque-de-barco-en-baltimore-afecta-el-suministro-de-carga-contenerizada-IF6667039?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The ACP told this media that the cargo that was moving to Baltimore will be moved to other ports on the East Coast The collision of the cargo ship Dali against a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge …

"JB"

PANAMA requires “REAL” western developers to take advantage of regional positivity.

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson- I certainly have much to critique about the way things are done in my adopted home here. I still feel that despite the “boon” we see in Panama City, there lies a 3rd world underbelly we can’t seem to shake. With every “Four Seasons” or …

Riots

Right around corner,…………HAITI remains a GD war zone of anarchy.

Not like Haiti is in any way an “Ex-Pat” or Tourist destination, but STAY AWAY just in case anway.  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/sufrimiento-humano-a-escala-alarmante-en-haiti-alerta-funcionaria-de-la-onu-IF6557291 The Caribbean country has experienced weeks of chaos since armed gangs launched a fight against controversial former Prime Minister Ariel Henry Gang violence in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, increasingly widespread, …

World Events

France,,,unlike Russia, heeds US warning of heightened ISIS activity threat.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/francia-pone-en-alerta-a-otros-4000-militares-para-el-dispositivo-antiterrorista-XN6609077 The announcement was made this Monday by the French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal. The French authorities have put 4,000 soldiers on alert, who could be mobilized along with the 3,000 already patrolling the streets, after activating the highest level of alert due to the risk of an attack. The …

Economy

PANAMA economic outlook remains stable before expected administation change.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/moody-s-mantiene-en-baa3-estable-su-perspectiva-para-el-centro-bancario-de-panama-DN6609324 In his opinion, the solid performance of the banks will offset the sharp drop in economic growth, the political noise prior to the presidential elections, as well as the weakening of consumer and business confidence. Moody’s Ratings maintains its outlook for Panama’s banking system at “Baa3 stable”. In his …

Conservation

Panamanian elections draw international interest in regards to “environment” and “Darien” nightmare.

  http://theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/21/panama-elections-environment-young-voters-corruption-prd-moca–politics Buoyed by forcing the closure of a vast copper mine, a new generation of eco-conscious candidates are taking on the ‘shameful and corrupt’ status quo in May’s general elections Supported by About this content Daniel Harkins in Panama City Share In October, seven months before Panama’s general election, …

Legal

Massive fall from grace for one of most successful soccer players of recent memory.

Former “Barcelona FC” star has earned well over 100 million Euros over career, unable to post bail. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/deportes/futbol/alves-dormira-otra-noche-en-prision-al-no-haber-depositado-el-millon-de-euros-de-fianza-NA6561087 The footballer’s defense continues trying to raise the sum for bail from his entourage, without being able to make it effective throughout this morning. The former FC Barcelona player Dani Alves will …

Energy/Infrastructure

300 million in LATAM do not have access to clean sewage and water.

I hope this includes the group of people living in RFB……….. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/el-3-de-la-poblacion-en-latinoamerica-y-caribe-carece-de-acceso-al-agua-LB6560782 A total of 300 million people in cities do not have sewage systems In the Latin American and Caribbean region, 17 million people, 3% of the population, have limited basic access to water or consume it from unsuitable …

Conservation

Scientists look to past to try to save marine future in Panama.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/vida-y-cultura/descubriendo-el-pasado-marino-XF6557365 Researchers at STRI’s O’Dea Laboratory focus on marine paleontology to understand the history of the oceans and provide valuable information for conservation and public policy. The Punta Culebra Natural Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), located on the Amador Causeway, receives visitors and students from Panama and …

"JB"

Torrijos brings up topic of “electricity” compliance as major election point.

I wonder if the operation of a “business” that has been run for 20 years without the necessary concession to sell utility services will be looked at?  Or does Bocas del Toro not exist in this regard?  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/torrijos-califica-como-un-desastre-el-servicio-de-energia-electrica-KF6557084   The candidate raised the urgent need to supply water to Panamanians …

International Relations

Things are BAD when Ortega administration in Nicaragua are being un-supportive.

http://elsiglo.com.pa/panama/panama-nicaragua-enfrentados-martinelli/24247191 The government of Nicaragua alleges that the State of  Panama ‘has the obligation to provide’ all facilities ANSWER.  Panama and Nicaragua maintain a diplomatic dispute that has as its central axis the political asylum granted to former president Ricardo Martinelli. Through a note from the government of Daniel Ortega, the Panamanian government is …

US News of note

Justice for Ohio infant left alone to die for 7 days. Life sentence, no PAROLE.

http://elsiglo.com.pa/internacional/cadena-perpetua-para-madre-irse-vacaciones-dejo-sola-bebe-murio/24247162 The woman admitted that she left her daughter alone and without care inside the house from June 8 to 16, 2023  The mother of a 16-month-old baby, who died after being left alone for eight days in a home in Cleveland, Ohio, while she was on vacation on an …

Politics

History of the Panamanian Presidents, a story within itself.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/despues-de-la-silla-el-impacto-de-la-presidencia-en-sus-protagonistas-AX6451570 The presidency of the Republic of Panama is a position of great responsibility, which can cause health problems. What did the country’s presidents look like before and after leaving office? Since the invasion of the United States, Panama has had seven presidents, who, despite being elected for a five-year period, …

Political FRAUD

Sins of the past keep following Martinelli, as his enemies continue to try to mute his influence.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/peticiones-a-brasil-complican-defensa-de-la-fiscalia-en-caso-odebrecht-BG6484892 The defense of former president Ricardo Martinelli filed an appeal before the Federal Court of Brazil to prohibit the testimony of key company executives and the evidence from box 2 in the November trial. The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office will be increasingly pressured not to depend on the evidence …

Politics

The 4 Day Workweek has risen as the HOT topic of early election debates.

Various voices analyze the proposal of Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo to reduce the working day and increase the minimum wage to $1,000 “Senseless and crazy,” is how some economists described the proposal of vice president and presidential candidate José Gabriel Carrizo, to reduce the working day to four days …

"JB"

More of the same at RFB in Bocas. I’ve grown tired. Re-organization a charade with Haley still present.

The shenanigans and “scumbaggetry” continue at the Red Frog Beach Resort in Bocas del Toro. YES, I still stay in contact, YES, I still hear unethical and illegal shit being done that adversely affects Ex-Pats. But PANAMA remains “PANAMA”. And if MI AMBIENTE can’t get off their asses and address …

Conservation

Confirmation of next “Extinction” level event on the horizon. Not unexpected.

To keep into context, since 1900, the population has depleted “70%” of LIFE on  Earth. That is “LIFE” defined as plants, land, animals, ocean life, etc. It does not take a genius to see that the status quo has failed and more is on the horizon.  https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/vida-y-cultura/nuevo-estudio-confirma-el-sexto-evento-de-extincion-masiva-MK6396842?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc According to this …

Editorial Contribution

“La Estrella ” Editorial sheds a better than PNO light on Democratic challenges in Panama.

Let’s let the others chime in and see what they say, https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/politica/un-sistema-electoral-antidemocratico-BC6400993?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc By Carlos Guevara Mann ‘Let’s focus on the 2019 elections to get a more precise idea of ​​the undemocratic nature of the electoral system. That year, with 31% of the presidential vote, added to the 2% that Molirena contributed, …

Darien

United States taking “action” not merely notice of immigration issue in Darien.

https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/eeuu-dona-panam%C3%A1-carpas-material-163320645.html This Monday, the United States donated tents, camping cots and other material worth half a million dollars to assist the thousands of migrants who arrive in Panama after crossing the inhospitable Darien jungle. This year, until March 8, some 82,000 migrants crossed the inhospitable jungle from Colombia, where insecurity …

World Events

As usual “Haiti” is falling apart while the world watches. Violence on the scale of Syria in Capital.

http://elsiglo.com.pa/internacional/haiti-caos-violencia-puerto-principe-aumento-niveles-extremos/24246639   In January 2024, 806 murders were recorded, according to the UN Violence in the capital of Haiti reached “extreme levels,” according to a mortality survey by the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) with data prior to the worsening of the situation currently experienced in the metropolitan area …

Human Interest

“BIOMUSEO” Cultural venue in Panama celebrating 10 Year Anniversary.

The wife has us going. I’m interested in the diving exhibit. https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/vida-y-cultura/biomuseo-celebrara-sus-10-anos-con-los-patrones-de-la-cumbia-YA6345375?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc ‘A Night at the Biomuseo’ is an activity that the cultural center will carry out to celebrate its anniversary. In its first decade, the Biomuseo has been visited by more than 1 million people from Panama and the …

Darien

Infusion of legal Venezuelan migrants generated $280 Million to economy for fiscal 2022.

And they will keep coming to escape Chavez. Monitor and give them hope. https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/aporte-economico-de-los-migrantes-venezolanos-a-panama-supero-los-280-millones-en-2022-EA6323688?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc   The Cavex explained that in Panama there are more than 5,000 Venezuelan companies registered, with an investment that exceeds $1.8 billion in the last 10 years. In 2022, the tax contribution of Venezuelan migrants living …

"JB"

Mentioned this last week,,,,the “cannibalism” of Panama politics. It really is a JOKE.

OP ED: by “JB” Do I “really” have to put this in print? Do I “really” have to lay it all out there to be seen? As if ANYONE does not know this already? PANAMA IS CORRUPT AS HELL!!!!!!!! PERIOD From the jungles of Bocas del Toro, to the mansion …

Economy

Grade on “5 Year Plan” to come in JUNE of 2025.

Back in 2020 the UNWTO- or “World Tourism Organization” was tasked to put together a “Master Plan” that would bear the fruit of an increase in sustainable tourism projects of ( 50% ). This even took into account the effect of COVID-19 on the Economy. I am aware that there is REAL …

Editorial Contribution

“SPOCK” is nothing if not determined and consistent.

OP ED “JB”- Sort of a dead time for me topic wise as nothing is particularly “juicy” to chime in on. Pretty much the opposite of an election year back home. Romelo Roux- whom “PNO” has lovingly monikered “Spock” for years now because, well,……………………….?  OK, having passed the obvious, it …

Politics

VP of “RM” steadfast in exonerating Martinelli.

José Raúl Mulino asked all the candidates to: “make the effort, go find the votes to lead us to victory on May 5th.” https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/ayudaremos-a-martinelli-a-salir-de-este-problema-y-pondremos-al-pais-a-volar-mulino-YC6217735 In next year’s festivities in Soná we will be celebrating, with Ricardo Martinelli, in his land,” stated the vice presidential candidate for Realizing Goals and the …

Darien

22K more migrants through Darien than at this time last year.

The increase in migrants through the Darién on their way to the US or Canada in search of better living conditions has been progressive since 2021, reaching the record number of more than 520,000 last year https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/mas-de-68400-migrantes-han-cruzado-el-darien-en-2024-22000-mas-que-un-ano-antes-BD6225164?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc More than 68,400 migrants have crossed the Darién jungle, the dangerous border between …

Politics

2024 Election a story of who is NOT there more than WHO is.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/una-contienda-electoral-con-eliminacion-de-candidatos-MH6229817?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Political Campaign Advisor Julio Villalobos describes the fact that these judicial processes are in the middle of the electoral period and just a few days before the general elections as a great risk for the democracy of this country. The electoral contest of May 5, 2024 has become a …

International Relations

Brazilian Prez unwanted in Israel after Holocaust comparisons.

The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, declared this Monday, February 19, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva “persona non grata” for comparing the current war against Hamas in Gaza with the Holocaust. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/israel-declara-a-lula-persona-non-grata-por-sus-comentarios-sobre-el-holocausto-ED6162006 “He is persona non grata in the State of Israel as long as he does not retract his …

Politics

Carrizo wants “clean” debates, but you can’t have a Prez with “bitch tits”. Hit the bench Gaby.

Carrizo expressed that he has warned that in the debates he will not attack or slander anyone “as they have slandered me since I arrived.” https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/carrizo-al-te-no-nos-cambien-las-reglas-del-juego-YB6157818 The presidential candidate of the PRD-Molirena alliance, José Gabriel Carrizo, asked the Electoral Tribunal (TE) to “not change the rules of the game” after …