Editorial Contribution

ASK JOYCE: Different Cities,,,,,Different Lifestyles

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION: Courtesy of JOYCE BARR.  Please visit her BLAST BOOMER link on the home page.  I arrived in Panama in December 2018 and secured an Airbnb for a minimum month’s stay while looking to obtain permanent residency. As it turned out, an extended Airbnb stay was not to be …

Energy/Infrastructure

If you feel pain at the pump, look no further than Putin.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/220702/cae-minimos-historicos-transito-gas-traves-ucrania Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System Operator (TSO) reported Friday that gas transit through its system has fallen to a 30-year low. “Through the Ukrainian TSO in June this year, monthly traffic volumes have reached a historical low since 1991: 1.25 billion cubic meters,” the company explained in a statement posted …

Health

EX-PAT ALERT: COVID anti-virals showing new promise.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/220703/minsa-tratamientos-antivirales-han-dado The Ministry of Health (Minsa) assured that the antiviral treatments Remdesivir, Molnupiravir and Paxlovid have given the expected results, since they have reduced the impact of symptoms in patients with covid-19. Yashica González, coordinator of the outpatient services of the Figaly Care Center aimed at Covid-19 patients, emphasized in …

Conservation

Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) logs complaint against SEA ENERGY SHIPPING for violations.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/220622/amplian-denuncia-empresa-sea-energy?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The environmental lawyer, Harley James Mitchell Morán, has filed a criminal complaint against the company Sea Energy Shipping, INC., for having put the marine environment at risk through its poor management of the fuel barge called Sea Lion. The criminal complaint is based on documents from the Panama Maritime …

International Relations

EU shows massive support for UKRAINE acceptance. Would be vital in terms of military support.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/internacional/mundo/220620/ministros-exteriores-27-expresan-favor-candidatura-ucrania-ue?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The foreign ministers of the European Union expressed themselves this Monday in favor of Ukraine’s candidacy for the bloc, in the first meeting of Twenty-seven after Kyiv received the favorable opinion of the European Commission for its European integration and requested the status of candidate. After Brussels advocated in …

Air Travel

The (ODEBRECHT) T2 Terminal at Tocumen formally opens.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/nacional/220622/nueva-t2-principal-aeropuerto-panama-comienza-formalmente-operaciones?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The Tocumen International Airport, the main one in Panama, put into operation this Wednesday the new terminal two (T2), a work of 917 million dollars that triples the operational capacity of this important regional connection center. With the new terminal, boarding gates and 12 remote aircraft parking positions at …

Health

EX-PAT ALERT- COVID numbers still dangerously high.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/nacional/220621/casos-activos-covid-19-suman-15-285-reportan-2-080-nuevos-contagios?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Panama reported a new death from covid-19 in the last 24 hours, but three deaths from previous dates are updated for 8,329 accumulated deaths and a lethality that remains at 0.9%, according to the Epidemiology Department of the Ministry of Health. (Minsa). The report indicates that 906,435 accumulated cases of …

Air Travel

TRAVEL INFO: COPA to begin operations in ODEBRECHT “stained” bribe money next week.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/220615/copa-airlines-abrira-operaciones-nueva-terminal-principal-aeropuerto-panama?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Copa Airlines will operate from June 22 at the new terminal of the Tocumen International Airport, the main airport in the country and an important regional connection hub, being the airline that will inaugurate the so-called T2. Starting next Wednesday, all Copa international operations with origin and final destination …

Conservation

Panama with another HUGE step in conservation,….but why then allow fishing exceptions in protected areas?

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/nacional/220616/comienza-panama-reunion-interamericana-proteger-tortugas-marinas?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (COP 10 CIT) began this Wednesday a three-day meeting in Panama with the presence of almost twenty countries and the objective of deepening efforts to protect these endangered species. “Today this important COP for the region begins, with …

Church

Pope asserts that “World War III” has been declared with Russia’s Ukraine aggression.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/internacional/mundo/220614/papa-francisco-afirma-declarado-tercera-guerra-mundial?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Pope Francis stated that, in his opinion, “World War III has been declared” and that the war in Ukraine after the invasion of Russia “perhaps, in some way, was provoked or not prevented”, according to the transcript of the conversation. that he held a few days ago with the directors …

Health

EX-PAT ALERT- COVID update for the week.

Panama registers 2,080 new infections of covid-19; one new death reported The Department of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), reported that to date 896,924 accumulated cases of covid-19 have been registered in Panama, of which 2,080 are new positive cases in the last 24 hours. The Minsa, through the …

Environmental

MiAmbiente defends fishing in a protected area, raises more concerns.

GD!!!  Lately I have been giving some props to the Panamanian government in regards to what was seemingly a refreshing upbeat take on environmental issues. Then I READ B.S like this and it just sets me back. The Ministry of the Environment (MiAmbiente) alleged that the four licenses for fishing …

Health

EX-PAT ALERT: Know the Insurance scenario.

https://www.allianzcare.com/en.html Do you want to keep your family healthy while exploring new horizons abroad ? Planning to retire outside of the US? Allianz Care’s plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs …

Bocas del Toro
1

PNO EXCLUSIVE OP-ED- News on dubious Judge Eric DeLeon of Bocas and his sordid connection to RED FROG.

OP ED: Peter McKinney Once again, thank you to Steven and JB for allowing me to keep exposing the wrongs being done by Red Frog.   Not to mention all of the shenanigans going on under the guise of a REAL development at RED FROG BEACH in Bocas del Toro.  I …

Editorial Contribution
2

ASK JOYCE: So, You’re Thinking of Becoming An Expat?

OP ED Contribution from the lovely Ms. Joyce Barr.     So, You’re Thinking of Becoming An Expat? When contemplating a move abroad for retirement, especially where you will go, it is also the time to decide if you are ready to take the plunge and step into the expat …

Colón

EX-PAT ALERT: Steps to be taken to curb crime in lawless Colon.

https://elsiglo-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/seguridad-busca-bajar-criminalidad-colon/24202252?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_sch=http Pacifying my neighborhood will be executed starting next week in Altos de Los Lagos The crimes that have shaken the province of Colón, especially in 2022, is reason enough for the Ministry of Security to implement the ‘Pacifying my Neighborhood, Building the Future’ program, which seeks to get weapons …

Infrastructure

GARBAGE UPDATE: AAUD- Pick up your game and clean the city.

https://elsiglo-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/basura-ciudad-volver-vieja-formula/24202253?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_sch=http The idea that the collection returns to the hands of the capital’s mayor’s office begins to gain strength The constant complaints about deficiencies in garbage collection in the capital city have the Urban and Home Cleaning Authority of Panama (AAUD) against the wall. One of the alternatives that is …

Conservation

VIDEO: Much like Darien, Peru sees decline in Rainforest timber.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/cafe-estrella/planeta/220603/video-silencioso-ocaso-abuelos-bosque-peruano   PNO readers please visit this video, very informative. 

Energy/Infrastructure

Carriers for Business, Transportation, and Supply Chain sectors to benefit from fuel CAP.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/220602/transportistas-podran-adquirir-viernes-gasolina-diesel-3-95-galon-congelamiento-precio Carriers in the collective, selective, collegiate and special tourism service sectors will be able to purchase 91 and 95 octane gasoline, in addition to low-sulfur diesel, at a cost of $3.95 per gallon, after the National Government approved the freeze time of its price. According to a statement from …

Conservation

Mysteries and Beauty of the COIBA preserve studied and shown to world.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/cafe-estrella/ciencia/220603/mirada-profunda-cordillera-coiba Using underwater strategies and near-surface video cameras, a pioneering international team documented the mountains of the marine reserve. Dr. Guzmán participated in all 11 dives. STRI Sharks, lobsters and abundant soft corals were some of the species that scientist Héctor Guzmán observed from a submarine, on the first scientific expedition …

Health

Citizens of China spread wings as 2 MONTH mandatory lockdown is lifted.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/internacional/mundo/220601/euforia-traumatizada-shanghai-final-confinamiento?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The vast majority of the 25 million inhabitants of the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai returned to their streets today after the authorities ended more than two months of a strict confinement imposed to stop their worst outbreak of covid. The end of the lockdown came at midnight on …

World Events

Delusional Putin raises salaries for the soldiers dying in a LOSING war.

I’m sure this makes it easier for the families of the soldiers that he is ordering to have buried in MASS GRAVES in the Ukraine, as opposed to flying them back to Russia. “GREAT WORLD POWER”??????????   Literally losing to the Ukraine as the world witnesses his madness.  https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/internacional/america/220525/putin-ordena-aumentar-salarios-soldados-rusos-destinados-ucrania?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The president …

Health

EX-PAT ALERT: COVID rise for the week.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/nacional/220531/panama-suma-27-994-casos-activos-covid-19-reportan-3-819-nuevos-contagios?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc At least 3,819 new positive cases of covid-19 were registered in Panama in the last 24 hours and no deaths were reported, but one from a previous date is updated for a cumulative of 8,255 deaths and a lethality of 1.0%. The report from the Department of Epidemiology of …

Political FRAUD

PNO not always RIGHT. I used to praise this guy as ONE good person under Varela. WRONG.

” THIS IS PANAMA” see Martinelli persecution piece from last week. This guy OF COURSE had his hand in cookie jar too.  I was WRONG it seems. Oh, well- even Jordan missed a few shots.  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/220530/excontralor-federico-humbert-audiencia-penal-presunto-abuso-autoridad The former comptroller of the Republic, Federico Humbert, must appear this June 2 at …

"JB"

PRAISE GOD! Is this really MY PANAMA?? Country can be a LEADER in CONSERVATION in Latin America.

Anyone who knows me, knows I could go on for HOURS about my feelings over MiAMBIENTE in the past. Be it logging in Darien, or pollution in the Bay. I STRONGLY feel that the ENVIRONMENT and WILDLIFE are THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS for PANAMA to PROTECT.  Read the archives and …

"JB"

Hoping all enjoyed an observant and happy MEMORIAL DAY.

As a veteran of war, I definitely observe MEMORIAL DAY in the US, and as such I did not post. I would like to believe the sacrifice made by both men and women over the years reflects more of what the US as a country “aspires to be”, as opposed …

Legal

U.S Judge authorizes transfer of Martinelli sons out of Brooklyn facility, to low security in Pennsylvania.

http://elsiglo.com.pa/panama/autorizan-traslado-hermanos-martinelli-prision-pensilvania/24201798 The defense had requested a transfer to another penitentiary This Friday it was learned that federal judge Raymond J. Dearie authorized the transfer of Ricardo Alberto and Luis Enrique Martinelli, sons of former President Ricardo Martinelli, to a low-security prison in Pennsylvania.   Both brothers are currently being held …

Colón

Cortizo finds his way to Colon. At present time, the armpit of Panama. Promises progress.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/220527/presidente-cortizo-entrega-orden-proceder-construccion-nuevo-hospital-colon This Friday in the province of Colón, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, gave the order to proceed for the construction of the new Manuel Amador Guerrero hospital, the construction of commercial premises for handicrafts in La Feria and Buena Vista, as well as the protocol to …

"JB"
2

Contributor Introduction: PNO welcomes Joyce Barr and her fresh insights on Panama.

So,,,,greetings to my PNO readers and contributors. Let me start by saying thanks for tuning back in after my long hiatus due to COVID and my own personal medical issues. It’s nice to be back in the warm weather after a year in Illinois.    For those long timers, you …

Food

I’ll drink to that,……..PANAMA sets up brewery run off solar energy. Leaving no carbon footprint.

  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/220526/panama-cuenta-primera-cerveceria-region-operacion-energia-100-renovable   Cervecería Nacional, a subsidiary of AB InBev, signed this Wednesday an agreement with Avolta Energy and Banistmo for the installation of 33,809 solar panels, becoming the first brewery with operation and production of its 100% renewable portfolio in Central America and the Caribbean. The investment for the …