Canal
1

Additional Locks+ Additional Traffic= Additional MOOLAH. Big incease in Canal passage for 2024

A total of 25,000+ vessel transits have crossed the expanded locks of the Panama Canal in the last nine years, since the inauguration of the first ship, the Cosco Shipping Panama, on June 26, 2016.  Specifically, 2,181 vessels passed through the Neopanamax locks of the Panama Canal, a canal expanded by …

International Relations
1

Was strike on IRAN a success?………..depends on who you ask.

Trump euphorically declared that the Pentagon’s missiles had achieved their goal of destroying three Iranian nuclear bases in Fordó, Natanz, and Isfahan. The US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, June 21, was dubbed the Midnight Hammer, because it literally pulverized the victim. But Washington and Tel Aviv received …

Human Interest

Improvement on World Stage of PANAMA soccer is starting to be recognized.

An unstoppable Ismael Díaz scored three goals against Jamaica in the 4-1 victory. If there’s a superlative player on the Panamanian National Team right now, it’s Ismael Díaz. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/deportes/futbol/ismael-diaz-iguala-a-leyendas-en-la-copa-oro-con-triplete-historico-IN13966853 The Universidad Católica player has been in a state of grace, and the Panamanian team has taken advantage of the forward’s …

Dow

EX-PATS- 401K’s and Retirement Investors, US markets respond to Trump, but IRAN states otherwise.

“JB”- Week starts with (2) POSITIVE days amid Trump statements, but IRAN states NO CEASEFIRE reached. ?!?!   https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/22/stock-market-today-live-updates.html MON-   UP (350 pts) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/23/stock-market-today-live-updates.html TODAY- UP (500 pts )     https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/iran-desmiente-a-trump-y-rechaza-hasta-el-momento-un-cese-de-hostilidades-con-israel-EJ13924198 Tehran clarifies that there is no agreed truce. The Iranian government makes any military pause conditional on the …

International Relations
1

US HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Due in Panama TODAY.

Noem will witness a repatriation flight and visit the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Escanaba. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss key security issues. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/secretaria-de-seguridad-de-estados-unidos-vendra-a-panama-este-24-de-junio-CK13912505 Noem, who is beginning a tour of Central America in Panama, …

Bocas del Toro
1

Mulino recognizes there is much more to the “Shit Show” occurring in Bocas del Toro

In a brief comment to the media, Mulino also stated that he does not doubt the political influence. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/mulino-sobre-crisis-en-bocas-del-toro-hay-influencia-politica-DD13890056 President José Raúl Mulino declared on the afternoon of Sunday, June 22, that he has no doubt that there is political influence in the crisis in Bocas del Toro. In a …

"JB"

The TRUTH behind the movie responsible for MORE DEATH and GLOBAL DAMAGE EVER MADE!!!

OP ED “JB”- After all these past two weeks of an absolute DUMPSTER FIRE, or in this case LITERALLY “DUNPSTER FIRES” in Bocas, I have a topic I want to truly GO OFF ON.  I have mentkioned part of me being in Panama, is my love of the ocean. I …

"JB"

EX -PAT ALERT: Looking out for PNO friends in BDT. No Internet or Phones. Be Cautious

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/autoridades-suspenden-servicios-de-internet-y-telefonia-en-bocas-del-toro-HP13855200     PLEASE SEND ANY UPDATES OR INFO TO INSTAGRAM:    jbpno2024      FOR Re-POSTING Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo has requested that the National Public Services Authority (ASEP) suspend internet and telephone services throughout the province of Bocas del Toro. This measure follows the National Government ‘s announcement that it was declaring …

"JB"
1

This is GOOD press for PANAMA,….but comes with a caveat, “RETIREES-DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE”

JB OP Ed:  While I always love pieces in “International” periodicals and Magazines that show how PANAMA is such a GREAT choice for “RETRIREES: and “EX-PATS”, I have learned very well that you can’t believe all the shiny ads and pumped up hype during the solicitation process. It can get you …

Energy/Infrastructure

Almost entirety of IRAN is “getting no bars”, as INTERNET access has been taken out by ISRAEL.

Iran has been under a near-total internet blackout since Wednesday afternoon, despite Iranian authorities claiming to have repelled “extensive” Israeli cyberattacks on the country’s network. https://www.prensa.com/mundo/iran-permanece-aun-bajo-el-apagon-de-internet-tras-ciberataque-israeli/ Vladimir Putin calls for ways to achieve a cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel.The UN calls for an immediate detente leading to a ceasefire between Israel …

Bocas del Toro
1

Now comes the dust after the fire as BOCAS violence is investigated.

Officials emphasize that riot control units do not use lethal weapons and that the Public Ministry has already collected evidence at the scene. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/ministerio-publico-inicia-investigaciones-por-fallecido-en-medio-de-manifestaciones-en-bocas-del-toro-AN13787667 This Wednesday, June 18, marks the fifth day of Operation Omega, deployed by the National Government to ensure public order during the protests taking place across …

Human Interest

Your QUICK read catchup on History of IRAN/ISRAEL.

Tensions in the Middle East are rising. The Israeli army launched a series of attacks against nuclear facilities and other military targets in Iran early Friday morning as part of what it dubbed Operation Rising Lion. In a televised statement shortly after the attacks began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu …

Canal

Panama’s role in the “New” Cold War with US/CHINA.

The president questioned the US diplomat about a statement regarding antennas, along with the Ministry of Security, which places Panama in the dangerous conflict between Beijing and Washington. Less than two months have passed since the arrival of the United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and the first …

"JB"

Journalists threatened with “spears” in Bocas…….kinda like Red Frog Villa Owners.

The journalists were threatened with spears and stripped of their work equipment while covering Operation Omega. Hi- Cecilio!!!! https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/preocupacion-por-agresion-a-periodistas-en-bocas-del-toro-no-se-puede-exigir-cobertura-silenciando-a-la-prensa-BF13703222 Four journalistic associations in the country expressed their “concern” this Monday, June 16, over the assault suffered by three journalists this Saturday, June 14, in the province of Bocas del Toro …

Bocas del Toro

Bocas SHIT SHOW: Operation OMEGA and new solutions of Law 471.

Regarding disability pensions, the average monthly salary for the ten most recent years of contributions will be used as the calculation basis. Law No. 471 of June 16, 2025, which creates a special regime for workers in banana companies and independent banana producers, was published in Official Gazette No. 30301-A. The law, which was …

Human Interest

Mass Transit suicide still being unwound.

The Attorney General’s Office confirms that the suspect is a 69-year-old Mexican citizen. Roberto Barrios | La Estrella de Panamá. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/lo-que-se-sabe-del-hombre-que-murio-en-la-linea-1-del-metro-de-panama-autoridades-investigan-HG13518483 Our security protocols were immediately activated, coordinating with the ambulance service, police, and prosecutor’s office. Prosecutor Uris Isaías Vargas Mendoza declared on the morning of Monday, June 9, that an investigation has …

Crime

Immigration raids turning LA into 1939 Poland. Ugly scene.

In the early hours of the morning, Trump redoubled calls on his Truth Social network to deploy more National Guard troops and arrest any protesters who hide their faces with masks. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/casa-blanca-defiende-envio-de-tropas-a-los-angeles-por-la-debil-respuesta-del-gobernador-LG13519662 The White House on Monday, June 9, defended President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to send National Guard troops …

Economy

High Interest stifling growth of GDP here.

The bank’s interest rate hikes are the spark that sparks a social tinderbox already fueled by the mining and social security crises. It suffocates families, forcing them to choose between paying their debts or eating, a pressure that fuels discontent and directly threatens the country’s peace. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-tasas-de-interes-elevadas-y-descontento-social-anuncian-la-tormenta-perfecta-JO13486359 In the first months …

Bocas del Toro

Simply more and more coming out,,,,and “I” thankfully am on the sidelines and just enjoying it.

https://www.prensa.com/unidad-investigativa/como-el-suntracs-hipoteco-tierras-de-extrabajadores-a-su-propia-cooperativa/   Exclusive Subscribers Investigation How did Suntracs mortgage land from former workers to its own cooperative? Monica Palm June 2, 2025 – 12:04 AM The 14 mortgaged properties are located in Red Frog Beach Club, on Bastimentos Island, Colón.    _______________________________________________________________________________________ OP ED: ****** James “JB” Bryson******  UNRELATED TO RE-POSTED …

"JB"

More LIGHT shining on RED FROG BEACH “monkeyshines and Bullshit”. LA PRENSA keep looking.

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fprensa.com%2Fresizer%2Fv2%2FWERBAIIRYRABFN63QV67SAELFU.png%3Fauth%3D07ea85fb3194dcb22995937c2fe3ee384cbb531f7e9addcc7bc697b7cbf68753%26width%3D1200&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf266246c805c4aab832d08dd9f7a2788%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638842069174831406%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ta8HT5U2DL6nUWBeP3tM8BOu%2BhUzZsu0QGhYyazoVC4%3D&reserved=0   N BOCAS DEL TORO Suntracs loses custody of Red Frog farms; they’re worth nearly 10 times the “loan,” according to prosecutors. Monica Palm May 29, 2025 – 08:00 AM The Red Frog residential and tourist project is located on Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro. The 14 properties located …

Crime

EX-PAT ALERT: Just an old “FYI”

Two passengers from Medellín, Colombia, attempted to enter the country through Panama Pacific International Airport with $62,017 in undeclared cash.  Both foreigners are family members. They were discovered during a second inspection by on-duty inspectors, who asked the passengers to remove all the money they had in their clothing.  The …

"JB"

Nothing beats “mainstream” MEDIA finally catching up to my “shitty little blog” on RED FROG.

OPEN reuest to MONICA PALM-    Please follow the RABBIT HOLE down and ASK— “Why has the Republic of Panama ALLOWED this group to do business WITHOUT A UTILITY CONCESSION for 20 Years?????  ”  You have just scraped the surface of these scumbags.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________ LISTEN TO THE SUMMARY AUDIO ON LINK: https://www-prensa-com.translate.goog/unidad-investigativa/suntracs-y-las-fincas-en-red-frog-la-historia-de-un-acuerdo-que-termino-en-un-proceso-judicial/?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The …

Agriculture

Banana Labor protest was DEEMED Illegal -24 hour deadline PASSED

The Fifth Section Labor Court of Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, declared the strike by workers at the Chiquita Panama banana company illegal and gave them 24 hours to return to their jobs; otherwise, they will lose their labor rights.  Judge Álvaro Jiménez stated in his ruling that the strike, which …

"JB"

Monkey Kidnappings occurring in Panama ( possibly being trained by Maduro……..don’t quote me)

Scientists have captured footage of an unusual social tradition in capuchin monkeys abducting infant howler monkeys – a never-before-seen behaviour in wild primates. Researchers at Jicarón Island off the coast of Panama found a baby howler monkey clung to the back of an older male monkey, its tiny fingers grasping fur. But they’re not …

Darien

DARIEN protests continue. Claims of Civil Liberties violations swirl around.

Senafront described the action as a crime and publicly denounced the violence perpetrated against public servants. Protests in Darien | Member of the Senafront detained First Corporal Ine Guainora of the National Border Service (Senafront) was released on the morning of Tuesday, May 20, after being “deprived of her liberty” …

Crime

EX PAT ALERT: Double Homicide suspect recently apprehended by INTERPOL

On Monday night, May 19, Interpol Panama learned that the suspect was traveling to Panama City. The National Police announced on Tuesday morning, May 20, that following international collaboration between police officers, a man was captured and is wanted by Spain under a red notice for extradition purposes due to …

Crime

Martinelli arrives in a VERY DIVIDED Colombia.

The Colombian Congress has requested an explanation from Gustavo Petro’s government regarding the controversial asylum granted to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli. A journalistic investigation by the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, published this Saturday, May 17, reveals: former President Ricardo Martinelli lives in Bogotá among luxurious hotels, restaurants, and has plans to move to Cartagena , because the …

Canal

US-CHINA agreement gives BOOST to market- What does it mean to PANAMA?

  https://newsroompanama.com/2025/05/12/what-does-the-us-china-tariff-deal-mean-for-the-panama-canal/ The US and China have agreed a truce to lower import taxes on goods being traded between the two countries.  That means more ships traveling through the Panama Canal.  Good for Panama.  Good for the world. The agreement marks a major de-escalation of the trade war between the …

Air Travel

COPA seeks to make Panama and TOCUMEN the “gateway port” for LATAM.

Copa Airlines, a key subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. and a proud member of the Star Alliance global airline network, has unveiled a comprehensive and forward-looking expansion and investment roadmap for 2025. This strategic initiative is aimed at reinforcing the importance of the Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport …

International Relations
1

Colombian Prez steadfast for Martinelli asylum.

Petro, who made his remarks during his visit to China, insisted to reporters that Colombia is a country of refuge. President Gustavo Petro defended the asylum granted to former President Ricardo Martinelli on Monday, May 12, stating that Colombia should be a place of refuge, just as Panama was. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/presidente-petro-defiende-el-asilo-otorgado-en-colombia-a-martinelli-KF12712109 …