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 …

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 …

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” …

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 …

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 …

  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 …

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 …

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 …

Also traveling with the commission was the director of the Social Security Fund, Dino Mon. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/protestas-en-bocas-del-toro-alta-comision-del-gobierno-de-mulino-viaja-a-conversar-BF12713222 Chiquita Panama will close two banana farms in Bocas del Toro after a prolonged strike. A commission of ministers traveled to the city of Changuinola on Monday morning, May 12, to speak with workers …

The organization denounced the Panamanian Foreign Ministry’s actions in Martinelli’s case as a violation of the rule of law. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/fundacion-libertad-ciudadana-denuncia-salida-de-martinelli-como-burla-a-la-justicia-de-panama-GF12715120 The Citizen Freedom Foundation issued a statement on Monday, May 12, describing the recent departure from the country of former President Ricardo Martinelli, convicted of money laundering, as a “mockery …

The Ministry of Culture has published the events it will hold in May for the whole family. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/vida-y-cultura/actividades-gratis-por-el-mes-de-los-museos-HD12555389 These include exhibitions, talks, workshops, lectures, historical tours, guided tours, discussions, and musical performances. The Portobelo Customs Museum, also known as the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory, presents the exhibition “The Legacy of …

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/mundo/la-maldad-no-prevalecera-el-primer-mensaje-del-papa-leon-xiv-al-mundo-EO12581207?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc In his address as pontiff, the priest called for peace, dialogue, and unity in the Church, paid tribute to Pope Francis, and recalled his pastoral visit to Peru. From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica , the newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered his first address to the world, marked by a …

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyzlk259g2o A Hong Kong-based company has agreed to sell most of its stake in two key ports on the Panama Canal to a group led by US investment firm BlackRock. The sale comes after weeks of complaining by President Donald Trump that the canal is under Chinese control and that …

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/abogado-presenta-denuncia-contra-ministro-del-canal-por-traicion-FE12437543 Attorney Neftalí Jaén filed the complaint based on the joint statement signed by the Minister and the Secretary of Defense of the United States. On Monday, May 5, attorney Neftalí Jaén filed a criminal complaint against Canal Minister José Icaza Clement for possibly committing a crime against the international …

Since 1987, Panama has legally granted visas to foreign retirees and pensioners so that they can choose to reside in the country. A global survey indicates that foreign retirees and pensioners have chosen Panama as their retirement destination in 2025. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-lidera-encuesta-como-destino-de-retiro-PF10623581 According to the Global Retirement Index by International Living …

OP ED: “JB” : I love PANAMA – “OBVIOUSLY”.  But any potential NEWCOMER to our shores that DOES NOT use 7 years worth of research on my site PRIOR to writing a check is making a MISTAKE. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/panama-principal-destino-de-atraccion-para-la-economia-plateada-OD12442286   The country led the top ten of the Annual Global Retirement …

Op Ed: “JB” I am finally able to place a pin in my RFB issues, in that additonal information was provided to the FBI field office and “NO” additonal plaintiffs were added.  So it is done, and nobody else will be able to be party to any benefits of an …

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/mulino-en-su-mensaje-por-el-dia-del-trabajador-ustedes-son-el-motor-que-mueven-al-pais-HG12272533 The president extended his message to each worker in the different sectors, including health, public safety and service. The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino , extended his congratulations on Labor Day , which is celebrated this May 1, 2025. “ I want to congratulate every hardworking man and woman. Each one …

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/top-5-de-los-diputados-que-mas-gastan-en-planilla-en-la-asamblea-nacional-MF12245328 The Comptroller’s Office published for the first time details of officials hired by the Assembly, revealing how much they earn, which office they work in, and for how long. According to the National Assembly ‘s payroll , published today by the Comptroller General’s Office , the representative with the highest monthly payroll expenditure …

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/travel/birding-panama-nature.html “Follow me,” Nando said. “I know where it lives.” It was late morning, hot, humid and quiet. Shafts of sunlight cut through the jungle as we followed a path through the latticed shade. A few hundred yards away, gigantic cargo ships stacked with containers chugged along the Panama Canal. …

Anyone who knows me, fully understands how I view nature, wildlife, the ocean, and our wonderful planet.  So in my life, EARTH DAY is quite meaningful, Below is the OFFICIAL LINK to “EARTH DAY 2025” https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2025/   Also another LOCAL blog with some great advice for people here. https://playacommunity.com/panama-articles/coronado-community/8038-celebrating-earth-day-in-panama.html   …

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/gobierno-decreta-3-dias-de-duelo-nacional-por-muerte-del-papa-francisco-que-implica-FA11998962 The government of Panama declared April 22, 23, and 24, 2025, as a day of national mourning for the death of Pope Francis . Flags will fly at half-mast in public and private institutions nationwide. He woke up fine, but at 7:00 a.m. he felt sick! The Vatican reveals the cause …

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/04/22/the-worlds-eyes-are-focused-on-the-panama-canal/ There is an adage “nothing happens in a vacuum” and that is particularly true of strategic waterways like the Panama Canal.  The Trump Administration’s pressuring of Panama to sell the two container terminals at each end of the Panama Canal owned by Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of the …

Back at the laptop after a long family week. Hoping all readers, visitors ,and contributors had a GREAT week.

OP ED:  “JB” Greetings people and I wish the BEST to all who may be OBSERVING the “HOLY WEEK”. PNO has had some issues with GO DADDY back in the states, and we have had some issues accessing the OUTLOOK for “JB@panamanowonline.com” and all Social Media previously attached. Rather than …

OP ED: “JB” I truy have to say, I have had a very relaxed week since I purged all of the contained info last week about the situation in BOCAS del TORO and the characters of “RED FROG BEACH” and “OGI”. That shit is literally off my plate and weight …

Please enjoy this PICTUREBOOK retrospective of 7 years of my LIFE where I did all I could to wave these RED FLAGS!!   “Once upon a time there was a cranky vet with a “bullshit” Ex-Pat blog in Panama……………” Cease and Desist(1) 09-jul.-2019 10-35-52 (1) SuspensionofServicesLetter-COAMay312023 (1)     “And …

OP ED: “JB” Hello all- I feel both a sense of relief and defeat at the same time. As I basically need to kiss my wife’s ass for what will probably be an inordinate amount of time, in addition to ignoring my son in law and my physician’s advice to …

OP ED: “JB” I have never posted anything up just “willy nilly”.  I have never claimed to be Tom Brokaw, but I take pride in what I write and do indeed fact check. I am amazed by the absolute neglect of the established LAW in Bocas that is constantly committed …

The small Caribbean town of Miramar has been steadily receiving a trickle of dozens of migrants. Girls warn that they are not safe in their countries. Migrants cry for their lives; 171 have accepted voluntary repatriation. Panama has become the last major obstacle for hundreds of migrants who failed to …