Agriculture

Mulino to address BOCAS “Chiquita” Labor Strike.

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 …

Human Interest

Many Panamanians screaming “FOUL” over Martinelli asylum deal.

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 …

Art/Entertainment

MAY offers many cultural events to showcase Panama. “Museum Month 2025”

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 …

Church

WORLD WATCHES: First AMERICAN Pope to lead the Catholic Church.

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 …

Canal
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PANAMA-US-CHINA: The international “Menage a Trois” Continues. One Huge BS story.

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 …

Canal

Lawsuit filed against MINISTER of the CANAL. How could this NOT HAPPEN???????? Duh.

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 …

"JB"

………Continued. READ MORE on “PNO” people.

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 …

"JB"

PANAMA continues to be towards top of heap for retirees. * READ MY ARCHIVES FIRST DIPSHITS

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 …

"JB"

The Window came and went,,,,,,,thank God no more altruism. RFB sheep literally on an “island”.

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 …

"JB"

Local PANAMANIANS. Happy LABOR DAY.

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 …

Political FRAUD

PANAMA’s whistleblowers at Comptroller reveal the “palm greasing” still all over Politics.

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 …

Conservation

At times I can’t stand this place, but then I remember why….. WONDERFUL WILDLIFE and OCEANS.

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. …

"JB"

PNO proudly recognizes TODAY- EARTH DAY 2025

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   …

Church

PANAMA reflects fondly on passing of POPE FRANCIS, his role in Panama’s Youth.

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 …

Canal

Holiday break is over, but Canal issue will not be ending anytime soon.

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 …

"JB"

Hoping all had a Nice Holy week and Easter weekend.

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

"JB"
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LIKE-TAG-FOLLOW…..new PNO Instagram to increase bandwith for the legal posts coming.

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 …

"JB"
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One week REVIEW of STATING THE TRUTH. I just don’t get some people…better ask an ATTORNEY.

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 …

"JB"

For OLD TIME’s SAKE….why not? A trip down memory lane. “RFB and PNO-A love story”

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 …

"JB"
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Muzzle OFF on RED FROG Bullshit, Hello 2025, I couldn’t even make it to APRIL. In HOT WATER.

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 …

"JB"

TEASER: Whistleblower expose coming. Shame on Panama for NOT enforcing law in Bocas.

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 …

Immigration

Panama immigration process continues to be embarrassing. Venezuela as bad as Darien.

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 …

Bocas del Toro

Strikes a concern in the Bocas del Toro region.

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/03/19/chiriqui-and-bocas-del-toro-warn-of-the-impact-of-strikes-and-road-closures-discussed-march-21st/ Business people, farmers, and economists from Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro expressed their concern over calls for strikes and possible road closures that could affect the region’s economic stability. The unions warn that a situation similar to that of October and November 2023 would have serious consequences for production, …

Canal

Mulino wants to have a Mega Port in light of US issues over foreign port influence.

“What we want is precisely to move towards a port facility, a mega port facility,” said the president. Mulino reaffirms Panamanian sovereignty over the Canal, 25 years after its restoration. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/mulino-quiere-un-megapuerto-que-complemente-negocios-del-canal-de-panama-OE11266392#goog_rewarded Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said Thursday, March 20, that he wants to build a megaport on the Pacific to complement …

"JB"

RFB and OGI serving up a platter of SHIT “Three Ways”. Bocas peeps………..wake the “F” up!!!

Op Editorial “JB”- So I have been a relatively good boy all things considered according to my wife since we have returned. I have not been sooooooo pre-occupied with “JH” and his consistent string of bullshit and what OGI and the whole merry band of “Management” continue to do to …

Canal

CLEAR BREAKDOWN of Canal questions: Editorial

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/03/11/orlando-perez-retaking-the-canal-is-not-feasible-and-even-trumps-advisors-know-it/   Trump won’t let go of the Canal. Orlando Pérez, a political scientist and expert on the Panama-United States relationship, tries to explain the complex situation.  Should Panama be worried about Trump and the Canal or is it just a show?  Trump has always seen the treaties as a …

Conservation

Dovetailing from yesterday: PANAMA badly addressing bay and plastic cleanup.

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/03/11/panama-implementing-a-city-wide-approach-to-plastic-pollution-prevention/ The Ocean Cleanup has taken another important step in its mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic with the announcement of a partnership project in Central America to stop the flow of waste into the Bay of Panama. Under a strategic alliance with local partner and non-profit Marea Verde, …

International Relations

Well “this” promise not delivered yet. War in Ukraine escalates after meeting debacle.

The action was directed mainly towards the Moscow region and the Kursk border region. Russia shot down 337 Ukrainian drones launched into its territory overnight, 91 of them in the Moscow region, the Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/guerra-de-rusia-en-ucrania-se-inician-conversaciones-luego-del-mayor-ataque-con-drones-sobre-moscu-LJ11092009 This is the largest attack against Russian territory since …

Energy/Infrastructure

Allocation of potable H20 remains an issue, for mainland and the outer islands.

The market study published by the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) on the PanamaCompra portal did not receive any proposals from the suppliers surveyed. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/idaan-sin-ofertas-para-distribuir-agua-en-cisternas-LB11100469 The IDAAN seeks to alleviate the lack of access to drinking water in communities in Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Herrera, Los Santos, …