FOREIGN MINISTER already making the rounds on social circuit as PANAMA passes “velvet rope”.
Let the “dog and pony” show begin. PANAMA makes it to the VIP Room. The foreign minister emphasized that removing the country from the list was one of the current Panamanian government’s priorities “from day one.” Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha celebrated Panama’s removal from the European Union (EU) money …
Despite robust numbers, most PANAMANIANS not feeling benefit of economic growth.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/hacer-economia-como-si-la-gente-importara-la-cara-de-la-inequidad-en-panama-AF14229889 Panama’s economic growth is not reflected in the quality of life of most of its citizens. While macroeconomic figures are used as a political argument, social indicators show growing inequality, unemployment, and social discontent. Some time ago, I was speaking with the former president of the Colon Free Trade …
Cacao season kick starts in Bocas. Look soon for “CACAO 70”.
“JB”- A buddy of mine has started to cultivate his own Cacao processing out of Bocas del Toro, as Cacao demand increases worldwide. It will be distributed via “MI BELLA IMPORTS”. I wish his group the best as I am aware he is sitting on a mountain of Cacao down …
New “pariah” Martinelli sounds like “sour grapes” for Mulino unshackled with new EU status.
People are going “all in” and betting hard on Panama with removal from “Gray List”. And IMHO, sounds like RM is a bit “frosty” in thinking of all the money he could have made if this was the case when he was in charge. Hey “Rico”, you and your family …
The US has an active SOCOM military presence here in PANAMA….what is the reason?
Members of the Joint Task Force-Bravo of the Southern Command arrived in the country last week. Hundreds of Panamanian police units, along with U.S. military personnel, began joint training exercises this Monday as part of Operation Panamax Alfa 2025 , which authorities say is aimed at protecting the Canal and other strategic …
The party founded by ousted Martinelli seeking legitimacy and orginization.
The absence of the list of representatives from Realizando Metas keeps the formation of the working committees blocked. The ruling Realizing Goals (RM) party will present today the list of representatives who will serve on each of the 15 legislative committees . Representative Luis Eduardo Camacho announced this . https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/realizando-metas-entregara-lista-de-diputados-se-destrabara-la-conformacion-de-comisiones-PJ14482683 The absence of the RM party’s …
Has the flow of migration through “DARIEN” come to an end or at least a pause??
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/comunidad-de-bajo-chiquito-se-adapta-al-fin-del-paso-masivo-de-migrantes-por-la-selva-de-darien-EA14411360 With a population of around 400, this indigenous village on the banks of the Tuquesa River received more than 2,000 migrants per day during the peak migration flow months. The indigenous village of Bajo Chiquito, the first to reach hundreds of migrants daily in Panama after crossing the Darien …
PANAMA to host important meeting about sustainable fishing operations.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/the-meeting-of-the-inter-american-tropical-tuna-commission-will-be-hosted-again-by-panama/ From September 1 to 5, 2025, Panama will host the meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the second consecutive year. This international meeting will bring together representatives from 20 countries, more than a dozen non-governmental organizations, 250 in-person observers, and another 200 participants connected virtually, with the aim …
Massive layoffs disrupt labor in BDT from “Chiquita” situation.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/after-massive-layoffs-in-bocas-panamas-president-mulino-pushes-for-chiquitas-return/ Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to convince U.S. banana giant Chiquita Brands to resume operations in the country, after the company shut down during a strike and protests that caused it millions in losses. Chiquita ceased operations and laid off about 7,000 workers at …
Resort and Hotel brand founded in PANAMA on the. CRYSTAL BALL “Red Frog” Employees….
https://www.prensa.com/economia/representantes-de-cadena-hotelera-selina-en-costa-rica-son-buscados-por-el-ministerio-de-trabajo-200-extrabajadores-alegan-falta-de-pagos-tras-cierre/ The Costa Rican Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) remains unable to locate the legal representatives of the Selina hotel chain, following the closure of 11 establishments between August 2023 and May 2024, leaving at least 200 workers without their employment benefits. Collective Hospitality acquires majority stake of …
One of the most SUCCESSFUL SOCCER coaches in history sentenced to PRISON for TAX FRAUD
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/deportes/futbol/carlo-ancelotti-condenado-a-un-ano-de-carcel-por-fraude-tributario-en-2014-LC14349398 The Provincial Court of Madrid also sentenced him to a fine of 386,361.93 euros in relation to the 2014 fraud. Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was sentenced Wednesday to one year in prison for a crime against the Spanish Treasury during the 2014 fiscal year, while he was …
PANAMA off the EU “Gray List”
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/09/mulino-on-panamas-removal-from-the-european-unions-gray-list-it-was-a-titanic-effort/ Coclé: President José Raúl Mulino said he was “pleased” after Panama’s exclusion from the European Union’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering. During an opening ceremony for the new Río Hato Health Center, the president emphasized that a “titanic effort” had been made, forcing him and his government to “push against all odds.” He noted …
Still AMERICAN Vet after all these years. HAPPY 4th to all of PNO.
To all my EX-PAT readers, visitors, and friends…… HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !!!!!!!!
NEWSFLASH: Study shows BIGGEST concern among PANAMANIANS is CORRUPTION!!! WOW???
“JB”- Did they “HONESTLY” need to do a study to determine this???? All they needed to do was read my “shitty little blog” – * JH 2021 LMFAO https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/encuesta-vea-panama-la-corrupcion-es-la-principal-preocupacion-de-los-panamenos-CH14204446 Respondents believe that the country’s main problems are corruption, unemployment and the high cost of living. One year into President …
Don’t look now, ….but we might have a PANAMANIAN “Wonder Woman”.
Speculation arose after fans noticed that Gunn was following Adria Arjona, an actress known for her roles in Andor and Hit Man, on Instagram. James Gunn, director and current co-head of DC Studios, recently addressed rumors about the possible casting of a new Wonder Woman. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/vida-y-cultura/la-hija-de-ricardo-arjona-adria-podria-ser-la-nueva-mujer-maravilla-AF14223210 Speculation arose after fans noticed …
Massive cocaine shipment from PANAMA is seized in LONDON,,,,who to blame???
“JB”- If your not already……WATCH “Mobland” on PARAMOUNT. Addictive as the coke they seized. https://www.paramountplus.com/mx/?&ftag=IPP-02-10dcj1d&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22373337270&gbraid=0AAAAABj8zCx_7i6hcjRC6Nk6ZEO4AS8JI&gclid=Cj0KCQjw953DBhCyARIsANhIZoZ0Kffox4d4Z8jfGaviPhMqq_r9a07cTWTCwg8Svek088FAf4LEvNIaAs16EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds https://www.independent.co.uk/news/london-england-home-office-panama-europe-b2778785.html British authorities seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine in a ship arriving in England from Panama, authorities said Saturday, calling it one of the U.K.’s biggest drug busts in years. The drugs, valued at 96 …
“Alligator Alcatraz” nonsense making the news in the UK.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/panama-trump-florida-guatemala-kristi-noem-b2778502.html The Homeland Security secretary is praising Florida for coming forward with an idea that’s been dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” because it would house immigration detainees in a facility being built in a Florida swamp. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department has been looking to expand immigration detention capacity, and she has been …
Hope you read my earlier post about “JAWS” BS. PANAMA seeing a Hammerhead migration .
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/04/some-hammerhead-sharks-in-the-galapagos-are-migrating-to-panama-to-give-birth/ Satellite tracking of a common hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), which was fitted with a tracking device in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), has revealed the possibility that some females of this species migrate to give birth, as scientists believe they may have given birth in Panamanian waters. The research …
BAC steps up to be the biggest PANAMANIAN bank on the world stage.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/04/panama-bac-completes-the-largest-financing-transaction-in-its-history/ BAC International Bank, Inc. (BAC) successfully closed a USD 500 million international syndicated financing, making it the largest financing of its kind in the history of a Panamanian banking institution. The transaction, led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA (“JPMorgan”), and Wells Fargo, significantly exceeded the …
Boy is this a fantastic look……….Don, Mel, and DeSantis checking out the digs on a Migrant Prison.
JB- So my son in law sent me this story (lives in Dade County, FLA ), so I looked around for the link with the best pic. FOUND IT. Melania- foreign immigrant herself who married a philanderer- sporting her Lululemon Spanx, alongside that Anti-Teacher Commie DeSantis. Now before anyone loses …
Where are the “GOOGLE” companies in PANAMA? Who likes working where??
Workers, recruiters, and citizens contributed their opinions to the Merco ranking update. Merco Talento Panama presented the results of the second edition of its ranking of Panamanian companies that attract talent, the majority of which are from the financial and banking sectors. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/conozca-las-empresas-panamenas-donde-todos-quieren-trabajar-PC13999305 Banco General repeats for the second consecutive year …
Did PANAMA handle Bocas del Toro like ABU GHRAIB??
The government reports more than 280 detainees, spread across several prisons across the country. Lawyers warn of “illegal arrests,” “lack of access to defense,” and “failures” in the justice system. Since June 14, security forces have invaded communities in the province of Bocas del Toro under Operation Omega, a massive police …
Tomorrow (or today)…,,,,,,,,ARGRICULTURAL FAIR. Hope you can come.
Get off your lazy asses and come buy some great healthy fruits and veggies. “JB” This coming Friday, June 27th, there will be an Agricultural Fair so you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at very low prices and thus support local producers. Everyone is cordially invited to the Alto …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …