Panamanowonline.com was established to become the #1 news source in English in and around the Republic of Panama. Our goal is and will always be to provide the best possible up to date news and information in English geared at reporting on the issues that touch and effect the expat community in Panama. Through sharing relevant articles as reported in the local press as well as through contributing writers and affiliates this site was designed to share not just news and information but to provide a platform for our readership to tune in daily whether living, visiting or planning to relocate to Panama. Thank you for visiting our site, hasta la proxima vez!
Bocas del Toro

Some Bocas del Toro History: Once destined for takeover by Mexico

The Mexican government wants to reconstruct the bizarre story of Catarino Garza https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/el-general-mexicano-que-quiso-tomarse-bocas-del-toro-XB6157145?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Hidden in a corner of Bocas del Toro, Panama, is a part of the history of the Mexican revolution. One that the journalist and general, Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguez, wrote with his actions. A rebel who took …

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Legal

Absence of Martinelli has even more consequences on election than his inclusion.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/preven-estrecha-eleccion-ante-la-salida-de-martinelli-de-la-carrera-presidencial-AE6134174#google_vignette Martinelli’s lawyer, Carlos Carrillo, announced that he filed an appeal for clarification of the cassation and warns that the criminal actions have not yet ended. The eventual disqualification of the presidential candidate due to the alliance between the Realizing Goals (RM) party and the Alianza party, Ricardo Martinelli, according …

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"JB"

Kansas City Chiefs make it 3 out of 4 in winning SUPER BOWL. Just ask Taylor.

I am well aware of the difference between what LATAM refer to as “FOOTBALL” and us GRINGOES, but the biggest sporting event in the US passed last SUNDAY, with KANSAS CITY taking home the crown. With Pop Icon TAYLOR SWIFT cheering on her boyfriend of the moment, the CHIEFS needed …

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Human Interest

WOW- Election Year and Gabby remembers there are Indigenous voters, lets shake some hands.

On the third day of his tour of the Ngäbe Buglé Region, a large crowd reiterated their support for Gaby in the midst of indigenous cultural demonstrations https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/politica/carrizo-anuncia-ministerio-indigena-ante-miles-de-panamenos-en-la-comarca-ngabe-bugle-IB6102802?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Residents of the 27 townships of the Müna and Ñürüm districts gave a great welcome to presidential candidate José Gabriel Carrizo. On …

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Human Interest

30 year era of Martinelli “Magic” coming to inglorius END.

A name and effigy revered by millions. One who continuously faced enemies, a rebel, a voice to be heard, one who seemed to always find a way out.  RICARDO MARTINELLI will never be the same in Panama. The “machine” has got him by the balls. He’s made too many enemies, …

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Legal

Off we go. Screws tightening on Martinelli already. He should’ve taken my parachute hint.

Election Year in PANAMA= the worlds BEST reality TV. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/cancilleria-niega-salvoconducto-al-expresidente-martinelli-DL6085656 The Criminal Chamber sent the file of Ricardo Martinelli’s sentence to the Second Criminal Court, which must notify the Electoral Court. The former president’s legal team announces new resources The Foreign Ministry of Panama denied the safe passage requested by …

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Art/Entertainment

Carnaval is HERE. Not exactly on par with Brazil, but a big deal in PANAMA nonetheless.

In parallel to the celebration, the 2024 electoral campaign adds an additional element of interest. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/panama-da-inicio-a-sus-carnavales-2024-con-esplendor-y-una-campana-electoral-GH6090697 Infectious music and an explosion of color mark the beginning of the 2024 Carnivals, which this year takes on special meaning as it coincides with the 2024 electoral campaign, adding a political touch to …

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Air Travel

TOURISM BOOST? COPA adds route to encourage more EAST COAST travel to PANAMA.

Opening up to Raleigh-Durham, NC in June. Major EAST coast hub. https://www.travelandleisure.com/copa-airlines-panama-raleigh-durham-north-carolina-june-8559396 Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines is making it easier to get to Central America with a new route from Raleigh-Durham, NC, to Panama City. The new flight, which will take off for the first time on June 21, will …

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Politics

Guess Ricardo is afraid of heights. Standing firm like he always does.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/martinelli-no-estoy-derrotado-AI6028112 Martinelli explained that they have created a criminal case against him and that they want to remove his electoral immunity The presidential candidate for the Realizing Goals and Alliance parties, Ricardo Martinelli, at the beginning of his political campaign assured that he is innocent and said that Panama has …

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"JB"

Newbies…….,was I lying? Nothing more entertaining than PANAMA politics.

A incredibly popular ex-President, who has done prison time in the US, been sent back to Panama, done prison time here. Won Mayoral race while incarcerated. Has had two sons do prision time in Guatemala and US. Family owns the equivalent of the nation’s WAL MART, is exonerated on charges. …

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Political FRAUD

Get ready for tons of political posts for 2024. Let the PANAMA GAMES begin!!!

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/corte-suprema-no-admite-otro-amparo-al-expresidente-martinelli-LH6009195?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The presiding judge in this case was Olmedo Arrocha and it was announced on February 1 The plenary session of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) did not admit a protection of guarantees filed by lawyer Shirley Castañeda, defender of former president Ricardo Martinelli, against an order of the …

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"JB"

Get ready for a bloodbath election year. Gloves are off with these people.

This was covered in great detail for both of our Spanish and English readers, but as I welcomed the “NEW” readers and contributors to life here in PANAMA, people considering retirement, and Ex-Pat status. I like to cover just how “cannibalisitic” the political scene is down here. I have to …

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Energy/Infrastructure

Now this makes me HAPPY, cause Mi AMBIENTE sucks so royally!!! Outside visionairies

The environmental diversity of PANAMA has the potential to lead the way in the progress and pursuance of CLEAN energy for generations going forward. This forward thinking company is leading the way in LATAM. EnfraGen has become one of the largest renewable energy generators in the country with an operational …

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"JB"

“A fish rots from the head down” ENGLISH READERS

EDITORIAL: The President of the Supreme Court of Panama (Maria Eugenia López) continues to appear to be doing everything within her power and beyond to keep Ricardo Martinelli (RM) from running and becoming the next President of Panama (Does that sound familiar)?   In my homeland to the North there is …

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Editorial Contribution

“Un pez se pudre de la cabeza hacia abajo”

EDITORIAL: La Presidenta de la Corte Suprema de Panamá (María Eugenia López) sigue pareciendo estar haciendo todo lo que está dentro de su poder y más allá para evitar que Ricardo Martinelli (RM) se postule y se convierta en el próximo Presidente de Panamá (¿Le suena familiar)? En mi tierra …

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"JB"

EU- to “headquarter LATAM operations in PANAMA” Win by DEFAULT.

“JB” This is actually historic and prolific news that appeared as merely a “blurb” in the news today.  Effective as of JANUARY 16, 2024-  The European Union has identified The Republic of PANAMA as the destination of it’s HEADQUARTERS for LATAM operations. In and of itself, it is a highly …

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"JB"

MINSA approves (7) legal licenses to produce cannabis derivatives.

“JB” This is actually to me “huge” news. PANAMA has been 10 steps behind on Medical and Legal Marijuana production it is a joke. Marijuana and Production of THC derivatives could be a HUGE economic BOON to the agricultural GDP export of PANAMA. PANAMA is still rooted in Judeo-Catholic beliefs …

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International Relations

Claims of GENOCIDE against Israel, sure to send shockwaves and divisiveness amongst UN.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/stoppioni-juicio-a-israel-por-genocidio-clave-para-la-legitimidad-del-derecho-internacional-NY5881807   The spiral of violence and death suffered by the Gaza Strip reached a new stage after South Africa presented a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the possible commission of the crime of genocide against the Palestinian population. The historic process, which held …

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"JB"

Who would sacrifice “God Given Natural Beauty” to make a buck?? Give you one hint……..

Op Ed: Well the holidays were fantastic. Got to see my Grandaughter ( my God is she growing!!) . She made the Dean’s List, and she is becoming John Legend on the piano. I truly hope everyone else’s was as rewarding as mine. Even got the wife to somehow chug …

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"JB"

Martinelli makes it hard for PNO- he can’t stay out of his own way.

Op Ed – “JB” “PNO” has long been a supporter for Ricardo Martinelli, despite the fact he makes it almost impossible to do so. I have consistently blamed an indemic system of corruption that is rich and historic in PANAMA. Dating back to Noriega and Escobar, to Mossack-Fonseca, to ODEBRECHT.  …

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Agriculture

PANAMA still can’t get it’s shit together with “illegal logging” affecting our tropical canopy.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/mundo/operacion-de-la-europol-con-panama-contra-la-tala-ilegal-HH5823009?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc An international operation against illegal logging coordinated by the Italian Carabineros (military police), under the guidance of Europol, and with the collaboration of the police of Spain, Brazil, Costa Rica and Panama, concluded with the seizure of wooden containers from Myanmar and Brazil worth tens of thousands of euros. …

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"JB"

EX-PATS: Perform your Due Diligence BEFORE writing the check in PANAMA investment.

“JB” Op Ed If your new to this blog, pay close attention. If your a veteran, same old story of me venting my shit. I just posted a POSITIVE outlook contributed by both La Estrella, CNN, and Trip Advisor, that list PANAMA as a “must visit” tourist destination. Key word …

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Editorial Contribution

Time to take advantage of early positive outlook on Tourism for 2024

Editorial La Estrella de Panamá journalists@laestrella.com.pa 01/06/2024 00:00   PANAMA is perceived in better eyes in the world and we must take advantage of that. A couple of days ago, CNN Travel included the isthmus as one of the 24 destinations to visit in 2024. The media praises its tropical forests and …

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"JB"

Back home after a wonderful holiday!!! Happy 2024 PNO’ers.

Hello friends and readers. I truly hope all had a safe and joyous holiday season to end 2023. It was great as always to see family, and my wife remembered I exist below the waist as also above it. =) =) =) On the topic of New Year, this will …

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"JB"

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM “PNO” TO ALL OUR FRIENDS

Six going on Seven Years of “trying” to be a positive voice and source of information for Ex-Pats coming to this diverse ( yet fucked up ) retirement haven. Look, the truth is after all my time here through Martinelli-Varela-and Cortizo- I can tell you PANAMA is “shadier than an …

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Economy

Final Qtr- of 2023 reported STRONG growth in the Republic GDP.

https://elsiglo-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/producto-interno-bruto-trimestral-crecio-89/24242734?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_sch=http Bracho: this growth translates into an increase in the hiring of people and greater income for companies The Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 8.9% compared to the same period in 2022 during the first nine months of 2023, according to data from the Comptroller General of the Republic. …

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Conservation

Beautiful area of PANAMA brings opportunity for REAL “EcoTourism” in the country for 2024.

This natural reserve offers the opportunity to promote ecotourism in the heart of the metropolis The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is in the final phase of the transfer of Cerro Ancón to the Ministry of the Environment (MiAmbiente). The transfer process, which began in June 2023, “is focused on …

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Economy

Cortizo active on sessions to discuss 2024 budget before end of calendar year.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/cortizo-convoca-sesiones-extraordinarias-para-discusion-del-presupuesto-2024-EB5663622?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Deputies will only have to discuss a single issue between December 21 and 31 The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, called the National Assembly to extraordinary sessions from December 21 to 31. The deputies must analyze bill 1041, which dictates the State budget for the fiscal year 2024. …

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"JB"

To “loyal” PNO readers, and “loyal” Bocas Brigade: MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

Op Ed: James “JB” Bryson As we bring this “challenging” year to an end, we just wanted to take a sec to thank and appreciate all of the people that visit and contribute to this site. PNO is NOT the BIGGEST EX-PAT site, and there are many that are more …

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Economy

“Costa del Este” forming into the Monaco of LATAM real estate in terms of pricing.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/costa-del-este-el-barrio-mas-caro-de-america-central-CB5672602 An investigation carried out by three real estate portals places Costa del Este as one of the places where it is most expensive to buy apartments Buying an apartment in the exclusive neighborhood of Costa del Este, in the town of Juan Díaz, in Panama City, is more expensive …

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