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Legal

Martinelli arrived for yet another medical evaluation prior to trial

Former President Ricardo Martinelli was transferred the morning of this Thursday, March 14 to the offices of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Imelcf) , to comply with the examination ordered by the Court of Judgment , of the process that is followed by the alleged commission of …

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Politics

NEWS FLASH: Embrace Cortizo, because he IS GOING TO WIN.

With the beginning of the electoral campaign, Laurentino Cortizo, flag bearer of the PRD and Molirena, remains at the head of the intention to vote, breaking the fifty percentage point barrier in the preference of the people consulted; while Marco Ameglio, an independent candidate, was placed in the basement of the …

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Politics

Varela gives quote about him leaving office. “I go in peace”. Yeah, to the first non-extradition country that lets him in.

The President of the Republic, Juan Carlos Varela, said Sunday that on June 30, when he leaves office, he will go in peace, because he leaves the people in peace. Holding that the political differences in Panama is nothing compared to what happens in other countries, reiterating that the most …

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"JB"

I was in Cuba in 2016 and it was a dump. Never saw THIS type of place.

by James “JB” Bryson While visiting Cuba I certainly did not expect it to be anything other than a country torn at the seams by poverty and a 50 year embargo. As is the case in most of the deprived places I have visited for various reasons in life ( …

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International Relations

Back on Venezuelan soil, Guaido is calling for a state of emergency.

Venezuelan President-in-Charge Juan Guaidó announced on Sunday that he will ask Parliament on Monday to declare a “state of alarm” in Venezuela over the blackout that has kept almost the entire country collapsed since last Thursday, in order to request international assistance. The ‘agony’ of waiting for electric power to …

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International Relations

EU cancels existing “blacklist” that included Panama as high risk for financial crimes.

It was an open secret, but this Thursday it became official. EU countries unanimously cancel the money laundering list that includes Panama The 28 countries that make up the European Union (EU) formally knocked down the ‘black’ list drawn up by the Commission that included Panama on the grounds that …

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"JB"

Bocas Buyers: Please note that MORE is coming in regards to issues on “particular property”. More readers respond

By James “JB” Bryson Just giving a heads up. I have far too many people contacting me about issues they have had PAST, and PRESENT with their land purchase in Bocas del Toro. I would LOVE to hear a alternate and separate side to the story, but as of this …

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International Relations

Guaido returns to Venezuela, with a little help from COPA and Panama. Still a threat to be arrested

“We are going to recover our democracy, without any doubt, our freedom, at the service of our country,” enunciated the Venezuelan deputy Juan Guaidó through the open microphone. His words caused a stir on board the Copa Airlines flight 254, which departed from the Tocumen air terminal on Monday, at 8:55 …

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Politics

Cortizo ahead of the game with election ads, No foul play with Google tactics.

The political campaign of Laurentino Nito Cortizo, presidential candidate of the PRD, went through the questioning of the ads on Google , which invited to look for his name when writing another candidate’s. Ricardo Laviery, director of communications for the campaign, said it is “a common marketing technique.” His adversaries …

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Crime

FINALLY!!!!! Panamanian Press includes standing Varela administration with Odebrecht SWINDLE.

by James “JB” Bryson Anyone who reads PNO.com, will see that I have a very direct slant. NO, I am not an Martinelli apologist. But YES, I feel this country had a level of respect and admiration for the man that is still seen to this day. I don’t feel …

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International Relations

As if on cue, Russia opposes US support of Guaido, and intervention into Latin American stability.

Statements by National Security Adviser to the White House, John Bolton, show the intentions of the United States to impose its political model on Latin America, declared today the head of Latin America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Alexander Schetinin. “This is something totally unacceptable and shows …

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Local Culture

“Carnival” where Culture and Politics form the perfect mix

Candidates to different positions of popular election officially began yesterday the search for the votes for the general elections of May 5, in full Monday of Carnival . Candidates start today the election campaign The presidential ones carnival in Las Tablas, Chitré, the Villa of Los Santos and Penonomé, among …

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Human Interest

No surprise here. Beaches reach capacity during Carnival.

Overcrowded were the beaches and rivers of the coast up and down Colón, during the four days of carnivals in these communities. Visitors – national and foreign – visited Cuango, Puerto Lindo, Palenque, Isla Grande, Nombre de Dios, Santa Isabel, Viento Frio, Cacique, Portobelo, Miramar, María Chiquita and Playa Chiquita …

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"JB"

APB- Calling out to “MusicManiac” of the former “Red Frog Beach Blogspot”

by James “JB” Bryson As PNO.com has been fielding calls and complaints from both readers and visitors alike to offer commentary about Bocas del Toro, and in particluar, the business tactics that some people have described as unsavory to downright intimidation and violent, I find myself looking to speak with the person …

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Environmental

Latin American growth influx of “human virus” will affect 1700 other species in next 50 years.

by James “JB” Bryson “Human Virus” is a quote attributed to me, NOT the attached article. As most human beings are simply useless space heaters that give off carbon dioxide, reduce natural resources, and end up doing NOTHING for the planet as a whole. Sorry people,,,,Moody Monday but it is …

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Local Culture

“Boca La Caja” – what you know or may not know about what is right in front of our faces.

OP ED: by James “JB” Bryson When I have friends and family from the US travel into Tocumen, they inevitably ask about the brown, thick, water and ramshackle homes that adorn the coastline. First off, calling it “water” is taking a very generous and liberal stance on H2O. As it …

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International Relations

United States stands in prompt defiance of Maduro, will defend any acts of violence against Guaido.

The vice president of the United States, Mike Pence, warned on Monday that any threat to the security of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó will have a “quick response”, as the politician arrived in his country after visiting several South American nations. Juan Guaidó arrives in Venezuela by international airport …

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Politics

More than 4K register for Advance voting

From today, citizens registered in the Register of Voters for Advance Voting (REVA) may vote in this modality. From today, more than 4 thousand Panamanians are authorized to vote in advance There are 4 thousand 507 Panamanians enrolled in the REVA, who will be the first to vote only for …

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Economy

Third approved moratorium seeks to rectify what ANATI failed on previously for tax benefit.

The Economy and Finance Commission of the National Assembly approved this Wednesday in the second debate the bill 745, which allows a third moratorium, for the payment of property tax in surcharges. The president of the Assembly, Yanibel Ábrego, affirmed that the approval was born in response to the popular …

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International Relations

Guaido received in Brazil as a legitimate leader.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó , recognized by some 50 countries as interim president of his country and seeking more resolute support from Brazil, arrived early Thursday at Brasilia, local press reported, and will be received in the afternoon hours. by President Jair Bolsonaro, before his announced return to Caracas, …

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Legal

Actual Headline: Legally bonded, awaiting VISA status,with a residence in San Francisco, SPOTTED in San Francisco.

by James “JB” Bryson Thank God the elections are soon, because watching the sharks of a administration run by someone that I can only refer to as  “co-conspirator” IF everything they charge the Martinelli family with is correct, is growing tiresome. Zuleyka continues the mass manhunt for Who Exactly?  I …

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Crime

Court of Guarantees, denies Martinelli defense request for medical tests related to diminished capacity.

The Court of Guarantees rejected a request for legal medical evaluation to Ricardo Martinelli , during a hearing on the effects of rights requested by the defense of the former president, in the case that follows the former president for the alleged commission of crimes against the inviolability of the …

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Politics

With First debate over, next one will focus on Candidate policies to be applied.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (Cciap) , Gabriel Barletta, recommended that the presidential candidates give answers to the electorate on what and how they will make the changes they propose in their proposals, on April 10, when the second presidential debate takes place. …

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Politics

Despite the voice of the people being heard, Martinelli candidacies are not observed.

The candidacies of former President Ricardo Martinelli to deputy and mayor of the district of Panama are not firm, confirmed yesterday the Electoral Tribunal (TE) . Humberto Castillo , communications director of the TE, confirmed to this newspaper that the former governor’s candidacies are not officially registered in the most …

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International Relations

Crack in the armor of Maduro: Sr.Military Official already distances from Maduro

A senior official of the Armed Forces of Venezuela declared himself in disobedience against the president, Nicolás Maduro, on Tuesday night, encouraging the reports about the discomfort among the military. Brazil prepares operations to deliver humanitarian aid Maduro challenges Guaidó to call elections to ‘give him a roll’ In the …

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International Relations

Ortega administration hands down 216 years of prison………….for Protesting!!!

The Nicaraguan justice imposed on Monday sentences to more than 200 years of prison to the opposition leaders Medardo Mairena and Pedro Mena for participating last year in the violent protests against Daniel Ortega’s government, his lawyer told AFP. Mairena was sentenced to 216 years in prison for “terrorism” and …

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Environmental

Thought to be extinct Giant Tortoise is discovered in Ecuador.

JB- Sorry folks, this stuff just interests me.  A copy of one of the endemic giant turtle species of the Ecuadorian archipelago of Galápagos, considered extinct a century ago, was found on an expedition on Fernandina Island , Environment Minister Marcelo Mata announced on Tuesday, February 19 . “On Fernandina …

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"JB"

Venezuela crisis: How will it affect Panama?

by James “JB” Bryson In the midst of the upcoming elections, the situation in Venezuela in particular, as well as Nicaragua, should bring attention to all in Panama as to what affect it will have on the country. Below are the statistics that were reported PRIOR to the Maduro and …

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International Relations

Human Rights Watch warn that military intervention only supports Maduro narrative.

A military intervention in Venezuela would only serve to reinforce the narrative of Nicolás Maduro, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) responsible for America, José Miguel Vivanco, for whom the key to a solution for the country is the increase in international pressure . “There is no appetite in Latin …

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International Relations

US advising Venezuela military to support Guaido or “lose everything” as rhetoric rises.

US President Donald Trump on Monday encouraged the Venezuelan military to accept the amnesty offered by opposition leader Juan Guaidó and break ranks with President Nicolás Maduro , or else “they will lose everything.” “They can choose between accepting the generous offer of amnesty from the president in charge of …

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