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!
Canal

Sabre rattling has already begun even before Trump assumes office. Panama scoffs at threat.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79191d9xreo Panama has insisted that its sovereignty over the Panama Canal is “non-negotiable” after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out military force to seize it. Trump made the remark during a news conference on Tuesday at which he also falsely stated that the Panama Canal was being operated …

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Local Culture

INCREDIBLE article from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

This country situated between two waters is a true paradise where nature and biodiversity captivate travellers. Santiago Weaver: Crossed by a canal that has become its icon and symbol, Panama has managed to maintain an idiosyncrasy sculpted from mixture, diversity and exchange. The traveler sees it before landing. And understands, from …

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Politics

MULINO- 2025 address to the nation.

Speech: First Accountability Report By President José Raúl Mulino This is my first accountability to the country. We knew that the State’s finances were in bad shape, but we never imagined the serious situation we found ourselves in. These past few months have been a time of hard work to …

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Canal

Starting with a BANG. TRUMP “implies” force to re-acquire Canal.

  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-suggests-use-military-force-acquire-panama-canal-greenland-econo-rcna186610 President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested he would consider using military force to gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, and “economic force” to acquire Canada. During a free-wheeling news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump was asked by a reporter if he could assure the public that he …

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"JB"

GREETINGS “friends”, “casual visitors”, “contibutors”, and “enemies”. Let’s START 2025

OP ED:  James “JB” Bryson So the “Bryson’s” are back in 507. Was only away for like two months, but feels much longer. And much as changed. Time to check in on how are NEW Prez hs been doing here in my absence, and of course back home we have a …

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"JB"

HAPPY NEW YEAR to PNO family. Looking for a great 2025

Op ED:  James “JB” Bryson I truly hope that all the readers and contributors to this little blog had an enjoyable holiday season regardless where it was spent. I for one was fortunate enough to get a necessary procedure done in October, and then spend the holidays in Aventura, Florida. …

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"JB"

Hola PANAMA- Wishing the BEST for the Holidays.

Hello to all in the 507- Everything back in Florida has been great. I truly hope the same can be said back home. My little “Penny” is NOT little anymore. For shit’s sake she’s DRIVING!!!!   Absolutely UNREAL.   Hoping all visitors, readers, and contributors are in good spirits.  ALL with …

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"JB"

Sending out best wishes from Beautiful Miami. HAPPY THANKSGIVING PNO’ers

Hello all-  just taking a brief moment to give “thanks” that the health is on the uptick, and I am here with my wonderful family.  Weather here has been simply fantastic and looking forward to the rest of the holidays. To my online friends and fellows, whether you are back …

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"JB"

Just a QUICK HELLO. I am ALIVE

Just sending out a quick HELLO. Taking advantage of the GREAT weather back in FLORIDA and spending the holidays with my wonderful Granddaughter. Had a quick procedure in OCTOBER, but feeling better than ever. Please send in your own articles—- I will POST. Back to the 507 soon enough.   …

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"JB"

KEEP’em coming. Back in US.

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson All- Please collectively put on your thinking caps and keep sending in some contributions while I am dealing with things back in the states. PNO has an audience and we need to keep our topics of interest CURRENT. Mainly-  RED FROG BEACH and all the …

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Editorial Contribution
1

OP ED: FROM PNO READER. COVER YOUR ASS 101 from JOE HALEY and “NEW” MANAGEMENT

OP ED EDITORIAL:   Anoymous HOMEOWNER of RED FROG BEACH.  DON’T BE SCAMMED LIKE WE WERE RFB recently distributed what they call an “Updated” SECURITY PROTOCOL I thank “JB” for allowing us to post because this is complete LIES and CYA nonsense. They have NEVER – EVER had or enforced ANY …

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Editorial Contribution
1

OP ED: RED FROG leadership continues to stick it to Homeowners. This time with GLOWSTICKS.

OP ED CONTRIBUTION FROM PNO READER: Dear Red Frog resident, This is XXXXXXX, co-producer of the Ad Sidera Semper Festival (ADS). Many of you have met me during my many visits to Red Frog over the last 4 years. As a reference, I was the one who organized the meeting …

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"JB"

A CHECK-IN, A CHECK-UP, now CHECKING OUT. * Request to PNO followers. Keep us going!!!!

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson So the wife has me go in for my yearly check-up. Feeling great, nothing out of the ordinary, but we need to do this after my “event” in 2022. So, it appears I need to head back to the states for a bit for some …

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Human Interest

PRIVATE ISLAND RETREATS have increased appeal. (If done RIGHT. #NOTREDFROGBEACH )

https://www.businessinsider.com/panama-isla-palenque-private-island-luxury-2024-8?r=MX&IR=T I spent three nights on Isla Palenque, a five-star private island resort in Panama. As I dined on three-course meals and enveloped myself in nature, I discovered true relaxation. It was a trip unlike any other, and I now want to add private islands to every vacation. As I …

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Human Interest

Process of RE-PATRIATION of migrants has begun. Transport financed by US taxpayer.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqjlqk0wv1no Panama on Tuesday started repatriating undocumented migrants on flights financed by the United States. The move comes less than two months after José Raúl Mulino was sworn in as Panama’s president. Mr Mulino campaigned on a promise to “close” the Darién Gap, the dangerous stretch of jungle which more …

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Boquete

EX-PAT ALERT: Incoming retirees flocking to BOQUETE’ as preferred destination.

https://businessinsider.mx/boquete-panama-how-to-retire-in-paradise-cost-of-living-2024-8/?r=US&IR=T   Stepping inside TapOut Sports Zone Bar and Grill in Boquete, Panama, is like stepping inside suburban America. The menu features American staples like cheeseburgers, barbecue chicken sandwiches, and Philly cheesesteaks. Flat-screen TVs sit above the bar, airing the latest game. On Friday nights, you might catch a band …

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Economy

CHINA remains keen on imprinting influence in Latin America. Keep an eye on these slippery F–K’s.

Varela’s BFF’s!!! https://indepthnews.net/the-chinese-investment-in-latin-america-is-changing/ BUENOS AIRES, Argentina | 17 August 2024 (IDN) — In the past decade, Chinese investment into Latin America has so often been characterised by large infrastructure projects: roads, railways, dams and ports, among others, frequently backed by state finance, and in many countries arriving under the banner of the Belt and Road Initiative. …

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History

TOURISM OUTLOOK: 2025 Panama on the Upswing.

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/panama-city-hotels-restaurants-nature-reserves   Like its namesake canal, Panama has historically served as a gateway to other ports of call throughout the Caribbean and South America. But in the last few years, the country’s capital city has emerged onto the global stage: Magnificent hotels are preserving the architecture of Casco Viejo, the colonial center. Restaurant openings are showcasing Panama’s …

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Darien

Plans forming to deal with closing the DARIEN GAP.

https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2024/08/15/a-bold-plan-to-close-the-deadly-darien-gap-unravels At a migrant shelter in the thick jungle of Colombia’s Darién region a restaurant advertises fried fish, pork chops and 5G internet. A sign in cheerful bubble letters points the way to the border with Panama. Yet just a 30-minute walk along the muddy, steep path from the restaurant, a razor-wire …

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Crime

Minister of Public Security warns it’s not always the BIG drug seizures that damage PANAMA.

Ábrego explained that gangs and criminal groups have changed their methods https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/ministro-abrego-alerta-sobre-el-incremento-del-microtrafico-en-el-pais-BY8247452# On Tuesday, August 13, the Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, warned the country about the devastating impact of micro-trafficking on Panamanian society. Ábrego described this illegality as one of the “main scourges affecting humanity” today. According to …

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Conservation

PANAMA recognizing what needs to be done MARINE wise going forward.

It is everyone’s responsibility to PROTECT and NOT CONTRIBUTE to the pollution of what makes PANAMA special. https://www.newsroompanama.com/environment/panama-strengthens-international-efforts-to-combat-plastic-pollution   In order to address Panama’s participation in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC), the Deputy Director of International Organizations and Conferences, Ricardo Pichel, accompanied …

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Conservation

PANAMA celebrating for 13th “Golden Frog Festival”.,,,,,Very Cool. NOT “Red Frog Festival”,,,,,Very F—-D!

This festival (started yesterday) thankfully does NOT include, STEALING, BRIBES, LIES, INTIMIDATION, and BULLSHIT. #stopJH https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-prepares-for-the-thirteenth-golden-frog-festival     Panama is preparing to celebrate the 13th Golden Frog Festival, which will take place from August 12 to 18 in various parts of the country.  This event, organized by the Smithsonian Tropical …

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International Relations

MULINO continues to show a set of “balls”. Joins Spain in openly challenging MADURO.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/just-shut-up-and-publish-the-minutes-of-the-elections-in-venezuela-and-recognize-the-will-of-the-people-1 Nicolás Maduro’s recent statement that “whoever messes with Venezuela, dries up” is a desperate attempt to intimidate those who defend freedom and justice in the region. This warning, steeped in Caribbean superstition, where authoritarianism is mixed with Santeria and magical thinking, seeks to sow fear, but it will not …

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Human Interest

OLYMPIANS home from PARIS today at TOCUMEN.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/the-panama-olympians-return-from-paris-monday-at-tocumen-international-airport Atheyna and the Olympic delegation return to Panama Monday, August 12.  Arrival is scheduled at Tocumen International Airport for 5:45 p.m.  The arrival of the athletes who defended the Panama patriotic colors at the Paris 2024 Olympics is scheduled for Monday, at Tocumen International Airport, at 5:45 p.m. in …

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International Relations

Venezuelan OPPOSITION calls for World to unite against MADURO on the 17th.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-calls-for-global-mobilization-august-17   Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for new protests on Saturday August 17 amid allegations of electoral fraud, after leftist President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner for a third term.  Very interesting information below as to how Maria has definitive proof that Maduro lost the election …

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Sport

PANAMA goes for GOLD in WOMEN’S BOXING on SATURDAY.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/paris-olympics-boxing-qian-li-from-china-vs-atheyna-bylon-from-panama-saturday-for-the-gold-medal “Thank you, my Lord Jesus. Insist, persist and never give up.” This is part of the message shared on social media by Panamanian boxer Atheyna Bylon, after defeating Cindy Ngamba by decision yesterday, Thursday, thus qualifying for her first final in the Olympic Games in the 75 kilogram category.  …

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Darien

Within “Darien Gap” there was a “VIP” route specifically for the Chinese.

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-dismantles-vip-route-for-chinese-migrants-in-the-darien-jungle Panama’s border police dismantled an organization involved in the human trafficking of Chinese migrants, facilitating a “VIP route” with fewer difficulties to cross the inhospitable Darién jungle on their way to the United States. “We have arrested 15 people linked to the crime of illegal migrant trafficking,” said prosecutor …

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International Relations

Venezuela OPPOSITION sees better success with NEIGHBORING LATAM instead of West pressure.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/america/opositora-machado-ve-posible-que-paises-vecinos-logren-negociacion-efectiva-en-venezuela-EX8202251   Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said on Wednesday that she does not rule out Colombia, Brazil and Mexico being able to establish an “effective” solution for Venezuela through negotiations following the crisis triggered by the questionable re-election of President Nicolás Maduro. “I do not rule out that …

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Air Travel

Tocumen planning a new AIRPORT HOTEL for increased tourism and business travel.

  https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/tocumen-international-airport-is-planning-a-300-room-hotel The construction of a hotel within the grounds of Tocumen International Airport is one of the proposals of its new administration.  Turning the airport into more than just a passenger arrival and departure point is the goal of its manager, José Ruiz.  “Most airports are completely overwhelmed by space, they …

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Energy/Infrastructure

New Leaders to promise change at ASEP.

What if you have filed “tons” of complaints in the past, and the fines just get absolved and unenforced like under Nito and Gaby????  Hope these NEW people truly listen. https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/filing-a-complaint-to-asep-or-public-service-companies-electricity-mobile-and-digital-data   Pictured Above: Zelmar Rodriguez Crespo, Ratified as New Administrator of ASEP The new administrator of ASEP, appointed to …

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