Canal

Mulino has been ramping up his international presence.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/presidente-mulino-se-reune-con-zelensky-para-promover-el-tratado-de-neutralidad-DG16236050 President Mulino emphasized that Ukraine will open an embassy in Panama later this year. President José Raúl Mulino met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to strengthen bilateral relations. Mulino expressed Panama’s support for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and invited the country to join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty. For his part, …

Conservation

I never trust this SHIT PILE of an agency. Worst I have experienced in the free world.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/miambiente-inicia-auditoria-integral-a-la-mina-de-cobre-panama-FF16131657 This audit will assess everything from reforestation to waste management, ensuring that the mine meets its environmental, social, and legal commitments. The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) announced the start of a comprehensive audit of the Panama Copper Mine project , which will verify compliance with all environmental, social, legal and tax commitments established …

"JB"

A liitle REGISTRO PUBLICO check. How does old “CV” at RED FROG justify LOT sales appraised at $1k??

“JB” – so yeah, more FRAUD, FRAUD, and more FRAUD.   Under appraising real estate in Panama, you need to understand the local legal framework and market conditions to accurately determine property value, often requiring professional appraisers certified under local regulations like Law No. 15 of 1959 and guidance from the IVAPPAN. Key …

Economy

ISN’T this NEWS??? PANAMA has problem with Electrical Authority oversight!!! #RFBpowermafia

Not too quick on the uptake LA Estrella……….has been issue for YEARS. Check out BDT.   https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/juan-urriola-el-usuario-final-en-el-mercado-electrico-panameno-esta-en-un-total-estado-de-indefension-CF15673881 The former Energy Secretary speaks exclusively after his resignation about the changes that need to be made at ASEP and questions multi-million dollar contracts. Former Energy Secretary Juan Manuel Urriola resigned from his …

Canal

PNO has been keeping eye on this CHINA/US power struggle within PANAMA

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/panama-canal-port-lawsuit-us-china Panama’s comptroller general has lodged two cases with the country’s supreme court against the owners of two ports at the centre of a geopolitical struggle between the US and China, in a move likely to be seen as a victory for Donald Trump in his attempt to rid the …

Canal

MEXICO looking to replicate their internal rail system to model West Coast trade after the CANAL.

https://www.borderreport.com/regions/mexico/mexico-upgrading-rail-line-to-rival-panama-canal/ SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum this week updated ongoing work to rehabilitate a rail link between the Gulf and the Pacific Ocean through Southern Mexico. It’s called the Corredor Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec or Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in English. It was originally built …

"JB"

Sketchy Meetings, Illegal Board Changes, just another day at “RED FRAUD BEACH”.

OP ED: “JB” Biggest JOKE ever that PANAMA MEDIA is asleep at the wheel, and my stupid ass has to keep turning the kitchen lights on. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Turtle Beach Hacienda Corporation sued PH Red Frog Beach Club and OGI, before Bocas del Toro Circuit Judge. Turtle claims that OGI’s meeting …

"JB"

FUTURE TELLER: Check in on this story in 4 Years to find out what SCUMBAGS got “greased” for the Bid!

“JB”-  just take solace that you don’t see ODEBRECHT mentioned here.  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/tren-panama-david-los-paises-que-compiten-por-financiar-el-megaproyecto-HD15167909 Through several international tours, the government has sought out more than four countries that have openly expressed interest in financing this project. The latest to enter the fray is Japan, through its Mizuho Bank. The Panama-David train project …

Conservation

More REAL DATA on “Climate Change” and how it affects our oceans and reefs.

Global increase in photosynthesis on land while it falls in the oceans https://www.prensa.com/mundo/aumento-global-de-la-fotosintesis-en-tierra-mientras-cae-en-los-oceanos/ Land plants drove an increase in global photosynthesis between 2003 and 2021, partly offset by a slight decline in seaweed. The findings, from a study published in Nature Climate Change , could inform assessments of planetary health, improve ecosystem …

Politics

Mulino signs into law plans to address mounting threat of CyberSecurity.

The president signed Law 478, which modifies the Penal Code, and signed Panama’s accession to an Ibero-American Cooperation Agreement. On Tuesday, August 5, President José Raúl Mulino signed into law a law on international legal assistance in criminal matters and cybercrime. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/presidente-mulino-sanciona-leyes-sobre-ciberdelincuencia-HA15043545 This is Law 478 , which, according to the Executive Branch, …

Canal

US keen to see CHINESE influence decreased in Canal Zone.

Regarding the trade promotion agreement between Panama and the United States, Cabrera revealed that the review committee meetings will begin in October. The United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera , reiterated that his country is excited that Panama Ports Company (PPC) , a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, will no longer be operating …

Canal

Canal revenue shows ROBUST first half gains for 2025

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/05/in-the-first-half-of-the-year-2025-panama-canal-toll-revenues-are-up-by-33/ Toll revenues on the Panama Canal increased 33.2% in the first half of the year.  This achievement is due to the increase in the transit of vessels, mainly deep-draft vessels, during this period.  Vessel traffic increased by 25.7%, with 6,855 vessels crossing the interoceanic waterway in the first half of the year, of which …

Canal

An unconventional “Canal War” exists between US and Chinese corporations for Port control.

International shipping companies are competing to purchase CK Hutchison’s ports, while in Panama the concession contract is being challenged by the Comptroller General’s Office. For many, the ports of Cristóbal and Balboa are just another prize in one of the largest transactions in recent maritime history, but for Panama, they …

"JB"

FYI- these are the “Under the Radar” tid bits that explain TRUMP’s 24/7 “hard on” for PANAMA

“JB”- This is why it is called a “Trade War”.   The agreement provides for the transfer of 90% of the stake in the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, currently operated by CK Hutchison. China’s largest shipping company, state-owned giant Cosco , is negotiating its entry into the BlackRock- led consortium that will …

Agriculture

Bocas and PANAMA’s dependence on the magical “Banana” has caused quite the shitstorm.

https://www.prensa.com/politica/fincas-vacias-y-sin-respuestas-en-bocas-del-toro-el-regreso-amargo-de-mil-trabajadores-bananeros/ About 1,000 banana workers attempted to return this week to five farms operated by Ilara Holdings , a concessionaire of the Chiquita banana company in Bocas del Toro , following a court ruling that declared their nearly two-month strike illegal. The government is negotiating with Chiquita to reactivate 20% of its operations …

Canal

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 …

"JB"

Resort and Hotel brand founded in PANAMA on the lam. Look into 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 …

Canal
1

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 …

"JB"
1

This is GOOD press for PANAMA,….but comes with a caveat, “RETIREES-DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE”

JB OP Ed:  While I always love pieces in “International” periodicals and Magazines that show how PANAMA is such a GREAT choice for “RETRIREES: and “EX-PATS”, I have learned very well that you can’t believe all the shiny ads and pumped up hype during the solicitation process. It can get you …

Energy/Infrastructure

Almost entirety of IRAN is “getting no bars”, as INTERNET access has been taken out by ISRAEL.

Iran has been under a near-total internet blackout since Wednesday afternoon, despite Iranian authorities claiming to have repelled “extensive” Israeli cyberattacks on the country’s network. https://www.prensa.com/mundo/iran-permanece-aun-bajo-el-apagon-de-internet-tras-ciberataque-israeli/ Vladimir Putin calls for ways to achieve a cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel.The UN calls for an immediate detente leading to a ceasefire between Israel …

Canal

Panama’s role in the “New” Cold War with US/CHINA.

The president questioned the US diplomat about a statement regarding antennas, along with the Ministry of Security, which places Panama in the dangerous conflict between Beijing and Washington. Less than two months have passed since the arrival of the United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and the first …

Bocas del Toro

Simply more and more coming out,,,,and “I” thankfully am on the sidelines and just enjoying it.

https://www.prensa.com/unidad-investigativa/como-el-suntracs-hipoteco-tierras-de-extrabajadores-a-su-propia-cooperativa/   Exclusive Subscribers Investigation How did Suntracs mortgage land from former workers to its own cooperative? Monica Palm June 2, 2025 – 12:04 AM The 14 mortgaged properties are located in Red Frog Beach Club, on Bastimentos Island, Colón.    _______________________________________________________________________________________ OP ED: ****** James “JB” Bryson******  UNRELATED TO RE-POSTED …

Agriculture

Banana Labor protest was DEEMED Illegal -24 hour deadline PASSED

The Fifth Section Labor Court of Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, declared the strike by workers at the Chiquita Panama banana company illegal and gave them 24 hours to return to their jobs; otherwise, they will lose their labor rights.  Judge Álvaro Jiménez stated in his ruling that the strike, which …

Canal

US-CHINA agreement gives BOOST to market- What does it mean to PANAMA?

  https://newsroompanama.com/2025/05/12/what-does-the-us-china-tariff-deal-mean-for-the-panama-canal/ The US and China have agreed a truce to lower import taxes on goods being traded between the two countries.  That means more ships traveling through the Panama Canal.  Good for Panama.  Good for the world. The agreement marks a major de-escalation of the trade war between the …

Canal
1

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"

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   …

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"

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"
2

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 …