Canal

Commerce through Canal is LESS than projected for 2024.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/vasquez-los-ingresos-del-canal-para-el-2024-se-encuentran-por-debajo-de-lo-presupuestado-FK8048632?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vásquez said that he will follow the schedule for increasing ship traffic established for this week of 34. Two months before the end of fiscal year 2024, Ricaurter Vásquez, administrator of the Panama Canal, announced on July 24 that income is below what was established in the budget, but …

Energy/Infrastructure

Trash and Garbage dispute turning San Miguelito into a “shithole”. Maybe contact “Eco-Flow??”

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/no-garbage-pickup-in-san-miguelito-panama-for-15-days The Municipal Council of San Miguelito authorized Mayor Irma Hernández on Tuesday, July 23, to negotiate with the company Recicladora Vida y Salid, SA (Revisalud) the modification of the contract for the collection, treatment and final disposal of solid waste in this district of the province of Panama.  This includes removing the exclusivity that the …

Air Travel

CRWD/MSFT issue with AI platform causes a “shit storm” worldwide. Hope you weren’t travelling.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/19/business/microsoft-outage-cause-azure-crowdstrike.html Airlines grounded flights. Operators of 911 lines could not respond to emergencies. Hospitals canceled surgeries. Retailers closed for the day. And the actions all traced back to a batch of bad computer code. A flawed software update sent out by a little-known cybersecurity company caused chaos and disruption around …

"JB"

PREZ MULINO: Take a look at RED FROG BEACH in Bocas!! New ASEP fines for operating without concession.

How does 20 years under 4 administrations without a concession sound?  Arbitrarily assigning different prices per KwH that are unregulated and essentially a “monopoly” run by an asshole that has been permitted to act with impunity.   TAKE A LOOK at ECO-FLOW.    Your Welcome Prez.  Your pal-  “JB”.  AMERICAN and …

Conservation

Dovetailing off yesterday post on PANAMA’s importance to sea-levels.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-panama-caribbean-pacific-b2558193.html Hammocks began appearing this week in the doorways of 300 new houses built in what was previously a yucca field along Panama’s Caribbean coast for families from the country’s first low-lying island evacuated due to rising sea levels. Indigenous Guna families from the island of Gardi Sugdub ferried stoves, gas cylinders, …

Agriculture

The “Profiteering, Greenwashing, and Prostitution” of PANAMA’s ecology, downplays the significance in LATAM.

Hoping that Mulino sees the “profiteers” that have LIED, CAJOLED, BRIBED, and DAMAGED the preious eco-systems in places like……BOCAS del TORO specifically via irresponsible and illegal development for the sole benefit of money. PANAMA plays a major role in the stabilization of the environment of all of LATAM> JB   …

Canal

Panama plans for further expansion of an additional “lock” within 6 years.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/panama-canal-expects-water-reservoir-232824557.html PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – The Panama Canal expects to complete a billion-dollar construction of a new water reservoir within six years that will help ensure the passage of 36 ships a day, the administrator of the global waterway said on Monday. The Indio River reservoir project would become part …

Bocas del Toro

Any of my “Bocas Brigade” feel a little shake, rattle, or roll? Checking in.

Earthquake of magnitude 5.56 strikes Panama-Costa Rica border, GFZ says https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/earthquake-magnitude-556-strikes-panama-costa-rica-border-gfz-says-2024-07-08/ PANAMA CITY, July 8 (Reuters) – An earthquake of magnitude 5.56 struck the Panama-Costa Rica border region on Monday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), …

Energy/Infrastructure

Funding options remain hurdle for proposed Panama-David Train Project.

The president of the Panamanian Chamber of Construction, Alejandro Ferrer, considers that the Public Private Association figure could be an alternative for the execution of this and other projects, at a time when the national Government is highly indebted. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/capac-ve-viable-construir-el-tren-panama-david-bajo-el-modelo-app-FX7716326 For Alejandro Ferrer, president of the Panamanian Chamber of Construction …

Real Estate

Panama Real Estate still not recovering from “years” of shady operations. Need REAL groups.

The main reasons for these complaints were due to refunds, hidden defects, lack of information and abusive clauses, according to Acodeco data. https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/economia/quejas-contra-inmobiliarias-superan-los-8-millones-a-mayo-DX7716126?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc A total of 222 complaints against real estate companies were filed with the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco), from January to May 2024. …

Environmental

Past years HEAVY RAINS are expected to continue for forseeable future.

This year the climate is expected to be very similar to 2010, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022; years where the rains left mourning and pain https://elsiglo-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacionales/impactos-de-las-lluvias-que-podrian-repetirse-este-ano-NY7616942?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc RAINS A lot of rainfall is expected and there will be landslides, floods, etc. Panama is going through a prolonged drought and is in …

Conservation

Rising sea levels seen first hand in Panama mandatory evacuation.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/panama-prepares-evacuate-first-island-face-rising-sea-levels-rcna155076 On a tiny island off Panama’s Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground. They …

Canal

Historical Retrospective on the CANAL: As it defines the PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of PANAMA.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/publicando-historia/pasado-presente-y-futuro-poniendo-en-perspectiva-al-canal-de-panama-FE7547711 This engineering work has a great connection with the Panamanian idiosyncrasy as well as the history of the isthmus, in which it continues to be a relevant element. The return of the Panama Canal and the Canal Zone to the Panamanian administration is one of the most important events …

Bocas del Toro

Bocas tragedy could be prevented. Young boy killed getting run over.

Traffic accidents occur every day. In a bustling city, with cars and taxis going everywhere, it is understood.  BUT, in a bohemian island city, it is from just plain “lawlessness”.   I noticed of my time in Bocas (dealing with scumbags), that “Bocas Town” or “Isla Colon” more or less operates …

Energy/Infrastructure

Hold on,,,,,,,So ASEP does in fact have a “working office”???? Just not open to Ex-Pats I guess.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/contenido-patrocinado/eficiencia-energetica-para-la-industria-panamena-una-oportunidad-de-sostenibilidad-y-competitividad-con-erco-energia-XG7239275 Erco Energía presents itself as a strategic ally for companies in Panama that are looking for advice and solutions regarding energy efficiency for their production processes. Panama’s industrial sector has long been a key driver for the country’s economy and progress. However, the increase in energy and power rates, …

Environmental

Raging floods are pummeling Brazil.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/los-rios-aumentan-su-caudal-en-el-sur-de-brasil-arrasado-por-las-inundaciones-AE7314130   The historic floods in Rio Grande do Sul, caused by heavy rainfall since the last days of April, have affected more than two million people, leaving 143 dead, 806 injured and 131 missing. The torrential rains hitting southern Brazil increased river flows and created scenes of “chaos” in …

Weather

EX-PATS: Happier here than in Oklahoma???

Multiple tornadoes touched down on Saturday night in several counties in the state of Oklahoma (USA), causing at least two deaths and material damage that is being evaluated. https://elsiglo.com.pa/internacional/america/multiples-tornados-causan-destruccion-en-oklahoma-FC7141160 Republican Governor Kevin Stitt reported yesterday that the state remains on “high alert” for bad weather after several tornadoes and thunderstorms …

Conservation

Politics aside- Rising GREENHOUSE temps are not make believe and sea levels will rise. PANAMA not exempt.

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/vida-y-cultura/aumento-del-nivel-del-mar-impacto-en-los-poblados-costeros-de-panama-DK6963894?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc A report indicates that between 1909 and 1969, tide gauges showed a rise in sea level of 9.6 centimeters in the Pacific, and 6.8 centimeters in the Caribbean. In 1983, three scientists from the Institute of Ocean Sciences of Canada reported in an article published by the Intergovernmental Oceanigraphic …

Canal

Singapore owned vessel from Baltimore bridge collapse calling on an 1851 Law to limit liability.

https://fortune.com/2024/04/01/baltimore-francis-scott-key-bridge-liability-cap-44-million-singapore/ The owner and manager of a cargo ship that rammed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge before the span collapsed last week filed a court petition Monday seeking to limit their legal liability for the deadly disaster. The companies’ “limitation of liability” petition is a routine but important procedure for cases litigated under …

Energy/Infrastructure

300 million in LATAM do not have access to clean sewage and water.

I hope this includes the group of people living in RFB……….. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/el-3-de-la-poblacion-en-latinoamerica-y-caribe-carece-de-acceso-al-agua-LB6560782 A total of 300 million people in cities do not have sewage systems In the Latin American and Caribbean region, 17 million people, 3% of the population, have limited basic access to water or consume it from unsuitable …

"JB"

Torrijos brings up topic of “electricity” compliance as major election point.

I wonder if the operation of a “business” that has been run for 20 years without the necessary concession to sell utility services will be looked at?  Or does Bocas del Toro not exist in this regard?  https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/politica/torrijos-califica-como-un-desastre-el-servicio-de-energia-electrica-KF6557084   The candidate raised the urgent need to supply water to Panamanians …

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 …

"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 …

"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 …

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 …

Energy/Infrastructure

Steps being outlined for the definitive and final closing of a mining operation. Eyes open

http://elsiglo.com.pa/panama/presentan-plan-accion-para-cierre-ordenado-definitivo-cobre-panama/24242085 There are minimal preservation activities that cannot be completed overnight. The Minister of Commerce Jorge Rivera Staff presented the action plan for the orderly and definitive closure of Cobre Panamá, in order to guarantee that this process is carried out in a responsible and transparent manner, complying with the …

Canal

Friend in tourism sent me this about extended PANAMA cruise offered now.

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/scenic-announces-new-scenic-eclipse-2023-2024-caribbean-collection-0 Scenic has unveiled the 2023-2024 Caribbean Collection for its Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse. The itineraries will allow guests to explore some of the more remote destinations, only accessible to smaller ships. Ports such as Darby Island, Egg Island and Long Island in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico’s Isla de Culebra, Grenadines’ Mayreau, and Isla de Providencia in Colombia, among others promise a more intimate experience. Booking early can …

Energy/Infrastructure

This sounds like something a legit Green Globe Certified purveyor of Electricity would appear at.

A network will work to accelerate the transition to zero emissions in Latin America Aligning will require an average annual investment of $150 billion between 2026 and 2030 and at least $207 billion between 2031 and 2035.   https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/231023/red-trabajara-acelerar-transicion-cero-emisiones-america-latina   The transition to zero net emissions is moving slowly in …

Education

Multiple factions of discontent turn PC into chaos.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/231023/siguen-protestas-bloqueos-vias-sancion-contrato-minero This weekend there were demonstrations in front of the building where Cortizo resides and the headquarters of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party. Due to the closure of roads, delays in the arrival of workers to their jobs have been reported. Also low vehicular traffic for fear of being left in …

Weather

Ex-Pats in Mexico bracing for a strong storm. One of the benefits of Panama

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/strong-hurricane-norma-set-to-hit-mexico   I have a friend that is currently living in La Paz; Mexico and they will be bracing for a Hurricane this weekend. With the US economy treating non wealthy Americans like shit, expect places like Panama, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica to yearly on a consistent basis see …