Agriculture

Mulino to address BOCAS “Chiquita” Labor Strike.

Also traveling with the commission was the director of the Social Security Fund, Dino Mon. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/protestas-en-bocas-del-toro-alta-comision-del-gobierno-de-mulino-viaja-a-conversar-BF12713222 Chiquita Panama will close two banana farms in Bocas del Toro after a prolonged strike. A commission of ministers traveled to the city of Changuinola on Monday morning, May 12, to speak with workers …

Human Interest

Many Panamanians screaming “FOUL” over Martinelli asylum deal.

The organization denounced the Panamanian Foreign Ministry’s actions in Martinelli’s case as a violation of the rule of law. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/fundacion-libertad-ciudadana-denuncia-salida-de-martinelli-como-burla-a-la-justicia-de-panama-GF12715120 The Citizen Freedom Foundation issued a statement on Monday, May 12, describing the recent departure from the country of former President Ricardo Martinelli, convicted of money laundering, as a “mockery …

Art/Entertainment

MAY offers many cultural events to showcase Panama. “Museum Month 2025”

The Ministry of Culture has published the events it will hold in May for the whole family. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/vida-y-cultura/actividades-gratis-por-el-mes-de-los-museos-HD12555389 These include exhibitions, talks, workshops, lectures, historical tours, guided tours, discussions, and musical performances. The Portobelo Customs Museum, also known as the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory, presents the exhibition “The Legacy of …

"JB"

The Window came and went,,,,,,,thank God no more altruism. RFB sheep literally on an “island”.

Op Ed: “JB” I am finally able to place a pin in my RFB issues, in that additonal information was provided to the FBI field office and “NO” additonal plaintiffs were added.  So it is done, and nobody else will be able to be party to any benefits of an …

"JB"

Local PANAMANIANS. Happy LABOR DAY.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/mulino-en-su-mensaje-por-el-dia-del-trabajador-ustedes-son-el-motor-que-mueven-al-pais-HG12272533 The president extended his message to each worker in the different sectors, including health, public safety and service. The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino , extended his congratulations on Labor Day , which is celebrated this May 1, 2025. “ I want to congratulate every hardworking man and woman. Each one …

Church

PANAMA reflects fondly on passing of POPE FRANCIS, his role in Panama’s Youth.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/gobierno-decreta-3-dias-de-duelo-nacional-por-muerte-del-papa-francisco-que-implica-FA11998962 The government of Panama declared April 22, 23, and 24, 2025, as a day of national mourning for the death of Pope Francis . Flags will fly at half-mast in public and private institutions nationwide. He woke up fine, but at 7:00 a.m. he felt sick! The Vatican reveals the cause …

"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"
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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 …

"JB"

RFB and OGI serving up a platter of SHIT “Three Ways”. Bocas peeps………..wake the “F” up!!!

Op Editorial “JB”- So I have been a relatively good boy all things considered according to my wife since we have returned. I have not been sooooooo pre-occupied with “JH” and his consistent string of bullshit and what OGI and the whole merry band of “Management” continue to do to …

Conservation

Dovetailing from yesterday: PANAMA badly addressing bay and plastic cleanup.

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/03/11/panama-implementing-a-city-wide-approach-to-plastic-pollution-prevention/ The Ocean Cleanup has taken another important step in its mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic with the announcement of a partnership project in Central America to stop the flow of waste into the Bay of Panama. Under a strategic alliance with local partner and non-profit Marea Verde, …

Energy/Infrastructure

Allocation of potable H20 remains an issue, for mainland and the outer islands.

The market study published by the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) on the PanamaCompra portal did not receive any proposals from the suppliers surveyed. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/idaan-sin-ofertas-para-distribuir-agua-en-cisternas-LB11100469 The IDAAN seeks to alleviate the lack of access to drinking water in communities in Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Herrera, Los Santos, …

Environmental

Important project for ALL of Panama. Especially with TOURISM. BAY cleanup initiative.

Pollution from solid waste, especially plastics, represents a threat to biodiversity and environmental health. Marea Verde and The Ocean Cleanup have joined forces to launch the “Seven Basins” project, an initiative that seeks to significantly reduce the waste that reaches the Bay of Panama. https://panamanowonline.com/wp-admin/post-new.php https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/salvar-la-bahia-de-panama-la-mision-del-proyecto-siete-cuencas-MI11089849 The Bay of Panama , recognized as a …

"JB"

What has always been the danger in PANAMA waters, being reminded of RIPCURRENTS and TIDE.

According to the entity, the tides will have a maximum height of 17.1 feet (5.18) meters Consider this an: EX-PAT ALERT    https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/sinaproc-mantiene-aviso-de-prevencion-por-mareas-en-el-pacifico-AP10972211 The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) maintains the prevention notice (surveillance and monitoring) for the maximum tides in the Panamanian Pacific, which began at 4:47 am on Saturday, …

Human Interest

Martinelli health faltering while detained in Embassy: Look at the F’d Up Hernia he posted.

https://havanatimes.org/news/panama-and-nicaragua-to-discuss-safe-conduct-for-martinelli/ HAVANA TIMES – The safe conduct will be discussed when the new Nicaraguan ambassador to Panama presents her credentials to the Foreign Ministry. On Thursday, January 30, Panamanian President Jose Mulino announced that he would begin discussions about granting a safe conduct pass to former president Ricardo Martinelli, who …

Human Interest

Bad Traffic due to get WORSE, ……but at least it is for CARNIVAL.

The National Police recommends drivers plan their trips in advance to avoid traffic jams https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/policia-nacional-anuncia-horarios-de-inversion-de-carriles-por-el-carnaval-2025-MJ10913807?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The National Police, through the National Directorate of Traffic Operations, detailed the times and points where lane reversals will be implemented during the days of Carnival 2025. This measure seeks to speed up traffic and …

Darien

Will NEVER understand the logic behind “ADDING” Immigrants to the sieve that is Darien!!!

https://apnews.com/article/panama-deportees-trump-hotel-darien-gap-iom-bba8c3dc33fd38efd569a5b51e481a86 CARTI, Panama (AP) — A deportee from the United States detained in a camp in rural Panama, among a hundred who refused to return to their countries, described on Saturday waiting in limbo under “harsh conditions” and cut off from access to legal council and other rights. The Chinese …

Agriculture

Some good news for the blighted over-developed look of PANAMA CITY. GREEN,GREEN,GREEN

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/vida-y-cultura/el-parque-summit-es-designado-como-vivero-y-banco-de-flora-de-panama-PM10859644?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The project represents an important piece within the Greening Plan of Panama City The Summit Municipal Park has been named the nursery and flora bank of Panama City. This was announced by the Mayor of Panama, through a statement issued by the Environmental Management Department. According to the organization, …

Darien

Indigenous population on the influx of “Re-Patriation”…….Quote- “WTF?”

“JB”-  people who have made this locale literally located in the middle of nowhere, are having their centuries old existence in peace TRAMPLED ON with NO REGARD, with the decision to use area as a migrant camp. https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/indigenas-piden-suspender-la-llegada-masiva-de-migrantes-que-viajan-a-america-del-sur-LM10858650?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc The request comes after a boat carrying 21 people sank off the …

Human Interest

They made a NETFLIX Documentary about this…….”forced Spain Soccer Kiss”.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/deportes/el-juez-da-plena-credibilidad-a-jenni-hermoso-y-alude-a-la-connotacion-sexual-del-beso-IP10798761 A conviction that resulted in a fine of 10,800 euros (11,290 dollars), compensation of 3,000 euros (3,136 dollars) for moral damages Judge José Manuel Fernández-Prieto has given “full credibility” to Jenni Hermoso by concluding that the kiss given to her by Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup final …

Darien

What a great idea….bring migrants from US……” to DARIEN”!?!?!?!?!?!?!? GENIUS

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/nacional/trasladan-a-darien-a-170-migrantes-deportados-desde-estados-unidos-DB10778478?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc This group is part of the 299 deportees from the US, who began arriving in Panama this Wednesday, February 12 A group of 170 deportees from the United States were transferred from the hotel in Panama City to Metetí, in the province of Darién. La Estrella de Panamá learned that …

Human Interest

“Re-Patriation”= The nicest, politically correct way to say ” Get the F – – K out!”

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-says-many-migrants-deported-us-agree-be-returned-home-countries-2025-02-19/ PANAMA CITY, Feb 18 (Reuters) – Panama’s security minister said on Tuesday that more than half of the migrants deported from the United States to transit point Panama in recent days had accepted voluntary repatriations to their home countries, largely in Asia or the Middle East. U.S. President Donald …

"JB"
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It’s Data and Articles like this that REINFORCE Trump “Canal” stance. Again “gulp”. Goes down like bleach.

World Bank: Panama faces challenges in human capital development and quality of employment     OP ED: “JB”   Hello friends, Ex-Pats, and my adopted Panamanian bretheren. I will openly admit that Donald Trump makes for a very EASY and VALID target for all the venom and vitriol he is …

"JB"

Is this “REALLY” going to happen? It’s getting “Ri-goddamn-diculous”. READ this EX-PATS

Op ED: “JB” As I slowly settle back into my “Panama” mode after three months home for the holidays, I am a bit amazed that this “narrative” is still maintaining traction.  REALLY????  TRUMP IS GOING TO TAKE BACK THE CANAL!!!!      Again,………REALLY??? This is hyperbole and political bluster on …

"JB"

CALI FIRES CAUSE UPTICK in EX-PAT TRAVEL- 

OP ED: “JB” The US Dept. of Immigration has seen more Americans either applying, updating, or revising their travel documents in the aftermath of the decimating fires that have wiped out much of Newport Beach and Malibu. Be it owners who have personally been displaced leaving to use a vacation …

"JB"

2025 PNO stance on the RED FROG debacle.

OP ED: I posted a vent piece a while back that kicked off some chatter between folks. (attached). And in the time since then, I have been very tight lipped.  I even after a very enjoyabe holiday, find it laughbale that to some people, the jury has still not reached a …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …