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 …
Cacao season kick starts in Bocas. Look soon for “CACAO 70”.
“JB”- A buddy of mine has started to cultivate his own Cacao processing out of Bocas del Toro, as Cacao demand increases worldwide. It will be distributed via “MI BELLA IMPORTS”. I wish his group the best as I am aware he is sitting on a mountain of Cacao down …
Has the flow of migration through “DARIEN” come to an end or at least a pause??
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/comunidad-de-bajo-chiquito-se-adapta-al-fin-del-paso-masivo-de-migrantes-por-la-selva-de-darien-EA14411360 With a population of around 400, this indigenous village on the banks of the Tuquesa River received more than 2,000 migrants per day during the peak migration flow months. The indigenous village of Bajo Chiquito, the first to reach hundreds of migrants daily in Panama after crossing the Darien …
PANAMA to host important meeting about sustainable fishing operations.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/the-meeting-of-the-inter-american-tropical-tuna-commission-will-be-hosted-again-by-panama/ From September 1 to 5, 2025, Panama will host the meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the second consecutive year. This international meeting will bring together representatives from 20 countries, more than a dozen non-governmental organizations, 250 in-person observers, and another 200 participants connected virtually, with the aim …
Massive layoffs disrupt labor in BDT from “Chiquita” situation.
https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/11/after-massive-layoffs-in-bocas-panamas-president-mulino-pushes-for-chiquitas-return/ Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to convince U.S. banana giant Chiquita Brands to resume operations in the country, after the company shut down during a strike and protests that caused it millions in losses. Chiquita ceased operations and laid off about 7,000 workers at …
Resort and Hotel brand founded in PANAMA on 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 …
Did PANAMA handle Bocas del Toro like ABU GHRAIB??
The government reports more than 280 detainees, spread across several prisons across the country. Lawyers warn of “illegal arrests,” “lack of access to defense,” and “failures” in the justice system. Since June 14, security forces have invaded communities in the province of Bocas del Toro under Operation Omega, a massive police …
Tomorrow (or today)…,,,,,,,,ARGRICULTURAL FAIR. Hope you can come.
Get off your lazy asses and come buy some great healthy fruits and veggies. “JB” This coming Friday, June 27th, there will be an Agricultural Fair so you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at very low prices and thus support local producers. Everyone is cordially invited to the Alto …
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 …
Bocas SHIT SHOW: Operation OMEGA and new solutions of Law 471.
Regarding disability pensions, the average monthly salary for the ten most recent years of contributions will be used as the calculation basis. Law No. 471 of June 16, 2025, which creates a special regime for workers in banana companies and independent banana producers, was published in Official Gazette No. 30301-A. The law, which was …
EX-PAT ALERT: Just an old “FYI”
Two passengers from Medellín, Colombia, attempted to enter the country through Panama Pacific International Airport with $62,017 in undeclared cash. Both foreigners are family members. They were discovered during a second inspection by on-duty inspectors, who asked the passengers to remove all the money they had in their clothing. The …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Mizrachi lays out plans for tomorrow, which will be a very interesting CARNIVAL 2025.
Mizrachi offered details of the reasons why he will stay in Panama City https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/panama/los-planes-del-alcalde-mayer-mizrachi-para-el-carnaval-de-panama-FI10900588?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Carnival is just around the corner and Panamanians are organizing themselves to travel to the interior of the country, either to attend the culecos or enjoy the rivers or beaches. However, others are planning to work. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
LINTON BAY comes on the heels of $144 Million earmarked for Colon tourism in 2025.
OP ED: Colon has been a shithole and armpit for an entirely too long time. These outer areas of Panama have needed to be addressed for decades (espescially BOCAS del TORO ) in order to truly maximize the “tourism” of PANAMA. Honestly, NOBODY comes to Panama to hang out in Panama …
GOOD historical piece on DAY of MARTYRS.
( although seeing Ex-Prez Varela- a self proclaimed extremely religous man, so somber and respectful, is enough to make me puke ) This is who we are https://www.thepanamanews.com/ by Eric Jackson If you are Panamanian and do not understand, you have been woefully miseducated. If you are a foreigner, you …
Debate over accessing protected resources in Panama to continue in 2025.
https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/progreso-o-riesgo-ambiental-debaten-impacto-del-corredor-del-caribe-HA10104210 The SCJ lifted the suspension of the Caribbean Corridor, a decision supported by tourism sectors and criticized by environmentalists for its environmental and social impact on Colón. The project promises development, but faces questions about sustainability “A ruling of justice” is how Cristóbal Valencia, president of the Portobelo Chamber …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
SUPER RELEVANT Article: About WATER in BOCAS del TORO, and How RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPERS can CHANGE damage done by OLD ONES. # RFB
Local perspectives on marine ecotourism development in a water-insecure island region: the case of Bocas del Toro, Panama https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1377053/full As a dimension of a blue economy, marine ecotourism should, in theory, not only increase economic viability and environmental sustainability but, most importantly, pursue socially equitable outcomes. In tropical and …
Ranking of PANAMA’s Best Retirement Locales: EX-PAT ALERT
* DESPITE the complete “skullfuckery” going on in Bocas del Toro……..PANAMA still a viable choice for seniors. https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/best-places-to-retire-in-panama Key Takeaways Panama’s low cost of living and proximity to the U.S. make it a popular option for American retirees. From city life to coastal living, Panama offers a range of …