THE NUMBERS ARE  IN!!! Nearly six tons of waste were removed last Saturday from the mouth of the Juan Díaz River and the Panama Bay wetland during a cleanup organized by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and the environmental organization Adopta Bosque . More than 1,500 volunteers participated in the activity, including security …

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/09/24/youre-invited-to-expo-boquete-in-panama/   Join us for an unforgettable celebration of culture, innovation, and community at Expo Boquete, happening September 26–28 at the Boquete Fairgrounds from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day — and best of all, admission is free! Here’s just a glimpse of what awaits you: • Fashion shows …

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/09/04/national-police-receive-vehicles-to-strengthen-security-in-tourist-areas/   The National Police’s Special Environmental, Rural, and Tourism Police Service (SEPART) received 19 vehicles through a cooperation agreement signed between the Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Public Security to strengthen security in areas of interest to both nationals and tourists.  The deputy director general of the National …

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/03/protests-in-spain-mexico-target-travelers-as-overtourism-anger-grows.html Are “We” not far behind??  Nan Palmero was at a rehearsal dinner in Mexico City’s trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, ahead of a wedding of two American friends, when he heard a “rumbling” outside. From the restaurant’s second story, Palmero described seeing a large group of people moving through the …

OP ED: “JB“- An INTERACTIVE “LIVE” EXPERIENCE INCLUDED WITH YOUR STAY.  “FUN” for the ENTIRE FAMILY. Disclaimer:  RFB, nor OGI are responsible for any injuries experienced during experience. Not responsible for the folllowing.  1. Blocked Roads  2. Intermittent Stabbing from Unlicensed Security Guards  3. Disease caused from Raw sewage exposure 4. …

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/08/03/part-1-from-silicon-valley-to-the-jungles-of-chiriqui/   In 2011, Lyn Bishop left behind the fast-paced tech world of Silicon Valley in search of something more grounded. What she found was an overgrown, abandoned pasture near La Concepción, Chiriquí. She jokes that the razor grass was so dense she had to “swim” through it. But beneath …

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/26/tourists-welcomed-at-tocumen-airport-with-panamanian-tradition-and-polleras/   Panama City:  A colorful and moving parade of women and girls dressed in various styles of pollera, the traditional Panamanian costume, surprised thousands of travelers this Friday at Terminals 1 and 2 of Tocumen International Airport. The event, the first of its kind at the airport, aimed to pay tribute …

“Luxury Coffee”….Go figure.  Well I guess if you pay $12 USD for a goddamn STARBUCKS back home, why not????       This just helps my buddy at CACAO 70.    Make that paper.  The eighth edition of La Cosecha toured the most prominent coffee farms in the production of coffee, …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

( 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/vida-y-cultura/la-belleza-indigena-que-representara-a-panama-ante-el-mundo-BX7909553?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Representing the seven indigenous peoples with pride is Cristel Jiménez’s goal Cristel Jiménez, a girl from the Cerro Coco community in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, stands out for her simplicity. She has skills and talent. All of her qualities made her the winner of Miss Indigenous of Panama 2024. The …

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/panama-citys-casco-viejo-what-to-see-eat-drink-and-do-b1162386.html The capital city’s old town is the place to be: here’s how to make the most of a stay Coffee, rum and sunny blue skies: the tiny tropical country of Panama has it all. And while most people that come to Panama come pass over Panama City in favour of the …

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/panama-five-must-see-spots-125402856.html   Panama, a captivating country nestled between Costa Rica and Colombia, has so much more for visitors to see than the canal that makes it famous. Linking Central and South America, Panama boasts diverse landscapes stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific, including lush jungles, expansive plateaus and old …

In Río Indio, province of Coclé, there is a farm for tilapia fingerlings that will ultimately result in a quality and affordable product. The world of aquaculture in Panama, with its various projects, has positively impacted the economies of the families that are dedicated to this activity in the country …

The flowering of the guayacan trees becomes a visual spectacle every year, between the months of March and April, that paints the horizon of the Panamanian capital yellow, somewhat gray in recent months due to high environmental pollution. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/panama/los-guayacanes-pintan-de-amarillo-a-la-capital-de-panama-JY7098784 “The Guayacán is not an endemic species in Panama, but it …