Economy

Nito plans to fine tune reopening. ( Bad news for his underlings that are fleecing country)

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/200430/panama-afina-plan-reapertura-economica The Panamanian government refines plans for the gradual reopening of the country. The president, Laurentino Cortizo, said he has been working on the plan for the new normal and hopes that by tomorrow it will be “quite well tuned.” Cortizo said he hopes that the plan for the new normal …

Air Travel

Panama officially extends International travel ban another month to May 23.

https://www.prensa.com/economia/panama-extiende-la-prohibicion-de-vuelos-internacionales-hasta-el-23-de-mayo/ The Civil Aeronautical Authority (AAC) of Panama extended the suspension of international flights to the country until May 23. The airports have been closed since the early hours of Monday, March 23, as a sanitary measure due to the advance of the coronavirus. The measure was originally adopted for a …

Economy

PNO revisiting topic of Panama beachfront. Crucial vote forthcoming.

I/E: Don’t F- – K this up people!! https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/semana-crucial-para-el-futuro-del-proyecto-de-recuperacion-de-playas-en-la-ciudad-de-panama/ Amid a controversial debate about whether it is necessary to invest about 120 million dollars in the project to recover beaches in Panama City, this week defines the future of this initiative that drives the City Hall. Voices for and against …

Conservation

Panama finally addressing “waterfront” hotels of water that can’t be used.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200224/bahia-panama-estaria-saneada-ano The waters of the Bay of Panama would be clean by 2050. Although, the administration of the Sanitation of Panama explained that there have been significant improvements in the quality of the bodies of water (streams, rivers and the Bay of Panama) in those sectors Having been intervened by …

"JB"

Hoping all PNO couples had a pleasant Valentine’s weekend.

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson Sorry for the sporadic posting lately, but much has been going on behind the green Oz curtain over here. Not only are we following some corruption cases pretty closely, but we are trying to organize a fundraising function for WOUNDED WARRIOR in Old Town over …

Conservation

The Panamanian Capital of “Illegal Logging” is actually RICH with History.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200126/expedicion-darien Since the discovery of the South Sea by Vasco Núñez de Balboa in 1513, the great powers of the world saw the need to make a passage between the two oceans that would facilitate trade and navigation in times of war. There were many expeditions and studies carried out since …

"JB"

Indigenous of Panama: Native inhabitants fall victim to religious “Bubba Miseh”

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson- As my readers know, I am not a member of the Jewish faith, yet my granddaughter is being raised between two faiths, as her father is Jewish. That is how I first learned of the Yiddish term of Slavic origin above. “Bubba Miseh”, as I …

Energy/Infrastructure

Dialogue renews over the City (Shitty) coastline of Panama.

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200113/200112-playas-ciudad-deben-acondicionarse A peaceful demonstration, on the outskirts of the Municipality of Panama, on January 15, 2019, has proposed those who are against the construction of artificial beaches in the Bay of Panama. On the subject, the architect, environmentalist and former mayor, Raisa Balfield believes that instead of building artificial beaches, …

"JB"

This was fairly hidden from Ex-Pats. At least this one….

OP ED: “JB” Bryson- There is not much scientific to what I post here daily. I generally peruse the local papers in English format and find topics that I want to opine upon. Not rocket science. I was alerted to this story by some readers in America, and found it …

"JB"

RE: Conde’ Nest . Panama spending $6 Million for Tourism campaign.

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson- It is apparent that Panama is interested in getting more visitors to come here, but as my son in law mentioned and I have echoed constantly. Where is the contribution to get people to STAY? I/E Why do the Ex-Pats and the land issues and …

"JB"
1

Dovetailing off Steven’s post: PANAMA #1 destination of Conde’ Nest. Bocas: Get your shit together.

OP ED: James “JB” Bryson: Timing is everything. Just the other day my son in law posted his first OP ED not relating to legal about his recent travel and the possibility of seeing more of Panama. Well the world seems to think that there is much to see here …

Air Travel

OP ED: My weekend at a Beach resort.

OP ED: Steven- for PNO.com- Seeing as I have had to become quickly educated and immersed into the topic of “beach resorts” and “tourism” lately. I feel compelled to offer a quick blurb in regards to my family going to Nassau, Bahamas over the weekend. So through much of the …

Environmental

Take a 500 year walk into History.

https://impresa.prensa.com/vivir/Ruta-transistmica-paso-mulas-neopanamax_0_5418208190.html Because of its importance for global communications, the colonial transistmic route has remained in force until today. From the Hispanic trail, following ancient tribal paths on foot and mule to conquer a new sea, to the construction of an interoceanic canal, there are 500 years of history marked by …

Local Culture

Ministry of Culture seeks to restore National Fortress Landmark.

https://www.prensa.com/sociedad/Ministerio-Cultura-Castillo-San-Lorenzo_0_5412208757.html The Ministry of Culture uploaded to the Panama Buy portal a public event for the restoration of the Castillo San Lorenzo del Chagres, in the province of Colón, will be restored. This colonial fortress is part of the Monumental Complex of Portobelo and San Lorenzo, and since 2012 it …

Entertainment

SEPT.5th starts Icarus Film Festival in Panama.

http://laestrella.com.pa/vida-cultura/cine/festival-cine-icaro-panama-presentara-diez-peliculas-nacionales/24136090 From September 5, Panama will receive the 12th version of the Icarus Film Festival, with the aim of achieving recognition of Central American audiovisual expressions, within which Panamanians are an important part. “We are making cinematographic works that represent us as societies that have their own cultural identity and …

Local Culture
1

Back to the “brunch” thing. SIETE MARES. Thumbs Up.

by James “JB” Bryson OK, so there is not a damn thing to eat in Portobelo. At least not up to the standards of what my wife and her friends wanted to eat. So after literally spending the day swimming around and looking at fish, what a better way to …

"JB"

Looking forward to Diving excursion in Portobelo.

by James “JB” Bryson For those that have not had the opportunity to really see one of the things that makes Panama so beautiful, please see if your one to catch the diving bug. I’ve always loved it. Panama just happens to have some of the BEST diving and snorkeling …

Environmental

Scumbag filth egg poachers have their stash seized in Tonosi.

https://www.prensa.com/provincias/operativo-Policia-decomisan-tortuga-Tonosi_0_5368713084.html A shipment with 898 turtle eggs and the apprehension of a person was the result of an operation carried out by the National Police in the district of Tonosí, province of Los Santos. This was confirmed this morning by Alfredo Icaza, Chief of the Los Santos Police Zone. Icaza …

Human Interest

5K Run competed to support Plastic Ban.

OP ED: by James “JB” Bryson– If I wasn’t too big with shot knees, I would have loved to partake in this great cause. If they can arrange one for fishing or poker, I’m all in. http://laestrella.com.pa/panama/nacional/dicen-chao-plasticos-corriendo/24133115 The MarViva Foundation announced that 200 people participated in the # ChaoPlásticoDesechable 5K …

Local Culture

The Bryson’s are becoming socialites…..? Ballet on Sunday

by James “JB” Bryson So if you see a big guy at this event sitting with ear buds in his ear it may be me. LOL. In all actuality, I am sure it will be a nice event. My wife and her friends are quite into ballet. So if your …

"JB"
2

EX PAT TIPS: This new thing called “BRUNCH”

by James “JB” Bryson So I managed to go through 51 years of life back in the US and can truly say that I NEVER really planned a “BRUNCH”. I mean I may have had a late breakfast or early lunch, but to my wife this brunch business is a …

Local Culture

Barrio decorates streets in striking colors for Corpus Christi celebrations.

http://laestrella.com.pa/vida-cultura/cultura/villa-santos-viste-calles-colores-corpus-christi/24126338 The main avenue of the Villa de Los Santos, in the province of Los Santos, was colorful with works of art made on sawdust. They are paintings of different colors that mix religiosity, culture and that give beginning to the celebration of the festivities of Corpus Christi. The festivity that …

Agriculture

Panama to receive $2M grant for Jaguar. (Nice start….but MUCH MORE needed)

OP ED by: James “JB” Bryson While I applaud the attention, and literally “anything” that is allocated to this important issue,……is it just me or does $2Million in 2019 to protect the only apex mammal indigenous to the entire country of Panama seem a bit on the “cheap as shit” …

Environmental

Metropolitan Park to receive $5Million facelift.

$ 5 million will be invested to create cultural and artistic areas, as well as new trails and facilities to increase the influx of visitors. https://impresa.prensa.com/economia/Parque-metropolitano-ampliara-atracciones_0_5322967709.html Enter the domain of the Metropolitan Natural Park is a blow to the senses. The change in temperature is immediate and, despite being a …

Infrastructure

5 year delay about to end as Amador Convention Center set to open.

After five years of delay, including the abandonment of the first contractor, assignment of contract and failures in the execution of the works, everything indicates that the construction of the convention center in Amador is about to end. The company China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. (CCA) informed the Administrator …

Entertainment

Alfredo de Saint Malo Musical Festival mixes together the best that Panama has to offer.

A musical exchange The 13th edition of the Alfredo de Saint Malo International Music Festival links and bridges between different musicians to offer quality concerts to the country. The event starts from today. https://impresa.prensa.com/vivir/intercambio-musical_0_5315468430.html From today, we will witness a cultural exchange between various musicians of our country and the …

"JB"

PNO.com visitors: Personal Plea to Aid in this cause for all of PANAMA. Protect the JAGUAR

by James “JB” Bryson PNO.com is proud to support and solicit any and all people to be more aware of this cause. The Jaguar is the largest indigenous mammal in Panama, as well as being one of the strongest of the big cats. It has been considered since the days …

Human Interest

Ex-Pat Forum: Upcoming Opera event looks to be a nice cultural experience

Starts in 1 day Tue 28 May 18:30 – 21:30 Costs 40.00 USD Donation at the door 24 attendees Favorite arias and ensembles from Opera, Operetta, Zarzuela and famous popular songs. Residence of the Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Judith Edwards. Tuesday, 28 May 2019. Donations at the door. Schedule: 6:30 …

Panama Tourism

The wait has been long, but 2019 Tourism Campaign can finally be embarked upon.

After a wait of nine months, the international tourism promotion fund could enter into formal operation in the coming days. The General Comptroller approved that this fund (managed as a public-private entity) has access to 20 million dollars a year. Although the fund assumed responsibility for the international promotion of …

"JB"

June starts musical journey at the Allegro Art Gallery.

by James “JB” Bryson While speaking of music, please click on link for new PNO.com visitor “JOHN CARNEY MUSIC” on our homepage. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ In this fourth season of jazz at Allegro, the saxophist, composer and educator Luis Carlos Pérez indicates that he wants to share with the audience “the cultural …