Canal

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 …

"JB"

New “pariah” Martinelli sounds like “sour grapes” for Mulino unshackled with new EU status.

People are going “all in” and betting hard on Panama with removal from “Gray List”. And IMHO, sounds like RM is a bit “frosty” in thinking of all the money he could have made if this was the case when he was in charge.  Hey “Rico”, you and your family …

International Relations

The US has an active SOCOM military presence here in PANAMA….what is the reason?

Members of the Joint Task Force-Bravo of the Southern Command arrived in the country last week. Hundreds of Panamanian police units, along with U.S. military personnel, began joint training exercises this Monday as part of Operation Panamax Alfa 2025 , which authorities say is aimed at protecting the Canal and other strategic …

International Relations

PANAMA off the EU “Gray List”

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/07/09/mulino-on-panamas-removal-from-the-european-unions-gray-list-it-was-a-titanic-effort/ Coclé: President José Raúl Mulino said he was “pleased” after Panama’s exclusion from the European Union’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering.  During an opening ceremony for the new Río Hato Health Center, the president emphasized that a “titanic effort” had been made, forcing him and his government to “push against all odds.”  He noted …

Art/Entertainment

Don’t look now, ….but we might have a PANAMANIAN “Wonder Woman”.

Speculation arose after fans noticed that Gunn was following Adria Arjona, an actress known for her roles in Andor and Hit Man, on Instagram. James Gunn, director and current co-head of DC Studios, recently addressed rumors about the possible casting of a new Wonder Woman. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/vida-y-cultura/la-hija-de-ricardo-arjona-adria-podria-ser-la-nueva-mujer-maravilla-AF14223210 Speculation arose after fans noticed …

"JB"

Massive cocaine shipment from PANAMA is seized in LONDON,,,,who to blame???

“JB”-  If your not already……WATCH “Mobland” on PARAMOUNT.  Addictive as the coke they seized.  https://www.paramountplus.com/mx/?&ftag=IPP-02-10dcj1d&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22373337270&gbraid=0AAAAABj8zCx_7i6hcjRC6Nk6ZEO4AS8JI&gclid=Cj0KCQjw953DBhCyARIsANhIZoZ0Kffox4d4Z8jfGaviPhMqq_r9a07cTWTCwg8Svek088FAf4LEvNIaAs16EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds   https://www.independent.co.uk/news/london-england-home-office-panama-europe-b2778785.html   British authorities seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine in a ship arriving in England from Panama, authorities said Saturday, calling it one of the U.K.’s biggest drug busts in years. The drugs, valued at 96 …

Human Interest

“Alligator Alcatraz” nonsense making the news in the UK.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/panama-trump-florida-guatemala-kristi-noem-b2778502.html The Homeland Security secretary is praising Florida for coming forward with an idea that’s been dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” because it would house immigration detainees in a facility being built in a Florida swamp. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department has been looking to expand immigration detention capacity, and she has been …

"JB"

Boy is this a fantastic look……….Don, Mel, and DeSantis checking out the digs on a Migrant Prison.

JB- So my son in law sent me this story (lives in Dade County, FLA ), so I looked around for the link with the best pic. FOUND IT. Melania- foreign immigrant herself who married a philanderer- sporting her Lululemon Spanx, alongside that Anti-Teacher Commie DeSantis. Now before anyone loses …

International Relations
1

Was strike on IRAN a success?………..depends on who you ask.

Trump euphorically declared that the Pentagon’s missiles had achieved their goal of destroying three Iranian nuclear bases in Fordó, Natanz, and Isfahan. The US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, June 21, was dubbed the Midnight Hammer, because it literally pulverized the victim. But Washington and Tel Aviv received …

Dow

EX-PATS- 401K’s and Retirement Investors, US markets respond to Trump, but IRAN states otherwise.

“JB”- Week starts with (2) POSITIVE days amid Trump statements, but IRAN states NO CEASEFIRE reached. ?!?!   https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/22/stock-market-today-live-updates.html MON-   UP (350 pts) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/23/stock-market-today-live-updates.html TODAY- UP (500 pts )     https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/iran-desmiente-a-trump-y-rechaza-hasta-el-momento-un-cese-de-hostilidades-con-israel-EJ13924198 Tehran clarifies that there is no agreed truce. The Iranian government makes any military pause conditional on the …

International Relations
1

US HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Due in Panama TODAY.

Noem will witness a repatriation flight and visit the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Escanaba. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss key security issues. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/secretaria-de-seguridad-de-estados-unidos-vendra-a-panama-este-24-de-junio-CK13912505 Noem, who is beginning a tour of Central America in Panama, …

"JB"

The TRUTH behind the movie responsible for MORE DEATH and GLOBAL DAMAGE EVER MADE!!!

OP ED “JB”- After all these past two weeks of an absolute DUMPSTER FIRE, or in this case LITERALLY “DUNPSTER FIRES” in Bocas, I have a topic I want to truly GO OFF ON.  I have mentkioned part of me being in Panama, is my love of the ocean. I …

Energy/Infrastructure

Almost entirety of IRAN is “getting no bars”, as INTERNET access has been taken out by ISRAEL.

Iran has been under a near-total internet blackout since Wednesday afternoon, despite Iranian authorities claiming to have repelled “extensive” Israeli cyberattacks on the country’s network. https://www.prensa.com/mundo/iran-permanece-aun-bajo-el-apagon-de-internet-tras-ciberataque-israeli/ Vladimir Putin calls for ways to achieve a cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel.The UN calls for an immediate detente leading to a ceasefire between Israel …

Human Interest

Your QUICK read catchup on History of IRAN/ISRAEL.

Tensions in the Middle East are rising. The Israeli army launched a series of attacks against nuclear facilities and other military targets in Iran early Friday morning as part of what it dubbed Operation Rising Lion. In a televised statement shortly after the attacks began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu …

Canal

Panama’s role in the “New” Cold War with US/CHINA.

The president questioned the US diplomat about a statement regarding antennas, along with the Ministry of Security, which places Panama in the dangerous conflict between Beijing and Washington. Less than two months have passed since the arrival of the United States ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, and the first …

Crime

Immigration raids turning LA into 1939 Poland. Ugly scene.

In the early hours of the morning, Trump redoubled calls on his Truth Social network to deploy more National Guard troops and arrest any protesters who hide their faces with masks. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/casa-blanca-defiende-envio-de-tropas-a-los-angeles-por-la-debil-respuesta-del-gobernador-LG13519662 The White House on Monday, June 9, defended President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to send National Guard troops …

Crime

EX PAT ALERT: Double Homicide suspect recently apprehended by INTERPOL

On Monday night, May 19, Interpol Panama learned that the suspect was traveling to Panama City. The National Police announced on Tuesday morning, May 20, that following international collaboration between police officers, a man was captured and is wanted by Spain under a red notice for extradition purposes due to …

Crime

Martinelli arrives in a VERY DIVIDED Colombia.

The Colombian Congress has requested an explanation from Gustavo Petro’s government regarding the controversial asylum granted to former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli. A journalistic investigation by the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, published this Saturday, May 17, reveals: former President Ricardo Martinelli lives in Bogotá among luxurious hotels, restaurants, and has plans to move to Cartagena , because the …

Canal

US-CHINA agreement gives BOOST to market- What does it mean to PANAMA?

  https://newsroompanama.com/2025/05/12/what-does-the-us-china-tariff-deal-mean-for-the-panama-canal/ The US and China have agreed a truce to lower import taxes on goods being traded between the two countries.  That means more ships traveling through the Panama Canal.  Good for Panama.  Good for the world. The agreement marks a major de-escalation of the trade war between the …

International Relations
1

Colombian Prez steadfast for Martinelli asylum.

Petro, who made his remarks during his visit to China, insisted to reporters that Colombia is a country of refuge. President Gustavo Petro defended the asylum granted to former President Ricardo Martinelli on Monday, May 12, stating that Colombia should be a place of refuge, just as Panama was. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/presidente-petro-defiende-el-asilo-otorgado-en-colombia-a-martinelli-KF12712109 …

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 …

Canal
1

PANAMA-US-CHINA: The international “Menage a Trois” Continues. One Huge BS story.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyzlk259g2o A Hong Kong-based company has agreed to sell most of its stake in two key ports on the Panama Canal to a group led by US investment firm BlackRock. The sale comes after weeks of complaining by President Donald Trump that the canal is under Chinese control and that …

"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 …

Canal

Holiday break is over, but Canal issue will not be ending anytime soon.

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/04/22/the-worlds-eyes-are-focused-on-the-panama-canal/ There is an adage “nothing happens in a vacuum” and that is particularly true of strategic waterways like the Panama Canal.  The Trump Administration’s pressuring of Panama to sell the two container terminals at each end of the Panama Canal owned by Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of the …

Canal

Mulino wants to have a Mega Port in light of US issues over foreign port influence.

“What we want is precisely to move towards a port facility, a mega port facility,” said the president. Mulino reaffirms Panamanian sovereignty over the Canal, 25 years after its restoration. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/economia/mulino-quiere-un-megapuerto-que-complemente-negocios-del-canal-de-panama-OE11266392#goog_rewarded Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said Thursday, March 20, that he wants to build a megaport on the Pacific to complement …

Canal

CLEAR BREAKDOWN of Canal questions: Editorial

https://newsroompanama.com/2025/03/11/orlando-perez-retaking-the-canal-is-not-feasible-and-even-trumps-advisors-know-it/   Trump won’t let go of the Canal. Orlando Pérez, a political scientist and expert on the Panama-United States relationship, tries to explain the complex situation.  Should Panama be worried about Trump and the Canal or is it just a show?  Trump has always seen the treaties as a …

International Relations

Well “this” promise not delivered yet. War in Ukraine escalates after meeting debacle.

The action was directed mainly towards the Moscow region and the Kursk border region. Russia shot down 337 Ukrainian drones launched into its territory overnight, 91 of them in the Moscow region, the Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday. https://www.laestrella.com.pa/mundo/guerra-de-rusia-en-ucrania-se-inician-conversaciones-luego-del-mayor-ataque-con-drones-sobre-moscu-LJ11092009 This is the largest attack against Russian territory since …

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 …

Darien

Those of us here know this is EXACTLY the TRUTH. They “Re/Patriated” to the F- – -ing JUNGLE.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/world/americas/us-migrants-panama-jungle-camp.html “JB”-   Unless they are “Re-Patriating” SLOTHS, then they should not be brought here. Nearly 100 migrants, recently deported by the United States to Panama where they had been locked in a hotel, were loaded onto buses Tuesday night and moved to a detention camp on the outskirts of the …

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 …