by James “JB” Bryson

So I head off tomorrow with my friend and fellow ex-pat (lets call him Buddy), to check on property that at least on paper is supposed to be his. I have to admit I am rather anxious  as we exhibited a fair amount of advice prior to him placing funds down there.

If anyone reads my personal posts, and sees the general tome of what we try to post, there is a definitive leaning towards the exposure of corruption in our new found home of Panama. To imply that it is merely Panama that has these issues, is unfair. As with any burgeoning and growing sector of the world, change brings about opportunity for corruption. With the influence of the west in terms of hotels and in particular the canal zone, Panama is growing exponentially faster than others in the region.

While this openness to the trappings of the west is appealing to the retiring demographic, along with the cost of living and tax benefits, it also has created a vacuum of swindlers and scam artists that are able to manipulate what at times is still a very crude “banana republic” and “kangaroo court” system to the detriment of hard working ex-pats looking to spend their golden years in warm climates and paradise.

Bocas has been particularly harsh. Both beautiful and serene with its numerous private beaches and waterfront parcels, it is also rife with those that look to profit off that very same beauty. Who doesn’t want to own a piece of paradise right?

Stay tuned as I have been given free reins to report on any and all finding that arise out of this issue. Hopefully we can stop others from what “Buddy” is presently going through.