Hello old beans!
Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Here is a heavenly photograph of the “Nuestra Señora del Carmen” church, situated in the heart of Panama City. This gothic church is said to be one of the most mesmerizing churches in Panama.
Photo by mario pleitz.
Enjoy Panama and have lots of FUN! 
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Help - Stranded Kitten
RSC just rescued a stranded kitten on the beach in Casco Viejo. Do you know any animal shelters that are open today (Sunday)?
- Panama sounds right for us!
Indeed it does. Share your advise and Panama knowledge with member kidchico, who is considering moving to Panama. This thread has great information and details on living in Panama.
- How do you find the Spanish Language?
One thing is for sure, Spanish in Panama is not the same as Spanish in any other Spanish speaking country. Check out this thread for many insightful opinions on Spanish and how to learn speaking it the Panamanian way.
- Movie Theater with Lounge Chairs, Food, Booze
If you are in Panama City or think of going there, be sure to have the ultimate VIP movie theater experience. More details in this thread.
- Is it worth living in Panama?
The best advice comes from MRWOOHOO: “Swing on over, be prepared to have a good time.” This thread shows you the pros and cons of Panama, from the people who have seen it, done it and are now living it.
PANAMA NEWS:
- “Corruption in Panama is Cultural”
William Eaton, the US ambassador to Panama, said the problem of corruption in Panama is cultural. He also said corruption in Panama affects the investment climate in the country. “If powerful people continue fomenting corruption, its a bad signal which infects the entire population,” he said.
- Fare alert: check out those tickets to Panama City
I hear that Costa Rica is all blown out by tourists and that Panama is the new hot destination in Central America. Why not check things out for yourself with some secret sales going on today bound for Panama City (PTY)? Delta and American Airlines got into it this morning with some discounted fares from each other’s hubs.
- Noriega takes extradition fight to appeals court
Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega has asked a U.S. appeals court to overrule three federal judges and block his extradition to France to face money laundering charges. Attorneys for Noriega, 73, want the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to allow him to return home to Panama.
- A Family of Indigenous Artisans Puts Their Crafts in the Global Arena
The Carpio family, of the Wounaan indigenous group in Panama have recently launched their own website: carpioarte.com. They are the first group of Wounaan artisans to create a website selling handcrafts directly without middlemen. The Carpio family formed its cooperative a few years ago in an effort to receive more equitable prices for their crafts. Binder Carpio says: “It used to be that dealers came to our village to buy our crafts at a fraction of the price and then marked them up many times to sell to resell to tourists.” The family of 2 sisters and three brothers started a store in Panama City where they sell their crafts directly.
- IHG Announces the Opening of The Holiday Inn City of Knowledge at the Panama Canal
One of the world’s largest hotel groups by number of rooms announced the opening of the 137-room Holiday Inn City of Knowledge at the Panama Canal, in the Republic of Panama. The Holiday Inn City of Knowledge at the Panama Canal is owned and managed by Empresas Bern, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. The Holiday Inn is IHG’s fourth hotel in Panama through its affiliation with Panama-based Bern Hotels & Resorts, the tourism division of Empresas Bern.
Hi there!
First off, welcome to all the new Panama Forum members that have joined us during the past few days!
Many new threads have popped up and I’ll share some of them below.
Enjoy Panama and have FUN.
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Embera Indian Village
Read about encounters with the Panamanian Indian culture. Tribal dance, body paintings, handicrafts, delicious and healthy ethnic food, traditions and more. Post your photos too!
- Taboga Island
Taboga Island is just 12 miles off the coast of Panama City and as these members say a sunbather’s dream come true. Have you been to Taboga Island? Share your experience here.
- Football (soccer) in Panama
Soccer is getting more popular by the minute. Go to this thread to find out some interesting facts about it. Is Panama ready to be qualified for the world cup?
- Best Night Clubs in Panama!
What are the best night clubs in Panama? Great links, and the thread takes an unexpected turn. Share your night club experience on this thread.
- Opening a Euro Bank Account in Panama
Where can you open a Euro bank account in Panama?
- Do you like to go fishing!
Where can you go fishing in Panama? Buy fishing equipment? Ask questions and give answers.
- Bird Watching
Panama is any birdwatcher’s paradise! Some travel to Panama for the sole purpose of watching the diverse birds we have here.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Outside The Locks
As we relaxed over drinks at Los Lagartos Restaurant at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort overlooking the Chagres River, Norma Ponce mesmerized us by recounting how she and fellow park rangers rescued an enormous crocodile in the Bay of Panama.
- Panama to deploy on Columbian border
Panama will create an armed border protection force to combat the flow of cocaine and weapons and to catch leftist guerrillas along its jungle border with Colombia, the government said on Friday. Panama is a major transit point for South American cocaine on its way to North America and Europe, but a steep rise in drug-related violence means the force of some 200 agents is crucial, Justice Minister Daniel Delgado said.
- Earthrace through Panama Canal
Earthrace, the self-proclaimed “eco-boat” attempting to break the Round the World Powerboat Record, has made a fast Atlantic crossing and has made it through the Panama Canal without delay. The boat, which started from Valencia, Spain, on 27 April, is a 24m tri-hull wavepiercer running on renewable biodiesel, with a claimed “net zero carbon footprint”.
- Now (At Least) Ten Running for Mayor of Panama City
There are now ten people who aspire to be the next Mayor of Panama City as internal party primary elections approach. Panameñista Jose Terán, former Health Minister, formalized his ambitions on Saturday to preside over the Municipality of Panama City which has an annual budget of $80 million dollars. Also running for the Panameñista party are Bosco Vallarino and Pedro Collins. Luis Eduardo Camacho, who also said he intended to run, has since decided against. For the Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (Molirena) Julio Crespo, the former Representative of Bella Vista, is running.
- Martin Torrijos Shakes Up His Executive Cabinet
Today the Presidential Secretary of Communications announced the changes to the Executive Cabinet designated by President Martin Torrijos. The newly designated ministers are; Housing Minister - Gabriel Diez, Education Minister, Salvador Rodríguez, and Minister of the Presidency, Dilio Torres.
Hi pals and gals!
Another week has passed and we’ve installed many new features at PanamaForum.com, most notably Friends, Social Groups and Albums!
Read more and get started here.
Enjoy Panama and have FUN!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Any poker players here?
What’s the best place to play poker in Panama City? Are there get togethers or tournaments for expats living in Panama? Join in and share your knowledge.
- Residency for Investors or Businesspersons
Any residency related questions. From the easiest, fastest to the cheapest way to get a Panama Visa. Share and learn.
- Panama’s Economic Profile
Panamax posts an amazing YouTube video of Panama’s Economic Profile. Panama is “a major player in world commerce” and here is proof.
- Anyone been to Boquete?
On this thread many share invaluable details on Boquete. Be sure to check it out.
- Panama sounds right for us!
Indeed it does. Share your advise and Panama knowledge with member kidchico, who is considering moving to Panama. This thread has great information and details on living in Panama.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Visit the Panama Canal with Wilmington Recreation
Rated as “the world’s best cruise line” by Conde Naste Traveler, Holland America is renowned for its unequaled touches of class, sophistication and service. The Wilmington Recreation Department is taking registrations for the 10-night “Panama Canal Sunfarer Cruise” aboard the MS Zuiderdam from Friday, February 27 to Monday, March 9, 2009.
- Hottest beaches of Central America
Central America, the spindly isthmus that spans the gap from the bottom of Mexico to the top of South America, was long known as home to a handful of bucolic Banana Republics offering coffee, toucans, a famous canal and not much else.
- Balä Beach Resort on the Caribbean Coast of Panama
Set on the Caribbean Sea just one hour from Panama City, a hidden oasis known only to a few awaits you. It is here you will find 20 acres of some of the most dramatic landscape in Panama - a place where the hills meet a calm ocean and open up to an amazing view. It is here you will find Balä Beach Resort.
- Earthrace gets the Green light in Panama
‘Spaceship Earthrace in Panama’ The Panama Canal Authority has just confirmed the Round the World record powerboat racer Earthrace will be starting her Canal transit at eight thirty local time. Skipper Pete Bethune commented ‘We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. It is peak season here now, and there is a huge backlog of boats waiting to get through.
- Foundations Being Poured for Los Faros de Panamá
Engineers building the project “Los Faros de Panamá” being constructed at an estimated total cost of $600 million dollars say they have starting pouring the cement foundations, according to Julio Fábrega, the general sub-manager of Hogalia Panamá, of the Grupo Mall that is building the project. Located in the exclusive Punta Pacifica district in Panama City, the project is estimated to be completed by the first quarter of 2010.
- University Students or Vandals? Protests Leave Two Injured
Yesterday protests by a group of students from the University of Panama finished with disturbances and confrontations with riot control units of the National Police. Classes at the university were suspended yesterday. The protests, against rising costs for food and fuel, extended until after 6:00 pm and left two students injured.
Hi friends!
Welcome to the 24th issue of the Panama Forum Newsletter!
What’s been going on at Panama Forum this week? Insightful discussions, exciting photos and interesting news have popped up! We’ll share some below:
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Dating people who speak a different language
Have you dated or are you dating someone who speaks a different language? Share your experiences and read others’ too!
- Renting apartments in Panama City
How much rent do you pay on a comfortable apartment per month? Which zone in Panama City is the best to live in? What do you need to know when renting an apartment in Panama City? Find out in this thread.
- Cheap calls from the Uk to Panama
Calling using Skype or Gizmo? Cheap calls from the UK to Panama? It’s in this thread and it’s great stuff!
- Trustworthy lawyer
Can you ever trust a lawyer? And if yes, whom would you recommend? Find out what others wrote and share your opinions too.
- Stock Brokerage Firms In Panama (COMPLETE LIST)
A big thank you to BEL-AIR for sharing this list! Do you have any experience investing on the stock market through Panama brokerage firms? Tell us on this thread.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Fire Still Buring at Cerro Patacón Landfill in Panama City
lthough Abraham Goti of the Municipal Direction of Urban and Domiciliary Cleanliness of the Municipality of Panama (Dimaud) said yesterday that the fire causing smoke at the Cerro Patacón dump had been controlled, this newspaper can confirm that dense smoke continues to come from this sector.
- Biologists turn to captivity to try to save Panama’s golden frog from deadly fungus
The golden frog is a symbol of Panama — revered by indigenous cultures in the past and the lucky emblem on lottery tickets today. Now threatened by a lethal fungus that has killed other species, the national treasure may be facing life in captivity. A pair of biologists have decided that plucking the frogs from the cloud forests and putting them in quarantine is the only way to save them. Their goal is to eventually return the frogs to the wild, but these scientists cannot predict if or when the fungus will disappear.
- Roaring Bats: New Scientific Results Show Bats Emitting More Decibels Than A Rock Concert
Annemarie Surlykke from the Institute of Biology, SDU, Denmark, and her colleague, Elisabeth Kalko, from the University of Ulm, Germany, studied the echolocation behavior in 11 species of insect-eating tropical bats from Panamá, the findings of which are reported in this weeks’ PLoS ONE.
- PREVIEW: Central America, Venezuela seek solutions to food crisis
The presidents of Venezuela and Central American countries are set to meet Wednesday in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua to seek government solutions to the current food scarcity in the region.
Hi Panama friends!
Update on the Panama Canal Expansion
Yesterday, Panamanian President Omar Torrijos announced that the Panama Canal expansion project is on schedule. However, of the $5.2 billion total cost, the government is still considering options for financing $2.5 billion.
“The Panama Canal board is meeting with financial advisers to seek the best terms,” Torrijos said yesterday during a visit to a construction site where workers were excavating rock to widen the 93-year-old canal that links the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Torrijos said 283,000 Panamanians have applied to work on the expansion. However, the agency that oversees the canal estimates that only 7,000 construction jobs will be created.
I’m happy to hear that the Panama Canal expansion is on schedule. I’m sure it will greatly benefit Panama and the entire world.
http://www.panamaforum.com/panama-news/13909-canal-expansion-schedule-toronto-star.html
Below you’ll find more Panama news and the latest threads on PanamaForum.
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Internet in Panama
How readily can you access the Internet in Panama? Is high-speed Internet available? Wireless Internet that works all throughout Panama? Find out on this thread.
- What’s your first language?
This thread inquires about your first and second language. It focuses especially on Spanish and how long it takes to master it.
- Is it worth living in Panama?
The best advice comes from MRWOOHOO: “Swing on over, be prepared to have a good time.” This thread shows you the pros and cons of Panama, from the people who have seen it, done it and are now living it.
- What can I do with an offshore company?
More great advice continues to be posted in this thread. Check it out of you’re thinking about doing business in Panama or setting up an offshore company.
- Panamanian Mail Service
Is the Panamanian mail service reliable? What are other mail options? How can I best send mail and larger packages from the US and Europe to Panama?
PANAMA NEWS:
- PanaExpo 2008
The culture, excitement and opportunity of Panama are coming to Toronto. PanaExpo 2008 is a consumer trade show that will feature dozens of exhibitors from across the Central-American country, providing visitors with essential information about opportunities available in Panama. The three-day exhibition will be held from May 2 to May 4, 2008 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
- Live and Invest Overseas Names World’s Six Best Beachfront Buys Right Now
1. Panama. You’re likely familiar with the many reasons why Panama remains one of the best places to invest your real estate dollars (your retirement and second-home dollars, too). Veraguas. That’s the place to look right now. This large province about three hours west of Panama City hides the best Pacific coast buys in all Central America.
- Canal zone (Yachting Monthly)
More than 150 yachts are in a marine ‘traffic jam’ on the east side of the Panama Canal, awaiting transit to the Pacific Ocean. Many have been told it will be ‘weeks’ - in one case two months - before they will be able to get through.
- Vacation dollar goes far in some places
Panama: This small country boasts mountains, rain forests, 1,500 miles of coast (your pick of the Caribbean or Pacific) and, of course, the magnificent canal, where you can gawk at supertankers being raised and lowered through the locks. Forget exchange rates: Panama’s currency, the balboa, is pegged at parity with the U.S. dollar, and the dollar itself is accepted virtually everywhere.
- Torrijos Keeps Steady Rating in Panama
Public backing for Panamanian president Martín Torrijos has remained stable this month, according to a poll by Dichter & Neira published in La Prensa. 51.1 per cent of respondents say Torrijos has done a good or excellent job in leading the country, practically unchanged since February.
- Port Authority is expected to renew pact with Panama Canal officials
The Virginia Port Authority today is scheduled to renew an agreement with the Panama Canal Authority to promote additional trade through the critical cargo route that links the U.S. East Coast with Asia. “The Panama Canal is, of course, a critical trade lane for this port and it will be for (a long time),” said Joe Harris, a Virginia Port Authority spokesman.
Welcome to the 22nd issue of the Panama Forum Newsletter!
Drumroll… this week we passed our 3,000 members mark. Woot! Woot!
Thanks Panama friends for your continued support and especially for your participation in Panama Forum’s online discussions.
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Social Events in Panama
Buddy shared a website that has a Panama social event calender with many fun and interesting activities.
- First time visiting Panama?
Check out these great tips on what is a must see when traveling to Panama. Have you been to Panama before or are you living in Panama? Share your favorite places and experiences here…
- Apartment Rental In Panama City
What’s the best way to find an apartment for rent? Through a real estate agency? But aren’t apartments more expensive through an agent? Are real estate agents corrupt? Find out and share your own experiences.
- Panama the Real Estate Haven
What’s the latest news on property investments? Specific details on already existing real estate projects. Check out a blog about real estate. Buying real estate or building your own home? This thread gives you great ideas and food for thought.
- Dating in Panama
Read Mr. WOOHOO’s advice on dating beautiful girls in Panama. What do you need to watch out for? This thread is especially useful for those who want to have fun without getting burnt.
- History of Panama
Lee provided some great YouTube videos about the history of Panama, the Panama Canal, and the US invasion. Very interesting indeed.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Big dig: The Panama Canal
On Sept. 25, 1513, after an arduous journey through the Isthmus of Panama jungles, Spanish colonial leader Vasco Nuñez de Balboa reached the summit of a small hill. Turning one way, and then the other, he saw - astonishingly, in one swiveling glance - both oceans of the Western Hemisphere…
- Vaccination Week In The Americas
Vaccination Week in the Americas 2008 will include a series of launches and special events featuring ministers of health and other dignitaries, as well as celebrities. The regional launch will take place in Panama on April 19…
- Panama Canal Authority
Paradise Hill, located north of the Pedro Miguel Locks in the Canal’s Pacific side, has been excavated from its original 136 meters height to 72.5 meters, the height equivalent to a 21-story building, since the Expansion Program began in September 2007.
- News Now: 18-Year-Walk Around the World
At times his quest hasn’t been a walk in the park. He has had brushes with knife-wielding assailants in North Africa. Now he is in Panama and hopes to reach Texas in 2010 or 2012.
- Glance at politics in Latin America
Panama: centrist, close historic ties with U.S.
Hi friends!
Panama’s Beauty of Birds
This week I’ll be sharing some beautiful photographs of Panama’s birds.
Slate-collared Redstart
Boquete, Panama
Photo by wildimagephoto.
Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens)
Chiriqui, Panama
Photo by Hamilton Images.
Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus)
Shot in the cloudforests above Boquete, Panama.
Photo by wildimagephoto.
Pink Parrot
Photo taken at the Paradise Garden Wild Animal Rescue Shelter in Boquete, Panama.
Photo by JCatlett.
Prong-billed Barbet
Boquete, Panama
Photo by wildimagephoto.
Enjoy Panama… have a great week and much fun!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
Threads that continue with more discussion, advice, opinions and experiences.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Environmentalists Unhappy with Balboa Ave. Expansion Design
A whole lot of pavement and not very much green space - environmentalist activists are not happy with the design of the new expansion of Balboa Avenue.
- High Tides Flood Balboa Ave Expansion Project
Work on the new expansion to Ave. Balboa experienced an unexpected setback yesterday afternoon when high tides and waves common to the start of the rainy season flooded most of the fill area. The contracting company completing the work did not report any injuries or the loss of any equipment. The cost of the project is estimated at $189 million dollars.
- A round-up of destinations that are easy on the budget
Panama. It’s the fastest-developing country in Central America, receiving ever-growing numbers of cost-conscious vacationers, as well as U.S. retirees looking for a cheap second home. The skyline of Panama City is beginning to resemble Hong Kong or New York’s financial district—except that those skyscrapers are residential condos.
- Tropical decay blights McCain’s Panama birthplace
John McCain’s birthplace in Panama was an idyllic tropical posting for U.S. sailors that the Republican presidential candidate speaks fondly of but the Caribbean port has crumbled into poverty and decay. “It brings back memories of a simpler time,” McCain recently told Reuters on the U.S. campaign trail.
- PANAMA FLAG GOES 24/7
THE Panama Maritime Authority, which administers the world’s largest commercial fleet, says it is now offering access to the Bureau of Maritime Security (SEGUMAR) on a continued basis, 24 hours a day seven days a week, for the users of the Panama Registry. Previously based in New York, SEGUMAR services and offices have been relocated in Panama, in the new headquarters of the Panama Maritime Authority.
- IDB, CAF, Cabei to fund, promote Plan Puebla Panama
The PPP initiative includes building integrated highway, electric and telecommunications networks, along with implementing social, environmental and trade facilitation programs, in an effort to support economic growth and social equality in the region, García said.
Hi PanamaForum.com friends!
Welcome to the twentieth issue of the Panama Forum Newsletter!
What’s been going on at Panama Forum this week? New insightful discussions and more photos, and news have popped up! We’ll share some below:
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
PANAMA NEWS:
- Panama President to Reshuffle Cabinet
Panama President Martin Torrijos will start a cabinet reshuffle of his cabinet to match election laws and adjust his last year in office. Torrijos must replace resigning Trade and Industry Minister Alejandro Ferrer, and Balbina Herrera (Housing), who will run for president and Belgis Castro (Education) to run for Congress. Political circles and the media hint that Senior Vice President Samuel Lewis Navarro may run for president as well.
- Ask Travel: How to plan a trip to Panama
Can I plan my own trip to Panama for bird-watching, canal-watching and culture? Do I need to be on a tour, or can I get my own guides and keep my costs down? What is the best time of year to travel?
- More Land Disputes in Panama
I just received a heads-up from a German guy named Andreas von Wallenberg Pachaly. He’s invested thousands of dollars on Taborcillo island, spent $350,000 to build a house there, and thought he purchased 4,000 square meters of titled land on the island. It turns out the land was never properly surveyed and the lots never correctly or legally segregated…
- Basic Food Costs Continue to Rise in Panama
The prices for most agricultural products continue to go down according to the Institute of Agricultural Marketing. But the overall cost of the “canasta basica” (basic food basket) continues to rise. At the moment the “canasta basica” costs $243.29 on average, although in some parts of town such as San Miguelito it can cost as much as $248.22.
- The Official Launch of “Madame Blanche”
Next week a new magazine called “Madame Blanche” will be launching in Panama. The magazine will cover the music and art scene in Panama, will be directed at readers between 20 and 40 years of age, and will cover, promote, and emphasize local talent as well as international artists.
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
Hi PanamaForum friends!
This week we’ll get right to the latest threads and Panama news.
Have a great week and much fun!
TOP PANAMA THREADS:
- Meet people, make friends
New Panama City meet up group site is shared.
- What can I do with an offshore company?
More great advise continues on this thread. A great informative read for anyone thinking about doing business in Panama or setting up an offshore company.
- Internet Business in Panama
Are there many internet based businesses in Panama? And more general Panama business talk.
- University Costs
Zog wants to know the general costs of medical degrees in Panama, and/or nursing degrees. General costs per year or total costs for the whole thing.
PANAMA NEWS:
- USA/Panama free trade proposal
Will the US Congress approve the U.S. free trade agreement with Panama despite stumbling blocs? Three experts share their views.
- New Panama Hotel building boom?
Sam Tallifero’s current blog raises the interesting idea of a hotel building boom. Sounds like that might be a great idea since many in this forum have talked about how hard it is to get a hotel room at some times of the year.
- Inmet, Teck rework Petaquilla deal
Showing its hand as eager to proceed with the massive but increasingly expensive $3.5-billion (U.S.) Petaquilla copper and gold project in Panama, Inmet Mining Corp. will take on more upfront financing for the potential mine in exchange for the right to operate the project.
- Miss Reef 2008 and Surfing Competition Today
Who doesn’t like a bikini contest? On March 29th, lovely ladies from Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina and host country, Panama will compete for the $1,500 first prize and the title of Ms. Reef Panama.
Capuchin Monkeys in Panama
The capuchin monkey is considered the most intelligent New World monkey.
With the exception of a midday nap, they spend their entire day searching for food. At night they sleep in the trees, wedged between branches. They are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrates. Capuchins living near water will also eat crabs and shellfish by cracking their shells with stones. In captivity, individuals have reached an age of 45 years, although life expectancy in nature is only 15 to 25 years.
Photos by NaturalLight.
Enjoy Panama and have fun!
PANAMA THREADS:
- Panamanian Cuisine
What do Panamanians eat? Great links, experiences and photos too.
- Internet in Panama
How readily can you access the Internet in Panama? Is high-speed Internet available? Wireless Internet that works all throughout Panama? Find out on this thread.
First time visitors to Panama City
Panamax posted some great “must sees” for any first time visitor to Panama.
- Panamanian Mail Service
Is Panamanian mail service reliable? What are other mail options? How can I best send mail and larger packages from the US and Europe to Panama?
- Panama sounds right for us!
The thread continues with more great tips and ideas.
- Panama maps here!
Swedph has some great Panama maps that he was kind enough to share with fellow members. Check out the site where you can have a look at the maps. You can add your own maps too.
PANAMA NEWS:
- Balbina Herrera Will Launch her Primary Run on Thrusday
Balbina Herrera will officially launch her run for the Presidency of the Republic as a candidate for the “Partido Revolucionario Democratico” (PRD) on Thursday, 27 March 2008, near the Los Andes commercial center.
- Key U.S. drug informant lands in prison
The man who helped the United States strike the hardest blow ever against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia expected to live a nice, quiet life on a cozy little island off the coast of Panama. Instead, he got a jail cell.
- Panama’s hottest secret
If you’re looking to get ahead of the game, Panama City’s Casco Viejo is as up-and-coming as it gets. Situated in the city’s far west, with a waterside location looking across to the imposing downtown skyscrapers, it’s a ramshackle maze of dimly lit residential streets and tumbledown colonial buildings.
- Bush: Congress should pass free trade pact with Colombia, then Panama and South Korea
President Bush said Wednesday that if Congress fails to approve a free trade agreement with Colombia, it will embolden U.S. adversaries like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and send a signal to Latin America that the U.S. cannot be trusted to stand by its allies.
- Three African Lions in La Chorrera - Being Held in Horrendous Conditions
Three African lions have been in a cage for more than ten years in Panama, very far from their natural habitat and under adverse conditions. The rusted bars of their small cage in La Feria de La Chorrera: (The Fair in La Chorrera) are witness to their suffering.
- Retiring abroad might not be as easy as vacationing abroad
Many of today’s graying expatriates are heading permanently offshore to stretch their nest egg. Jon and Gretchen Nickel, formerly of Portland, Ore., settled in Panama, where they say they can live like the rich without needing a big bankroll.