TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The government of Panama has given its authorisation for commercial production to begin at Petaquilla Minerals' Molejon mine, the company reported on Wednesday.
Shares in the gold junior surged 118% on the news, to C$0,49 apiece by 16:16 in Toronto.
“The Government of Panama highlighted that Molejon will be the country's first mining project of modern times and encouraged the company to maintain its highest standards of responsible mining as it leads the way to a socially and environmentally conscious mining industry in Panama,” Petaquilla said in a statement.
The mine is currently in its final stages of full commissioning, and has produced a total of 25 699 oz of gold since its first gold pour in April.
In the first year of commercial production, the operation is expected to run at a throughput of about 2 200 t/d.
Source:miningweekly.com
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Panama Hands Over Its Sovereignty
The recent decision of the government of Panama regarding relations with its neighbors in the region raises the question: What direction is Panama, headed by businessman Ricardo Martinelli, taking and why?
Before Belize, Panama was the last country to become a republic in the Central American isthmus, after separating from Colombia in 1903, with the 'assistance' of the emerging imperialism of the United States. Even back then, the Empire had designs on tightening its strategic control over the canal that links the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.
Since then, Panama's sovereignty has been pure fiction... at least until the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Agreements in 1977. The accords went into effect in December 2000, when the U.S. occupying forces had to abandon all their military bases in the Panama Canal. Only then did Panama join the group of free nations and was included in regional integration mechanisms with its Central American sisters and brothers.
This direction, however, has started to change. Once again, the homeland of Omar Torrijos is being handed over to the U.S. Empire.
The Pentagon has set up military bases in that Central American nation, no longer with the pretext of protecting the inter-oceanic passage, but - according to the claims of Washington - to fight against 'terrorism' and 'drug trafficking.'
Everyone knows that terrorism isn't a problem in Latin America, and that the entire drug trafficking problem is fueled in the United States, which has the largest market for drugs in the world. But the government in Washington insists on playing the Nut Role. This can only mean that the Empire is looking for something else: to maintain its dominance in the region.
Like in Soto Cano, Honduras; in Comalapa, El Salvador; in at least seven different military bases of Colombia; in Chaco, Paraguay; on the islands of Aruba and Curacao; in the illegally occupied naval base of Guantánamo; and at four bases in Panama - the United States spies, controls and intervenes to conspire against the great homeland of Our America.
But Martinelli's government does not stop with merely handing over the sovereignty of Panama. With the enthusiasm worthy of better causes, Panama has joined the project of the U.S. extreme right-wing against the legitimate Honduran government, overthrown by a fascist military coup on June 28th.
The Panamanian government even appointed Roberto Jované as Special Ambassador to watch, or better said, to legitimize the elections of Nov 29th, which have been rejected by the rest of the region for being organized by an illegal regime to give itself a legal facade.
Martinelli is not worried about that. He only wants to please the United States and has clearly stated his support for Micheletti, announcing that he will recognize the winner of the illegal elections in Honduras.
Panama is also moving toward its withdrawal from the Central American Parliament. With this action, Panama will further distance itself from the regional integration process.
While it is true that the Central American Parliament, from its beginning, has had serious deficiencies that must be corrected to make it more functional and effective, there seems to be no reason to dismantle it. This would be like going back to the middle of the last century, when governments were overthrown by the Pentagon and the local U.S. Embassy personnel, throwing Central America into the dictionary as so-called "Banana Republics."
Yet we continue to ask ourselves: Which direction is Panama taking? If the recent moves taken by Ricardo Martinelli don't help us to arrive at an answer, perhaps looking back about 20 years will be of some assistance.
Next month, on December 20th, we'll commemorate the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Panama. With the flimsy excuse of going after Manuel Noriega, accusing him of corruption and drug-running, Washington killed thousands -- the exact figure is still unknown -- and militarily occupied the small Central American country.
And, going back a bit further, we have the shining example of students from the Balboa High School in Panama City, who in 1964 risked their lives to raise the Panamanian flag in the U.S.-controlled canal area.
Today, in quite simple terms, Panama is being handed over to the extreme right in Washington, subjecting itself to the implacable judgement of history. Undoubtedly, history will strongly condemn these actions.
Taken from Radio Havana Cuba
Source:periodico26.cu
Before Belize, Panama was the last country to become a republic in the Central American isthmus, after separating from Colombia in 1903, with the 'assistance' of the emerging imperialism of the United States. Even back then, the Empire had designs on tightening its strategic control over the canal that links the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.
Since then, Panama's sovereignty has been pure fiction... at least until the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Agreements in 1977. The accords went into effect in December 2000, when the U.S. occupying forces had to abandon all their military bases in the Panama Canal. Only then did Panama join the group of free nations and was included in regional integration mechanisms with its Central American sisters and brothers.
This direction, however, has started to change. Once again, the homeland of Omar Torrijos is being handed over to the U.S. Empire.
The Pentagon has set up military bases in that Central American nation, no longer with the pretext of protecting the inter-oceanic passage, but - according to the claims of Washington - to fight against 'terrorism' and 'drug trafficking.'
Everyone knows that terrorism isn't a problem in Latin America, and that the entire drug trafficking problem is fueled in the United States, which has the largest market for drugs in the world. But the government in Washington insists on playing the Nut Role. This can only mean that the Empire is looking for something else: to maintain its dominance in the region.
Like in Soto Cano, Honduras; in Comalapa, El Salvador; in at least seven different military bases of Colombia; in Chaco, Paraguay; on the islands of Aruba and Curacao; in the illegally occupied naval base of Guantánamo; and at four bases in Panama - the United States spies, controls and intervenes to conspire against the great homeland of Our America.
But Martinelli's government does not stop with merely handing over the sovereignty of Panama. With the enthusiasm worthy of better causes, Panama has joined the project of the U.S. extreme right-wing against the legitimate Honduran government, overthrown by a fascist military coup on June 28th.
The Panamanian government even appointed Roberto Jované as Special Ambassador to watch, or better said, to legitimize the elections of Nov 29th, which have been rejected by the rest of the region for being organized by an illegal regime to give itself a legal facade.
Martinelli is not worried about that. He only wants to please the United States and has clearly stated his support for Micheletti, announcing that he will recognize the winner of the illegal elections in Honduras.
Panama is also moving toward its withdrawal from the Central American Parliament. With this action, Panama will further distance itself from the regional integration process.
While it is true that the Central American Parliament, from its beginning, has had serious deficiencies that must be corrected to make it more functional and effective, there seems to be no reason to dismantle it. This would be like going back to the middle of the last century, when governments were overthrown by the Pentagon and the local U.S. Embassy personnel, throwing Central America into the dictionary as so-called "Banana Republics."
Yet we continue to ask ourselves: Which direction is Panama taking? If the recent moves taken by Ricardo Martinelli don't help us to arrive at an answer, perhaps looking back about 20 years will be of some assistance.
Next month, on December 20th, we'll commemorate the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Panama. With the flimsy excuse of going after Manuel Noriega, accusing him of corruption and drug-running, Washington killed thousands -- the exact figure is still unknown -- and militarily occupied the small Central American country.
And, going back a bit further, we have the shining example of students from the Balboa High School in Panama City, who in 1964 risked their lives to raise the Panamanian flag in the U.S.-controlled canal area.
Today, in quite simple terms, Panama is being handed over to the extreme right in Washington, subjecting itself to the implacable judgement of history. Undoubtedly, history will strongly condemn these actions.
Taken from Radio Havana Cuba
Source:periodico26.cu
Panama building 4 anti-drug sea, air stations
PANAMA CITY — Panama's government is building four air and sea monitoring stations to fight trafficking of drugs, weapons and migrants.
The bases are to be located on the Pacific coast on routes used to smuggle drugs and transport laundered money.
Assistant Interior Minister Alejandro Garuz said Monday the sites will be manned by the national police, border agents and other government agencies.
He says the bases are a completely Panamanian initiative and the United States will not be involved.
An agreement to expand the use of bases in neighboring Colombia by U.S. troops for anti-drug and other missions has drawn criticism in the region.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gqTsVaEY_SQ3Zj2GepCd3iMk3gwwD9BNR9FG0
The bases are to be located on the Pacific coast on routes used to smuggle drugs and transport laundered money.
Assistant Interior Minister Alejandro Garuz said Monday the sites will be manned by the national police, border agents and other government agencies.
He says the bases are a completely Panamanian initiative and the United States will not be involved.
An agreement to expand the use of bases in neighboring Colombia by U.S. troops for anti-drug and other missions has drawn criticism in the region.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gqTsVaEY_SQ3Zj2GepCd3iMk3gwwD9BNR9FG0
American, Russian wounded in Panama resort town
PANAMA CITY — Panamanian police say they have arrested two teenage boys for allegedly wounding an American and a Russian tourist in a botched robbery attempt.
Police spokesman Roberto Ballesteros says investigators believe the assailants mistook the tourists for employees of a construction firm delivering cash payments.
He identified the tourists as Mike Lowe, 66, and Olga Shidlovskaya, 56, who both live in Miami, Florida. They were hospitalized but there was no information on their condition.
Police announced the arrest of a 15-year-old and 17-year-old Tuesday. The shooting occurred Saturday in Playa Blanca on the Pacific coast.
The U.S. Embassy said it could not comment because of privacy reasons.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jjvIQaQ1wOjPwebUT3J675UHhHwQD9BOFE3G0
Police spokesman Roberto Ballesteros says investigators believe the assailants mistook the tourists for employees of a construction firm delivering cash payments.
He identified the tourists as Mike Lowe, 66, and Olga Shidlovskaya, 56, who both live in Miami, Florida. They were hospitalized but there was no information on their condition.
Police announced the arrest of a 15-year-old and 17-year-old Tuesday. The shooting occurred Saturday in Playa Blanca on the Pacific coast.
The U.S. Embassy said it could not comment because of privacy reasons.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jjvIQaQ1wOjPwebUT3J675UHhHwQD9BOFE3G0
Panama City CRA to Vote on Land Deal for Coast WET
With Bay County's unemployment rate nearing 10%, community leaders are welcoming the prospect of more than 200 new jobs at an average annual wage of about $37,000 a year.
Panama City mayor Scott Clemons says, "In these difficult economic conditions we're in, it would be a tremendous boon to the whole county."
Job seeker Darryl Partee, Jr., says, "I really do like the idea of some extra jobs coming in here because it's already hard enough to find a job, so that should definitely open up opportunities for everybody."
Coast Water Efficient Technology, or Coast WET, manufactures efficient plumbing fixtures. It has moved its headquarters to the Beach Commerce Park in Panama City Beach, but representatives say its plan still needs to be finalized.
That plan includes a land deal that goes before the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Tuesday. The proposal calls for the Downtown North CRA to buy a piece of land on the corner of Highways 231 and 77 for $1.6 million.
The CRA would then lease it to Coast WET, which would make improvements to the property. Mayor Clemons says, "They would pay us that money back over a twenty year period of time, plus interest. If for some reason, they were to default, we would still own the land plus any improvements on the land."
Officials say it's a win-win situation for the city. Panama City commissioner Billy Rader says, "This is not a bailout, this is not a loan. We're not doing that. We're going to be paid back."
Mayor Clemons says he thinks the long-term forecast is good, and the industry will keep jobs in Bay County for years to come.
Both the city and the state provided incentives, including tax refunds and exemptions, to bring Coast WET to Panama City. If the CRA approves the land deal, there will be a sixty day due diligence period before any final contract is signed.
.wjhg.com
Source:
Panama City mayor Scott Clemons says, "In these difficult economic conditions we're in, it would be a tremendous boon to the whole county."
Job seeker Darryl Partee, Jr., says, "I really do like the idea of some extra jobs coming in here because it's already hard enough to find a job, so that should definitely open up opportunities for everybody."
Coast Water Efficient Technology, or Coast WET, manufactures efficient plumbing fixtures. It has moved its headquarters to the Beach Commerce Park in Panama City Beach, but representatives say its plan still needs to be finalized.
That plan includes a land deal that goes before the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Tuesday. The proposal calls for the Downtown North CRA to buy a piece of land on the corner of Highways 231 and 77 for $1.6 million.
The CRA would then lease it to Coast WET, which would make improvements to the property. Mayor Clemons says, "They would pay us that money back over a twenty year period of time, plus interest. If for some reason, they were to default, we would still own the land plus any improvements on the land."
Officials say it's a win-win situation for the city. Panama City commissioner Billy Rader says, "This is not a bailout, this is not a loan. We're not doing that. We're going to be paid back."
Mayor Clemons says he thinks the long-term forecast is good, and the industry will keep jobs in Bay County for years to come.
Both the city and the state provided incentives, including tax refunds and exemptions, to bring Coast WET to Panama City. If the CRA approves the land deal, there will be a sixty day due diligence period before any final contract is signed.
.wjhg.com
Source:
Panama launches $1 bln 10-yr global bonds
* Panama offers U.S. dollar-denominated bonds
* Funds to pay off gov't debt in public, private sector
(Adds quote from Panama economy minister)
NEW YORK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Panama launched $1 billion worth of 10-year, U.S. dollar-denominated global bonds on Monday, said IFR, a Thomson Reuters service.
The bonds are expected to yield 187.5 basis points over comparable U.S. Treasuries, at the low end of the guidance range, according to IFR. Earlier guidance was set at a range of 187.5 to 200 basis points.
Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank are the joint book managers on the sale, IFR said.
"It is an important injection of liquidity for the public and private sector in Panama," the country's Economy Minister Alberto Vallarino told a news conference, adding that the money would go to pay debt the government owes the National Bank of Panama and the national Social Security Institute.
Panama, one of Latin America's fastest-growing economies over the past decade, is regarded as a safe haven for bondholders given its strong shipping and finance sectors and its use of the U.S. dollar as the national currency.
((Reporting by Caryn Trokie in New York and Sean Mattson in Panama City, Editing by Gary Crosse))
((caryn.trokie@thomsonreuters.com; +1-646-223-6318; Reuters Messaging: caryn.trokie.reuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: PANAMA BONDS/LAUNCH
Source:reuters.com
* Funds to pay off gov't debt in public, private sector
(Adds quote from Panama economy minister)
NEW YORK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Panama launched $1 billion worth of 10-year, U.S. dollar-denominated global bonds on Monday, said IFR, a Thomson Reuters service.
The bonds are expected to yield 187.5 basis points over comparable U.S. Treasuries, at the low end of the guidance range, according to IFR. Earlier guidance was set at a range of 187.5 to 200 basis points.
Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank are the joint book managers on the sale, IFR said.
"It is an important injection of liquidity for the public and private sector in Panama," the country's Economy Minister Alberto Vallarino told a news conference, adding that the money would go to pay debt the government owes the National Bank of Panama and the national Social Security Institute.
Panama, one of Latin America's fastest-growing economies over the past decade, is regarded as a safe haven for bondholders given its strong shipping and finance sectors and its use of the U.S. dollar as the national currency.
((Reporting by Caryn Trokie in New York and Sean Mattson in Panama City, Editing by Gary Crosse))
((caryn.trokie@thomsonreuters.com; +1-646-223-6318; Reuters Messaging: caryn.trokie.reuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: PANAMA BONDS/LAUNCH
Source:reuters.com
Obama's Osama Banana Drama in Panama
Barack Obama was thrown into a diplomatic nightmare yesterday, when he made 'inappropriate' comments about Al Qaeda head-honcho Osama bin Laden's penis.
The US president and his wife Me-Shell, had been invited to the Central American country of Panama to experience the rich diversity of the nation, and more importantly, to visit the Museo Nacionale De Las Frutas - The National Fruit Museum.
Museum curator Miguel 'Speedy' Gonzales told The Spoof, "El presidente had just completed the apple section, and has smiled a lot and pointed at a few larger varieties, after which he squeezed his wife's breasts, perhaps in an attempt to comment on the size of her boobies. Next he went to the Banana house. He saw a large twisty banana (El Banana Twistio) and said to me, "This one is just like Bin Laden's cock - twisty and pungent."
Panama President Enrique 'Slow-go' Rodriguez described the comments by Obama as "rather unfortunate, but in good taste"
Concern has been expressed by the Republicans at his upcoming visit to flood-effected Cockermouth in Northwest England next week.
Source:thespoof.com
The ocean is warm and the drinks are cold — Panama's perfect; The famed canal pays the freight for now, but tourism's about to transform the country
Lunchtime in the Old Quarter of Panama City brings me to Manolo Caracol, a tapas-style restaurant that happily delivers 12 courses of food before the salad arrives.
It is more than I can stand without walking about, so I am out the door and on to the street for a stroll.
I meet Rafael.
Rafael is the face of the new Panama. He left this country in 1981 at the age of 14. His family moved to Miami, where he studied to be a chef and where he served the likes of Ice Cube and someone known as Jello Man.
Last year he moved back to Panama City and opened a small martini restaurant.
"Miami is too crowded," he says. "It's a dangerous city. You get drunk; you get arrested. And a business was hard to open. I moved back and I hope this is start of big things. Many Panamanians are coming back. We love it here."
And there is lots to love.
I am travelling with a few other journalists, as well as a hundred or so travel agents from Vancouver and Calgary. We have arrived here to case the joint just prior to Air Transat and Nolitours offering travel packages to this amazing country.
The following is four days in the storied history of Panama, Central America. My four days. It is a story of skyscrapers, skinny-dipping, bug bites, drive-in motels and, of course, a canal.
PANAMA CITY
I have returned to Manolo Caracol for another half dozen dishes. The food is exotic and light. On the walls of this beautiful restaurant there is art for sale. I fancy one painting in particular. It looks like a Picasso from his Bob & Margaret period. It runs a snappy $400 US. I barter a bit, but getting it down to the $50 in my pocket seems unlikely.
Out on the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, historic buildings undergo the slowest of renovations. The money to renovate is scarce, so many of these beautiful structures sit half finished and shut out from habitation. In time, they will be finished and the oldest parts of this beautiful city will shine like new.
Across the bay, always in full shine, is the magnificent skyline of the new Panama City. There are close to 100 skyscrapers here. The view is more like something you would find in a large Asian metropolis, like Hong Kong. Our guide proudly points to the statistics that say crime is low in this capital city. There are places a tourist should not travel alone, but for the most part, it is an open and safe environment.
As we walk the streets, our guide speaks adoringly of the Panamanian people, whom she loves — and loves to kid.
"Panamanians are not very ambitious," she says.
"They like lotteries, cockfighting, horse races. Workers would prefer to just lie down under a tree and wait for a fruit to fall in their mouth. It is difficult working hard eight hours a day here. It is so hot."
It is hot. Damn hot. Even the birds don't fly much in weather like this.
We are back in the bus. Next stop: The Royal Decameron.
BACK ON THE BUS
We are en route for a two-day stay at the exquisite and all-inclusive Royal Decameron. Our tour guide is discussing snakes, of which there are 140 different kinds in the fields and forests of this country.
Only 22 are poisonous.
We are told that if you are bitten, do everything in your power to capture the snake. Even if it means you get bitten again and again and again and again, you must capture the snake, in order to assist the physicians in determining the appropriate anti-venom.
"Can't we just take a picture?" someone asks.
It's that kind of crowd.
Thirty minutes outside Panama City and the bus driver is circling a series of garages that look like storage units you might find somewhere in Richmond.
They are actually drive-ins for discreet wild sex. A man can bring his mistress to one of these buildings, park undercover, then slip into the attached bedroom for … well, you know … a pajama party without the pajamas.
Tragedy struck recently when a prominent lawyer was found dead in a lovers' embrace. He forgot to turn off the car.
We arrive at the Royal Decameron around 8 p.m. The night is black as ink. In the distance I hear the surf of the Pacific Ocean. I decide to go swimming. I am alone. It seems safe to skinny-dip. I am waist deep in sand and salt water when I remove my trunks. A wave the size of a Cadillac crashes onto my back and knocks me down.
I drop my trunks.
I am naked in the Pacific Ocean with my swimsuit (room key is in the pocket) floating to Japan.
The situation is not good.
Everything else about the Decameron runs smoothly. It is a lovely and vast resort that will, in time, achieve the highest of ratings. Right now there are a few growing pains, but everyone here is eager to make it a destination that serious sun-worshippers will not want to miss.
The water is warm.
The drinks are cold.
That almost makes it perfect.
THE CANAL
It is hard to imagine how a canal can be sexy, yet somehow, the Panama Canal is just that — sexy and mysterious and exotic.
It is, of course, a modern wonder of our world. One of our greatest engineering feats.
On the day we arrive, 34 ships will pass from one great ocean to another.
Pulling the great freighters through the locks are mechanical "mules." It takes 12 hours for a big ship to pass. The scenery is spectacular. It is obvious why cruises through the canal are so popular.
BIG BUG BITE
We are off to Yayas Falls, set in a forest 90 minutes from the Decameron and 10 minutes from "Coca Cola creek," a torrent of water that bears a striking resemblance to the color of the soft drink.
At the falls we splash around in the natural pools of warm water. We walk gingerly on the slick volcanic rock. It is exhilarating.
A 20-minute hike through the forest follows, then it is back in the bus, where I change from my walking shoes to slip-ons.
A bug of unknown pedigree has crawled into my left sandal. It is the size of my middle toe and when I slide my foot into the shoe it bites me with considerable ferocity.
I flick it away. It breaks in two, but the brain continues to tell the teeth to munch on my foot. I grab the head and pull it off.
No one seems to concerned.
I am certain death is imminent.
BEST FOR LAST
It is now the next day . I have not died.
We are in a boat fashioned from a big tree. At the back of the boat is a small motor and a member of the Emberas tribe. He is taking us to his village up the Chagres River. Along the way we pass crocodiles much larger than anything that has recently crawled into my shoe.
We arrive for an afternoon of lunch and entertainment.
The Emberas inhabit an idyllic village where they live as simple and exquisite a life as is possible.
Not an iPod to be found.
The river is rich in fish; the fruit trees are bountiful. The adults work at crafts, maintaining the village and entertaining guests. The children play and learn.
The Emberas open their community to tourists and, in turn, receive funding and other forms of support from the Panamanian government.
We are all charmed and left almost speechless by the simplicity and meaningfulness of their existence.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tourism is not a top economic player in this country, which is odd, since the climate is ideal and the land so beautiful.
The canal is the economic breadwinner here, but, in time, the government hopes to make tourism No. 1.
With two oceans and rainforests to experience, it seems only a matter of time before the world starts visiting in the kind of numbers Costa Rica now enjoys. Right now, hospitality is quaint and eager, though still a little rough around the edges. English is not commonly spoken. Government officials know the young people of this country are going to have to educate themselves in the language if the service industry here is to boom.
And boom it will.
—
Panama facts
Official Name: Republic of Panama.
Capital: Panama (City).
Area: 29,762 square miles (77,082 square kilometres).
Population: (2009 est.): 3,360,474 (growth rate: 1.5%); birth rate: 20.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 12.7/1000; life expectancy: 77.2; density per sq mi: 111.
Major Language: Spanish (official).
Major Religion: Roman Catholicism.
Literacy: 88.2 per cent.
Highest Peak: Volcano Baru.
Major Rivers: Chepo, Chucunaque, Santa Maria, Tuira.
Form of Government: Republic.
Head of State and Government: President.
Legislature: Legislative Assembly.
Voting Qualification: Age 18.
Political Divisions: Nine provinces and one special territory.
Major Cities: Panama City, 1,053,500 (metro. area), 437,200 (city proper); San Miguelito, 309,500; ColÛn, 44,400
Chief Manufactured Products: Processed foods, textiles, clothing, refined petroleum.
Chief Agricultural Products: Crops bananas, cacao, coffee, sugar, grain crops, vegetables, fruits, rice. Livestock and fish cattle, freshwater fish and seafood.
Monetary Unit: 1 balboa = 100 cents US.
An engineering marvel
The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean ocean and is considered a wonder of modern engineering.
A ship travelling from Halifax to Vancouver cuts the trip in half by using the canal rather than sailing around South America.
The French were the first to attempt building the Canal. The Americans ultimately built it.
Passage through the canal can cost up to $500,000, though a swimmer once passed through for $1.
A typical passage through the canal by a cargo ship takes approximately eight to 10 hours.
Odd facts
– Approximately 25,000 workers died during the building of the Panama Canal, with almost 20,000 a result of malaria and yellow fever.
– The world famous panama hat originated in Ecuador.
– A person cannot drive from the top of North America to the bottom of South America because the rain forest in southern Panama that borders Columbia has no roads.
If you go
All travelers to Panama require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended stay .
Source:kelowna.com
It is more than I can stand without walking about, so I am out the door and on to the street for a stroll.
I meet Rafael.
Rafael is the face of the new Panama. He left this country in 1981 at the age of 14. His family moved to Miami, where he studied to be a chef and where he served the likes of Ice Cube and someone known as Jello Man.
Last year he moved back to Panama City and opened a small martini restaurant.
"Miami is too crowded," he says. "It's a dangerous city. You get drunk; you get arrested. And a business was hard to open. I moved back and I hope this is start of big things. Many Panamanians are coming back. We love it here."
And there is lots to love.
I am travelling with a few other journalists, as well as a hundred or so travel agents from Vancouver and Calgary. We have arrived here to case the joint just prior to Air Transat and Nolitours offering travel packages to this amazing country.
The following is four days in the storied history of Panama, Central America. My four days. It is a story of skyscrapers, skinny-dipping, bug bites, drive-in motels and, of course, a canal.
PANAMA CITY
I have returned to Manolo Caracol for another half dozen dishes. The food is exotic and light. On the walls of this beautiful restaurant there is art for sale. I fancy one painting in particular. It looks like a Picasso from his Bob & Margaret period. It runs a snappy $400 US. I barter a bit, but getting it down to the $50 in my pocket seems unlikely.
Out on the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, historic buildings undergo the slowest of renovations. The money to renovate is scarce, so many of these beautiful structures sit half finished and shut out from habitation. In time, they will be finished and the oldest parts of this beautiful city will shine like new.
Across the bay, always in full shine, is the magnificent skyline of the new Panama City. There are close to 100 skyscrapers here. The view is more like something you would find in a large Asian metropolis, like Hong Kong. Our guide proudly points to the statistics that say crime is low in this capital city. There are places a tourist should not travel alone, but for the most part, it is an open and safe environment.
As we walk the streets, our guide speaks adoringly of the Panamanian people, whom she loves — and loves to kid.
"Panamanians are not very ambitious," she says.
"They like lotteries, cockfighting, horse races. Workers would prefer to just lie down under a tree and wait for a fruit to fall in their mouth. It is difficult working hard eight hours a day here. It is so hot."
It is hot. Damn hot. Even the birds don't fly much in weather like this.
We are back in the bus. Next stop: The Royal Decameron.
BACK ON THE BUS
We are en route for a two-day stay at the exquisite and all-inclusive Royal Decameron. Our tour guide is discussing snakes, of which there are 140 different kinds in the fields and forests of this country.
Only 22 are poisonous.
We are told that if you are bitten, do everything in your power to capture the snake. Even if it means you get bitten again and again and again and again, you must capture the snake, in order to assist the physicians in determining the appropriate anti-venom.
"Can't we just take a picture?" someone asks.
It's that kind of crowd.
Thirty minutes outside Panama City and the bus driver is circling a series of garages that look like storage units you might find somewhere in Richmond.
They are actually drive-ins for discreet wild sex. A man can bring his mistress to one of these buildings, park undercover, then slip into the attached bedroom for … well, you know … a pajama party without the pajamas.
Tragedy struck recently when a prominent lawyer was found dead in a lovers' embrace. He forgot to turn off the car.
We arrive at the Royal Decameron around 8 p.m. The night is black as ink. In the distance I hear the surf of the Pacific Ocean. I decide to go swimming. I am alone. It seems safe to skinny-dip. I am waist deep in sand and salt water when I remove my trunks. A wave the size of a Cadillac crashes onto my back and knocks me down.
I drop my trunks.
I am naked in the Pacific Ocean with my swimsuit (room key is in the pocket) floating to Japan.
The situation is not good.
Everything else about the Decameron runs smoothly. It is a lovely and vast resort that will, in time, achieve the highest of ratings. Right now there are a few growing pains, but everyone here is eager to make it a destination that serious sun-worshippers will not want to miss.
The water is warm.
The drinks are cold.
That almost makes it perfect.
THE CANAL
It is hard to imagine how a canal can be sexy, yet somehow, the Panama Canal is just that — sexy and mysterious and exotic.
It is, of course, a modern wonder of our world. One of our greatest engineering feats.
On the day we arrive, 34 ships will pass from one great ocean to another.
Pulling the great freighters through the locks are mechanical "mules." It takes 12 hours for a big ship to pass. The scenery is spectacular. It is obvious why cruises through the canal are so popular.
BIG BUG BITE
We are off to Yayas Falls, set in a forest 90 minutes from the Decameron and 10 minutes from "Coca Cola creek," a torrent of water that bears a striking resemblance to the color of the soft drink.
At the falls we splash around in the natural pools of warm water. We walk gingerly on the slick volcanic rock. It is exhilarating.
A 20-minute hike through the forest follows, then it is back in the bus, where I change from my walking shoes to slip-ons.
A bug of unknown pedigree has crawled into my left sandal. It is the size of my middle toe and when I slide my foot into the shoe it bites me with considerable ferocity.
I flick it away. It breaks in two, but the brain continues to tell the teeth to munch on my foot. I grab the head and pull it off.
No one seems to concerned.
I am certain death is imminent.
BEST FOR LAST
It is now the next day . I have not died.
We are in a boat fashioned from a big tree. At the back of the boat is a small motor and a member of the Emberas tribe. He is taking us to his village up the Chagres River. Along the way we pass crocodiles much larger than anything that has recently crawled into my shoe.
We arrive for an afternoon of lunch and entertainment.
The Emberas inhabit an idyllic village where they live as simple and exquisite a life as is possible.
Not an iPod to be found.
The river is rich in fish; the fruit trees are bountiful. The adults work at crafts, maintaining the village and entertaining guests. The children play and learn.
The Emberas open their community to tourists and, in turn, receive funding and other forms of support from the Panamanian government.
We are all charmed and left almost speechless by the simplicity and meaningfulness of their existence.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tourism is not a top economic player in this country, which is odd, since the climate is ideal and the land so beautiful.
The canal is the economic breadwinner here, but, in time, the government hopes to make tourism No. 1.
With two oceans and rainforests to experience, it seems only a matter of time before the world starts visiting in the kind of numbers Costa Rica now enjoys. Right now, hospitality is quaint and eager, though still a little rough around the edges. English is not commonly spoken. Government officials know the young people of this country are going to have to educate themselves in the language if the service industry here is to boom.
And boom it will.
—
Panama facts
Official Name: Republic of Panama.
Capital: Panama (City).
Area: 29,762 square miles (77,082 square kilometres).
Population: (2009 est.): 3,360,474 (growth rate: 1.5%); birth rate: 20.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 12.7/1000; life expectancy: 77.2; density per sq mi: 111.
Major Language: Spanish (official).
Major Religion: Roman Catholicism.
Literacy: 88.2 per cent.
Highest Peak: Volcano Baru.
Major Rivers: Chepo, Chucunaque, Santa Maria, Tuira.
Form of Government: Republic.
Head of State and Government: President.
Legislature: Legislative Assembly.
Voting Qualification: Age 18.
Political Divisions: Nine provinces and one special territory.
Major Cities: Panama City, 1,053,500 (metro. area), 437,200 (city proper); San Miguelito, 309,500; ColÛn, 44,400
Chief Manufactured Products: Processed foods, textiles, clothing, refined petroleum.
Chief Agricultural Products: Crops bananas, cacao, coffee, sugar, grain crops, vegetables, fruits, rice. Livestock and fish cattle, freshwater fish and seafood.
Monetary Unit: 1 balboa = 100 cents US.
An engineering marvel
The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean ocean and is considered a wonder of modern engineering.
A ship travelling from Halifax to Vancouver cuts the trip in half by using the canal rather than sailing around South America.
The French were the first to attempt building the Canal. The Americans ultimately built it.
Passage through the canal can cost up to $500,000, though a swimmer once passed through for $1.
A typical passage through the canal by a cargo ship takes approximately eight to 10 hours.
Odd facts
– Approximately 25,000 workers died during the building of the Panama Canal, with almost 20,000 a result of malaria and yellow fever.
– The world famous panama hat originated in Ecuador.
– A person cannot drive from the top of North America to the bottom of South America because the rain forest in southern Panama that borders Columbia has no roads.
If you go
All travelers to Panama require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended stay .
Source:kelowna.com
Singer Roberto Blades Arrested in Panama
PANAMA CITY – Grammy-winning artist Roberto Blades, younger brother of famed salsa singer-songwriter and former Panamanian Tourism Minister Ruben Blades, was detained for several hours for allegedly refusing to pay child support.
The Latin Salsa artist was arrested at the Tocumen International Airport after his ex-wife, Ivonne Valdez, reported his failure to pay for the financial care and support of their 13-year-old son.
Valdez had earlier told reporters that if she did not receive a response from Blades she would go to the authorities and seek his arrest.
The singer was taken to a municipal courthouse after being taken into custody, and upon leaving the building told reporters that a “crazy woman” was responsible for everything, local television reported.
Blades reportedly proceeded to travel to Venezuela without offering more statements on the matter.
The singer has not paid child support for eight years and the amount he now owes totals roughly $70,000, Valdez told La Prensa daily Thursday. She added, however, that she is “willing to withdraw the charges,” presumably once she receives the child-support payments, the daily reported.
Roberto Blades has enjoyed most of his success in the United States and in 1981 in Miami formed the group Orquesta Inmensidad, which produced hits such as “Ya no regreso contigo” and “Lagrimas.”
Blades won a Latin Grammy in 2000 for Song of the Year for “Dimelo,” a title written by Blades and performed by Marc Anthony.
He also won a Grammy in 2000 in the Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album category for Gloria Estefan’s “Alma Caribeña,” which he co-produced. In 2001, Blades won a Grammy in the Best Salsa Album category for “Encore,” on that occasion as performing artist. EFE
Source:laht.com
The Latin Salsa artist was arrested at the Tocumen International Airport after his ex-wife, Ivonne Valdez, reported his failure to pay for the financial care and support of their 13-year-old son.
Valdez had earlier told reporters that if she did not receive a response from Blades she would go to the authorities and seek his arrest.
The singer was taken to a municipal courthouse after being taken into custody, and upon leaving the building told reporters that a “crazy woman” was responsible for everything, local television reported.
Blades reportedly proceeded to travel to Venezuela without offering more statements on the matter.
The singer has not paid child support for eight years and the amount he now owes totals roughly $70,000, Valdez told La Prensa daily Thursday. She added, however, that she is “willing to withdraw the charges,” presumably once she receives the child-support payments, the daily reported.
Roberto Blades has enjoyed most of his success in the United States and in 1981 in Miami formed the group Orquesta Inmensidad, which produced hits such as “Ya no regreso contigo” and “Lagrimas.”
Blades won a Latin Grammy in 2000 for Song of the Year for “Dimelo,” a title written by Blades and performed by Marc Anthony.
He also won a Grammy in 2000 in the Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album category for Gloria Estefan’s “Alma Caribeña,” which he co-produced. In 2001, Blades won a Grammy in the Best Salsa Album category for “Encore,” on that occasion as performing artist. EFE
Source:laht.com
Touring Breezes Panama
The resort has eight room categories, including four Luxury Ocean View Suites, the resort's top category. However, if your clients are looking for the most bang for their buck, recommend the Beach Front Junior rooms. There are eight of these and we were suprised to learn they are the cheapest rooms on the resort. They are located on the first floor and are just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are also located right next door to the best bar on the property. This is important since there is no room service.
The property's spa has four treatment rooms and outdoor massages will be available within the next two months or so. There are four restaurants, two of which require reservations and a dress code. According to Delano Miller, group sales manager for SuperClubs, the resort will most likely attract families since there is nothing else like this resort in South America.
During our current stay, the resort is completely booked. There is in fact a national holiday going on in Panama, so about 40 percent of the hotel is occupied by locals. The resort heavily caters to families with a Kids Club, a Teens Club and nanny service available for $10 per hour with reservations required 24 hours in advance. Travel Agent will be touring sites throughout Panama on Friday and Saturday, including the Panama Canal so look for additional updates.
Source:travelagentcentral.com
It's snowing on Panama Drive to help sick kids
CORPUS CHRISTI — There is snow in time for Thanksgiving on Panama Drive, where one family’s holiday spirit is helping the Ronald McDonald House.
A computerized light show with music plays as snow spews from roof-mounted snow machines. In the yard full of penguins and snowmen in knit hats and scarves, candy canes and Christmas trees are covered in dancing lights.
On the roof, Santa is busy with his bag of gifts amid skiing reindeer and sledding snowmen.
Phil and Denise Martin have decorated their home at 4061 Panama Drive for years, but this year it is for everyone.
The Martins’ Ronald McDonald House fundraiser is open to the public from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and from 6 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. During the week of Christmas it also will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. weeknights.
Local businesses have contributed gift baskets, and visitors will receive a raffle ticket for a $1 donation.
On the week of Christmas, the Martins will draw winning tickets daily for prizes such as a Coca-Cola bicycle, hardware store and pet supply baskets and other contributed gift items. There also will be surprise visits by other organizations, including the IceRays, to help support the Martins’ fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House.
They also are hosting visits from children and their families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
Fourteen children and their parents filled the Martins’ Christmas room Saturday for pictures with Santa and to watch a Christmas video in the family’s decorated viewing room.
“We had a full house and loved it,” Denise Martin said. “Everyone hugged us, and we loved seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
Christmas is a hard time for these families, who may have other children back home, said Becky L. Showers, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi, which provides comfort and safety in a homelike setting for critically ill children and their families who must travel for health care. “It’s very nice when people realize the needs of others at this time of the year,” Showers said. “Our kids and parents had a great time.
“They have worked very hard putting this together,” Showers said. “It’s quite a unique thing to open your house to the world to help sick children.”
IF YOU GO
What: Christmas light display, home tour and visits with Santa, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House
Where: 4061 Panama Drive
When: 6 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 6 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. During the week of Christmas it also will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. weeknights.
Source:caller.com
Southwest Offers New Flights to The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach is proud to welcome Southwest Airlines to the Panama City Beach region. Southwest recently announced that it will become the official low-cost carrier for the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering eight nonstop flights to four new markets beginning May 18, 2010.
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach has closely monitored the status and progress of the airport and has made updates available for their guests through their new Web site www.EdgewaterBeachResort.com. With the great influx of new visitors expected to grace Panama City’s shores through this new endeavor, The Resort Collection is bracing for an unprecedented wave of economic growth and increased tourism.
“This much-anticipated announcement is welcome news for The Resort Collection and the people of this region,” said Paul Wohlford, vice president of sales and marketing for The Resort Collection. “We are excited about the increased accessibility that Southwest and the new airport will provide to our resorts from numerous new markets.”
Southwest will officially announce the four new destinations to which it will be flying from Panama City and it will begin selling tickets in December 2009.
To learn more about The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, call 866.203.1164 or visit www.ResortsPCBeach.com.
About The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach includes the family-friendly Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, the intimate Majestic Beach Resort, the new luxuriously appointed Emerald Beach Resort, the relaxing Long Beach Resort, the exclusive En Soleil, and the distinctive Marina Landing—all properties managed by The Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc. They boast more than 1,000 full-service gulf-front suites and golf villas, 90,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space, 6 Plexicushion tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, batting cages, 21 luxurious pools, a 9-hole executive golf course and 27 holes of championship golf at the Hombre Golf Club on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. For information on The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, call 866.203.1164 or visit www.ResortsPCBeach.com.
Source:hotelinteractive.com
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach has closely monitored the status and progress of the airport and has made updates available for their guests through their new Web site www.EdgewaterBeachResort.com. With the great influx of new visitors expected to grace Panama City’s shores through this new endeavor, The Resort Collection is bracing for an unprecedented wave of economic growth and increased tourism.
“This much-anticipated announcement is welcome news for The Resort Collection and the people of this region,” said Paul Wohlford, vice president of sales and marketing for The Resort Collection. “We are excited about the increased accessibility that Southwest and the new airport will provide to our resorts from numerous new markets.”
Southwest will officially announce the four new destinations to which it will be flying from Panama City and it will begin selling tickets in December 2009.
To learn more about The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, call 866.203.1164 or visit www.ResortsPCBeach.com.
About The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach includes the family-friendly Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, the intimate Majestic Beach Resort, the new luxuriously appointed Emerald Beach Resort, the relaxing Long Beach Resort, the exclusive En Soleil, and the distinctive Marina Landing—all properties managed by The Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc. They boast more than 1,000 full-service gulf-front suites and golf villas, 90,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space, 6 Plexicushion tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, batting cages, 21 luxurious pools, a 9-hole executive golf course and 27 holes of championship golf at the Hombre Golf Club on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. For information on The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, call 866.203.1164 or visit www.ResortsPCBeach.com.
Source:hotelinteractive.com
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