Thursday, March 28, 2013
Events in Panama
www.locationpanama.com:
National Fair of Colon
Fairs & Festivals / Fun for Kids
WHERE: Road from Panama to Colón, Buena Vista Township, Colón Province
WHEN: March 22nd through April 6th
COST/TICKETS: not listed
DESCRIPTION: For decades this provincial fair has been growing and expanding. Organizers have made the event more attractive by including folk shows, sporting events, dances and conferences. Today, hundreds of artisans from other countries come to participate, bringing with them their products and folklore.
Orchid Expo
Fairs & Festivals / Fun for Kids
WHERE: Flowers and Coffee Fairgrounds, Boquete, Chiriqui
WHEN: March 29th through April 7th
COST/TICKETS: not listed
DESCRIPTION: The mountain climate is perfect for growing these beautiful flowers, considered by some to be the most difficult to cultivate. The Orchid Expo is held precisely when the orchids are in full bloom, on the banks of the Caldera River. Organized by the Flowers and Coffee Fair Board, this exhibition receives more than 10,000 visitors and invites over 30 groups of orchid growers and collectors to participate.
Casi Normales (Almost Normal)
Theater
WHERE: Teatro en Circulo, Panama City
WHEN: April 2nd through 28th
COST/TICKETS: See contact below for reservations
DESCRIPTION: This Broadway show tells the story of a family that strives to be "normal" in the face of adversity. Evoking a full range of emotions, from laughter to tears, it is a story of illness, a family, and how they cope.
Click here for more information or phone 261- 5375 or 261-5259.
Zentangle Workshop
Arts and Culture
WHERE: Boquete Handicap Foundation, Alto Boquete, Chiriqui
WHEN: April 3rd, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
COST/TICKETS: Fee $30 plus $10 for materials
DESCRIPTION: Art class teaching how to create Zentangles, designs using repeated patterns.
For information call phone 6957-4101.
Las Mujeres Son Una Vaina (Women are Something Else)
Theater / Music
WHERE: ABA Theater, Panama City
WHEN: April 4th through May 12th
COST/TICKETS: Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the box office
DESCRIPTION: Intended for adult audiences, this sex comedy addresses topics of interest to the female gender. With jokes, songs, dances and monlogues, you are sure to be entertained.
Click here for more information or phone 260-6316 or 260-6318.
Fiesta de Ambiente en Velero
Music / Food & Drink
WHERE: Dock of Balboa Yacht Club, Panama City (Balboa Yacht Club in Amador next to TGI Friday & Country Inn & Suites ~~ P.L.)
WHEN: April 5th, 9:00 p.m. until midnight
COST/TICKETS: $45 per person
DESCRIPTION: Ticket price includes a night time cruise and party aboard a catamaran in Panama Bay, open bar, snacks, music, and fireworks.
For reservations phone 6587-2261 or email elgitanodelmar@gmail.com
Festival of Fine Arts of the Highlands
Fairs & Festivals / Arts & Culture / Music
WHERE: Casa Grande Hotel, Bambito, Chiriqui
WHEN: April 6th and 7th, 9:00 a.m.
COST/TICKETS: Free
DESCRIPTION: The 4th annual celebration of arts and culture is open to the public free of charge. Come and enjoy live music, fine arts, crafts, food, dance and more.
Phone for more information 6409-2509.
Tuesday Night Film Club Presents "The Cove"
Theater & Film
WHERE: Theater Guild of Ancon, Panama City
WHEN: April 9th, 8:00 p.m.
COST/TICKETS: $4 per person
DESCRIPTION: Monthly film screening at the popular theater, home of the film club.
Click here for more information, or email tuesdaynightfilmclub@gmail.com .
The Accidental Pervert
Theater & Film
WHERE: La Quadra Theater, Calle D, El Cangrejo, Panama City
WHEN: April 9th through 23rd
COST/TICKETS: Not listed
DESCRIPTION: In this one-man comedy show, the actor explores themes like his parents' sexuality, pornography and awkward sexual arousal, in a sort of monologue confession. With a show of his nerve and insolence he also reveals his shyness and self-reflection. For adults over 18 years of age.
For more information phone 214-8281 or 6674-9190.
Rabbit Hole
Theater & Film
WHERE: Boquete Community Theater, Boquete, Chiriqui
WHEN: April 10th through 14th
COST/TICKETS: Tickets $15
DESCRIPTION: A live theater production of the successful acting group in the highlands.
Click here for more information, or phone 720-2466.
BVB Ladies' Night Out Mama Mia Party
Theater & Film
WHERE: Las Brisas Boquetenos, Chiriqui
WHEN: April 11th, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
COST/TICKETS:Donation $10
DESCRIPTION: Fundraiser in a private home for the ben
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Panama’s fifth biggest Cooperative (Credit Union) demise
Another NewsRoomPanama report of interest:
Expat and local depositors hung out to dry as $95 million Coop liquidates
SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2013 17:18
Thousands of depositors, in Panama’s fifth biggest Cooperative (Credit Union) may have to wait up to two years to access their savings, and receive no interest.
A settlement order was issued to Coacecss March 21 by the Panama Autonomous Cooperative Institute (IPACOOP) after the refusal of a proposed reorganization and financing presented to the board by various cooperative associations.
In June 2012 IPACOOP detected a "financial deterioration" in its management, including paying high commissions for referring clients.
Coacecss opened its doors 46 years ago with just 20 employees and contributions of 50 cents.
When the settlement order was issued in March, it had 14,975 Associates, a loan portfolio valued at $83 million and about $ 95 million in deposits from savers, including many foreign residents.
The uncertainty for depositors began in June last year, when the Panamanian (IPACOOP), entity that governs these financial institutions, said a statement by the company after reporting a "deteriorating financial and administrative" in it.
Savers, both foreign and local, have expressed concern about the situation, as they have had limited access to their funds, which in some cases are urgently needed.
According to Law 17 of 1997, which regulates cooperatives, in the order of priorities are first settlement expenses proper process, wages and benefits, investment certificates and finally the return of contributions of partners.
The cooperative would have used deposits to fund a broad portfolio of loans whose default is reported at 33% says La Prensa .
The cooperative, according IPACOOP, would be paying better interest rates to others than it paid to its partners, thus failing to Act 17 of 1997", which regulates this market, reports La Prensa.
Second resident crime death in a week in Chiriqui, Panama
NewsRoomPanama:
Second resident crime death in a week in Chiriqui
SATURDAY, 23 MARCH 2013 16:30
A 71-year- old woman was found dead in her home in Cermeño, Las Tinajas, in the Dolega district of Chiriqui.
She was found by a child early on Saturday, March 23. The doors of the house were open and all the lights were on.
Investigations are under way by forensic experts, police and Chiriqui prosecutor, Luis Martinez.
It is presumed that the motive was robbery.
A 72-year-old American woman, Georgia Tripp was murdered the previous week in the Volcan District of Chiriqui. She was found by a neighbor, lying in the garden with a stab wound to the neck.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Waldorf Astoria opens in Panama City.
FYI, Calle Uruguay is the "South Beach" of Panama City with many restaurants & night clubs (see bold print in text next to last paragraph) ~~ P.L.
Waldorf Astoria Panama opens
With a commitment to personalized service and delivering a new sense of luxury to the booming Panama market, Waldorf Astoria Panama blends the distinguished sophistication of the luxury brand with the warmth of the local Panamanian personality.
“Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts are committed to a presence in landmark destinations around the world, so Panama is a perfect venue for our brand’s entry into Latin America,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, Global Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “The Waldorf Astoria Panama is perfectly positioned to create the exceptional experiences and unforgettable moments that are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand at all of our more than 20 destinations around the globe,” added Vanderslice.
Featuring 248 guest rooms, suites and luxury residences, Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts an exquisite timeless elegance and inviting ambiance displayed throughout the hotel’s public areas and accommodations. Designed by the Miami-based firm ba-haus/KNF, the newest hotel in Panama unveils a combination of fresh, luminous tones and reflective materials, as well as high ceilings, which inspire a sophisticated social atmosphere, using rich exotic woods, metallic pieces, multi-dimensional panels, glass and crystals
.
From arrival to departure, guests are not only embraced by this striking design, but also welcomed by True Waldorf Service - a service initiative that assigns a personal concierge to each qualified guest who acts as their primary contact, before, during and – an industry first – after a stay, to guarantee every want and request is met.
Guest rooms are tastefully appointed to combine luxurious comfort with a contemporary appeal, delivering the latest technology in a spacious, relaxing environment. Featuring the finest linens and amenities, all rooms offer plush bedding, high-definition flat screen television, alarm clock with MP3 player connection, wired and wireless Internet access and spacious marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers.
“Waldorf Astoria is known throughout the world as representing the best in luxury and hospitality, and we are proud to bring this unparalleled service and quality to Panama with the first ever Waldorf Astoria hotel in Latin America,” said Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “Waldorf Astoria Panama is a fantastic addition to our consistently growing portfolio in Latin America, and we look forward to welcoming travelers to the flawless service synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria name.”
Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts an impressive array of diverse culinary experiences, led by award-winning executive chef Kalych Padro Alvarado. Featuring four distinct restaurants and bars, Waldorf Astoria Panama, tempts guests with the renowned Peacock Alley, a sophisticated and intimate lobby bar; Ginger, an authentic and exotic lounge and sushi bar that incorporates ginger in its Asian specialty menu; Bungalow Terrace & Pool Bar, a welcome oasis in a relaxing poolside atmosphere; and BRIO Brasserie, a casual all day dining restaurant perfect for a fresh meal made with local ingredients that combines modern French and American cuisine.
Providing luxury at every turn, Waldorf Astoria Panama indulges guests with Waldorf Astoria Spa, a 2,000-square-foot retreat where visitors can rejuvenate in the heart of Panama City. Offering five treatment rooms, including a couples-only space, Waldorf Astoria Spa features acclaimed beauty brand Babor. Founded in 1956, Babor employs pioneering technology to transform the secrets of nature into innovative products so Waldorf Astoria Spa can offer invigorating body and facial treatments including signature experiences and techniques. Wellness facilities at Waldorf Astoria Panama also include a 2,000-square-foot fitness center by Life Fitness® and an outdoor swimming pool uniquely designed with mosaic gold tiles.
In addition to the hotel’s exclusive dining and wellness facilities, Waldorf Astoria Panama features Level 5, a multi-event venue for meetings and social gatherings where Manhattan penthouse design blends with a trendy Latin American ambiance. The more than 3,500 square feet of meeting space includes three multi-purpose meeting rooms and a ballroom, complemented by a versatile business center where guests can access a variety of services.
The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Panama offers guests a stylish getaway in an exclusive area of the city. Located steps away from Calle Uruguay, in the heart of the entertainment area, Waldorf Astoria Panama is approximately 25 minutes from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and two blocks from the city center and financial district. The hotel’s enviable location puts guests on the doorstep of what many refer to as “Restaurant Row” where seemingly limitless dining options are just footsteps away. Within walking distance of Cinta Costera, one of Latin America’s best running and walking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the luxury hotel is just 20 minutes from the Panama Canal and 10 minutes from the historic center known as Casco Viejo.
The hotel participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.
Monday, March 18, 2013
American Woman murdered in Volcan, Panama
American Expat Georgia Tripp Murdered in Volcan, Panama
Friday, March 15 2013 @ 11:32 AM EDT, Contributed by: Don Winner
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Georgia Tripp, a 73 year old American woman who has been living in (or near) the Brisas del Norte development in the town of Volcán, district of Bugaba, province of Chiriqui in the Republic of Panama for approximately six years, was found murdered in her front yard at noon yesterday with a single stab wound to the back of her neck.
A neighbor, who was also Georgia's landlord and the owner and resident of an adjoining property, saw her lying face-up in the yard and he notified the police.
It is estimated the murder occurred at approximately 12:00 noon or 12:30 pm yesterday afternoon. The police, detectives, and representatives from the prosecutor's office of the Public Ministry were on the scene by 2:30 pm.
Georgia had a single stab (puncture) wound to the right side of the back of her neck. When the body was first discovered there was some speculation she might have also suffered some sort of blunt force trauma to the back of her head. However upon further examination of the body it turned out to be a pooling of blood that apparently came from the stab wound, and there was no indication of a blunt force trauma to the back of her head.
Police detectives discovered a knife under Georgia's right leg. She was laying face-up with her leg's crossed at the ankles. She was still wearing her glasses, although they were slightly out of place. There was also a drawer open in the kitchen where Georgia kept her kitchen knives, but so far it has not been confirmed that the murder weapon came from her kitchen, or if the knife found under her body was actually the weapon that caused the fatal wound.
Georgia was not a very rich person. She was not known to keep large amounts of cash money in her house, nor did she have much by the way of expensive jewelry or other types of valuables most often sought by thieves. The most valuable thing in the house was probably her laptop computer, and that was still in the house when the detectives arrived. So, at first blush, robbery does not seem to be the motive for this attack. Obviously, the authorities are still investigating.
Georgia did not have any steady domestic employees, such as a regular maid or gardener. She did have a couple of girls who would help her with the housework about once a week or so. There was one young boy who would help with yard work but she had not used him in the past six months or so.
Georgia did not have any family members living in Panama, and her son lives in California. A friend called him yesterday to notify him of what had happened.
Georgia was an active member of her community. She loved to dance. She participated in the Volcan Quilters organization. While the authorities continue to investigate this most recent attack against a member of the English speaking community of expatriates living in the Republic of Panama, please take this as one more reminder to improve and upgrade your personal security situation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of Georgia's friends and family members.
Copyright 2013 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source.
Friday, March 15 2013 @ 11:32 AM EDT, Contributed by: Don Winner
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Georgia Tripp, a 73 year old American woman who has been living in (or near) the Brisas del Norte development in the town of Volcán, district of Bugaba, province of Chiriqui in the Republic of Panama for approximately six years, was found murdered in her front yard at noon yesterday with a single stab wound to the back of her neck.
A neighbor, who was also Georgia's landlord and the owner and resident of an adjoining property, saw her lying face-up in the yard and he notified the police.
It is estimated the murder occurred at approximately 12:00 noon or 12:30 pm yesterday afternoon. The police, detectives, and representatives from the prosecutor's office of the Public Ministry were on the scene by 2:30 pm.
Georgia had a single stab (puncture) wound to the right side of the back of her neck. When the body was first discovered there was some speculation she might have also suffered some sort of blunt force trauma to the back of her head. However upon further examination of the body it turned out to be a pooling of blood that apparently came from the stab wound, and there was no indication of a blunt force trauma to the back of her head.
Police detectives discovered a knife under Georgia's right leg. She was laying face-up with her leg's crossed at the ankles. She was still wearing her glasses, although they were slightly out of place. There was also a drawer open in the kitchen where Georgia kept her kitchen knives, but so far it has not been confirmed that the murder weapon came from her kitchen, or if the knife found under her body was actually the weapon that caused the fatal wound.
Georgia was not a very rich person. She was not known to keep large amounts of cash money in her house, nor did she have much by the way of expensive jewelry or other types of valuables most often sought by thieves. The most valuable thing in the house was probably her laptop computer, and that was still in the house when the detectives arrived. So, at first blush, robbery does not seem to be the motive for this attack. Obviously, the authorities are still investigating.
Georgia did not have any steady domestic employees, such as a regular maid or gardener. She did have a couple of girls who would help her with the housework about once a week or so. There was one young boy who would help with yard work but she had not used him in the past six months or so.
Georgia did not have any family members living in Panama, and her son lives in California. A friend called him yesterday to notify him of what had happened.
Georgia was an active member of her community. She loved to dance. She participated in the Volcan Quilters organization. While the authorities continue to investigate this most recent attack against a member of the English speaking community of expatriates living in the Republic of Panama, please take this as one more reminder to improve and upgrade your personal security situation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of Georgia's friends and family members.
Copyright 2013 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Fire in Albrook Mall, Panama
News Room Panama:
At least 60 stores will be closed in the Penguin and Kangaroo hallways of Albrook Mall, until the National System of Civil Defense Authority (Sinapoc ) and the Fire Department determine whether it is safe to open them after the fire on Wednesday, March 13
Closed spaces like stores, appliances, technologies were affected by smoke, as and the Madison Store warehouse, which was consumed by fire.
It took the fire department 14 hours to extinguish the fire.
The director of the Fire Department, Paul Tuñón, said there is no sprinkler system in Albrook Mall, because when it was built, the law did not require them. Damage is estimated at $15 million.
Meanwhile President Martinelli, who earlier had authorized the arrest of 25 firefighters, thanked the firefighters for their work in extinguishing the blaze.
At a fire on Avenida Balboa earlier in the year, he thanked the firefighters and promised them better equipment.
$15 million damage but no sprinklers in Albrook Mall
Closed spaces like stores, appliances, technologies were affected by smoke, as and the Madison Store warehouse, which was consumed by fire.
It took the fire department 14 hours to extinguish the fire.
The director of the Fire Department, Paul Tuñón, said there is no sprinkler system in Albrook Mall, because when it was built, the law did not require them. Damage is estimated at $15 million.
Meanwhile President Martinelli, who earlier had authorized the arrest of 25 firefighters, thanked the firefighters for their work in extinguishing the blaze.
At a fire on Avenida Balboa earlier in the year, he thanked the firefighters and promised them better equipment.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
More on Canadian Ed Moynan found dead in Panama
From a source in Panama:
police
Canadian DNA confirms identity of Ed Moynan, Canadian,
who disappeared on November 2012 in CORONADO
Monday, March 11, 2013
Moynan Ed lived in Coronado. | Panama-guide.com
As I suspected the National Police, the DNA tests have confirmed that the body of a man found in a suitcase are really Ed Moynan, reported the Panama-Guide.com website
The remains were found by employees of Altos de Campana National Park last week.
Moynan, 68 years old, is a retired Canadian who disappeared last November 8, 2012, when he allegedly was kidnapped when he left his home in Coronado Beach, Panama on the Pacific coast.
police
Canadian DNA confirms identity of Ed Moynan, Canadian,
who disappeared on November 2012 in CORONADO
Monday, March 11, 2013
Moynan Ed lived in Coronado. | Panama-guide.com
As I suspected the National Police, the DNA tests have confirmed that the body of a man found in a suitcase are really Ed Moynan, reported the Panama-Guide.com website
The remains were found by employees of Altos de Campana National Park last week.
Moynan, 68 years old, is a retired Canadian who disappeared last November 8, 2012, when he allegedly was kidnapped when he left his home in Coronado Beach, Panama on the Pacific coast.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Body of missing Canadian Ed Moynan found in Panama
CTV News:
Daughter confirms Ottawa man found dead in Panama was her dad
The daughter of Ed Moynan has confirmed a man found dead in Panama was her father. (CTV)
The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2013 6:58AM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2013 8:01AM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2013 8:01AM EDT
OTTAWA - The daughter of an Ottawa man who'd been missing in Panama since November says a body found last Friday in the Central American country was her dad.
Ed Moynan's daughter, Sandy, posted a message on Facebook confirming that her father's body had been identified.
She thanked family, friends, patients and colleagues for their support over the last four months and said funeral details would be posted shortly.
Foreign Affairs confirmed Monday that Canadian has died in Panama.
That news came amid reports that police in Panama were looking into whether a body found in a suitcase was Moynan's.
Moynan, who was 68, went missing from his Panama home and the suitcase was found in a nearby national park.
Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/daughter-confirms-ottawa-man-found-dead-in-panama-was-her-dad-1.1191933#ixzz2NQGD0LS5
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Indigenous protests in Panama turn violent
Indigenous protests in Panama turn violent
Demonstrators in the western town of Vigui threw up barricades with three trunks and branches, on the Pan-American Highway, the main road to neighboring Costa Rica.
They say the planned Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam, near the borders of Veraguas and Chiriqui provinces, will displace at least 36,000 people. Many local indigenous people’s traditional way of life is based on fishing from the river and transport on the waterway.
Police in riot gear seeking to reopen the highway cracked down on dozens of demonstrators who fought back with rocks and other blunt objects.
“People were protesting peacefully for the closing of the (planned) Barro Blanco (hydroelectric power plant) and police attacked them,” local Ngobe Bugle indigenous leader Silvia Carrera said.
Carrera said she expected there would be injuries but could not confirm whether protesters were treated in hospital.
The Panamanian government wants to use the Central American nation’s vast and largely untapped water resources to make energy more affordable, selling land as needed to build hydroelectric power plants.
The government argues that oil-fueled plants have made energy costs too high in the country of 3.4 million.
Last year, indigenous people and the government held UN-mediated talks after violent clashes over traditional indigenous lands being used by mining industries and for hydroelectric plants left at least two people dead.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Smithsonian Tropical Research weekly seminars in Ancon
Smithsonian weekly seminars in Ancon HQ
Tuesday seminar March 12th, 2013 at the Earl S. Tupper Conference Center
Announcing the STRI Tuesday afternoon seminar for March 12th, 2013 at 4:00 pm in the Earl S. Tupper auditorium:
Speaker: Luis Mejia, STRI
Title: The genetic and molecular basis for pathogenic and mutualistic interactions between a tropical tree and its associated fungi
Upcoming seminars:
March 19: Robert Stallard, STRI
Eroding Mountains – Examining the Hydrological and Biogeochemical Processes in Research Watersheds in Eastern Puerto Rico using Runoff-Concentration Relations
March 26: Raphael Sagarin, PhD, University of Arizona
Learning from the Octopus: How Observations of Nature are Transforming Science and Society
April 2: Dina Dechman, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology
Title to be announced
My favorite places to eat in Panama City:
My favorite places to eat in Panama City
Balboa Yacht
Club, Amador beside Country Inn & Suites & FGI Fridays on the Panama
Canal (typical Panama
Calle Uruguay has many good restaurants, clubs and bars,
it is like the “South
Beach
Vegetarian
Restaurants in Panama City
Me gusta Comida Vegetariana is off via España on the side street between the Continental Hotel & Marriott Hotel (across the street from Restaurant Costa Azul on the “rounded“ corner).
Me gusta Comida Vegetariana is off via España on the side street between the Continental Hotel & Marriott Hotel (across the street from Restaurant Costa Azul on the “rounded“ corner).
Costa Azul Restaurant (typical Panama
Jimmy’s Parrilla
Restaurant (typical Panama
Lung Fung (Chinese) Restaurant, Betania area, Vía
Simón Bolívar (Transístmica) and Calle 62 C. Oeste Take a taxi, parking is
tight under the building, but there is a parking lot up the street. Taxi
drivers know the name.
Manolo’s Cafes, several in the city, Via Veneto , Via Argentina
Martin Fierro
(Argentine cruise), El Cangrejo, Calle Eusebio Morales, down the street from
the Las Vegas Hotel
Mi Ranchito (typical Panama
Napoli Italian Restaurant, original off Avenida de Martes
near the old Canal Zone & the new one
south of Via España on a side street in Obarrio
Niko’s Cafes (buffet-cafeteria style), all over Panama City
Pomodoro Restaurant Italian cuisine in a bohemian
cafe atmosphere, located on the left side of the entrance to the Las Vegas
Hotel on Via Veneto see:
Rincon Aleman,
Germany
Restaurant, one block off Frederico Boyd & one block north of Calle 50
beside Tinajas Restaurant, see: http://www.1985.com/restaurant_rincon_aleman.html
Rincon Suizo, Swiss Restaurant, El Cangrejo, Calle
Eusebio Morales, down the street from the Las Vegas Hotel, see:
Rino’s Italian & International cuisine, Banking
District, Ave Federico Boyd & Calle 49.
Tinajas Restaurant, (typical Panama food with typical Panama
Wine Bar, on the right side of the entrance to Las
Vegas Hotel offers cheese varieties, pizza's and other gourmet choices mixed
with live music of local groups. See bottom:
TGI Fridays,
Bennigan’s, Hooters + many U.S.
Outside of Panama City
Los Camisones, PanAmerican highway (typical Panama food
+), 1.5 hour drive west of Panama City or about 15 kilometers past the entrance
to El Valle, KM 104, north side of the Pan Am Hwy, look for a small sign, it’s
easy to miss. The restaurant is on s short one lane road up a hill. http://loscamisones.com/
Las Ruinas Restaurant (typical Panama
There are other vegan restaurant in the city, but not being one I do not have names or locations.
Hotel Avicar on the road to Darien
East of Panama City on the PanAmerican highway toward the jungles of Darien, Hotel Avicar: Torti , Panama :
about 2 hour drive east
of Panama City toward the Darien
Thursday, March 7, 2013
HSBC, Panama: "Exit, stage right"
Transparency International:
Take away the moral relativism, and the costs of continuing to operate in a higher risk country like Panama might become too great to make it worth while. Those costs would include not only fines that, at the 1.9 billion mark, actually do grab the attention of senior management and investors. Other costs, such as risk management and compliance, and the need to turn away certain types of business, tip the scale from profitable to not. Add to these costs other indirect costs, like repairing damage to reputation, and the profit picture can change dramatically.
HSBC, Panama: “Exit, stage right”
The moral relativism that traditionally infects multinationals in hot, corrupt countries is going out of style.”
This is according to Jonathan Guthrie of the Financial Times, in discussing the decision of HSBC to close down its operations in Panama (Corruption Perceptions Index score in 2012: 38 out of 100). The decision was purportedly to increase profits – but maybe not in the way one would expect.
HSBC was recently fined upwards of US $1.9 billion (with a “B”) by the United States for, among other things, its failure to prevent large scale money laundering in its Mexican subsidiary. It has publicly committed to operating to US standards throughout the world. In this context, an exit from a country like Panama may illustrate the hidden costs of doing business in countries with a poor record on corruption. Such operations are by no means as profitable as they may seem.
Take away the moral relativism, and the costs of continuing to operate in a higher risk country like Panama might become too great to make it worth while. Those costs would include not only fines that, at the 1.9 billion mark, actually do grab the attention of senior management and investors. Other costs, such as risk management and compliance, and the need to turn away certain types of business, tip the scale from profitable to not. Add to these costs other indirect costs, like repairing damage to reputation, and the profit picture can change dramatically.
Although Panama has made a lot of progress in the years since it was placed, and subsequently removed, from the Financial Action Task Force’s list of Non-Cooperative Countries, its geographic location, coupled with issues relating to transparency, in particular, with respect to availability of ownership information of Panamanian companies and the availability of accounting information in respect of entities that do not receive any Panamanian-source income, would support a bank’s determination that doing business there is relatively high risk.
In 83rd place (out of 176), Panama’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, it shares first place among the Central American countries with El Salvador. However, its score of 38 out of 100 is a clear indication that there is work to be done.
Designated as a higher risk country, a Bank would be obligated to put in place more robust, and hence costly, due diligence and monitoring standards and infrastructure. Perhaps its business in Panama would give rise to higher costs of capital as well.
All in all, taking corruption and transparency into consideration in evaluating a business proposition is a wise and prudent decision. Businesses should not only to protect shareholders and maximise profits, but also put pressure on the governments of exited countries to do more to combat corruption.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Copa Airlines, a lead sponsor of Panama’s International Film Festival has announced big discounts on flights to Panama for the April event.
Copa Airlines, a lead sponsor of Panama’s International
Film Festival has announced big discounts on flights to Panama for the April
event.
The discounts to enjoy the festival to be held from April 11 to 17, may be claimed for travel to from April 3 to 21, which will give visitors not only the opportunity to share in what promises to be a spectacular follow up to last year’s event, but also time to take in many of the delights of Panama.
The purchase of tickets can be done immediately by following a few simple steps on the airline page www.copa.com.
The code number for the Canada 25% discount is E5284, and for the other regions for the 15% discount the code is C5284.
By accessing the system, , you can purchase from the web, with your credit card
A prime mover behind the first edition of the The International Film Festival of Panama was Henk Van Der Kolk, a co founder of the internationally recognized Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) .
The Panama festival has a mission to build a cultural link with the world film community, to help the development of the local industry, promote film education, and to establish the festival as a tourist destination.
The discounts to enjoy the festival to be held from April 11 to 17, may be claimed for travel to from April 3 to 21, which will give visitors not only the opportunity to share in what promises to be a spectacular follow up to last year’s event, but also time to take in many of the delights of Panama.
The purchase of tickets can be done immediately by following a few simple steps on the airline page www.copa.com.
The code number for the Canada 25% discount is E5284, and for the other regions for the 15% discount the code is C5284.
By accessing the system, , you can purchase from the web, with your credit card
A prime mover behind the first edition of the The International Film Festival of Panama was Henk Van Der Kolk, a co founder of the internationally recognized Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) .
The Panama festival has a mission to build a cultural link with the world film community, to help the development of the local industry, promote film education, and to establish the festival as a tourist destination.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Boquete Jazz & Blues Fest Feb 28 - March 3, 2012
World-Class Jazz & Blues on the slopes of Volcan Baru
Feb 28 - March 3, 2012
A great festival in the Chiriqui highlands....
The beautiful Chiriqui Highlands have long been one of Panama’s most favorite vacation and retirement spots, and the jewel of Chiriqui province is beautiful Boquete, home of about 15,000 including some 1,500 retired expats from all over the world. Located at an elevation of 3,000 ft it is also the home of some of the best coffees in the world. The cool, crisp mountain air on the slopes of towering Volcan Baru, Panama's highest mountain, delicious fresh mountain water, an abundant nature with lots of flowers, flamboyantly flowering trees and hundreds of species of birds plus the closeness to two oceans have attracted visitors from all over the world.The natural beauty of Boquete is the perfect setting to stimulate the creative talents and artistic abilities of those who live here as well as those who come for a visit. So it is no surprise that this small town hosts a lively art and music scene which culminates in the annual Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival. Right from the start in 2007 the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival has been the biggest music event in the province of Chiriqui. The 2012 edition was also the first ever festival in Panama to showcase first-class international Blues acts in addition to notable Panamanian and Latin American artists featuring Jazz and Latin American music styles. Jazz & Blues Festival and so much more! We'd LOVE to see you at our festival but there is so much more to see and do while you're here! Having traveled so far to get here you'll certainly won't want to miss the abundance of exciting places and adventures Panama has to offer. Please check out our visitors' info page for more information. Purchase your tickets for the 2013 festival and place your donations ONLINE now!
You can now book your tickets and/or place your donations for the 2013 Boquete Jazz&Blues Festival ONLINE by clicking here! Your confirmation email will serve as your ticket - print it out and show it at the festival venue gate.
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