News
Smithsonian tree planting day
Members of the public can join in the effort on Saturday, July 11, for a day of tree planting to help address climate change and restore part of one of Panama’s National Parks. To make a reservation, contact Jeanette Egger at 212-8235.
The Smithsonian is also working to implement policies to reduce its institutional energy consumption as well as encourage the individual members of the STRI community to seek ways to reduce their individual carbon footprints on the environment. This tree planting activity is part of an effort to become “carbon neutral”.
Martinelli’s presidential inauguration July
Panama will have a new president on Wednesday, July 1. Ricardo Martinelli will assume the helm of the nation from Martin Torrijos. Sources report that the public ceremony will be held at ATLAPA Convention Center. In the past, the inauguration or “Toma de Posessión” has warranted the proclamation of a national holiday, but as The Visitor went to press, no official word had been released.
International hotelier on board at upscale Chiriqui resort
Jeffrey Rake in the lush tropical island setting of Cala Mia.
“Jeff brings a wealth of experience to Boutique Hotel Cala Mia with his background in sales and marketing, operations management, finance and hotel real estate brokerage.” said a Cala Mia representative. Jeff has worked with notable companies including Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Trump International, Loews Hotels and Club Med, and has underwritten hotel real estate for virtually every flag in North America.
Jeff told The Visitor: “There’s really no need to re-position this superb island hotel. In my opinion – as supported by literally hundreds of guest reviews and travel industry professionals who have visited us – we have a world-class product in an absolutely stunning location! If we recognize an opportunity for improvement, we will do everything to assure a 5-Star experience, but for the most part, we just want to increase awareness of our product among consumers and the travel trade alike – in Panama as well as in North America and Europe.”
The vista at Cala Mia.
The eleven-room resort is located at the tip of a peninsula of Isla Boca Brava in the Chirquí province. Jeff says that guests love the rustic, casual luxury that they find at Cala Mia. Eco-minded luxury travelers are a growing segment of the tourism market. They can see that the ecological impact that the hotel has is minimal, by using solar power and gravity-driven well water.
The property attracts international celebrities, who Jeff says like to stay in “The Villa”, a double room connected by a shared patio that offers total privacy and is also great for families or couples.
“I tell potential guests that if they want to relax in a tranquil environment, surrounded by a 320 degree view of the Pacific and a 40 degree view of a bar, then they have to check us out,” says Jeff, “we can also offer an active itinerary with fishing, snorkeling, scuba, cultural or other adventure excursion.” For further information, contact jeffreyrake@hotmail.com, or call the resort directly at 507/6617-5352 for special rates.
US airlines to take more precautions
In a recent report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, United States government officials reported that US airlines will begin collecting more information on passengers of domestic and international US flights beginning next year. Passengers flying within the United States or taking a flight which makes a connection in the US will have to provide their full name, date of birth and gender beginning in early 2010. The measures are part of a plan to raise national security standards and avoid confusion between passengers and individuals on the terrorism suspect list.
First interactive tourism Kiosk at Albrook Mall
Marketing Director of the ATP, Kathy de Guardia reported that a total of twelve kiosks, with a total cost of $90,000, will be placed throughout the country, from Tocumen International Airport to Bocas del Toro and David, Chirquí.
The kiosks contain a significant amount of information on restaurants, hotels, embassies, destinations, banks, transportation, shopping and emergency contacts. The private sector has collaborated on the content of the kiosks.
Panama Social Scene
AmCham at Cervecería Nacional
AmCham members enjoyed a beer tasting and networking reception at the Cervezería Nacional.
Rosalin Paitel; Michael Harman, President of Cervezería Nacional;
Brenda McCulloogh; William Pohl; Marie Louise Belanger;
Moe Petterson; Maurice Belanger
Maria Florencia Suarez; Gilma Batista
 Chief Master Brewer Galaxis Ardila |
 Pamela Oakes; Alvaro Aguilar |
Moe Petterson; Caridad Aguilar
Cervezeria Nacional President Michael Harman
Seminar at Hospital Punta Pacífica
Panama offers a high standard of living comparable to other developed countries, and health care is not an exception. The American health care crisis is reason for foreigners to seek medical services in Panama in order to avoid the high cost of health care elsewhere. There are approximately 50 million Americans without health insurance and 120 million without dental insurance.
Earlier this week, the Florida-based Medical Tourism Association (MTA) held an informative seminar at Hospital Punta Pacifica which was organized by Ageless Wonders. Several important topics were covered regarding Panama’s potential to be a first-class medical tourism destination with a focus on the American market. The MTA proposed the creation of a “medical cluster”, an association specialized in the regulation and control of this new industry in conjunction with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP).
In attendance at the event was Alex Piper, president of OneWorld Global Healthcare Solutions, Inc. and former benefits executive for the Chrysler Corporation.
Blades kicks off career again with Calle 13 raggaeton fusion
The six-minute song mixes salsa, spoken word, modern rhythms and an almost hymnal chant into a very enjoyable work that would most likely be classified as “world music”. At the end of the song, Blades thanks “el residente y el visitante” before announcing that “se retira el ministro” (the minister retires). And it is our pleasure to congratulate Mr. Blades on a job well done.
Isthmian Update
Some of the news in Panama
Coastal Beltway to open
Vehicular traffic on Avenida Balboa will change starting this weekend, announced the Minister of Public Works (MOP), Benjamin Colamarco. President Martin Torrijos is scheduled to open the Coastal Beltway, his flagship project, which includes 26 acres of landfill and a new road parallel to Avenida Balboa.
Call to reopen
corruption case
A new scenario has arisen in order to reopen the trial for alleged bribery of former Legislative Assembly members, by the developers of the Colon area then known as the CEMIS project, a case which erupted in 2002. If the Supreme Court accepts the request to reopen this case, filed in March 2005 by the Attorney General, Ana Matilde Gomez, current members of the National Assembly could be investigated, including Carlos Afu, who originally reported the bribes. Civil groups endorsed the president-elect, Ricardo Martinelli, who called for the reopening of the case.
The National Commission for Civic and Moral Values, the civic clubs, the Research Center for Human Rights and Legal Relief, and the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), agreed with Martinelli’s call, describing it as a reflection of a sense of citizenship, which demands “no more impunity in the country”, according to the newspaper La Estrella.
Martinelli goes visiting
The president-elect of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, went to Colombia on Monday to talk with president Álvaro Uribe about security in the two countries. It was confirmed by the future Secretary of State for Communication, Astrid Salazar that Martinelli left later in the week for Brazil, to meet with the president of that country, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Trade integration with
Central America
The newspaper El Siglo reported that the Government of Panama considers that the ratification last week of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Nicaragua is an important step towards Panama’s full integration with Central America, since its incorporation will make it an active partner in negotiations with the European Union. The Panamanian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gisela Alvarez told ACAN-EFE that the agreement with Nicaragua was the last Panama had left to ratify with countries in the region, while the one signed in February last year with Guatemala enters into force on June 23.
Blades sings on
The Panamanian actor/singer/songwriter and Minister of Tourism, Rubén Blades, said that once he leaves the government on July 1, he will resume his career, but his image will continue to promote tourism in Panama. Blades told RPC Radio that he will continue to participate in promoting the country and has already filmed a number of advertising spots for the new administration of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) to use.
Govt supports
Colon Free Zone
The Government of Panama yesterday expressed its support for the Colon Free Zone over a trade dispute that prevents its businesses from entering the Colombian market. Panama and Colombia have 45 days to reach an agreement under the World Trade Organization (WTO), which serves as a mediator. If they fail, a WTO arbitrator will decide on the solution.
Metro plan gets going
Just eight days before the new government assumes office, the team of Ricardo Martinelli prepared the draft laws to be approved by the Cabinet in his early days in office, including creating the new Secretariat of the Panama Metro. The new independent body, responsible for a flagship project of the incoming administration will have a director appointed by the Executive and will require the ratification of the National Assembly. The Metro is not the only proposal on the table for the modernization of public transport. Movement Bases Transporters and Users of Panama, consisting of about 600 carriers, presented to the deputy director of the Transit Authority and Land Transport (ATTT), Roberto Moreno, a modernization plan that is being supported by the Blue Bird Corporation the United States.
Rail freight drops
The carriage of freight by rail in Panama will fall by 37.5% this year as a result of the global economic crisis, the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) authorities estimated. They calculated that they would move 225,000 containers, a similar number to that of 2007, compared with last year when it moved 360,000.
Ecuador against
“tax havens”
The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa this weekend issued a decree that limits the operation in that country of public companies domiciled in countries known as “tax havens”. Correa made an example of the newspaper El Comercio, which may not maintain its participation in State contracts because he calls it a “paper company” with 49% held in the Virgin Islands, the United States and Panama, according to an EFE news agency report.
Martinelli endorses
Venezuela relations
The president-elect Ricardo Martinelli said in an open debate that he expects to have good relations with Venezuela despite the ideological differences. “Venezuela is a natural ally,” said Martinelli. He mentioned that Venezuela is a major customer of the Colon Free Zone and potential partner for trade and trade agreements relating to oil.
Bay of Panama
protected area
The newspaper El Siglo said that the creation of the protected area of the Bay of Panama, from the suburb of Juan Diaz to Chimán, faces two major challenges: on the western side, real estate and tourist developments are putting pressure on mangroves and on the eastern side, there is increasing expansion of livestock farming.
Swindling the State
Crimes against public administration, in the last 18 months, have cost the state about $9 million, according to reports from the Public Ministry.
Billions for air
traffic control
The Spanish technology company Indra said that it was awarded contracts for management of air traffic in Panama and Ecuador with a value of 7.4 billion euros (10.3 billion dollars). In a press release, Indra said that in Panama it “will close the process of modernizing the infrastructure of air traffic management”
Foreign investment down but Panamanians keep spending
Foreign investors in Panama brought in $387 million in the first quarter, 31% less than the same period of 2008. Meanwhile, the newspaper La Critica commented that Panamanians do not seem to be aware of the world economic crisis and are consuming more. April’s tax receipts from transfers of goods and services (ITBMS) 5% tax, totalled $98.1 million compared with $82.9 million last year, a rise of 18.3%. And casinos had collected $13.1 million at the end of May – an increase of 6% compared to May 2008.
Audit of the corridors
Ministers Benjamin Colamarco of Public Works, and Héctor Alexander, Economy and Finance, say they are carring out procedures to ensure that auditing of ICA (South Corridor) and PYCS.A,(North Corridor) are carried out. The imminent increase in the toll of the Northern Corridor is the result of negotiations with the government and public transport operators and has not been imposed “unilaterally” by the company, said Oscar Delgado, director of business development of PYCSA. According to the Ombudsman, the the audits were performed last year, but that requests for their release were denied.
Gasoline hits $3
A gallon of 95 octane gasoline broke the $3.00 mark in the capital city.
Spain to buy alcohol
Liqueurs Bardinet, based in Barcelona, Spain, announced the signing of a purchase agreement with the five sugar mills in Panama to make their trademark rums: Negrita, Pujol and Negus. The agreement contemplates the purchase of 8 million gallons of alcohol which could represent exports of $40 million to Spain.
An artist’s lament
The Panamanian painter Desiderio Sanchez chained himself in front of the Foreign Ministry yesterday to demand “justice” for a painting lost during the dictatorship of Manuel Antonio Noriega. The work, entitled “Peasant with a hat,” was lost in 1983, when he was considered the “national master in painting” and he provided it to the Consulate of Panama in New York to be exhibited.
Yo quiero Taco Bell
The American fast food chain Taco Bell opened on Wednesday, June 24 at the Multiplaza Mall in Punta Pacifica. The TexMex mega-chain, whose current slogan is “Think Outside the Bun” has 6,500 restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Aruba, República Dominicana, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador as well as Asia and Europe. More Taco Bells will soon open at El Dorado Mall, Albrook Mall and Metro Mall.