Electricity goes up
Despite the positive economic figures of 2005, which according to the government reached 6.1%, Christmas seemed a bit dim last year. It was evident that the "sea of lights" Panama’s City’s banking district turns into every December was a bit calm this time. The reason? The announcement of one of the biggest raises in electricity rates in the country’s recent history, ranging from 15 to 33% more, depending on consumption. However, the measure will not affect those who pay monthly bills of $25.00 or less, due to the subsidy of 66% of the customers.

The rising prices have prompted a number of private citizens and business organizations to protest against the measure and a lawsuit against the "Ente Regulador" –the government entity that oversees fair business practices among private-owned utilities—seeks to declare the raise unconstitutional, arguing that the power companies failed to issue the notice 60 days in advance, as stipulated by law. At any rate, those consuming more than 550 kilowatts per month are expected to see a substantial increase in their bill on February 1st, although the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which reviews utility rates every six months, has vowed to do so within a shorter period.

"Growing pains"
There is no doubt that the excellent economic rates of Panama’s economy is largely due to the success of the construction industry, which has prompted the tremendous growth of Panama City, both vertically and horizontally, especially during the last two decades. This growth, however, comes with its measure of "pain". Water supply has been a major concern for many communities such as Tocumen, Pedregal, Mañanitas, and Pacora, located on the eastern rim of the metropolitan area, the residents of which often suffer from the effects of water shortages, especially during the dry season (January-April). A long overdue project, the "Línea de Oriente" ("Eastern Line"), the construction of an extensive network of pipelines, promises to solve the problem in the near future, although the rest of the city will have to temporarily go through a similar experience during this dry season. Over 700,000 residents of the metro area recently "survived" 18 hours without water one weekend in January –the first and most extensive of the six water outages announced by IDAAN (the government-owned utility) until the Linea de Oriente works conclude later this year.

Free Trade Disagreement?
The government of president Martín Torrijos experienced major changes earlier this month as a direct result of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the United States. Laurentino Cortizo, the Minister of Agricultural Development (Desarrollo Agropecuario) and long-time friend of president Torrijos, resigned his post arguing that he was not willing to sign an agreement that would be detrimental to the interests of the country’s agricultural and farming industries.

Farming and agriculture have been a tough stumbling block in the Panamanian, U.S. negotiations, the ninth round of which is currently taking place in Washington D.C. Enrique Athanasiadis, the president of the National Organization of Agricultural Business (ONAGRO), said that subsidized farming industry of the U.S. would displace local producers, resulting in higher prices for the local market. Nevertheless, there seems to be an important change in the position of the United States in recent days. Our northern neighbors are now willing to allow larger quotas of a number of imported Panamanian crops, which will also enjoy extended tariff-free import periods.

After an extended year-long hiatus, the U.S.-Panamanian free trade talks resumed this month, probably as a direct result of George W. Bush’s visit to Panama late last year.

Industrial Contamination
Panama is tackling the problem of industrial contamination in the greater Panama City area. The issue was sparked when residents close to a factory recycling old batteries were found to have traces of lead in their bloodstream. Since then the office of the Ombudsman, which maintains a department of ecological affairs, has received hundreds of complaints from citizens alleging that they have been affected by toxic gases, agro chemicals, organic residues, noise and other factors prejudicial to health the governmens is acting to enforce controls on offending instalations. The adherence to zoning laws is also being investigated.

Panama Flag Leads
Panama’s Merchant Marine, grossed over $54 million in 2005, about $3 million more than the previous year. Panama has by far the biggest merchant fleet in the world with 6,656 ships under her flag, accounting for 136 million gross tonnage. Liberia is the runner-up with 1,599 ships and 56 million gross tons.

Cable railway protest
The civic Pro-defense Movement of the Ancon Hill carried out a walkathon recently to reject the project for construction of a cable railway to the top of this historic hill. They claim this will damage the biodiversity of the fauna and flora in the sector. Environmentalists, students, historians and nearby residents participated in the walk that began at 9 a.m. at the foot of the hill and ended at the top. They also object to the proposal to build a hotel on the hill.

New Movie
Panama has notched up another point by being chosen once more as a location for a movie, this time "Point of the Spear", In the movie, the Emberá tribe plays a key role. The actors, Louie Leonard and Jack Guzman, will be present at the premier to recount their experiences living next to the Emberá during the filming.

Baseball
The star closing game pitcher of the New York Yankees, the Panamanian, Mariano Rivera, finally confirmed that he would form part of the Panamanian team that will go to the Baseball World Classic in March 2006. The secretary general of the Panamanian Baseball Confederacy, Omar Rodriguez, the link with the Major League agency, confirmed the news.

Energy
More news on the energy front. From March 21 to 23, Panama will be the site of the "Expo-Conference of Biocombustibles". The fair will become the ideal opportunity for investors of the region interested in the development of projects for the production of biocombustibles, according to members of the National Environmental Authority (ANAM), who are the organizers of the event.

The State managed to save almost half a million US dollars in consumption of electricity in a single month with the campaign "We Save", of the National Commission of Energy Savings, surpassing the goal of reducing the monthly use of energy by the public sector by 5%. The result of the Energy Savings Plan that began on October 17, 2005 represented a global reduction of 8.19% in kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed during the month of November of last year that at the same time represented a reduction in consumption by 6.18%, that is to say, US $490,271.

The government took the first step for the installation of a refinery in the country. Recently the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Alejandro Ferrer, signed a memorandum of understanding with Hasham Mukadam, representative of the company Western American Midstream Projects (OXY), interested in developing a petroleum refinery complex in Port Armuelles, in the province of Chiriqui.

The beautiful Panamanian Pollera.
Foto: Lina Isaza (linaza.com)

The Visitor, the tourist newspaper of the Republic of Panama, has crossed the Atlantic this week to greet participants of the "FITUR" trade fair, taking place in Madrid, January 25-29.

This being one of the world`s principal tourism fairs, we take this opportunity to present to our special readers a small survey of the rich cultural heritage of our country.

Carnaval de Panamá

By: Milagro Vallecillos

Eduardo Espino and one of his creations.

No one can deny that one of the best-known cultural legacies of the Spanish in Panama is the celebration of the pre-Lenten Carnivals, four days and five nights of frolic, color and splendor which galvanizes the entire nation in February every year.

In the Azuero peninsula which thrusts southeastwards into the Pacific Ocean, old-Spanish traditions are more deeply-rooted than in any other region in the country, with Carnival being the most important of the region’s 700 annual festivals.

In Las Tablas, the provincial capital of Los Santos, Carnival is almost a religion. A good percentage of its people spend the entire year making preparations for the city’s grand celebration, which attracts thousands from all parts of Panama, transforming the otherwise sleepy community into the country’s de facto capital for four days –thanks to the lively, folklore touch of Carnivals there.

One of these Carnival devotees is Eduardo Espino Amaya, whofor the past nine years hs dedicated his time to designing and assembling the colorful dresses and costumes worn by Las Tablas’ Carnival queens.

Eduardo’s prestige has crossed borders on numerous occasions. His designs have won important international prizes, such as the "Best Fantasy Costume Award," issued in Tamaulipas, Mexico in 2002. One of his dresses was awarded the third place during a recent Miss Maja pageant in Colombia.

The designer with one of the costumes.

Eduardo’s costumes have also attracted the attention of numerous judges in Panamanian contests and pageants, including the Miss Panama pageant. "Nature is my main source of inspiration, but the physical features of the queens and models are a strong factor in my creations," he said.

Eduardo Espino and his crew start planning and working on next year’s Carnivals on Ash Wednesday –even before the current carnival ends. "We often spend many sleepless nights working on our designs, some of which can weigh up to 50 pounds or more," he explained.

Depending on the materials and fabrics, Eduardo’s costumes can cost US$3,000 or more.

Las Tablas’ big party
Carnival in Las Tablas is the country’s largest festival. The population of this small city, located 282 km. southwest of Panama City, triples in size during the celebration –Panama’s version of Rio.

The main attraction of Las Tablas’ Carnivals are its two rival factions: Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo ("Upper" and "Lower" Streets, respectively.) Controlled by family clans, each with their own queen, both factions compete against each other, not only by seeking to present the best parades to visitors during Carnival, but also throughout the year in numerous folklore festivals.

According to costume designer Eduardo Espino, visitors should expect a Carnival filled with luxury and great innovations. He said the total investment of his faction for the festivity surpasses the US$400,000 mark.

The Pollera: Panama’s national attire for women:

The Pollera is Panama's National dress.

She was born in 17th-century Spain...and soon acquired her own identity in the New World. Although her origins were humble, today she could well be found in the wardrobe of a princess. We are talking about the Pollera, Panama’s national dress.

Very few national dresses are as elaborate, graceful and ornate as the Panamanian Pollera, which is has won many important international awards around the world. It has been declared "The Best National Costume" in many renowned international pageants, such as "Miss Universe" and "Miss World."

Any Panamanian will tell you that the best Polleras in the world are made in the vicinity of Santo Domingo de Las Tablas in the province of Los Santos, the hometown of Elia Vergara de Espinoza, one of the dozens of ladies who spend six months, or perhaps an entire year preparing a single, hand-sewn work of art that could cost $5,000 or $10,000 even without its traditional golden trimmings.

Mrs. Espinoza learned to make Polleras since childhood.

As if she were a high-fashion designer (she works in the serenity of her back porch with two or three seamstresses at times) Mrs. Espinosa is sought after by scores of Carnival queens, international beauty pageant contestants, society ladies and Panamanians residing abroad every year.

Mrs. Espinoza, who exhibits the soft-spoken, unpretentious personality of Panamanian country women, told The Visitor that her talent, discovered as a child and perfected by the age of 20 without any formal training, was recently recognized by an organization of Panamanian-born U.S. residents during a fashion show at Panama’s exclusive Union Club.

The dress
Experts believe that Panama’s Pollera evolved from the attire worn by Spanish peasant women of the 17th century. It consists of an ample, layered skirt, rich in laces, needlework and frills, which takes between 6 months to a year to assemble.

To have a Pollera is a sign of pride –a family treasure passed down from generation to generation. It is adorned with at least 13 golden chains, in addition of head pieces (made with pearls or fish scales), rings and bracelets, which, apart from the Pollera itself, could cost between $10,000-$30,000.

Polleras are worn with pride by folklore dance groups, during national holidays and special occasions. In the provinces, it is not uncommon for young ladies to marry in a traditional white Pollera, although this is also gaining popularity among city girls.

A native of Basel, Switzerland, Willy Diggelmann arrived in Panama as a tourist on December 39, 1976. A lot has happened in Digglemann’s life in the last 30 years. He married his Panamanian sweetheart, whom he met as a student in his native country and his two daughters are now following his footsteps as one of Panama’s most outstanding and outspoken chefs.

"Chef Willy", as Panama-nians affectionately refer to him, is well respected in isthmian culinary circles for his success in combining European haute cuisine with the tropical flavors of Panamanian fare.

"It was a big challenge for me at first, but after experimentation over a long time, I was able to create excellent sauces with tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit," he said.

Willy Diggelmann has owned and managed Chalet Suizo, his first restaurant, for 23 years, during which he has been recognized with awards by Le Cordon Bleu and Club Gourmet, among other well-reputed international culinary organizations.

Chef Willy proudly displays one of his many awards.

More recently, his wine cellar, considered one of the largest in Latin America, was recognized by a prestigious New York magazine. "Chalet Suizo is the only restaurant in Central America to have received such a distinction," he explained.

His success has led him to open other restaurants throughout Panama City, including Pomodoro, an Italian Spaghetteria, which offers 120 pasta variations, and Restaurante 1985, a long-established and elegant French restaurant which shares a building with Chalet Suizo.

Another of Chef Willy's successful ventures is The Wine Bar, the country’s first wine club, which offers a complete selection of pastas, cheese and over 200 varieties from some of the world’s best-reputed wineries. Located in El Cangrejo, in the heart of Panama City’s hotel district, The Wine Bar has now opened a second branch on the Amador Causeway, the fastest growing tourist destination in the Panama City metro area.

The latest issue of FOB Zona Libre de Colón has arrived and it is thicker than ever. The most complete guide of products and services of the Colón Free Zone, FOB’s 23rd volume features 464 full-color pages, presenting useful information on how to visit and do business in the hemisphere’s largest free trade emporium, as well as the benefits offered to those engaged in trade there. FOB also includes comprehensive lists of companies, products, trademarks, an advertisers’ index and a glossary, in addition to a well-organized product catalogue section, ranging from shoes and sandals to car-and-boat spare parts.

Published annually by Focus Publications (Int.) S.A. –the parent company of The Visitor and the Focus on Panama tourist guide— in a single English/Spanish volume, FOB Zona Libre de Colón is distributed at hotels, airports, the administration offices of the Colón Free Zone, user companies of the Free Zone, government offices and commercial entities throughout Panama, tourist venues and Panamanian embassies and consulates abroad.

For more information or to obtain copies of the publication, call (507) 225-6638 or visit www.colonfreezone.com

International Jazz has roots in Bocas del Toro

To many local tour operators, Panama’s western province of Bocas del Toro is a tourist Mecca, which today attracts an ever-increasing number of leisure and eco-enthusiasts. What most of them ignore, however, is that Bocas is the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest jazz musicians: Luis Russell.

Born 103 years ago this year, Russell was not a mere jazz performer. He is considered one of the "founding fathers" of this international genre, whose talent perhaps surpasses that of U.S. icon Louis Armstrong.

The beginnings
The strictness of the Victorian Era, the special cultural mélange of Bocas del Toro and that province’s banana trade with the United States not only had a profound effect on Russell’s persona, but on his musical legacy as well.

Contrary to the laid-back character it acquired later in the 20th century, Bocas exhibited, at the turn of the century, a more cosmopolitan air than Panama City. Back then, the provincial capital of Bocas boasted approximately half-a-dozen international consulates and was an active port from which bananas were shipped to the United States and Europe. English, more than today, was the language of preference in the region and the multi-cultural population of the province exhibited a strong inclination to all things foreign. Classical music, for example, was more popular than Panama’s tamborito.

Luis Russell.

Russell was born on August 6, 1902 to "Teacher" Russell, a well-reputed, Jamaican-born educator, and Edith Machore, the daughter of a ship’s captain of the United Fruit Company. Luis’ first notes, played on the violin and the piano, were those of classical music, taught by his father, who was an organist at a local church, and his mother, who was educated in New Orleans. Nevertheless, according to Mr. Ernesto Crouch, who has done extensive research on the life of the musician, young Russell was also introduced to popular music by a maternal uncle.

Educated with the strict discipline of the time, Luis Russell, still in his teens, soon became known for his great skill while performing at local functions and parties. Due to his aptitude as a director, he was nicknamed "the major" by his peers.

Due to circumstances still unknown, Russell moved to the city of Colón with his mother circa 1916. That same year the family purchased a lottery ticket —a popular tradition in Panama—and won first prize: US$3,000, an outstanding figure in those years.

At age 16, Russell found himself on board a steamer bound for New Orleans. Upon arrival, he soon became friends with the pianist of the Armand Piron band, who, from there on became his mentor. Before long, Luis Russell was regarded as a "little genius" by the cream of the crop of Louisiana’s musicians.

The pianist becomes the bandmaster
Jazz was still in its infancy when Russell first set foot on U.S. soil. According to Ernesto Crouch, Russell was one of the key stars of the entire jazz movement by the 1920’s.

"Russell was one of a kind", said Crouch during an interview with The Visitor, "Back then, jazz musicians were either American or French. There was no such thing as Latin Jazz".

Russell is known to have made a number of significant changes in primitive jazz, first increasing the size of the average band from five to eight members and later introducing the guitar, in addition to a larger saxophone section.

In 1927, Russell joined the King Oliver Orchestra, directed by the central figure of Jazz in those days. The orchestra, which also served to launch Louis Armstrong’s career, underwent substantial changes when Russell took over as director in 1928. The Panamanian-born conductor and pianist revived the more "primitive" forms of the "New Orleans" style of the 1910’s, the main feature of which was a smaller variety of instruments, which included clarinets, trombones, trumpets, banjos and a piano.

The year 1930 can be considered the pinnacle of Russell’s career, when he traveled extensively throughout the United States and published many recordings.

Panama always remained in the heart and mind of the Bocas del Toro native. Although he rarely returned to the Isthmus during this period, at least five of his records are known to have been named after his home country (sources say Russell visited Bocas del Toro in the early 1950’s, although it is unclear whether he offered any public presentations).

The end
The cultural changes affecting U.S. society after WWII ended the glory days of old jazz. Russell, who by then was living in New York City, saw a decline in his number of performances. Toward the late 50’s and early 1960’s, a new jazz current, "bee-bop", was born. The costs of managing large jazz orchestras became virtually prohibitive, forcing Russell to leave his trade and work as a chauffeur, a candy store clerk and a night club manager. Luis Russell died of cancer in New York City in 1963.

The unique 2006 Panama Calendar is now on sale. Published for the 20th consecutive year, the calendar is an informative publication of activities, events, concerts, exhibitions, religious dates, Jewish holy days, country fairs and national holidays of the Republic of Panama. The calendar also features Carnival and Easter dates through the year 2012, plus information on each of Panama’s nine provinces , flag etiquette and more.

The calendar is the creation of Panamanian journalist Carmela Lowe de Gobern, Editor of the Panama Cyberspace News. Price per copy is US$5.00. For more information, call 314-0398 , or send an e-mail to goberncl@cwpanama.net / www.panamacybernews.com

Over 5,000 chidren from poor families received toys this past festive season as a result of funds generated from the fifth "Toys for Tots" golf tournament organized by Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, the Marriott Hotel, the American Chamber of Commerce. The tournament raised $20,000. This year’s tournament will be held on March 18th.