Vivian Torrijos.

First Lady receives award
Panama's First Lady, Vivian Torrijos, recently received the "Mi Héroe" ("My Hero") Award, granted by the "Aid for AIDS" Organization for her contribution in the fight against the spread of HIV. The award was presented at the 14th International Inclusion Congress in New York City.

Panama at UN Security Council
One of the best news for Panama this year has been its recent election to the UN Security Council. The election solved a long political dispute between Venezuela and Guatemala which, not able to secure the necessary votes to represent Latin America at the Council, proposed Panama in their place. After the election, President Martín Torrijos traveled to Guatemala to personally thank President Oscar Berger for the gesture. This is the fifth time that Panama occupies a slot at the Security Council since the UN's creation over 60 years ago.

Companies interested in financing Canal's expansion
More than 40 Panamanian and international investors, financial firms and banks have expressed interest in financing the expansion of the Panama Canal. According to the Panama Canal Authority, of the US$5.2 billion needed for the works, US$2.3 billion are expected to come from private sources. Analysts believe that, apart from the great business opportunities at stake resulting from the project, interested companies are motivated by the prestige of being involved with one of the largest construction projects in the continent in recent years. The list of companies interested in financing the works includes HSBC, JP Morgan, BNP Paribas, Scotiabank and the Bank of Tokyo.

A $5,000 reward
Alba Aldeano became the first private citizen in Panama to be rewarded for denouncing a "Crime Against the Environment", committed by the company, Urbanización de Caribe, a construction firm which severely blocked the normal flow of the Matías Hernandez River during the construction of a new residential subdivision. Fifty per cent of the $5,000 reward was funded by the fine imposed on the firm ($10,000). According to the General Law on the Environment, passed in 1998, all persons or corporations who denounce Crimes Against the Environment will be rewarded.

Unemployment rate falls
As of August of this year, there were 121,997 unemployed citizens in Panama, representing 8.6% of the country's total workforce, according to the office of the General Comptroller of the Republic. This represents 1% less than the same period last year. However, Mariano Mena, General Secretary of Central General de Trabajadores de Panama, a labor organization, disagrees with the figures, stating that the government has counted those working in the informal economy (newspaper vendors included) as "legally employed."

Number of visitors rises
More and more visitors are coming to Panama. According to the Panama Government Tourist Bureau (IPAT), 826,287 tourists entered the Isthmus between January and September, a 15% increase from the same period last year. The main port of entry continues being Tocumen International Airport, which accounted for over 500,000 of the arrivals. Little less a quarter-of-a-million visitors were cruise ship passengers, who normally spend between 8-10 hours on various tours of the Panama Canal area.

Cost of food increases
The Basic Food Basket, the minimum budget with which a Panamanian family of four can purchase monthly food supplies has risen by $1.21 compared to September of last year, amounting to $197.98. The increase is due to the rising prices of cereals, such as wheat and corn. The cost of an 18 oz loaf of bread, for example, rose three cents in a year. Another factor affecting the Basic Food Basket is the increase in the price of rice, the most basic staple item for the average Panamanian.

New twist in the Social Security scandal
Angel de la Cruz, the owner of Medicom, the company responsible of supplying Panama's Social Security Entity with medicine poisoned with dietilene glycol, remains in hiding after blaming his suppliers for the defective drugs that have killed dozens of Panamanians, mostly elderly people, in recent months. He has stated that he will eventually surrender himself to authorities –a statement that has stirred even more emotions among the angry relatives of the deceased.

Back in September, health authorities went public with the so-called "Acute Renal Syndrome", causing great concern in the general public, which feared the outbreak of an unknown, incurable epidemic. Intensive investigations later yielded the cause of the disease, which prompted authorities to recall the defective drugs nationwide. As of this issue, 43 patients of the "syndrome" had died and a similar number remained in intensive care units.

Road damaged
Panama's National Emergancy System, SINAPROC, declared a green alert earlier this week in the province of Darién, where a portion of the Pan-American Highway collapsed near the town of Metetí after 12 continuous hours of torrential rain. The damaged road caused a 11-hour traffic jam in eastern Panama.

Drug cartel dismantled
A total of 120 people have been indicted in the case of Colombian drug lord Pablo Rayo Montano, who was arrested in Panama earlier this year. Over 70 vehicles and 6 vessels (including submarines) have been confiscated in the process, as well as private companies millions of dollars in banking accounts and investments –the largest drug-related case in Panama in recent years.

Attack on poverty?
Panama is one of four Latin American countries with high possibilities of achieving the poverty-reduction goals established in "Meta del Milenio", a regional plan that seeks to cut poverty by half among Latins before 2015. According to government officials, Panama's positive outlook has been possible thanks to an increase in social spending, which will account for 20% of the budget in 2007. Part of these funds are being used in subsidizing poor families in the interior provinces with $35.00 a month –a policy rejected by the country's middle class, which complains of increasing taxes and no incentives, blaming the government of practicing "outdated" forms of paternalism to aid the poor. Whereas 25% of Panamanians enjoy the same lifestyle as people in Europe and North America, approximately 15% of Panama's population lives with $1.00 a day.

More cars on the road
Despite high fuel prices, there are more cars in Panama than last year –a 25% increase, fueled by the purchase of more than 25,000 units in the last 12 months.

Public transport solution?
The Land Transport Authority (ATTT) has promised a prompt solution to the caotic, public transportation system of the greater Panama City area. The most favored solution is the introduction of a modern, trolley-bus system, similar to those used in Colombia and Brazil For years, public transportation in the capital has been provided by individual bus owners (most of whom belong to politically-strong guilds,) who have been careless in the maintenance of their old U.S.-imported school buses, locally known as "diablos rojos" (red devils), which are involved in countless accidents in any given year. A recent accident, which killed 18 passengers in late October, has prompted a nationwide outburst of anger against the system.

Loans
In recent months, local banks have approved over $8.2 billion in loans, an 18% increase compared to 2005 figures. The loans reflect the growing trend of the country's economy, fueled by a strong construction industry, a booming real estate market and new business opportunities.

Dr. "Patch" Adams to offer conference on laughter and healing

Dr. "Patch" Adams and a friend.

Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, who inspired Holywood to produce the 1998 film that bears his name featuring Robin Williams, will arrive in Panama this month to offer the conference, "A different form of healing", on November 29 at Hotel El Panama's Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center, at 8:00 p.m. The event is organized by the Médica magazine and "Fundación Pide un Deseo", Panama's chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Dr. Adams will be accompanied by five doctors who, like him, are also professional clowns who believe in the integration of medicine and good humor. The group will visit Panama City's Children’s Hospital and Hospital Oncólógico Nacional, the country's main cancer treatment facility.

As part of the activity, the organizers will sale 25,000 clown noses at $1.00 each, the proceeds of which will be donated to Fundación Pide un Deseo.

For more information, call: 215-9000.

It is surprising to see how Panama City has grown in the last thirty-something years. The views correspond to Punta Paitilla and Avenida Balboa, one of the city’s trendiest areas, taken in 1972, 1978 and 2006.

Christmas is just around the corner, which means that the entire country will switch to shopping mode in just a couple of weeks. Good news! Virtually every mall in town will extended its working hours, offering shoppers the opportunity to enjoy late-night and sometimes, small-hour shopping sprees.

Although Panama’s famous Avenida Central still continues to attract thousands of shoppers on a daily basis, the number of U.S.-style in the capital has multiplied in recent years, giving shoppers a wide variety of options, such as:

Albrook Mall: Opened two years ago, this gigantic mall appeals to all suits and pockets, with large department stores, cinemas, boutiques and entertainment centers for all ages.

Pros: easy access: Adjacent to the Corredor Norte expressway, the Marcos A. Gelabert regional airport and Gran Terminal de Transporte (international, regional and city buses. Facility includes a large taxi terminal); large parking lots and facilities for the handicapped, extended hours (until approximately 1:00 a.m.), great variety of restaurants.

To consider: Large crowds, heavy traffic at times.

El Dorado: Panama City’s first U.S.-style mall is currently undergoing a facelift to keep up with modern times. It is mainly a family-oriented boutique mall, complemented by a system of adjacent strip malls, such as Centro Comercial Alhambra, El Dorado Mall and Camino de Cruces.

Pros: Great prices. Not far away from the hotel district and close to expat residential areas. The mall includes supermarkets, a casino, ethnic shopping (a full-fledged China town and Hindu stores). Probably not as crowded as other malls.

To consider: The area’s main thoroughfare, Vía Ricardo J. Alfaro (Tumba Muerto) is crowded most of the time. Not as many activities for children or restaurant options as in other malls.

Multicentro Mall, on Avenida Balboa.
Multicentro, sobre la Avenida Balboa.

Multicentro: Situated in the exclusive neighborhood of Punta Paitilla, this up-scale mall rivals some of the best shopping centers of Europe and North America. Expect to find world-renowned designer clothing brands and jewelry stores. The facility adjoins the Radisson Decapolis Hotel and its large, Las Vegas-style casino.

Pros: Entertainment centers for all ages featuring the latest technologies, direct access to and from Tocumen International Airport (20 minutes) via the Corredor Sur expressway, parking towers, large food court, public concerts and activities.

To consider: Heavy traffic along Avenida Balboa.

Multiplaza: Also in the Paitilla area is Multiplaza Pacific. Although some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses have opened boutiques there, the mall appeals to a middle-class market with an excellent variety of department stores, supermerkets, banks and hardware stores. It adjoins the Marriott by Courtyard Hotel.

Pros: Direct access to Corredor Sur, leading to Tocumen Airport; ample parking, great entertainment options: concerts, clowns, etc.

To consider: Traffic congestion around the banking district, Vía Brasil and Calle 50.

Los Pueblos: This strip mall is extremely popular among Panamanians of all social extractions, due to its low prices and great product variety. It is populated by scores of department and electronic stores. Located only 10 minutes from Tocumen International Airport, it is a good place to watch a movie before your plane leaves.

Pros: Great prices generally speaking. Casinos. Only 10 minutes from Tocumen Airport, access from Via Tocumen, Via Jose Agustín Arango and Corredor Sur expressway.

To consider: Traffic is often heavy on Vía Tocumen and on the mall’s inner streets and parking lots. Not many family entertainment activities or restaurant options (mainly fast food).

The Vía España shopping district: is a delight for the majority of the city’s hotel guests, who only have to walk a block or less to find a long string of boutiques offering top-quality designer clothing, jewels, and high-tech gadgets. The area is also close to Avenida Samuel Lewis, which has become an haute couture center in recent years (Reprosa, the only jewelry store in Panama specializing in reproductions of orchids and pre-Columbian and colonial pieces using the "lost wax" technique, is situated along Avenida Samuel Lewis).

Pros: Not as crowded as other shopping venues; located within walking distance from most hotels and banks in town. Good restaurant options, large number of high-fashion boutiques.

To consider: Traffic is often heavy on Vía España. Parking facilities are somewhat limited.

Avenida Central: A historic city icon and pedestrian mall, the bargains of which attracted thousands of passenger-ship, in-transit travelers decades ago, continues to be the No. 1 shopping district for most Panamanians, who can find everything from pins and needles and toys to the latest electronic gadgets and home appliances –all at extremely low prices.

Pros: hilariously-low prices, which can drop even more if you can practice the art of "regatear" (bargaining) with the store clerks. Tremendous variety of products from all parts of the globe.

To consider: Extremely overcrowded during this time of the year. Very limited parking space. Although the area is well-patrolled by the Tourism Police, visitors are recommended diminish shopping activities in the area after. Not many restaurant or family entertainment options.

Volcán's hot springs: a free, natural wonder

By: David Dell

The hot springs stem from the craters of the Barú Vocano

Volcán's hot springs are situated about half an hour north (depending on how fast you drive) from the Chiriqui mountain town of Volcan.

Thousands of years ago, mother nature gave Volcán its most striking feature, the 11,300-foot-tall Baru Volcano, which has been dormant for hundreds of years.

My friend Joe Ligon, owns a large chunk of mountain jungle and he invited my wife and I To take a trip and see several hot springs that bubble forth on his property.

Joe is a retired dentist from Venice, Florida who bought 400 acres of mountain in an area called Los Pozos, near Volcán. He has a small cabin there that has a breathtaking view that extends all the way down to the Pacific Ocean and nearby coast of Costa Rica.

It was a sunny Sunday morning when we left Volcan; we drove for ten minutes north from town and then turned off the paved road and headed for the Los Pozos River. The road has been graded and extensive culvert work has been carried out, even so Joe's jeep bumped along quite vigorously.

Smelly footbath
After approximately twenty minutes, we turned off down a short incline and Joe pointed to the right. "That's the first hot spring, right there." We jumped out of the car and where immediately hit with the smell of sulphur. This first spring was a bit of a disappointment -it would hardly pass for a footbath - and then leave you with incredibly smelly feet. Not to worry. The next spring was just a few yards away.

This second spring was much larger - in fact, a mother and daughter were happily taking their ease in the pool as we approached. The temperature of this hot spring was 101 degrees Fahrenheit - about the same as a hot tub.

On the way to the hot springs in Los Pozos.

This second spring was in an idyllic woodland setting with the Los Pozos river just feet away. Joe and I went down a small trail to where another river, the much larger, Rio Colorado joined the Los Pozos. Together, the two water sources careened down a canyon and disappeared out of site behind the thick jungle canopy.

Wait, there's more!
Joe had his best, or should I say, hottest, spring saved for last. A short drive and one shallow river crossing later we arrived at a small collection of rusty tin shacks. Close by one shack was the Los Pozos river once again and on the bank another small pool.

Naturally-boiled chicken anyone?
Joe said that locals claim this spring is hot enough to boil a chicken. Ever the skeptic, I took out my trusty Radio Shack digital thermometer and plunged it into the bubbling water. The water was too hot even to place the tips of your fingers in and the temperature measured a very respectable 126 °F.

Maybe you could boil a chicken here, but with all the sulphur and chemicals in the water it would taste like crap and even the Colonel's secret herbs and spices wouldn't make it palatable.

The mountains around Volcán abound with these natural thermal wonders. My other friends, Spike and Wendy Baldwin have several on their mountain property and have invited me, not just to look and touch, but to actually immerse my pallid, corpulent frame within one of their pools. Dehydration might be a problem, so I intend on taking along some appropriate beverages so I can sit, soak and enjoy one of Volcán's warmest and fuzziest natural attractions.

There is talk that the Panamanian President, Martin Torrijos, visited the Los Pozos pools and has promised to pave the road to help tourism. If the story is true, then that would be wonderful. In the meantime if you plan to visit Volcán we at yourpanama.com would be happy to give you directions to the Volcán hot springs.