Cold front
A powerful cold front from the North Pole, which brought near-freezing temperatures in some parts of Central America in late November, also cooled down much of Panama for a 72-hour period, but was accompanied by strong winds and torrential rains causing floods in the provinces of Colón, Coclé and the western section of Panama. As of this issue, eight persons died due to weather-related accidents during the front, which also caused two medium-sized vessels anchored off Colón to run aground. In addition to this, 218 homes and 926 people were affected. Communication with three of the San Blas islands (home of the Kuna Native American nation) were broken as their landing strips and maritime facilites were damaged. SINAPROC, the country's main security agency, declared a Yellow Alert in flooded areas, which continued to be affected by a stationary front that broke off from the main cold front, which moved towards the Caribbean later that week. This is the third November in a row in which a major cold front has swept through Central America, producing a substantial decrease in temperature in this tropical region.

Thieves captured
A band of four thieves was arrested after trying to steal US$4 million in the airport of the otherwise-tranquil city of Chitré, province of Herrera. The money was being transported to Panama City by the security company Brinks when Gilmar Jackson, Juan José Adames, Maximo Mosquera and Abdiel Cabuyales attacked at gunpoint the plane in which the money was to be transported. Three employees of Banco Nacional de Panama sustained minor injuries, but one of Brinks guards died in the incident.

Social Security scandal
Angel de la Cruz, the owner of Medicom, a company investigated for apparently importing medicine contaminated with industrial glycol, was captured after spending weeks in hiding. De la Cruz was added to Panama's "most wanted" list after 44 Panamanians, mainly elderly citizens, died after taking the drugs –causing a major scandal that is also involving important elements of the country's Social Security Entity.

Transport system
As of this issue, Panamanian lawmakers were working hard to pass a law that would raise legal penalties for bus drivers who kill pedestrians or passengers in accidents, in addition to other measures. Although Panama's economy is growing, prompting rapid development in many areas, the public transport system in its major cities is chaotic –a reality caused by politically-strong guilds of independent bus owners who have been careless in the maintenance of their old, U.S. Imported buses. Although colorful, Panama City’s "Diablos Rojos" (red devils) are considered a menace to public health. Their young drivers are often involved in accidents and traffic infractions.

Suburbs against cell phone antennae
Residents of the suburbs of Betania, Las Acacias and San Miguelito recently protested against the installation of cell phone antennae in their communities. The reason: the release of studies suggesting that cell phone radiation could cause the development of cancer cells and other health problems.

Panamanian golfers in South Africa
A team of amateur Panamanian golfers is getting ready to travel to South Africa for the "BMW Golf Cup International Final 2006". The participants are winners of a regional BMW tournament held last October at Summit Golf & Resort.

Road collapses
A segment of the western highway leading to the Centennial Bridge collapsed recently due to strong underground currents last month. Authorities of the Ministry of Public Works have stated that the road will be completely repaired in 45 days.

Panamanian exports grow
Panamanian exports represen-ted US$798.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, 5.5% more than the same period last year, according to the office of the General Comptroller of the Republic. However, the country has failed to reach the US$1 billion goal it had for this year.

New Call Center
Hewlett-Packard is considering the installation of a "Call Center" in Panama. The company already operates two call centers in Costa Rica, where they employ around 3,000 people.

Slower buses?
Among the safety requirements that the Traffic and Land Transport Authority (ATTT) will impose on bus operators are speed limits for urban areas of 60 km/hour, for residential areas 40 km/hour and on the North and South Corridor freeways 80 km/hour.

Spain eyes Panama Boom
The First Vice-President and Foreign Minister of Panama, Samuel Lewis Navarro, traveled to Spain to meet with the Spanish Minister of Exterior Affairs, Miguel Angel Moratinos for talks on "bilaterial matters and on the Spanish investments in Panama", in view of the interest that has been awakened in Europe by the boom in the Panamanian economy.

Diplomatic Warning
Venezuela and Guatemala agreed to withdraw their candidacies for a seat on the UN Security Council and to present Panama as the candidate of consensus: Meanwhile, José Raúl Mulino, former Panamanian Foreign Minister and Guillermo Ford, the former Panamanian ambassador to Washington, warned Panamanian diplomatis not to be influenced by the Venezuelan government when establishing the Panamanian agenda before the Security Council. In recent statements reported by the Bolivarian News Agency (ABN), the ambassador of Venezuela to the UN, Francisco Cardenas Arias, said that his country would contribute to the representation of Panama before the Security Council to be "aligned with the interest of Latin America".

Meanwhile a group of executives and technicians of the company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., (PDVSA) arrived in Panama to meet with the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Alejandro Ferrer and the Vice-minister of Domestic Trade, Manuel José Paredes, to make various deals. One of which is for Venezuelan bunker fuel and asphalt.

New Tocumen
Adapting, enlarging and restructuring Tocumen International Airport has cost US$90-million so far. This includes new equipment and operation systems.

Colombia Trade Again
Colombia lifted the restrictive measures that it has maintained since 2005 against exports and reexports from Panama and the Colon Free Zone, the economic effect of which is calculated at more than US$400-million. After a long process of negotiation and a procedure carried out by Panama at the World Trade Organization, both countries reached a bilateral pact and signed an Agreement on Cooperation and Customs Information Exchange.

The commercial transactions of the Colon Free Zone (ZLC) this year reached more than US$12,000 billion, said Nilda Quijano, general manager of the ZLC when she appeared at the Budget Commission of the National Assembly. She maintained that the transactions could reach US$13,000 billion following the lifting of the Colombian restrictions. Quijano indicated that with those figures the commercial movement registers a 13 percent growth in comparison with the previous year.

North Corridor Extension
The second phase of the construction of the Northern Corridor from Tinajitas to the Panama Golf Club should be resumed in January, stated the Minister of Public Works, Benjamín Colamarco.

Casinos Doing Well
Some US$30-million will enter the Treasury this year from the casinos that operate in the country. Figures of the Comptroller’s Office reveal that up to August, Panamanians spent nearly US$61.5-million in the casinos.

Open Skies
Panama has begun a process of negotiating "open skies" with Canada, Colombia and Costa Rica, reported the director of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, Eustacio Fábrega. A policy of "open skies" with these nations will permit the country to increase air traffic, as well as guaranteeing tourist activity.

Canal Expansion
The work on expansion of the Panama Canal will begin in 2008, since initial work involves relocation of the highways giving access across the Canal basin. The administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Alberto Aleman Zubieta, said that among the relocations would be the connections to the Centennial Bridge and the transfer of high-tension cables that cross the Panama Canal.

In three months the board of directors of the Panama Canal Authority will define the toll increases for ships to transit the waterway. These increases will take place step by step, at a rhythm of 3.5% annually until 2025.

Non Operational
At present 60% of the operating rooms in social security hospitals are not functioning for lack of specialists, Domingo Moreno, president of the Association of Medical Specialists of the Social Security Fund (CSS), revealed to The Panama America newspaper.

Against Skyscrapers
The Ministry of Housing (MIVI) will not authorize changes of zoning in the area of Coco del Mar, a small section of the Panama City suburb of San Francisco, for the construction of new skyscrapers. This was brought to light by the director of Urban Development of the MIVI, José Batista, who said that for the tranquility of the neighbors he would not authorize changes in zoning in view of the possible construction of new buildings in the area of Viña del Mar.

Arrests in Poison Case
Three agents of the Sensitive Unit of the Technical Judicial Police (PTJ) were yesterday accused of responsibility in the poisoning death of the head of that specialized group, Franklin Brewster, as part of a conspiracy by international drug traffickers for which they were alleged to have been paid US$500,000. The auxiliary public prosecutor, Luis Martínez, reported that two

of the defendants were detained under arrest warrants and the third was ordered not to leave the country.

Luxury Yachts
Luxury yachts with a value of between US$500,000 and US$10-million are being sold in Panama like "hot bread", a newspaper reports. Just one company, Evermarine, reported that up until now it has sold 13 yachts since it began operation in July of last year.

Export Perspective
With the objective of promoting Panamanian exports to the markets with which the country has free trade agreements, the "First Exportable Encounter" was held recently. Carmen Gisela Vergara, Vice-minister of Foreign Trade, said the event was organised so that Panamanian exporters and producers could show their products in the international markets.

The president of the Panama Exporters’ Association, Roy Rivera, declared that the country is expecting to export by the end of the year some 10,000 containers of agricultural products such as melon, watermelon, pumpkin and bananas. The exports in 2005 amounted to US$460-million. The recovery of the exports has also favored the construction sector, since, according to Rivera, "we are being successful in the export of aluminum windows, designer doors and furniture in markets such as that of the United States".

Panamanian exports totalled US$798.2 million in the third quarter of 2006, 5.5% more than the same period last year, according to the office of the General Comptroller of the Republic. However, the country has failed to reach the US$1 billion goal it had for this year.

Banistmo Sold
The Public Stock Offer between the Grupo Banistmo and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) was closed yesterday. It is estimated that within five days the payment for the operation should be concluded. It amounts to more than US$1,770-million and HSBC assumes control of Banistmo. The purchase is the largest financial transaction in the history of the country and will generate taxes to the order of US$88-million.

Many expats and visitors may be surprised to know that, unlike many of Latin American countries, which celebrate the holiday in May, Mother’s Day in Panama is observed on December 8.

The tradition started in 1930, when local lawmakers decided to add religious significance to the observance by making it coincide with the Day of the Immaculate Conception (prior to that, the holiday was also observed in May.)

Since then, Mother’s Day became the official beginning of the Christmas holidays in Panama. Most businesses and government entities are closed during the holiday, which is observed with parties at the workplace and home.

Following an old Spanish tradition, many Panamanian mothers are honored by their children and spouses with serenades by string ensembles, singing trios or Mariachis. The "Queen of the House" later receives gifts, flowers and perhaps an invitation to a dinner outing that evening.

The weekend before Mother’s Day is usually the busiest shopping time of the year in Panama.

Home at last!

By Jeannie Friedman

So here I was getting ready to leave Nicaragua and move to Panama. I had moved there with eight cats that I had rescued. I started out with nine but the airlines I flew with lost one on the tarmac. I proceeded to lose three more due to disease contacted there. But soon at my door there arrived five Nicaraguan baby kitties.

First street dog arrives
Then there was the rescue of "Boo", my first street dog, who obviously had been very mistreated, but with time started to trust me. Now I have his unwavering love and devotion. The other two --Paloma and Merci-- came to me through other means of rescue. As in the States, I couldn’t get anyone to step up to the plate and open their homes to any of these animals. So I did the only thing possible when faced with this type of move: I chartered an airline to transport myself, three dogs and ten cats to our new home in Volcán, Panama. Now, I am far from being well off financially, but in the scheme of things the flight was relatively inexpensive and very smooth.

Everyone fitted in the plane. It was a squeeze.

Escape from Nicaragua
The morning of our "escape" I crated the three dogs and ten cats. Soon my dear friends, Janice and Julia, arrived with their trucks. Another friend, Helen, from around the corner, was already there to help with loading. Soon we were on our way, just needing to pick up Timothy, who was flying with us to help with all the animals. Not to mention he wanted to see Panama.

Then, there was the usual red tape trying to get out of Nicaragua—I had gone through all the correct procedures with the local vet. All the shots and papers were in order according to him. But as we proceeded to get on our flight, the authorities said that I needed more papers. Exit papers no less! So, in the heat of the morning, I walked three blocks to another building for those papers in order to get the animals out of Nicaragua. But before he would give me the actual papers I had to return to the airport to pay a deposit at the bank and then bring that receipt back to this man before I could get the papers! Then back to airport to give the exit papers to the authorities.

Arriving in David.

What is this lady doing?
We really caused quite the excitement at the airport—crates of animals, clothes, inflatable beds, dishes and all the other things needed to live while waiting for our shipment of household goods to arrive at our new home. All of this was to fit in a small plane. We actually did it! I must add that the flight was smooth and very beautiful. Too bad the animals could not have enjoyed it.

At our flight destination, David, Panama, I had arranged beforehand for someone to help make our arrival "easy". The van I had leased for a day to get the animals transported to our home in Volcan was also waiting for us. My friend, David Dell, was there with his vehicle, to be sure we could haul all the other stuff to the new home.

Jeannie Friedman and one of her ten cats.

We were checked and rechecked by authorities, but all in all, the arrival was very smooth considering what we had gone through in Nicaragua. I had to laugh when after we unloaded all the animals and other things from the plane, airport personnel brought out a drug sniffing dog. I think he was somewhat confused due to all the animal smells, He appeared to satisfy his keeper.

By late afternoon we were all safely transported and planted in our new home in beautiful Volcán. Three weeks later, I can happily say that myself and my family of animals are all extremely content.

And yes, it was worth it!

Animal Shangri-la
Every morning when we get up I look over to the mountains and watch the sun rise over the 11,000 foot Barú Volcano. The clouds start to move around noon and the mountains are constantly changing their look. The air is clean and fresh and all I can think of saying is "Thank You"!

I literally have "cool cats" and dogs!

Carved in mahogany and covered with gold, the altar was probably made in Peru.

One of the most popular postcard images of Panama is the Golden Altar, the largest and most valuable item saved from the sacking and plundering of the old city of Panama by Sir Henry Morgan in 1671.

Carved in mahogany and covered with gold, the large, baroque-style altar was probably made in Peru in the early 17th century. Its first home was a small parish of Saint Joseph’s order, located on the outskirts of town.

According to legend, the priest in charge, Father Juan, promptly painted the altar with whitewash on the arrival of Morgan’s invading forces as it could be viewed from outside the church, which was being transformed into a stone structure. It is said that when Morgan arrived, Father Juan complained about his parish’s needs so convincingly that the pirate put his hand in his pocket to give him a large donation.

The Golden Altar, at San josé Church in San Felipe.

The altar was relocated in pieces in its home: the San José Church in the "new" city, the present-day colonial district of San Felipe (Old Quarter.)

The Church of the Golden Altar is on the itinerary of all the organized tours of San Felipe. Many visitors take a taxi to the church, or the municipal Cathedral and stroll through the warrow streets.

San José Church, best known as the "Golden Altar Church", is often used for small, chamber music performances and is also a very popular wedding venue.

A Hooters girl.

Hooters, the U.S. restaurant chain, will open its first branch in Panama this month. The restaurant, located on Calle Uruguay, the capital’s culinary district, will be the chain’s 40th franchise branch outside the continental United States. There are also restaurants in Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Switzerland, Singapore, Peru and Costa Rica, among other countries.

With capacity for 250 guests, Panama’s Hooters will offer the "Hooters Chicken Wings", hamburgers, BBQ ribs, seafood, meats and salads and many other dishes the chain is known for, served by the "Hooter Girls" –beautiful students with the attributes which the restaurant's name promises, who double as "sports girls" (entertainers and acrobats).

Guests at Hooters will enjoy their favorite sports on giant TV screens (football, soccer, golf, car racing, etc,) tastefully situated throughout the locale.

Yacht tourism in Panama:

A Blue Marlin on Panama’s Pacific coast.

Panama’s coasts are perhaps the country’s most complete tourist attraction, with much to offer to those interested in discovering the beauty of the isthmus on board a yacht, on the Pacific as well as on the Caribbean.

The Pearl archipelago –a group of 50 islands located in the center of the Gulf of Panama— is one of the most fascinating areas for yacht aficionados on the Pacific as it offers incredible sports fishing opportunities. Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Red Snapper, Sail Fish and Bojalá are some of the species found around these islands, the clear waters of which are also excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

On the southeastern end of the Gulf, skippers and anglers will find Piñas Bay, home of the world-renowned Tropic Star Lodge, where Black Marlin and Sailfish reign.

Leaving the Gulf of Panama heading west in the Gulf of Chiriquí is Coiba Island, the largest of Panama’s Pacific coast and the center of Coiba National Park, a paradise-like refuge of abundant marine, bird and mammal species which was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

One of Panama’s greatest blessings is the fact that both oceans are separated by a mere 50 miles at the country’s narrowest point, which is where the Panama Canal provides direct access to and from the Caribbean in only eight hours.

Panama’s "Atlantic" coast is also a delight. The shorelines of Bocas del Toro will make many a sailor fall in love with its numerous coves, bays and islands –the pristine refuges of species such as the manatee, turtles and birds. Bocas is definitely a Mecca for diving and sailing.

According to Captain Andrés Navarro, president of Panama Yacht Tour, the best time for sailing on the Pacific coast of Panama is during the rainy season (April-December), since the rest of the year (which Panamanians call "summer") the sea can become rough due to the constantly-blowing trade winds from the north. On the Caribbean, the best time for sailing is between October and November –a time when the sea is calm, giving sailors the opportunity to reach great fishing areas with a greater degree of safety.

Ports and supplies
Being a maritime country par excellence, Panama has no shortage of ports where yacht sailors can purchase supplies. The Caribbean port of Cristobal, managed by Panama Ports, an international consortium, offers a varied assortment of supplies and the latest technology in spare parts and repair services. On the Pacific, one recom-mended port is Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina, on the Amador Causeway, which serves luxury vessels from all parts of the world.

Panama’s advantages
An increasing number of yacht owners from the United States is currently considering Panama as one of the safest locations in the region to "park" their vessels, due to the relatively low cost of berth rentals in Panama and the rising cost of insurance along the U.S. Eastern sea board –a direct conse-quence of the increasing frequency of destructive hurricanes in recent years.

Commenting about this, Clay Jorgensen, owner of Panama Divers, stated that since Panama is below the 10th parallel, it is one of the safest locations in the Caribbean in regards to hurricanes. The most popular marinas among U.S. yacht owners in Panama are located in Bocas del Toro, Colón, the San Blas islands and in the Panama Canal area.

Sailing permits
All yachts sailing in Panama should be duly registered, bearing their respective registry certificate on board. Also mandatory is a radio permit which can be obtained at the "Consular y Naves" Bureau in Panama City.

All other internationally-recognized sailing certificates are mandatory in Panama, such as the yacht’s inspection documents which confirm that the vessel is equipped with all necessary navigation and security tools to transport passengers. In Panama, the inspection is carried out by the Maritime Authority of Panama. In addition to this, skippers and sailors should have their licenses and credentials at hand, including their respective first aid certificates.

Tour packages
Sea aficionados traveling to Panama without a yacht can also find a number of maritime tour packages offered by local operators. The length of these packages ranges between three to four days, offering fishing, diving, and transport to and from the lodging facilities.

According to René Gómez, proprietor of Scuba Panama, divers will find beautiful underwater paradises in places like the San Blas islands, Bocas del Toro, Coiba and Las Perlas archipelago.

The region of Portobelo, on the Caribbean, is described by experts as an underwater universe, with a wealth of colorful, small fish, coral formations, ship wrecks and anemones.

However, said Gómez, the majority of divers in Panama prefers to engage in their favorite sport in the Pacific, since marine species there tend to be larger and more attractive than their Caribbean counterparts.

Lottery vendors, Circa 1920

An "ancient custom"

Some things will never change. Since its establishment towards the end of the 19th century, Panama's National Lottery has become a cultural institution in which thousands of Panamanians participate religiously every week. Strong believers in the magical power of numbers (birthday, or anniversary dates), Panamanian lottery buyers, young and old, anxiously await every Wednesday and Sunday for the big prize that could change their future for ever.

Lottery vendor, 2006

A blazing log fire casts a cheerful glow in the lounge of Los Quetzales Lodge & Spa at Guadalupe in the Chiriqui highlands. It is welcome in the sometimes chilly evenings at 6,232 feet. Los Quetzales is Panama’s highest hostelry, a luxurious retreat for birding, forest hiking, horseback riding or enjoying the crisp mountain air.

For reservations: stay@losquetzales.com or Call. (507) 771-2182/ 2291.