Isthmian
Update |
Some of the news in Panama
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Panama To Get "Brit" training
Panama has asked the Parliamentary Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Lord
David Triesman, for his cooperation in the training of Panamanians
for work on the enlargement of the Canal and for learning the
English language.
German
delegation
The German chancellor, Frank W. Steinmer, visited
Panama as part of his tour of Latin America. The delegation
of businessmen that accompanied him in the country to meet with
the government and the local private sector. Another group will
come in September to speak of future investments.
Coastal
Strip
The coastal strip that is planned for Avenida Balboa,
does not require traffic overpasses or level crossings, according
to the Mexican specialist in highway administration, Francisco
Mier. The specialist was invited to Panama by the architects
Carlos A. Clement and Alvaro Gonzalez Clare, developers of one
of the three proposals for the coastal strip.
Real
Estate Boom Expands
The real estate development has extended to the interior
of the country with the construction of tourist projects. Since
2004 until last year some 52 projects associated with tourism
were constructed in different parts of the country, with emphasis
on the area of Boquete, in the province of Chiriqui.
Continental
Energy Plan
Businessmen of the hemisphere will meet in the 37th
General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS)
next June to discuss the role of public-private alliances in
an energy plan for the continent, says the First Vice-president
and Foreign Minister of Panama, Samuel Lewis Navarro.
Foreign
investment
In 2006 Panama received US$2,600-million in Direct
Foreign Investment (IDE), one of the highest received by a Latin
American country, averaging some US$780 per inhabitant. Of the
total received, the general licence banks and the Colon Free
Zone received the majority, with US$1.666-million and US$384-million
respectively.
Tough
on Clime
There will be no waiting period for the implementation
of the Government Bill that increases the penalties up to 30
years for adults who commit crimes with "cruelty and gravity".
It will take effect immediately it is sanctioned by the Executive
and published in the Official Gazette.
New
Road to Darien
The road project of the Inter-American highway will
arrive in the town of Yaviza, finally uniting the province of
Darién with the rest of the country, says the Minister
of Public Works, Benjamín Colamarco. According to this
official, the this important communication link will begin in
Bayano, continue to Tortí, then to Metetí and
Canglón, until finally reaching Yaviza.
Fuel
costs hit fishermen
Increasing fuel costs and the incursion of industrial
shrimp fishing ships on the banks off the coasts of Panama has
meant diminishing income for Panamanian fishermen says Osvaldo
Grenald, president of the Association of United Craft Fishermen
of the Port of Pedregal (APAIPP).
Environmental
Conference
The First Hemispherical Conference on Port Environmental
Protection, organized by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP)
and the Inter-American Commission of Ports (CIP) of the Organization
of American States (OAS) was held in Panama.
Globe
Trotting
The First Vice-president of Panama and Foreign Minister,
Samuel Lewis Navarro made an offical visit to several European
capital, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Moscow. The tour wey to fortify
diplomatic relations and to sign agreements of cooperation,
technical training and civic safety.
French politicians and businessmen expressed their interest
in participating in the enlargement of the Canal.
Transfer
of taxes called for
The Mayor of Panama City and president of the Association
of Municipalities of Panama, Juan Carlos Navarro, has asked
for the immediate transfer of resources originating from the
real estate tax to the municipalities. "The mayors and
representatives have to become collectors and administrators
of our resources and stop depending of the central government
if we want to promote a genuine decentralization", emphasized
Navarro. |
Dolphin
Saga I.
"We cannot permit the capture of a single dolphin
in Panamanian waters if we aspire to live in a decent and integral
country that believes in the sustainable development and in
the conservation of the natural inheritance", said the
Mayor od Panama City, Juan Carlos Navarro, during the visit
to Panama of Richard O’Barry, a world specialist in marine
mammals.
Dolphin
Saga II
Richard O’Barry, the former dolphin trainer
of the popular television series "Pinball Machine",
said that with the construction of a dolphinarium in Panama,
the American company Ocean Embassy intends to capture the animals
for "marketing".
Dolphin
Saga III
The Ocean Embassy Panama presented a complaint to
the Attorney General’s Office for the alleged crime of
prejudicing their honor against the lawyer of the Humanitas
Foundation, Celma Moncada. Executives of the company denied
that they will traffic dolphins and they indicated that their
profits would only be generated from the visit of tourists to
their water park, destined to the conservation and investigation
of this animal species.
Book
Launch
The Colombian writer Juan Gabriel Vasquez launched
his novel "The Secret History of Costaguana" in which
for him one of the great adventures in Latin America was the
construction of the Panama Canal.
Statistics
Inflated
A new report from the US Department of Justice’s
Inspector General says, basically, that all the US terrorism
statistics since 9/11 --- arrests, convictions, etc., -- have
been grossly inflated.
Farm
Projects paying off
Three farm projects initiated by the Union of Farm
Producers of Chiriquí are already producting fruit benefiting
more than 6,000 producers in 12 districts of the province and
the Ngobe Buglé Indian Region. The resources were initially
donated by the Social investment Fund (FIS) to promote the production
of chili tabasco, banana and papaya.
Compensation
approved
The members of the Budget Commision of the National
Assembly have approved an additional credit of US$6.2 million
as part of the financial compensation that the Panamanian State
will pay to relatives of those who died from poisoning with
dietilenglicol. This credit covers some 119 patients and relatives
of those who have died from the so-called Syndrome of Sharp
Kidney Failure (SIRA).
Bus
Fare increase Demanded
A increase of US 10 cents in the suburban route fares,
and five for the "red devils" of the capital, and
subsidies on the price of fuel, are part of demands from bus
operators.
Bus
Operators subsidized
The government showed over the past two years that
it is willing to put up the money necessary to maintain the
low fares of public transportation. This is shown by the figures
of the Ministry of Economy and Finances (MEF), that indicate
that the State paid US$28 million in subsidies on the price
of fuel for the bus operators between 2005 and 2006.
Tourism
master plan
This year, the Panamanian Institute of Tourism (IPAT)
will produce a master plan for tourism with the intention of
seeking market niches. To draw up the tourist master plan,IPAT
already counts on the approval of US$370,000 from the Inter-American
Development Bank (BID), for the unrefundable financing of the
project. The UN Development Program will contribute another
US$106,000 and IPAT US$100,000.
Canal
Charges Increased
The Cabinet has approved the increase of 10.2 percent
in the tolls of the Panama Canal that will come tinto effect
on July 1. From that date, users of the waterway will pay US$54
for each container of 20 feet, compared with the present US$40. |
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Rediscovering
Panama’s "lost lakes"
By
Luis Rodríguez and Gabriel Leonard
As a
country flexing its tourism muscle, Panama is in the process of
discovering itself. Probably the vast majority of its attractions
are still locations "off the beaten path," but the country
has shed a number of "myths" concerning the definition
of "tourist attraction."
One
of these myths is the "absence of volcanic lakes," which
partly results from the county’s effort to promote itself
as a destination free of tremors and eruptions. Nature however,
can't be ignored. Although it's true that all of Panama’s
50 hidden volcanoes are dormant, the natural result of these ancient
formations –the lakes—are also present in Panama, although
not as large as Lake Nicaragua.
View of one of the Volcan lakes, high in
the Chiriquí mountains, near the provincial border of Bocas
del Toro.
One
of them is the Laguna de San Carlos, a small, but beautiful lake
located between the mountains of Sorá, and El Valle de Antón,
which has all it takes for a major tourist development: picturesque
mountain vistas, year-round cool weather and proximity to major
population areas (less than two hours from Panama City.) However,
La Laguna is virtually unknown to the average Panamanian, despite
the fact that hundreds of locals and tourists travel within a short
distance of the lake on their way to nearby beaches.
A narrow,
but good asphalt road ends less than a mile from the lake, which
can still be reached by SUVs during the rainy season (April-December.)
Also
ignored are Lagunas de Volcán, in the province of Chiriquí,
two beautiful lakes which comprise the fifth largest mountain water
eco-system in Central America and Mexico. They are located in an
ancient crater of Volcán Barú (Panamá’s
largest volcano,) between 1350 and 1360 meters above sea level.
Surrounded by verdant hills, the lakes’ maximum depth ranges
between 3.5 and 9.58 meters.
Although
they are located close to a well-known ancient petroglyph site,
the lakes are only known to the rural residents of the area. The
road is presently in a bad state. Nearby are the towns of Boquete,
Cerro Punta and Volcán, which have attracted hundreds of
North American and European expats in recent years.
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New
Club House rising from the ashes
A
view from the clubhouse.
Not quite
a phoenix, but certainly a welcome new building is rising from the
ashes of the old Balboa Yacht Club, on the edge of the Canal. The
old BYC, which also housed an American Legion, was destroyed by
fire in 1999.
Since
then members have been "camping out" under a temporary
roof, with the sides open to the elements. That downside has been
balanced by an outstanding view of the nearby Bridge of the Americas,
the ships passing to and from the canal and, of course, the yachts
lying at anchor.
The
new two storey club house is expected to be completed early next
year, and will have a downstairs bar and restaurant, and a social
area and bar upstairs. Phase II calls for a 300 square meter restaurant,
still preserving the view of the bridge and the 126 moorings for
members and visitors.
Yacht under repair.
The
PBC is also providing a temporary home for Trans Iberica supply
ships, which deliver food to ships waiting to enter the canal.
Even
with its camping-out facilities, which did not stop members celebrating
the midnight arrival of 2007, the club provides a perfect place
for sipping a cool one while watching the sun to set over the moored
yachts. Drop by and see for yourself.
The Club
is near the Country Inn and TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) in
Amador, and a perfect starting place for a walk or bicycle ride
along the Causeway.
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Golden
Frogs born at Hotel Campestre
 Hotel
Campestre, a long-established country lodge in the mountain resort
community of El Valle de Antón, recently announced the birth
of the first Golden Frogs born in captivity in Panama. The birth
of the specimens, which took place at the hotel's premises, is the
result of a special agrement between Hotel Campestre and the Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute (STRI) signed in the year 2000.
The
effort, which also included the Houston Zoo, Panama's National Environmental
Authority (ANAM) and private scientists, seeks to reduce the effects
of a dangerous fungus which has affected the reproduction of this
endangered species in recent years.
Endemic
to the mountains of the western sector of the provinces of Panama
and Coclé, the Golden Frog is a true symbol of the country,
photographed and painted by artists and tourists, and studied by
well-known scientists from around the world. It is one of the icons
of El Valle, a tourist resort community located two hours west of
Panama City.
Its
rarity once inspired author Mark Twain, but has also tempted illegal
hunters to damage its habitat in order to sell the frogs in high-end
foreign markets.
The first
specimens of the Golden Frog born in captivity took place at the
Houston Zoo two years ago.
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Sir
Richard made the “Top 100” of two lists
Sir
Richard Branson. |
The stormy
petrel of British financial circles, Sir Richard Branson was listed
in 2002 by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation as number 85
of the "100 Greatest Britons". Not bad when you know the
list contained the likes of Winston Churchill.
On the
other hand a year later he was listed number 86 a year later, by
a rival station on the list of "100 Worst Britons."
But
since his first entry into the world of commerce at 16, he has been
a character to follow, and his entrepreneurial achievements led
to his being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he is a renowned
philanthropist.
He is
best known for his Virgin brand of over 30 companies. He first introduced
the name with Virgin Records, then built a chain of Virgin Megastores
and during the 1980’s set up Virgin Atlantic Airways.
He is
a born-again environmental crusader, and earlier this year committed
a $25 prize for a practical plan to reduce greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere and global warming. Known as the Virgin EarthChallenge,
Branson will judge the contest along with five other environmental
campaigners, including former U.S. Vice president Al Gore.
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The Hometown Visitor Part
1.
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No itinerary,
Surfing, Fishing and a home cooked meal fit for a king
By
Vito Cortese
When
my good buddy from the States e-mailed and said he’d be down
in a week for a six day visit , I was ecstatic. My wife, kids and
I moved down here five months ago from the same hometown as him
to run a construction company and since Retz (or Ryan as some people
call him) was an engineer, I figured we’d have some blissful,
geeky conversations about where our two professions overlap.
Then
it really hit me… how exciting can a dirt road and some development
plan really be? I’d need to come up with a plan to show Ryan
why we moved down here. One of our favorite reasons we love Panama
is because of all the wonderful destinations that are so near. We
jotted down a list of our favorite Panama locations and cross-referenced
it with the sweet outdoor activities that Retz and I both enjoy,
and the itinerary fell into place like a freshly cut river down
a soft dirt road after an afternoon’s rain. In other words,
we didn’t have a plan until after he arrived. Itineraries
are so boring and rigid anyway so why place those kinds of restrictions
on a friend visiting. Besides, itineraries just aren’t my
style.
He arrived
on a Tuesday afternoon. I was an hour late arriving at the airport
to pick him up so I was a bit worried he might be waiting. But as
is typical with afternoon arrivals, his plane was the last of four
and I ended up waiting a bit. Good thing we didn’t have an
itinerary or we’d already be an hour behind before he even
arrived.! Anyway, that’s enough babbling now back to the story.
Tuesday
was nothing spectacular. We spent the afternoon checking out site
Parque Silvestre, grocery shopping at our favorite grocery store
Riba Smith, and catching up with the family after arriving home.
We also spent a few minutes on what the plans should be for the
next couple of days.
Head
out to Pedasi at the tip of Los Santos on the Pacific side of the
isthmus for some fishing and surfing or drive around Panama City
watching the skyline change before our eyes. Needless to say, but
I’ll say it anyway… it was an easy decision.
We set
off early Wednesday morning for Pedasi. It’s about a five
hour drive, or three and a half depending on the drive., Shortly
after departing the city, we called an old friend of the family,
Jose Goldner. He just happened to be living out in Los Santos so
he gave us the inside line. He hooked us up with a fantastic outfit
called Pedasi Fishing and the location of two available surfboards
that we could borrow.
A pit
stop in Chitre allowed us to go on a quick tour the Pedasi Fishing
factory.
They
go through an obscene tonnage of ice a day and have huge fish all
over. No surprise to anyone with an imagination, but it was very
interesting.
Around
2:00 in the afternoon we arrived in Pedasi. Found the surfboards,
fitted them just like a jigsaw puzzle into the car and drove immediately
another half a hour to one of the most remote Surf Beaches I’ve
ever seen. No cell service, gas stations or McDonald’s, just
a small cantina, some hammocks and a few campsites.
Retz
was like a kid who just found the new bike behind the Christmas
tree. He was quick to change his clothes, grab his surfboard and
paddle out. and I followewd suit.
We hung
out for a bit just peacefully sitting on our boards, chit-chatting
and waiting for the right set to come along. "Surfing is very
social" Retz pointed out after sharing the peace of the remote
ocean with the company of good friends.
After
an exhausting six hour session it was time to head back to the hotel.
With a TV (rabbit ears included), clean towels, clean sheets and
a safe place to lay our head and only ten bucks a night, you can’t
go wrong.
The
next morning we awoke at 5:30 and met our boat Captain, Avidel,
on the beach at 6.00. He had everything prepared and waiting when
we arrived.
We headed
out and stopped about five miles from shore to set up our reels
and lines.
Since
niether Retz nor I had never done any sea fishing before, Avidel
was instrumental in getting us ready. After a few minutes we tossed
our hooks in the water and began to trawl.
It only
took about fifteen minutes before the buzz-whirl-zip sound of Ryan’s
reel set off some excitement. He had something on his hook and began
to reel it in. After a large fight, we were thrilled to see a 23-pound
tuna dangling from his hook.
That
happened four more times in total for both of us. I’m not
going to say who caught more, but the truth of the matter is it
wasn’t important because we shared the catch in the end.
If you’re
interested in some of the best fishing Panama has to offer, I would
highly recommend Pedasi Fishing. Their website is www.pedasifishing.com.
It
only took about fifteen minutes before the buzz-whirl-zip
sound of Ryan’s reel set off some excitement. He had
something on his hook and began to reel it in. After a large
fight, we were thrilled to see a 23-pound tuna dangling from
his hook. |
When
we returned to shore, Avidel took us to a great little restaurant
where the owner was in the back cooking. We brought in the filleted
fish and asked her to prepare us something delicious. She didn’t
let us down. Lightly breaded with garlic, peppers and some secret
local ingredients.it was the most delightful tuna I’ve ever
eaten.
As it
turns out, the owner lived in Florida for a bit and spoke English
very well. A definite stop for anyone traveling out the Pedasi way.
After
the gourmet lunch, we headed back home to Panama City. After all,
Retz had only four days left and we had to jam pack those few days
left with a fantastic night out in the city, San Blas, Kite Surfing
at Punta Chame, a private air tour over Portobelo and the Canal.
Good thing we didn’t have an itinerary to hold us back.
The last
four days of his adventure will have to wait until the next edition.
Until then, try to make it out to Pedasi for some rest, relaxation,
surfing and fishing.
A fabulous
weekend by anyone’s standards.
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"Britain’s
best" builds in Boquete
By
David Dell
Paul
and Jenny Saban know a thing or two about building beautiful gardens.
In their native Britain in 2000, their ornamental garden with its
myriad ponds and fountains was voted, "Pond of the year,"
by "Koi Ponds & Gardens Magazine." That is quite an
achievement considering that half of the people in Britain seem
to spend their time transforming their back gardens into an aquatic
paradise.
Saban
house.
The
Sabans have been living in Boquete for the past two years and have
brought their considerable landscaping and animal–care skills
to bear on a project they call "Paradise Gardens."
Panama’s
premium animal rescue center.
This will be much more than a beautiful place to visit,
because this will be Panama’s premium animal rescue center.
Already the Sabans have saved a host of animals ranging from a Pygmy
Owl to a Margay (medium sized jungle cat) – an animal that
was confined in so small a space, that its tail is permanently crooked.
Paul and Jenny both lament that there is a "Lack of education
on how to look after animals." Jenny pointed out some yellow
"canaries" in a cage on the verandah – except these
weren’t yellow or canaries, they were ordinary green parrots
that had been bleached, and then dyed, so they could be sold for
more money. Part of the work at the gardens will be in instructing
people on how best to care for and keep Panama’s fabulous
fauna.
Paradise
Gardens has a small entrance fee of $5, to help in the upkeep of
the gardens and to ensure that the rescue and rehabilitation services
continue.
 The
gardens feature several large aviaries with a profusion of exotic
and brilliantly colored birds, including parrots, parakeets, toucans,
cockatoos, and macaws from South America and from as far away as
the Mollucan Islands. There will be no shortage of the four-legged
animal kind as two white-faced Capuchin monkeys are the newest additions
in the animal enclosure. As we stood on the front porch of the main
house, Jenny showed us a kinkajou. This is another rescued animal
that has integrated well with humans. "Holy cow!" I exclaimed
as the demure little creature opened its mouth and out came a 5-inch
tongue. Nearby was another similar looking creature. At first I
thought this was another kinkajou but Jenny corrected me, "No,
this is a Cacomistle." I must admit having her write the name
down, as this was another "new" animal for me.
For
twenty years in England, Paul and Jenny kept exotic birds. If you
watch Paul interact with his many feathered friends, you can observe
–a complete bonding of animal with human, in a mutual embrace
of affection, caring and complete trust.
Jenny
loves to garden - and it shows. She admits it’s her passion
and the profusion of multi-colored blooms that decorate the grounds
is evidence of her considerable skills, not to mention her obvious
green thumb. Her crowning glory may well be the Japanese water-garden
and pavilion, that is in the finishing stages of construction.
Panama’s
biggest butterfly house.
Work is well along on constructing the biggest butterfly
house in the country. This will be an eye-opener for many. I recall
some years ago, seeing some chrysalis or pupae (butterfly eggs)
and was astonished to see, what appeared to be, droplets of pure
gold, silver and a pearl. That is one thing about nature; the more
you delve into it, the more amazing it becomes.
Wheelchair
accessible.
The wonders of nature should be available to everyone,
and bless their heart’s the Saban’s, at some cost, have
made their garden fully wheelchair-accessible. Further to this,
in the future, there are plans to build some care-free facilities
on the grounds. So people can spend their retirement years in one
of the most beautiful spots on earth.
The
final question I posed to Paul and Jenny Saban was, "Why are
you doing this?" Their answer was simple, they wanted to share
what they have. Paul’s many hard-working years as a Master
Stonemason in England provided his family with a good life. Now
he and his wife will in turn provide many hours of enjoyment and
education for the people of Panama. The animals of Panama are slowly
beginning to realize that some really nice people have moved into
their neighborhood.
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Finding a Real Estate
Agent (Part I)
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Checking
the status of your advisor
By:
Steven Rich,
Marketing Manager for Panama Offshore Legal Services
Panama’s
real estate boom brings thousands of foreigners looking to invest,
live and retire in this beautiful country. Every Panamanian knows
someone selling properties.
One gets
the impression that everyone is profiting from the numerous real
estate sales and investment opportunities.
Real
estate agents are popping up everywhere to take advantage of this
boom. It seems every tour guide, taxi cab driver, bartender, hotel
worker, and barber is now a part-time real estate agent, and there
is no M.L.S. (Multiple Lishing Service).
So Beware:
Buyers can fall victims to swindles, frauds, forgeries, and malpractice
committed by some so called "real estate agents".
So
what should you look out for?
Panama’s real estate broker’s law defines
a real estate agent as one who habitually and professionally operates
as a mediator, intermediary, agent, or representative in real estate
transactions. A commission is a payment to one who extends the above-mentioned
services between a property owner and third parties. The law excludes
people who work as promoters, administrators, rent collectors and
maintenance providers who work under a licensed real estate broker.
A real
estate agent is an intermediary in a transaction earning a commission
for bringing a buyer and a seller together for the disposal of real
estate. Every Panama real estate agent must be licensed. This requires
studying applicable laws and regulations, and passing a written
examination, to receive a license by the government to represent
property sellers or buyers for a commission.
Licensed
real estate agents must carry a card identifying them as such. Many
people claiming to be real estate agents in Panama are not licensed.
This
is where the danger lies. When someone shows you properties, you
always ask questions about the property’s features, purchasing
process, financing, and real estate laws. An unlicensed "real
estate agent" will not have taken the hours of courses, read
the books on the real estate laws & regulations, nor passed
a written test. You need to ask, "Are you licensed?" Most
of the time you will be told "No".
How
Do They Get Away With It?
Instead of calling someone hired to show properties a
"real estate agent"; they are called "consultants",
"representatives", "promoters", "property
showers", or even "negotiators". They are paid a
salary or fee instead of a percentage commission. Their paychecks
will say something like "marketing" or "professional
services". Because they work for a licensed real estate broker,
the law exempts them. Sellers can sell their own properties without
a license. Developers can also hire people to sell their own projects
without a license.
To become
a licensed real estate agent you must:
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Take courses and pass a written exam administered by the Ministry
of Industry & Commerce.
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Obtain
a $10,000 bond to cover malpractice claims.
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Obtain
a Power of Attorney presented by an attorney to a notary public.
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Pay
Fiscal Stamps (Timbres Fiscales) annually of $25.
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You
must be either a Panamanian national or a foreigner with 5 years
residency.
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Obtain
a Police record showing you never committed a felony against the
nation, public faith, justice, or honor (whatever that means).
How
Should An Agent Act?
Under the law, an agent should act in good faith when
dealing with their clients (buyers and or sellers), and inform them
of all factors that affect the property as it relates to Sales,
Contracts, Zoning, Financing, etc. Agents must make sure they complete
their activities within a practical time and do so in a professional
manner. They should avoid all illegal practices in relation to buyers,
sellers, other colleagues, and third parties. This includes avoiding:
Fraud, False Representations, Misleading Advertising, Exaggerations,
and Malicious Practices - that can damage the public and the image
of the profession. Agents cannot offer or market a property without
previous authority to do so. Agents must maintain strict confidentiality
of all information provided by clients.
What,
No MLS?
Another problem with Panama’s real estate industry
is no Multiple Listing Service (MLS) exists. A MLS allows real estate
offices to share their exclusive listings with other offices and
split the total sales commissions with the agents who bring buyers.
What we have here is an "every man for himself" type of
non-exclusive listings. There are hundreds of real estate offices
in Panama all competing against each other for an open listing where
"the first come with a deposit and a Promise to Purchase Contract
wins all" commission system. Thus, with no incentive for professional
cooperation, it truly is every man or woman for him or herself.
In spite of this bigger shark eats littler one system; there are
some real estate offices cooperating and sharing listings with others.
However, these are just a few small pockets. Therefore, when you
visit different real estate offices you will see many of the same
properties and condominium projects for sale. Sometimes the prices
will be different because some sellers only offer a "net"
listing where the seller gets a set price and the agent is free
to add whatever commission desired on top. Thus, you can find the
same property for less at a different real estate office.
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Expat profile
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The
Doyen of British expats: a contact man "par excellence"
By
David Young
Some
year’s ago there was a story going the rounds about Murphy.
He was the Irishman who constantly astounded his friends by the
number of his high level contacts. Mention a name and Murphy knew
him or her. Finally, exasperated by Murphy’s claim to know
the Pope, Murphy and his friends journeyed to Rome. At the Vatican,
to the astonishment of his friends, Murphy was welcomed inside by
the Swiss Guards. The rest waited in the square. When the Pope appeared
on the balcony, Murphy was by his side. As the crowd clapped an
American tourist asked the group: "Say. who’s that Guy
with Murphy?"
The
story comes to mind whenever I meet Richard Vizor, the British doyen
of expats, who has live in Panama for over 30 years.
During
that time he has amassed a volume of friends and acquaintances that
have made him the contact man par excellence for the expat community,
and many business entrepreneurs.
His
first contact with the Isthmus was in 1964 when serving in Britain’s
Merchant Navy he traveled through the Canal. Ten years passed before
he returned, but not before his first experience of a major civil
confrontation while working in Indonesia, no longer a sailor.
Richard Vizor, a man for all seasons.
Accompanied
by an Australian Journalist in search of pictures and a story, he
became trapped between a mob of machete weilding protestors and
a group of Government supporting army tanks. He had to practice
all of his developing negotiating skills to get out of the predicament.
The
episode, and succeeding events, became the subject of "A Year
Living Dangerously" a book by the Australian which later became
a film.
From
Indonesia, where he contracted an infection leading to hearing loss,
his British multi-national employers transferred him to Panama in
1974. He quickly rose to become sales and marketing director for
he Caribbean, before adding Latin America to his territory, giving
him an insight into the business and political networks over a vast
area.
Meanwhile,
in 1971, he married a Panamanian and gained access to another circle
of opinion leaders.
All
of this fed into his decision to remain in Panama when, after six
years, his company planned to move him to Head Office, in London.
He set
up his own company focusing on importing and distributing goods
of all descriptions.
The
business thrived in spite of some occasional bumps like the American
invasion of 1989, which he witnessed from his home in the exclusive
La Cresta community of Panama city.
After
the invasion when John Le Carré arrived in Panamá
to research his book, the Tailor of Panama, it was to Richard he
turned for help for introductions to people who knew and would talk,
about some of the murkier events leading up to fall of Noriega.
Meanwhile
his social and sports life blossomed. Always a strong competitor
in individual sports he reigned as Panama’s squash champion,
played a mean game of tennis, white water rafted, sky- dived, competed
in yacht races and still made time to play chess and read.
He remains
active in over 50 clubs and societies and was instrumental in founding
one called simply "The Club" with 50 influential business
members, who meet for conversation, pool and social events.
He has
also plays a prominent role in the British Colonial Luncheon group
and the Panama British Business Association.
While
in many ways he has had a charmed life he has also faced some major
physical problems, which he fought and overcame.
After
his ear problem, an accident led to tropical conjunctivis and left
him virtually blind for two years. The final blow was in 2000 when
he was diagnosed with cancer and went through chemotherapy, radiation
and a series of major operations.
He closed
his business and became what he calls a "British cop"
acting as a consultant negotiating business transactions between
often disparate, operators.
After
defending the big C, he planned to return to some of his sporting
activities but was grounded again by the need for a hip replacement.
Hampered
though he was while waiting for surgery, he became and remains enthusuastially
involved as the point man for the Panama Broadcasting Corporation,
in partnership with Gerry Dowden.
What
does Panama mean to him. "It’s a land of opportunity
with no racism. It’s the place to be".
He has
proved that in manys ways, and is perhaps one of the best known
and least heralded of Panamanian residents, who has spent a lifetime
flying under the radar and beating the odds.
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Spirit
of wine
A little piece of Paris comes to Panama
By
David Young
From
psycho-analyst to running a wine bar might seem a far stretch,
unless you know that the owner and her husband are French
citizens with their own vineyard in Provence, in the south
of France and have long been planning a way of marketing its
harvest in Panama.
Ma
Maison, on Avenida Uruguay (Calle 49) in what has become the
entertainment district of Panama, is owned by Andre and Elaine
Beladina, who have lived in Panama for seven years. It is
described as a "lounge bar", and there are others
with the same description in the city. But when you climb
the few steps past the attractive patio into Ma Maison, you
know instantly that this is a different world. With its red
velvet chairs and superbly orchestrated décor it is
truly French and brings back vivid memories of similar retreats
in Paris, where customers relaxed with a glass of wine, good
company, and perhaps a famed jazz pianist playing in one corner.
There’s no pianist at Ma Maison, but who knows what
the future will hold. But there is muted music with a French
accent, and of course the air is not filled with the pungency
of unfiltered Gitaines or Disque Bleu, a "blessing"
even the French have given up in their restaurants.
The wines are all from France, but are dominated by vintages
from Domaine de la Rouviere, the 22 hectare vineyard of the
owners. Provence is famed for its high quality rose wines,
and Ma Maison offers these along with a superb collection
of reds and whites, all of which are offered for drinking,
and for purchase. What better way of ending a visit in which
you discover new flavors, than taking home a bottle of the
wine that most appealed to your palate.
Along with the wine you can snack on pates, smoked salmon
or stuffed olives, served of course with genuine French baguettes,
or earlier in the day sample teas, hot chocolate, coffee and
French patisseries.
Whenever
you visit you can wander through the showroom that opens off
the lounge to display a collection of wine accessories that
you will find nowhere else in the city, perhaps not in Latin
America. Where else would you be able to purchase an elegant
saber for slicing off corks from Champagne bottles? The saber
sits amid shelves overflowing with elegant goblets, wine filters,
bottle openers as distinguished as the contents they were
designed to reach and, for the man who has it all, a leather
traveling case, complete with flask, openers and collapsible
tot container?
Madame Beladina, is more than an owner. She is a true lover
of wines, and will discourse happily with her customers about
her own estate offerings, detailing everything from how the
grapes are blended down to infinite details on filtering,
tasting. She is happy to provide printed details on how to
store and serve wines, along with suggestions on what meals
they should accompany.
For example, when talking about Cuvee des Comtes 2002, a delightful
dry rose, with a delicate aroma and fruity taste she gives
details of the blend, 50 percent Cinsault, 30 percent Syrah
and 20 percent Grenache. She recommends keeping it for no
longer than two years at a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees
Celsius, and cooled for serving to 6 degrees. Best drunk with
cold foods, chicken, white meats, salads and cheeses, someat
lover or vegetarian, you are well catered for.
The wines from their own estate, are labeled Terres Rouviere
and the carefully blended grapes are processed with a system
that expels air and replaces it with an inert gas that guarantees
optimum conservation without adding chemicals to produce oxidation.
Threats of headaches after imbibing are greatly reduced.
In addition to its own wines, Ma Maison offers all the regular
favorites from Bourdeaux, Boulogne, and Burgundy, and an excellent
Champagne. Cocktails, whiskies and cognacs are also available
along with a selection of non alcoholic cocktails and smoothies.
And the prices? At first glance you would expect a frontal
attack on your wallet, but prices for a glass of wine range
from as low as $1.60 to $6.10 for a Chateau Neuf de Pape.
There is one exotic offering at $59. It is there so that the
tastes of customers can be measured over the months, and the
wines on offer will reflect their tastes, so expect changes
in the Carte de Vin each month.
It is a place that will soon become a haunt for true wine
lovers, and for those who like to be seen or to people watch.
Panama has a new gem in its crown and all benefit from the
successful conclusion to a couples’ dream. Vive la France.
When a pizza becomes
“ gourmet”
When
is a pizza something more than a pizza? When it’s a
“Gourmet Pizza” say the owners of a new addition
to Panama’s burgeoning list of places to eat and entertain.
Pizza, born and raised in Naples, descends from pita recipes
used in Babylon, Ancient Egypt and Greece. The Lombardi invasion
of Italy in the 18th Century introduced Mozzarella cheese,
and Columbus, A Geonese indirectly contributed to the modern
day pizza by his discovery of tomatoes in the New World.
Antonia
Andyoutsos of Greek ancestry and Dragan Buric from Serbia
have opened Gourmet Pizza, on Avenida Balboa, across the road
from Multi Centro. They are and are rapidly developing a large
base of Pizza lovers, many of whom have been brought back
into the fold because the offerings are a big temptation to
all but the strongest willed who have sworn off pizza for
dietary or health reasons.
While
they serve thin crust standard pizzas, it is the gourmet section
of the menu that packs the lunchtime and evening customers
into the minimalist interior. You can spoil yourself with
offerings that include brie and procuitto, or Roquefort with
imported ham and milled garlic, and a four cheese pizza, that
becomes five with a topping of parmesan.
 But
there’s not only pizza to tickle the taste buds. There’s
a wide range of antipastos bruschetta’s and salads,
and even dessert pizzas with surprise combinations like ,
mozzarella honey and cinnamon, or cream custard or nuts with
chocolate.
There
is lots to explore on the menu, with desserts including tongue
tempting baklava, kataifi and tiramisu.. It all comes with
a full service wine, liquor and beer bar, plus a wide range
of natural fruit juices. All pizzas are also available with
whole wheat flour.
The
restaurant is open from 11. a.m. to midnight, seven days a
week.
Take-out is available in Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, Marvella
and part of Bella Vista. Call 215-1000.
"Amore"
a hidden ingredient
Pompei waiting to be uncovered
When
Attilio Reale was a small boy in Italy he was taken to see
the crater of Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that had destroyed
the city of Pompei in 79 A.D.
Awed by the size of the crater, he was even more impressed
by the ruins of the ancient city. As he grew up and became
a chef, he decided that one day he would own his own restaurant
and it would be called Pompei.
Seven months ago he arrived in Panama with his Colombian born
wife after a five years stint as a chef in Miami’s Tiransu
restaurant.
His dream came true two months ago when he opened Pompei 70
(D.C.) is the Spanish for A.D., and lovers of good food gained
another "must-visit", haunt.
Atillio is the manager, chef and often the waiter in his immaculate
restaurant, tucked away in Paitilla Mall, near Botica El Javillo,
which is not far from Do It Center. Like the original Pompei,
the exploration will prove worth the effort and you will find
many hidden treasures.
Owner & chef Attilio Reale.
At Pompei, all the offerings contain a hidden ingredient,
which Atillio calls Amore. He loves his work is constantly
reinventing and out of the blue will add another dish to the
daily menu, like his exquisite Rissoto. That may contain shrimp
or fish or be a tasty vegetarian dish.
Everything is prepared to order, and a phone call ahead can
guarantee a special presentation.
Among the regular listings on the extensive menu are scaloppine
al porto, thin slices of beef in a port based sauce, or scaloppine
al vino bianco where white wine replaces the port. There is
a salmon dish in a vodka and cream sauce, and lobster and
kosher dishes.
Born in Naples, where pizza was invented, Atillio is equally
proud to display his home bred skills and his pizza gets the
same extra ingredient as all the other dishes --- amore.
Pompei does not serve wine, but you may bring your own, and
there is no corkage charge. So load up with chianti and enjoy.
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Red
devils reaching end of the line
Panama’s
famed, Diablos Rojos, may soon be reaching the end of the line,
and for some who think "infamous" is a more appropriate
adjective, it can’t happen soon enough. But with their departure
will go a favorite target for visiting shutter bugs. The painted
exteriors, feature stars of stage, screen, and sports fields. Sometimes
the interiors are equally decorated. The "art" works have
been photographed thousands of times, and now adorn photo albums
and computer files the world over. It’s unlikely that their
transport replacements will get similar attention, the city will
pet with a smoother and faster way of getting about.
The
prime candidates for reducing traffic congestion, and easing the
strain on drivers, and passengers, are articulated buses; a mono
rail system which, if implemented, would be the longest passenger
carrying system in the world; and a fast metro surface line, proposed
by a Japanese consortium. Japan has one of the most efficient high
speed transportation systems in the world, where trains carry millions
of passengers every day and where not being on time is as near to
being a crime as you can get.
A new
world is coming and, it is said, a decision will be made "soon".
Here
we show some of the buses still on the road before they depart to
some bus Valhalla, or elephant’s graveyard, again, depending
on your point of view.
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The
lives of the people of Los Santos
 Stanley
Heckadon-Moreno besides Prof. Pedro Luis Prados, editorial director
of the university Dr. Carlos Manuel Gasteazoro.
Dr. Stanley
Heckadon-Moreno recently presented at the National Library the second
edition of his book "When the mountain ends". The story
of the people of Los Santos and the colonisation of Tonosí
is a perfect subject now that people are more interested in protecting
the environment and the natural resources.
It is
an edition in a more elegant format, incorporating new illustrations,
texts and interviews with residents of the region of Tonosí,
province of Los Santos.
Prof.
Pedro Luis Prados, editorial director of the university Dr. Carlos
Manuel Gasteazoro, welcomed the audience, and Prof. Francisco Herrera,
Chairman of Anthropology and History of the University of Panama,
were present.
"When
the mountain ends" is a estudy of campesino behaviour in Tonosí,
from the perspective that avoids using history as a source for interpretation
of a society.
"The
book is in some way a cultural historic study that allows us know
about the process of colonization in the region of Tonosí,
starting from the last half of 19th century, until 1960's, when
four generations have passed by, and people start to move from that
region to other agricultural areas".
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Veggie heaven
One recent
visitor to Panama, a vegetarian, asked for advice on finding either
restaurants with a vegetarian listing attached to the menu, or any
places that served only vegetarian meals.
In North
America many restaurants list vegetarian meals to satisfy not only
those who have eschewed eating meat, but the ever growing half-way
crowd who see the occasional veggie route as a way to keep the pounds
or kilos at bay.
 Unfortunately
most Panamaian restaurants hide their vegetarian offerings, if any,
in the regular menu.
By a
happy coincidence I had just been invited to the second anniversary
celebration of Novena, a vegetarian restaurant given to not only
producing good food, but also hosting art and musical events.
Novena’s
logo is a line drawing of Beethoven, and it lies on Avenue Argentina,
which with its many restaurants and bars with outdoor patios, gives
this corner of Panama a European flavor.
The food
is cooked in front of you in an open kitchen and although the menu
is not large, the food is well prepared and affordable. There are
ten different soups, and a fine selection of appetizers.
The
main dishes include stuffed peppers, crepes, leek and onion pies
and stuffed peppers. Desserts include a Viennese apple pie peppered
with slice almond and there is a wide selection of shakes and drinks
freshly made with natural fruit.
No wine
is served, but you are free to bring your own, and no corkage is
charged.
There
is a lunchtime executive menu, and breakfast with succulent vegetable
and cheese omelettes, fruit and yogurt, slices of delicious multi-grain
bread and a huge glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice, is served
from ten a.m. to 12 noon. If you are a weekend late riser, it’s
a good place to start your day.
Most
of the recipes originated in Germany where Arthur Smith, one of
the co-owners, studied. His partner is Judith Burac, and they met
when working at a Colon Oil refinery. When the refinery closed,
they decided to open Novena.
You can see your food being prepared at
La Novena.
With
Beethoven as the eminence gris, there is a large selection of CD’s
of his works, and you are free to select your choice which is played
softly in the background and not even his 9th Symphony will drown
out conversation.
There
is a reading nook in the restaurant with books, magazines and daily
newspapers, and as the restaurant is also billed as a chocelateria,
you can drop by for a morning or afternoon cuppa and bring yourself
up to date on the goings on in the world.
Both
owners speak English.
Bread
from white to black and shades in between
While
the arrival of new residents and an ever increasing number of visitors
is bringing increased prosperity to the country, there are many
side benefits for those already here ... the rapid growth of new
services, stores, and restaurants.
A welcome
new arrival is Canada Panderia, bringing fresh varieties of the
"staff of life". They sell, of course, many shapes and
sizes of white and integral bread, but I was delighted to discover
black bread, an old time favorite that turns a simple sandwich into
a hearty feast.
The store
owners, Paul Bortniker and Mike Sadedsky, newly arrived from Russia,
via Israel and Toronto, supervise all the daily baking and are producing
small and large loaves. The small ones are a good way to test the
product on the family and you won’t believe the low pricing.
My family scoffed a loaf of black bread in one sitting and complained
that I had bought only the small one.
The
shelves are also loaded with 10 kinds of bagel, including sweet
tasting, and what seem to be the largest baguettes in the city.
The breads include cheese bread, and bread made with egg dough.
The
bakery in Plaza Paitilla also has a café serving sandwiches,
bagels and coffee. There are taster samples of the fillings. Try
the cream cheese and smoked salmon, but take a healthy appetite
with you.Opening hours are 7-8:00p.m. Monday - Saturday 9:00a.m.
- 6:00p.m. of.
Dream World
Still
on the subject of lotteries, Scotia Bank is offering customers a
chance to win a Porsche Boxster but you need a little more than
the 25c that lets you into the lottery stakes. Qualifications for
entering the tombola are maintainign regular a $1000 deposit in
your savings account, or opening a term desposit, and getting one
entry for each $1000 deposited. The promotion runs until June 30.
Keep dreaming.
Missing
strawberries
One
thing that puzzles a lot of my friends is not the fast disappearance
of a popular product from food shelves in the supermarket, but the
slow pace of replacement. Perhaps the fast sale is a pent up demand.
Some examples I have experienced are a frozen dough and baked beans
with tomato sauce and cheese fondue. Beans with pork no problem.
With tomato sauce no luck. I last spotted them in El Rey, 2-two
years ago.
Fondue,
when it comes, is snapped up by people who have a big fridge and
buy "in bulk" knowing that further supplies may be a long
time coming. At the time of writing it is available at Riba-Smith.
It’s the perfect stand-by for a quick meal, with bite size
chunks of your favorite baguette and apple.
At one
time my freezer contained 6lb bags of frozen strawberries, ideal
for breakfast smoothies, mixed with bananas, apples, milk, tofu
milk, or yogurt, and other fruit of your choice. I haven’t
seen the strawberries for over a year! If any reader finds a source,
let me know.
Book
Fair
bargains
If you are a bargain shopper, (and who isn’t?) don’t
miss Panama’s International Book Fair at Atlapa on May
15-20. Last time I visited many of the stands were offering
books, CD’S and other items at discounted prices.
It’s
the look
that counts
You would be surprised (or maybe you wouldn’t)
at how many of the elegantly dressed ladies and their escorts,
stepping out of their BMW’S, Toyota’s, Mercedes,
have mixed some of their haute couture garments with bargain
basement items from some of the mass merchandising stores.
They, and you, will be happy to see the latest low cost offerings
at the new Saks store in El Dorado. They’re worth checking
out. |
Lotteries
to Expand.
Just in case you haven’t found enough ways to fritter
away your hard earned money. The scoop is that the National
Lottery is going to provide some new "incentive".
Easy come, easy go, but on the other land, maybe Lady luck
is looking over your shoulder.
Opening
and Closing
Conway, the new store at MultiCentro in Panama City
is drawing crowds. More on what shopping treasures lie in
store, in our next edition. |
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Coming
soon to The Visitor
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Look for
these special features in future editions
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 The
Causeway
Fast becoming one of Panama City’s favorite Rendezvous,
for everyone from joggers and cyclists to yachtsmen, disco jetters,
diners, or people watchers. If Bennigan’s is there it must be
taking off.
 The
Hipodrome
Panama’s
race track has a long history, producing winning horses and jockeys,
and in June will feature a major classic event.
 Where
to worship
Panama has places of worship covering many religions from
Catholic and Protestant to Jewish, Hindu, Muslin, Budist, Bahia. The
Visitor provides a guide to help you fulfill your spiritual needs.
 The
Karaoke challenge
Even if you don't speak Spanish, you can have fun in the
Panama karaoke world. The Visitor enters the land of the would be
songsters and comes out hoarse, but with ego intact.
 Animal
Care
For those accustomed to cooler climes, the adjustment to
the tropics sometimes takes a little time, but with care sun tan lotion
and air conditioning the transition can be a pleasurable experience.
But what about your pets? A look at some ways to ensure "mans"
best friend" and other pets adjust to their new world.
 Insurance
for new comers
All settled in New home, new car, clean bill of health from
the doctor, except for....? The Visitor gets a professionals view
on how to cover yourself.
 Shopping
with Lourdes
There are offers galore, sales, bargains - everything for
the shopper on the move, from malls to boutiques. Lourdes will bring
you details of the continuing Panamanian shopping paradise.
 New
in Panama
It seems that not a day goes by without the opening of a
new restaurant, or tourist facility, and our roving reporters are
out there to guide you to new places to explore.
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