New plans for Howard

Panama has awarded a $750 million (380 million pounds) property development deal to UK-based London & Regional Properties to convert a former U.S. Military base into a business park, according to the Panamanian government.

The project, described by London & Regional as "one of the world's largest development deals," aims to transform the 4,950-acre (2,000-hectare) former Howard Air Forece Base, as Panama bids to transform itself into the "Singapore of the Americas."

"We are looking at $405 million in investment during the first phase, followed by three more phases taking the total to $750 million over eight years," said a government official who declined to be named.

Disagreements in Panama about how the bases should best be used have meant that many of the red-tiled, concrete buildings have stood empty for over seven years.

Panama took control of dozens of U.S. Military installations in 2000 after the United States, which built the Panama Canal, pulled out of the country under a 1977 agreement.

Preservationists seek moratorium on demolitions

A government building in the historical district of La Exposición.

Disturbed at the frequent sound of wrecking machines taking down old homes in Panama city as the building boom continues, some active local historians and preservationists are calling for a law prohibiting the demolition of 50 year-old buildings in the Bella Vista area.

Bella Vista (beautiful view) includes the area known as Exhibition, where many fine buildings were constructed for an international exhibition in the 1920's.

On the right, a symbol of more tranquil times, an outstanding building, one of several that edge Parque Porras. It is home to the General Prosecutor's office.

Below an old home disappears in Bella Vista.

Progress or destruction? Many historical houses are being demolished.

Getting a Visa just got easier

The Embassy of Canada in Panama has announce that visitor visas can now be applied for in Panama at the Embassy.

The Embassy staff now includes a Visa Processing Clerk who can review applications, inform applicants if their application is complete, and send the application to Guatemala --- all without any additional cost to the applicant. The visa will continue to be issued in Guatemala, but the application process can be started at the Embassy in Panama.

For more information contact: The Embassy of Canada, World Trade Center first floor, Galeria Comercial Panamá City, Panamá. Tel: (507) 265-9731, Fax: (507) 263-8083. E-mail: panam@international.gc.ca www.panama.gc.ca

Focus on Panama highlights Coclé

The province of Coclé, in western Panama, is becoming a tourist destination in its own right. The most recent edition of the Focus on Panama guide, published by Focus Publications (Int.) S.A., the parent company of The Visitor, is dedicated to the province and the promotional efforts of its Tourism Cluster. Above are: the Governor of Coclé, Prof. Dario Fernández (center) Dr. Reynaldo Pérez Guardia (left) and Pío Tuñón (right), of the province’s Agricultural Research and Genetic Resources Institute (IDIAP.)

The latest edition of Focus has a circulation of 100,000—the largest in the guide's three-decade history. Focus also contains 194 pages of invaluable information on places to see and things to do in every part of the country, including hotels, restaurants, sports and the housing market. This issue has new sections on surfing, diving and fishing.

Delta Airlines launches green program

In a partnership with The U.S. Conservation Fund, Delta Airlines will become the first U.S. airline to implement a voluntary carbon offset program, by raising money to plant trees in sustainable managed forests around the world . The trees will help off-set carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and converting it to oxygen as part of their natural processes.

Beginning on June 1, passengers will have the opportunity to make a donation to the fund when they purchase a ticket. One hundred per cent of the donation to the Conservation Fund program to plant trees and support the organizations outreach efforts.

Additionally, Delta will make a donation to the Fund for every passenger flying on a Delta mainline jet worldwide on Earth Day, April 22

Canadians in Panama offered consular help

The Canadian Embassy in Panama is inviting all Canadians living in Panama to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) program. ROCA provides a way for the embassy to communicate with Canadians on consular matters. In the event of a natural disaster or any form of civil unrest, using ROCA, Canadian consular officials are able to contact and provide guidance to registered Canadians.

ROCA is not connected to any other Canadian Government department or agency and is bound by the Canadian Privacy Act. Registration information is not shared with any person or entity outside of Foreign Affairs Canada’s Consular Division.

For more information on ROCA and how to register: www.panama.gc.ca (blue and white icon on the bottom left) email: panam@international.gc.ca