Special Features
A monkey in my arms
By David Dell
Maisie and Novey asleep with the author. Maise y Novey durmiendo junto al autor.
Seeing wild animals up close and personal is one of life's most fulfilling experiences. People who have swum with dolphins describe the interaction as almost religious. I recently had several of these wonderful experiences thanks to the people at the Alouatta animal sanctuary in Chorcha, Chiriqui.
I drove up a rough mountain road about 20 minutes east of the City of David. The Alouatta (Latin for Howler monkey) sanctuary is the passionate work of expat couple Steven and Michelle Walker. Steven greeted us with a troop of friendly howler monkeys in tow. These small, black monkeys are wonderful creatures that were soon climbing all over my two companions and I.
Howler monkeys are known for their loud calls at night.
While living in Australia as farmers, Steven and his New Zealand-born wife Michelle decided to make a change. They investigated 37 countries along with their two children, Rebecca and Gareth, before deciding to settle in Boquete. Steven worked with local wildlife enthusiast Paul Saban, doing landscaping work at the Saban's Paradise Gardens sanctuary in Volcancito. A year and a half ago he bought the 40 acres that is now Alouatta Lodge and started on his dream.
Steven and Michelle have transformed this mountain jungle into one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in all of Panama. From Steven's wooden viewing deck I looked down the valley to the coastline of Boca Brava at the Pacific - it took my breath away.
Como llegar:
El camino al Lodge es exactamente 15 millas más allá del paro de Tránsito David. Cuando usted vea un signo de la derecha diciendo: Ganaderia de Las Vueltas, el giro hacia Alouatta es sólo un centenar de metros más a la izquierda. Visita www.alouattalodge.com., E-mail: rooikop@fastmail.fm o llame al 6747-3446.
Paradise found in the Chiriqui foothills overlooking Boca Brava and the Pacific Ocean.
The main purpose of my visit was to see one particular howler monkey named Maisie. On May Day 2007 (hence the name), a tiny orphaned howler monkey was given to Paradise Gardens in Volcancito. Maisie's mother was most probably killed for bush meat. The Walkers also had a rescued howler called Yahoo.
Soon Maisie and Yahoo became friends and spent time together in their secure pre-release enclosure at Alouatta. Soon some wild howlers came into the compound and one, who was named Big Boy, reportedly mated with Maisie. On the 19th of November 2009, The Walkers told the Sabans that Maisie had given birth to their first Howler grandchild, called Novey. Maisie and Yahoo are credited as being the first documented releases of captive raised Howler monkey's in Panama.
Sitting in a camp chair at Alouatta, Maisie, with baby Novey firmly attached, approached me and climbed up onto my lap. She stretched herself out, her small black head nestled under my chin. I gently stroked her stomach and I could feel her relax into my arms. There is a wonderful feeling when an animal trusts you this way. Steven said Maisie is not so friendly to everyone, I was fortunate.
Steven Walker with one of his monkey friends at Alouatta Lodge.
As the warm afternoon sun filtered through the trees, Steven took note: "Look at that, Maisie's fallen asleep!" What a special way to spend an afternoon. Aloatta Lodge is not a zoo, there are no animals in cages for people to look at. The idea is that animals, Parrots, Capuchins, Sloths, are cared for just as long as is necessary and then they are released into the wild. Steven and Michelle are seeking an investor who would like to partner in their goal to expand their lodge and buy some adjacent land.
My friend Felipe is happy to take visitors to Alouatta The lodge charges $10 a day for a visit, $15 if you include lunch and $75 will get you afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast the following morning after spending a night in a jungle hammock.
Retail bliss at Multiplaza and Metromall with the Panama Tourist Shopping Card
An aerial view of Multiplaza Mall in Panama City.
Panama's Multiplaza shopping center and newly-opened Metromall offer superb shopping. Prestigious brands at great prices are what attract so many people to buy at Panama's premiere shopping centers. Even more incentives can be found by presenting your passport at the Concierge Center of either mall to receive the Tourist Shopping Card, which delivers discounts, bonuses and incentives to shoppers on holiday.
Panama is a center of fashion. Travelers come to shop at world-class boutiques like Hermés, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany's and Jimmy Choo at Multiplaza Mall in upscale Punta Pacifica - the "5th Avenue of Panama". And at the brand new Metromall on Via Tocumen, just ten minutes from Tocumen International Airport, one can find even more proof that Panama's position as a major importer transfers to the racks. The latest seasons' collections get to Panama first and quickly go on sale due to a high level of competition in the national fashion industry.
The impressive main entrance to Metromall.
Besides shopping at Nine West, Calvin Klein, Diesel, GNC, MAC Store, Furla, Anne Klein, Studio F, Izod, Perry Ellis, Kenneth Cole, Levi's, and Guess, Metromall offers a wide range of services and dining opportunities for the shopper. Mega department stores like El Titan, El Costo, Steven's, El Machetazo, Sportline as well as the electronic warehouses of Panafoto and Audiofoto combined with the cosmetic emporium of La Riviera round out Metromall's complete shopping experience.
Five reasons to shop in Panama:
1. The country receives and distributes top world brands, especially those from North America and Europe.
2. Low prices in Panama are not a myth - due to the country's geographical location,low taxes and the Colón Free Zone.
3. As the "Hub of the Americas", getting to and from Panama is easy.
5. The dollar is local currency.
6. The malls and streets of Panama are safe.
Sunny weather for birdwatching
Northern winters bring birds and tourists to Panama to enjoy the "verano".
Resplendant Quetzal, Photo courtesy
of Hotel Los Quetzales Ecolodge.
During the northern winter, birds and tourists alike migrate to Panama to enjoy the perfect climate. Right now, the "verano" (summer) or dry season, several months of clear blue skies and refreshing northern breezes, make Panama perfect for birding trips.
The Panama Audubon Society is reporting hundreds of thousands of birds at sites such as Cerro Ancón and around Summit Park - close to the city. Panama is home to such exotic species as the Brown-backed dove, Azuero Parakeet, Veraguan Mango, and Green-napped Tanager. In The Darien flocks of wild parrots fly overhead and Volcán Baru National Park is a great spot to see species such as the Quetzal.
Nearly 1,000 different species of birds have been recorded in Panama according to the Audubon Society. Popular and easy to reach bird-watching sites include Metropolitan National Park within in the Panama City limits plus Summit Park and Gamboa, also close to the city..
For information on birding tours in Panama, contact the Panama Audubon Society by calling (507) 232-5977 or email info@panamaaudubon.org.
Part II: The new tax code
By: Jessyca Angulo, attorney for Panama Offshore Legal Services
E-Mail: jessy@pos-inc.com -- Phone: (507) 227 - 6645
Property taxes in Panama underwent major revision when Law 49 became official on September 17, 2009. There are new taxes for condominium buildings, new taxes based on land value and improvements to properties. Under the old law, the real property tax rates were as follows:
v1.75% of the basis over $30,000 up to $50,000.
1.95% of the basis from $50,000 up to $75,000.
2.10% of the basis exceeding $75,000.
"Basis" is defined as the value set by the Catastro office of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These rates remain the same for all real estate except for condominiums.
A property tax table has been created specifically for condominium buildings which are different than the rates above applicable for all other types of real estate:
1.40% of the basis up to $20,000.
1.75% of the basis from $20,000 up to $50,000.
1.95% of the basis from $50,000 up to $75,000.
2.10% of the basis exceeding $75,000.
This is the second of a three-part series on the new tax code. To read part one, visit www.TheVisitorPanama.com and find edition 15#50 by clicking on Back Issues. The third and final installment will be published next week.
The purchase price for the proportionate land attributed to the percentage of ownership of the entire building each condo represents is now included with the basis. The price for improvements is also added to the basis. An exception exists for the furniture included with the purchase and the social areas of the building.
There used to be a 20 year property tax exemption for new construction and improvements. It has now been slightly shortened. Those who took advantage of the 20 year exoneration on improvements got their construction permits approved before July 1st, 2009 and can file these changes in the Public Registry before December 31st, 2011. All others will remain with this table:
Residential Use Property Tax Exemption:
Up to $100,000 - 15 years
From $100,000.00 to $250,000 - 10 years
More than $250,000 - 5 years
Commercial Use Property Tax Exemption:
10 year exoneration no matter what value.
Under the old law, land value was always included in the basis with an exoneration of the first $30,000. The new law abolishes the up to $30,000 land value exoneration on condominiums worth more than $80,000. Properties whose land value and improvements do not exceed $30,000 in value are exempt from paying this tax.
Sellers pay a Transfer Tax and Capital Gains Tax upon transfer of title. It is 2% of sales price or the value registered with the Catastro office, whichever is higher. Capital Gains Tax is 10% of the sales price, minus the registered value.
The new tax law establishes a 3% advance payment of the sales price advance payment. So when title transfers the seller pays a 2% Transfer tax plus a 3% "advance" of the Capital Gains tax. If the actual Capital Gains tax is more than the 3% paid, the seller will pay the additional tax when filing an income tax return. If the actual Capital Gains tax is less than the 3% advance payment, the seller has the right to present a claim for the difference which the government will pay through "negotiable certificates".
Properties currently under the old 20 year property tax exemption will continue to enjoy those benefits. With the abolishment of the land value exoneration for condominiums valued at more than $80,000, some property owners may find themselves paying property taxes on valuable land.
Part 3 will cover incentives under the new tax law for real property owners to obtain private appraisals.