Varela Plans Trip to Honduras
Story by La Prensa
Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela announced Thursday that he will go on a second regional diplomatic mission to Honduras to attempt to broker a deal that would restore "Constitutional order" to that country.
"This will not be a last-ditch attempt," he said. "We will continue making the effort necessary to achieve...the speedy reintegration of Honduras into the hemispheric community."
Varela will be urging both sides of the divided Honduras government to sign the San José agreement, which would bring an end to the stand-off between the two sides, which has pitted the country's president against the military and Supreme Court.
Varela recognized that while there was no consensus behind the San José Agreement, the presence of regional representatives will show that there is significant support from the international community in bringing an end to the dispute.
Coment by Panama Jack
I feel that Panama should leed the way in Central and South America being that Panama should be the capital of both. Right now Panama has strong leadership in President Martinelli and is the cross-roads of the world. Honduras is standing up to the world of dictators and drug addicts and drug trafficers. The United States should help Panama to lead the way in the quest for freedon in all the America's
Friday, August 28, 2009
Panama Officials to Meet With Counterparts From Costa Rica
www.republicofpanama.net
Panama Officials to Meet With Counterparts From Costa Rica
Story by La Prensa
The foreign ministers of Panama and Costa Rica, Juan Carlos Varela and Bruno Stagno, respectively, plan to meet Friday to discuss border development issues in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, Panama, official sources said today.
The two foreign ministers plan to discuss issues such as tourism and border security. But the main focus of the discussion is expected to be the Sixaola River, which flows along the border between the countries.
The Echandi-Fernández Treaty of 1941 states that both countries have the right of free navigation on the Sixaola, while the border runs through the center of the channel.
The governments of Panama and Costa Rica have agreed in recent years on the construction of a bridge over a tributary of the river.
In recent years, flooding along the river has become an issue facing the governments of both countries, and it is expected to be a matter addressed at Friday's meeting.
Finance Ministry Will Seek to Tax Virtual Casinos in New Bill
Finance Ministry Will Seek to Tax Virtual Casinos in New Bill
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The financial ministry is about to present to the legislature a bill to regulate virtual casino operations located in the country. Ministry officials said they hoped to get up to $100 million a year in new taxes.
The disclosure came from Jenny Phillips, the minister of Hacienda in the Comisión de Control del Ingreso y el Gasto Público. The minster pointed out that the virtual casinos are unregulated now. She did not amplify what the bill would contain nor was the scope of the types of gambling to be covered outlined.
The minister said that the bill is part of a campaign against tax fraud and reforms so that the country can take in more taxes. Virtual casinos and online gambling operations are all over Costa Rica. This country and Antigua are the two places with the highest concentration of virtual gambling, the minster said.
There was no indication what provisions would be made to keep the virtual operations, which are highly transportable, from going elsewhere if taxes are levied. Although the operations themselves are not taxed, such businesses employ many local individuals who contribute to the general economy.
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The financial ministry is about to present to the legislature a bill to regulate virtual casino operations located in the country. Ministry officials said they hoped to get up to $100 million a year in new taxes.
The disclosure came from Jenny Phillips, the minister of Hacienda in the Comisión de Control del Ingreso y el Gasto Público. The minster pointed out that the virtual casinos are unregulated now. She did not amplify what the bill would contain nor was the scope of the types of gambling to be covered outlined.
The minister said that the bill is part of a campaign against tax fraud and reforms so that the country can take in more taxes. Virtual casinos and online gambling operations are all over Costa Rica. This country and Antigua are the two places with the highest concentration of virtual gambling, the minster said.
There was no indication what provisions would be made to keep the virtual operations, which are highly transportable, from going elsewhere if taxes are levied. Although the operations themselves are not taxed, such businesses employ many local individuals who contribute to the general economy.
Panama; U.S. to Increase Pressure on Honduran Interim Regime
If the US Will Not Stop Chaves, Then Who WIll?? Ccment by Panama Jack
U.S. to Increase Pressure
on Honduran Interim Regime
By the A.M. Costa Rica wire services
The State Department signaled Thursday the Obama administration is ready to take tougher action against the defacto leadership in Honduras because of the political impasse over President José Manuel Zelaya's ouster in June. An Organization of American States diplomatic mission to Tegucigalpa this week returned empty-handed.
Officials here say Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to make a formal determination as early as Friday that the ouster of Zelaya was an extra-legal coup, action that would set in motion deep cuts in U.S. aid, and other steps against the interim government.
Obama administration officials have been saying since the democratically-elected Zelaya was arrested by the Honduran military and deported to Costa Rica June 28 that the action amounted to a coup, despite the fact that officials of the successor administration maintain they acted within the law.
But the State Department withheld a formal determination of a coup, which carries with it harsh aid penalties mandated by Congress, in hope that diplomatic efforts led by the Organization of American States could restore Zelaya to power.
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, tasked by the Organization of American States to mediate, has offered a proposal under which interim Honduran President Robert Micheletti would step down and allow Zelaya to return and serve out his term which ends in January.
But at a news briefing, the assistant secretary of State for public affairs, P. J. Crowley, said Micheletti and his supporters categorically rejected the plan when a team of foreign ministers visited Tegucigalpa this week, prompting the United States to consider further sanctions.
"The OAS delegation that went there this week made what we thought was a very direct offer and entreaty to Honduras, to the defacto regime, that they should sign on to the San José accords. They have made it categorical that they have, as far as their position today, is that they have no plan to do that. And we are now evaluating based on what we've heard since the delegation has come back to the OAS, and were consulting with the OAS. We're taking stock of that and we'll make some decisions here very soon," he said.
The Obama administration has already suspended several non-humanitarian aid programs for Honduras that it would have been required to halt, if a formal coup determination had been made.
If Secretary Clinton as expected, goes ahead and signs off on such a finding, the aid cuts, worth more than $18 million, would become permanent and other assistance would be affected including a multi-year $215 million U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation program to boost the Honduran farm economy and roads system.
Earlier this week, the State Department said it was suspending non-emergency visa service for Hondurans seeking to visit the United States in another move aimed at pressing the interim government to accept the Arias plan.
Interim President Micheletti has said he does not fear sanctions and that Honduras can get by without international aid. Micheletti and supporters say Zelaya, a political ally of leftist Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, was ousted because he was trying to illegally change the country's constitution to extend his term in office.
Micheletti, who has the vocal support of some U.S. congressional conservatives, says Honduras will hold elections in November even if other countries do not recognize the result.
A senior State Department official who spoke to reporters said a coup finding by Secretary Clinton would give U.S. sanctions more bite and importantly, foreclose a resumption of aid without an acceptable resolution of the Honduran political impasse.
Our reader's opinion
What is the Rush to Cut
Funds for Honduran people?
Dear A.M. Costa Rica:
One has to ask: On whose side are financial international agencies in this ouster of Honduran president Zelaya? The Central America Bank of Economic Integration just announced it was holding back aid to Honduras’ interim government, joining others doing the same. The U.S. is one of them. Good move. Politicized bureaucrats, delay the infrastructure programs aimed to help the poor Honduran people, and make their situation even worse!
With presidential elections coming up in November, and the newly elected president taking in January, what’s the rush to judgment? Can’t you wait until then — only five months — before taking sides in a matter that is none of your concern. National sovereignty is respected in Latin America, unless there is a non-leftist leader involved. Is that the explanation about whose side you are on?
Walter Fila
Ciudad Colon
U.S. to Increase Pressure
on Honduran Interim Regime
By the A.M. Costa Rica wire services
The State Department signaled Thursday the Obama administration is ready to take tougher action against the defacto leadership in Honduras because of the political impasse over President José Manuel Zelaya's ouster in June. An Organization of American States diplomatic mission to Tegucigalpa this week returned empty-handed.
Officials here say Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to make a formal determination as early as Friday that the ouster of Zelaya was an extra-legal coup, action that would set in motion deep cuts in U.S. aid, and other steps against the interim government.
Obama administration officials have been saying since the democratically-elected Zelaya was arrested by the Honduran military and deported to Costa Rica June 28 that the action amounted to a coup, despite the fact that officials of the successor administration maintain they acted within the law.
But the State Department withheld a formal determination of a coup, which carries with it harsh aid penalties mandated by Congress, in hope that diplomatic efforts led by the Organization of American States could restore Zelaya to power.
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, tasked by the Organization of American States to mediate, has offered a proposal under which interim Honduran President Robert Micheletti would step down and allow Zelaya to return and serve out his term which ends in January.
But at a news briefing, the assistant secretary of State for public affairs, P. J. Crowley, said Micheletti and his supporters categorically rejected the plan when a team of foreign ministers visited Tegucigalpa this week, prompting the United States to consider further sanctions.
"The OAS delegation that went there this week made what we thought was a very direct offer and entreaty to Honduras, to the defacto regime, that they should sign on to the San José accords. They have made it categorical that they have, as far as their position today, is that they have no plan to do that. And we are now evaluating based on what we've heard since the delegation has come back to the OAS, and were consulting with the OAS. We're taking stock of that and we'll make some decisions here very soon," he said.
The Obama administration has already suspended several non-humanitarian aid programs for Honduras that it would have been required to halt, if a formal coup determination had been made.
If Secretary Clinton as expected, goes ahead and signs off on such a finding, the aid cuts, worth more than $18 million, would become permanent and other assistance would be affected including a multi-year $215 million U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation program to boost the Honduran farm economy and roads system.
Earlier this week, the State Department said it was suspending non-emergency visa service for Hondurans seeking to visit the United States in another move aimed at pressing the interim government to accept the Arias plan.
Interim President Micheletti has said he does not fear sanctions and that Honduras can get by without international aid. Micheletti and supporters say Zelaya, a political ally of leftist Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, was ousted because he was trying to illegally change the country's constitution to extend his term in office.
Micheletti, who has the vocal support of some U.S. congressional conservatives, says Honduras will hold elections in November even if other countries do not recognize the result.
A senior State Department official who spoke to reporters said a coup finding by Secretary Clinton would give U.S. sanctions more bite and importantly, foreclose a resumption of aid without an acceptable resolution of the Honduran political impasse.
Our reader's opinion
What is the Rush to Cut
Funds for Honduran people?
Dear A.M. Costa Rica:
One has to ask: On whose side are financial international agencies in this ouster of Honduran president Zelaya? The Central America Bank of Economic Integration just announced it was holding back aid to Honduras’ interim government, joining others doing the same. The U.S. is one of them. Good move. Politicized bureaucrats, delay the infrastructure programs aimed to help the poor Honduran people, and make their situation even worse!
With presidential elections coming up in November, and the newly elected president taking in January, what’s the rush to judgment? Can’t you wait until then — only five months — before taking sides in a matter that is none of your concern. National sovereignty is respected in Latin America, unless there is a non-leftist leader involved. Is that the explanation about whose side you are on?
Walter Fila
Ciudad Colon
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Chavez: Venezuela Ready to Sever Ties to Colombia, What is Next War???
Is Chaves Trying to Rule the America's ????
Chavez: Venezuela Ready to Sever Ties to Colombia
By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER, Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that Venezuela is getting ready to break off diplomatic relations with Colombia over the neighboring country's plan to give American troops greater access to its military bases.
Chavez said that "there's no possibility" of repairing relations with the government of President Alvaro Uribe and that he instructed his foreign minister to "begin preparing for the rupture with Colombia."
"It's going to happen. Let's get ready," he said.
Venezuela and Colombia have been feuding for weeks over the negotiations between Bogota and Washington that would allow the U.S. military to increase its presence at seven Colombian bases through a 10-year lease agreement.
Colombian and U.S. officials say the agreement is necessary to more effectively help Colombia's security forces fight drug traffickers and leftist rebels.
During a visit to Brazil on Tuesday, Colombia's deputy foreign minister, Clemencia Forero, said she perceives "increasing understanding and more clarity among the region's countries regarding the scope of an agreement that has the precise objective of fighting drug trafficking and terrorism."
Chavez scoffed at such claims, calling Colombia "a narco-state" and charging its political leadership "lives off" the cocaine trade. He referred to the pending base deal as "a declaration of war against the Bolivarian Revolution," referring to his socialist political movement.
Then he raised his voice and added: "You can establish 70,000 Yankee bases surrounding Venezuela, but you aren't going to beat the Bolivarian Revolution!"
The Venezuelan leader says the U.S. government could use Colombian military installations as launching pads for future operations to unseat Latin American leaders.
Warning that Colombia is trying to provoke Venezuela, Chavez, a former paratrooper commander, has ordered his military to be prepared for a possible confrontation and announced plans to buy dozens of Russian tanks to boost military capabilities. He also halted cut-rate fuel shipments to Colombia.
The leftist governments in Bolivia and Ecuador, closely allied with Chavez, have criticized the pending deal in similar rhetoric, but more moderate leaders in South America also have voiced concerns about the deal.
Many people in the region are wary of a U.S. presence, remembering past decades when administrations in Washington gave support to right-wing military dictatorships.
Latin American leaders and U.S. lawmakers who were not consulted have demanded explanations since the deal was first reported in detail by The Associated Press.
Presidents of South America's nations are meeting in Argentina on Friday to discuss the issue. Uribe is expected to lay out his intentions, but some critics of the plan contend that U.S. President Barack Obama also should attend the meeting.
Metro Train / Subway Project Moves Forward
Metro Train / Subway Project Moves Forward
Sherly Diaz / The Panama Post
First steps towards the creation of the subway Some experts argue that this alternative of public transport is the most expensive.
The first steps to carry out one of the major projects of the new government were taken last week when the first Cabinet Council, created through an executive decree, the Secretariat of the Metro at the Ministry of the Presidency. This executive decree is pending enactment to come into force.
The Secretariat of the Metro will be in charge of the design, bidding, construction and operation of the new system of mass transportation in the city of Panama. This Secretariat will be ascribed to the Ministry of the Presidency and Roberto Roy will be in charge. The Secretariat will be constituted by the Executive Secretary and the operative units formed by directions, departments and sections required for its operation.
This entity will be responsible for planning, executing all the measures for the design, implementation, administration, operation and maintenance of a transportation system as the metro. The Ministry of the Presidency will include in its annual budget the necessary estimates for the functioning and operation of this Secretariat. This decision is part of a proposal by the current government administration in order to achieve modernization of the public transportation system in Panama. The design and construction of a mass public transport system, with coverage in the metropolitan area shall be submitted to bidding in the first six months of the government of President Ricardo Martinelli.
"The amount of charges will emphasize the final cost of the work and its consequence in the user's pocket," says the government plan. As stated repeatedly by the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli, the subway will be built over the next three years. When it is ready, the route will cover the East part of the city, starting in the area of The December 24 to the middle of the city, specifically in the area of the May 5 Square. The first phase of the project consists of 15 kilometers of construction which will cost around $ 550 million. This trajectory covers from The December 24 to the May 5 Square.
The second phase of the subway covers 21 kilometers and its cost could reach U.S. $ 1 billion. Sandra Escorcia, appointed as administrator of the Transit Authority and Land Transport (ATT), said that she will be responsible for the bus routes that will carry passengers to the subway until the system is functioning completely. It´s estimated that there are more than 80 bus routes, which will be reordered and, once the railway system starts to operate, they will be re-adjusted to this new system because there will be no buses in the areas by which the railway line crosses.
Sandra Escorcia, Head of the Transit Authority and land Transport (ATTT)
It is estimated that the construction of each kilometer for the implementation of the subway ranges from $ 50 to $ 100 million. The subway will have 21 stops throughout its journey, but it hasn´t yet been defined where they will be located. The idea to build a railway system as the subway has been evaluated by the current administration; and even Martinelli and his Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela, have made visual inspections of subways in Brazil and The Dominican Republic. As a result of a trip to this last country, Martinelli became interested in building a subway in Panama.
Some governments have publicly stated their interest in supporting Panama to pursue this project. This has been expressed by the president of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, who noted that the Taipei Government would provide advisory in the construction of a subway. Ma Ying-jeou said that the construction of the subway for the city of Panama is "feasible", but that they still need to determine the type and form it may have.
Even the 2009 annual ranking of the World Economic Forum (FEM) placed Panama in position 132 on the quality of the land transport network, which includes 133 countries in the world. The international organization, based in Geneva and dedicated to contribute in solving the problems of the world through studies that show the economic and social situation of each country, placed Panama below countries such as Zambia (49) and Uganda(63).Countries that, according to the report, have less progress than Panama in the distribution of wealth, human rights and political freedom.
Experts give an opinion
Álvaro Uribe, an expert planner, described as "urgent" the need to build a mass transit system similar to the subway that the next government wants to build, because the current transport is of very poor quality. From his point of view it´s necessary to consider the alternatives. "The subway is the most expensive and therefore it must be analyzed carefully," he said. Uribe believes this would be the main disadvantage of this project. The planner explained that the advantages of building a metro in the city of Panama are not very different from those of another transport system such as a light rail. Besides the transport considered, the other big advantage is the creation, recovery and treatment of public space needed for the nodes or stations of the system. And the education required by all of this activity, the civility.
The expert stated that this project is like no other in the region, at least in Central America there is nothing like it. Medellin has a surface train which has yielded good results in a linear city. Meanwhile, in Guatemala, which is not linear, a route in a system of buses has been started, in "assigned lanes" (TransMetro), which is successful. The San Juan's Metro, an elevated and 17 kilometers underground system cost up to U.S. $ 100 million per kilometer.
"The subway is like a Ferrari. Perhaps we would like to have one, but, can we pay for it?" he said. On his part, Martín Isaac Donderis, former president of the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), thinks that the construction of a subway is "an excellent idea" because it aims to alleviate the current transportation system. Donderis explained that this new system will help to decongest traffic and travel times. "People are optimistic because they will use the subway and not their cars," he said. The expert noted that every year, 35,000 new cars begin circulation, without having built new roads, leading to vehicular congestion at all hours, mostly in the capital city.
The former President of the SPIA said that the issue of the buses that will carry passengers to the subway must be properly controlled in order to maintain a good service. In his view, the only disadvantage of this new system would be the discomfort that could bring to citizens during the construction period. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama has developed a document known as Country Agenda 2009, which, among other things, includes the issue of public transport. That document indicates that in order to give a solution to the transport system in the country a special administration and a government subsidy are needed to do not affect the economy of the users.
Healthy and Competitive Cattle in Panama
Healthy and Competitive Cattle in Panama
story by María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
It has 17 meat and milk producer breeds The production has improved with the introduction of genetics from the world's best livestock herds
According to statistics made public by the General Comptroller of the Republic between January and March 2009,the Panamanian cattle herd was estimated at 1,640,000 heads of livestock for a growth of 4.7% over the same period last year.
The growth of cattle herd in the last 50 years was based on the expansion of the livestock border, through colonization of uninhabited areas, mainly in the districts of Tonosí, in the province of Los Santos, Montijo, in the province of Veraguas, Chepo and in Chorrera in the province of Panama.
Also at the Costa Abajo and Arriba, in the province of Colón; Coclesito, in Coclé province, in all of the province of Darien and in Changuinola in Bocas del Toro province.
Darién Province was the one that showed the highest growth, followed by Panama. This area of the country was uninhabited until 1980 when it became the repository of the latest wave of immigrants from the central provinces who left the land of their parents in search of better horizons. The livestock business gave them the opportunity to fully integrate to the national economy.
Data obtained from the National Association of Cattlemen (Anagan), indicate that the growth of livestock farming in recent years is based on increases in animal density and productivity.
The use of improved pastures developed in research centers of tropical countries, mainly in Brazil and Colombia, combined with programs developed by the National Government, such as the Agricultural Competitiveness which grants US$ 100.00 per hectare of improved pasture ,and Act 25 of 2001, which supports the investment to improve productivity have helped raise the number of animals and meat and milk production.
Today, Panama has one of the best sanitary standards in terms of livestock activity throughout Central America and the Caribbean regions. Which places us in an "excellent" position on the issue of export, said the Director of Ecos del Agro magazine, Blanca Gómez.
She stressed that this has been achieved by a joint work between the private sector and the government and even with the participation of technicians from commercial houses. We can proudly say that Panama has healthy and highly competitive cattle within the region, which definitely provides an added value in the field of exports.
Panama's beef is being exported to 28 countries in the world, including Taiwan, which is one of the main places of export.
According to latest statistics from the General Comptroller of the Republic, Panama exported between January and May 2009, 93 net kg of bovine cattle meat.
During the same period, 139,985 heads of cattle were slaughtered, about 14,935 more than in the same period of last year.
According to Gómez, all these achievements have been obtained thanks to the work done today by country's cattle farmers, who have assumed their corresponding role, realizing that only through genetic improvement can the development of an excellent cattle raising be achieved.
Contribution from the government:
The National Government has also helped the country in having excellence in the livestock sector with the addition of programs from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), such as the technological livestock diffusion which has invested $ 8 million.
The plan includes talks to producers for the installation of electric fences, financial records, use of saccharin, mineral salts and capability of grass.
In addition, a contribution of US $ 4.6 million for the improvement of pastures and US $ 2.8 million have contributed to a livestock improvement program that includes better stallions .Those who benefit most are the small producers, since they are given the opportunity to exchange an old bull, which is for killing, for a new bull in an excellent condition to be able to introduce good genetics in his small herd.
Artificial insemination is a quick improvement of genetics, by incorporating characteristics of production to the rodeo through the semen of strictly selected reproducers.
Laboratories for breeding, nutrition and milk reference have also been developed.
In addition, there is the implementation of Act 25 of Agricultural Transformation, through which US$ 26.6 million have been assigned for producers to receive support through soft loans, direct financial assistance and loan guarantee, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its regulations.
The assigned budget for 2010 for the programs of the National Directorate of Livestock of MIDA is US$ 3.7 million. However, there are other support projects in other departments of the institution and of the public agricultural sector, with assigned budgets.
One of the projects that has been implemented in Panama and has achieved excellent results is the elimination of livestock's "gusano barrenador" (Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel)- , which takes place between United States and Panama.
With this program Panama has become a barrier for the worm in the North Hemisphere. It began to be implemented in Mexico, then Colombia, and inspections have been carried out with the help of Panama.
Due to this success, a manufacturing plant of sterile flies for the region has been established in the country that can offer services to all countries, by sending these flies to them.
Production
In Panama, the livestock and milk production have improved with the introduction of genetics from the best herd breeders of the world (see box: Cattle breeds in Panama).
Of all these breeds, the Senepol is the one that has set new standards because it is a gene resistant to heat, especially in warm or tropical areas.
They even have made some crossbreeding with excellent results, like in the area of Chiriquí with Holstein cattle, which are cool climate breeds and it has resulted in a pure and milk breed, called "Cenehols", which adapts easily to a much warmer climate.
The milk production program is associated with the pasture improvement program which has been implemented for several years now to provide added value to the production.
Difficulties
The most critical issue for this time of the year is the shortage of water in 70% of the ranches, but the bagasse, corn cocoon and heart of cane, among others, are able to alleviate the hunger of the animals.
According to ANAGAN, when the winter season starts, the recovery of the animal takes between 70 to 100 days. The same is true for the dairy sector, where during the dry season there is a decline of 70% and it takes the same period to restore production.
Given this situation, MIDA has developed the Water Plan, as a measure to supply water to livestock herds with the construction of drinking troughs, vats, tanks, reservoirs, dams and wells drilling.
This has prevented the deaths of animals, however, the scarcity of water and pasture remains, which have led to low production.
In the province of Los Santos, the region hit hardest by drought, is the one that integrates the dry perimeter that extends from La Villa to Pedasí, at the shoreline of the coast and the central zone of Azuero, located between the districts of Macaracas and Los Santos.
In both sectors the dry season extends for about five months, from January to May, and precipitations are characterized by short and heavy rainfall, which accelerates soil erosion.
Cattle breeds in Panama
Brahman: it is characterized by its productive capacity and weight gain, as well as its high potential for weaning and good meat quality.
Gyr: comes from the Kathiawar Peninsula in India. They are animals with a high reproductive percentage and their mixing with dairy breeds is quite common.
Nelore: also from India. It is used to produce milk, meat and work in areas that require high rusticity.
Indobrasil: originally from Brazil, is characterized by its speed of growth that surpasses the other races.
Angus: from England, it is a high fertility cattle, calving ease and good milk production.
Braunvieh: from Switzerland, is known for its optimal maternal conditions, high fertility and high sexual precocity.
Charolais: from France, is notable for its highly developed muscles in their extremities.
Blonde Aquitaine: is a specialized meat breed, adapts easily to all climates.
Holstein: the ideal cow has her first delivery before three years of age and thereafter it has to raise a calf every year.
There are also breeds such as the Simmental, Jersey, Santa Gertrudis, Senepol, Beefmaster, Simbrah, Brown Swiss and Guzerat.
Land for sale Panama www.templarpanama.com
Panama Canal Tours
Panama Canal Tours
María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
Voyages combine history and ecology Tourists are offered a partial and complete visit through the strip of the Canal
Whoever comes to visit Panama can´t leave without knowing one of its architectural marvels, the Panama Canal. To do this, some local companies offer partial or full tours through the waterway.
Among the companies providing this service are Panama Marine Adventures and Canal & By Tours.
Panama Marine has two ships, the Pacific Queen, with capacity for 275 passengers and the Discovery, for 24 travellers; both give the tourists a full and partial visit through the Panama Canal.
Canal & By Tours has the "Isla Morada" (Purple Island) ship with capacity for 105 people and the "Fantasía del Mar" (Sea Fantasy), for 500 people.
Voyages
Myrian Goncalves, cruise director of the Pacific Queen, said that the complete tours for this year are already sold out and there are only five available dates for 2010, out of 40.
The Pacific Queen, is the pioneer ship of the company dedicated to do partial or complete trips through the Canal.
Partial crossings are made every Saturday and the cost is US$ 115.00 per adult and US $ 65.00 for children under 12. These prices include full lunch, sodas, water, and a bilingual guide.
Tourists are met at the Amador Causeway at 9:30 am, specifically in the Flamenco Island, and from there they take a bus to Gamboa and then board the ship.
The South crossing starts, which is a journey through Corte Culebra, the Centennial Bridge, the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks, and the Bridge of the Americas, that ends by returning to Flamenco Island. This trip takes from four to five hours.
Although no one has the opportunity to complete the crossing, this tour gives visitors an idea of how the Panama Canal operates.
The full tour is done on the third Saturday of each month. The complete expedition is priced at US$ 165.00 for adults and US $ 75.00. for children under 12. The trip takes between eight to nine hours.
Tourists are also met at Flamenco Island, at 7:00 am. This is a complete crossing through the Panama Canal, once it ends in Colón tourists take a bus that will bring them back to Flamenco Island in Amador's Causeway.
On its part, the Discovery is the only mini-cruise existing at national level which makes tours to widely learn about nature, ecology and the history of the Panama Canal and surrounding areas. It takes seven days on board, all inclusive.
The boat leaves from Flamenco Island in the Pacific, goes to the Perlas Archipelago and from there to the province of Darién. Then it travels through the Gatún Lake, travellers sleep there one night and then go to Barro Colorado, the Chagres River, indigenous areas, San Lorenzo and Portobelo.
This tour costs US$ 4,000 per person. The Discovery is a boat with capacity for 24 passengers; it has 12 double occupancy cabins, a kitchen, a chef and the food is gourmet.
The US$ 4,000 include water equipment such as kayak boats, and the sodiacs which are small boats for touring the islands. The majority of its customers come from the United States, but now European tourists are increasing.
Another option
Another alternative to take tours through the Panama Canal and even the Bay of Panama, is the company Canal & By Tours.
Their boats (Purple Island and Sea Fantasy) leave from various terminals; among them, the docks of Playita de Amador and the Division of Dredging of the Panama Canal in Gatún Lake.
Every Saturday they offer partial crossings. Adults pay US$ 115.00 per person, and US$ 60 for children younger than 12 years of age.
For the complete crossing, adults pay US $ 165.00 and children younger than 12 years of age US$ 75.00.
Panama to Host First Stage of Karting World Championship
Panama to Host First Stage of Karting World Championship
Story by La Prensa
The country's best kart drivers will unite for the Six Hours in Panama, the first stage of the Endurance Formula World Cup event on Sept. 5 and 6 on the Amador Causeway. Eminent Panamanian karters Carlos Lanza, Rubén Chiari, José Luis De Gracia and Carlos Gómez will comprise one of the home teams. Dante Pescetto, president of the Panamanian Federation of Motor Sports, said Tuesday that Mexico and Costa Rica will each be represented by six teams. The second stage of the race, another resistance-testing ......
Story by La Prensa
The country's best kart drivers will unite for the Six Hours in Panama, the first stage of the Endurance Formula World Cup event on Sept. 5 and 6 on the Amador Causeway. Eminent Panamanian karters Carlos Lanza, Rubén Chiari, José Luis De Gracia and Carlos Gómez will comprise one of the home teams. Dante Pescetto, president of the Panamanian Federation of Motor Sports, said Tuesday that Mexico and Costa Rica will each be represented by six teams. The second stage of the race, another resistance-testing ......
Panama: Cable Car Proposed For San Miguelito
www.republicofpanama.net
Cable Car Proposed For San Miguelito
story by La Prensa
A cable car system modeled on the Cable Metro of Medellín, Colombia, was proposed during a San Miguelito City Council meeting Tuesday by PRD Representative Raul Pineda and San Miguelito Mayor Hector Valdes Carrasquilla.
Proponents of the the cable car argue that it would act as a complement the the Martinelli administration's metro planned for the capital, and would provide service to many communities in the hilly, sprawling sector that currently lack a consistent transportation system.
The cost of the line that would traverse Sinai, Torrijos-Carter and Mano de Piedra, is estimated at $50 million and, if approved, could be installed within two years.
Brazil has offered to help finance the project, which has not yet been presented to the executive government.
Real Estate 4 Sale Panama www.templarpanama.com
Cable Car Proposed For San Miguelito
story by La Prensa
A cable car system modeled on the Cable Metro of Medellín, Colombia, was proposed during a San Miguelito City Council meeting Tuesday by PRD Representative Raul Pineda and San Miguelito Mayor Hector Valdes Carrasquilla.
Proponents of the the cable car argue that it would act as a complement the the Martinelli administration's metro planned for the capital, and would provide service to many communities in the hilly, sprawling sector that currently lack a consistent transportation system.
The cost of the line that would traverse Sinai, Torrijos-Carter and Mano de Piedra, is estimated at $50 million and, if approved, could be installed within two years.
Brazil has offered to help finance the project, which has not yet been presented to the executive government.
Real Estate 4 Sale Panama www.templarpanama.com
Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Chiriquí
Search Continues for Missing Tourist in Chiriquí
story by La Prensa
British traveler Alexander Humphrey remains missing after leaving belongings at a Boquete hostel.
The Department of Judicial Investigation has taken over the search for Alexander Humphrey, an English national, who disappeared from the Beiro Hostel in Boquete, Chiriquí, on Aug. 14.
José Donderis, regional director country's civil protection and emergency service (SINAPROC), said that a team of investigators looked for signs of the missing Humphrey at all of the area's main tourist attractions, but turned up nothing.
Real Estate For Sale www.templarpanama.com
story by La Prensa
British traveler Alexander Humphrey remains missing after leaving belongings at a Boquete hostel.
The Department of Judicial Investigation has taken over the search for Alexander Humphrey, an English national, who disappeared from the Beiro Hostel in Boquete, Chiriquí, on Aug. 14.
José Donderis, regional director country's civil protection and emergency service (SINAPROC), said that a team of investigators looked for signs of the missing Humphrey at all of the area's main tourist attractions, but turned up nothing.
Real Estate For Sale www.templarpanama.com
Unemployed Workers Stage Violent Protest in Colón
Unemployed Workers Stage Violent Protest in Colón
story by La Prensa
A group of unemployed workers in Colón have been charged with damaging municipal property after storming into a city council meeting.
Broken glass, busted chairs and general disorder marked the Colón City Hall after members from the Organization of Colón Unemployed burst into the minicipal offices and staged a four-hour protest against the Free Zone.
Organization leader Carlos Best, denied that the protesters had intended to destroy state property, but said that upon discovery that city officials had secretly transferred the city council meeting to another location in town, the group decided to enter by force so as to have their voice heard. Chaos broke out when city security officers attempted to frustrate the protesters.
Colón Mayor Damaso Garcia criticized the attitude of the unemployed workers, particularly since the group had previously agreed to a meeting on Wednesday. The city has filed a complaint against those responsible for damage to municipal property.
story by La Prensa
A group of unemployed workers in Colón have been charged with damaging municipal property after storming into a city council meeting.
Broken glass, busted chairs and general disorder marked the Colón City Hall after members from the Organization of Colón Unemployed burst into the minicipal offices and staged a four-hour protest against the Free Zone.
Organization leader Carlos Best, denied that the protesters had intended to destroy state property, but said that upon discovery that city officials had secretly transferred the city council meeting to another location in town, the group decided to enter by force so as to have their voice heard. Chaos broke out when city security officers attempted to frustrate the protesters.
Colón Mayor Damaso Garcia criticized the attitude of the unemployed workers, particularly since the group had previously agreed to a meeting on Wednesday. The city has filed a complaint against those responsible for damage to municipal property.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Contract Awarded for River Clean-Up in Chiriqui
Contract Awarded for River Clean-Up
story La Prensa English Edition
The government awarded a no-bid contract to the company Ceiba, SA, to clean up the Caldera River in the province of Chiriquí.
There had been plans to competitively bid the work, but that was cancelled when the government decided that the project needed to start immediately to prevent further problems in communities located near the waterway.
Last week, Cabinet Council declared a state of emergency in communities along the river because debris in it could cause flooding.
In directly awarding the contract, the government considered proposals from four companies before awarding the work to Ceiba.
Funding for the clean-up of the river will be provided by the Inter-American Development Bank. The company has 45 days from the signing of the contract to finish the project. The company must clean up all trash, trees and other objects from the river to prevent it from being obstructed during periods of heavy rain.
The mayor of Boquete has the responsibility to monitor the company and ensure it meets all requirements.
story La Prensa English Edition
The government awarded a no-bid contract to the company Ceiba, SA, to clean up the Caldera River in the province of Chiriquí.
There had been plans to competitively bid the work, but that was cancelled when the government decided that the project needed to start immediately to prevent further problems in communities located near the waterway.
Last week, Cabinet Council declared a state of emergency in communities along the river because debris in it could cause flooding.
In directly awarding the contract, the government considered proposals from four companies before awarding the work to Ceiba.
Funding for the clean-up of the river will be provided by the Inter-American Development Bank. The company has 45 days from the signing of the contract to finish the project. The company must clean up all trash, trees and other objects from the river to prevent it from being obstructed during periods of heavy rain.
The mayor of Boquete has the responsibility to monitor the company and ensure it meets all requirements.
Council Approves Low Income Housing Funding
Panama
Council Approves Low Income Housing Funding
Story by La Prensa
The National Economic Council approved $17.8 million in spending Thursday, most of which will be used for low-income housing.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Frank De Lima said the funds will be used to start a "supportive housing program" to allow low-income families to receive bank loans.
The government will contribute up to $5,000 for a down payment on a home that costs less than $30,000. Households making less than $850 a month are eligible for the assistance.
The plan eventually hopes to assist 1,600 families.
De Lima said another program approved by the council is work on roads, schools and health centers in rural areas, particularly in the Darién.
Council Approves Low Income Housing Funding
Story by La Prensa
The National Economic Council approved $17.8 million in spending Thursday, most of which will be used for low-income housing.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Frank De Lima said the funds will be used to start a "supportive housing program" to allow low-income families to receive bank loans.
The government will contribute up to $5,000 for a down payment on a home that costs less than $30,000. Households making less than $850 a month are eligible for the assistance.
The plan eventually hopes to assist 1,600 families.
De Lima said another program approved by the council is work on roads, schools and health centers in rural areas, particularly in the Darién.
Judges Approve Probe of Former Minister
Judges Approve Probe of Former Minister
Story by La Prensa English Edition
The Electoral Tribunal authorized the Second Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to continue the investigation of former Education Minister Belgis Castro for the alleged offense of crimes against public administration.
The judges decided to allow the investigation to go forward after reviewing a report that highlighted irregularities in the contracts issued by the ministry for the repair of schools in Colón and the eastern sector of Panama.
Castro, who ran in past elections as a candidate for the National Assembly, was Education minister between September 2007 and May 2008.
The current minister, Lucy Molinar, and Social Development Minister Guillermo Ferrufino, submitted a series of complaints to the Public Ministry which involves officials from the past administration.
Ferrufino has also ordered an audit of the "Red de Oportunidades" program, in which irregularities were found that involved the theft of about $1.5 million.
The president of the opposition Partido Revolucionario Democrático, Balbina Herrera, said that complaints filed by the government of Ricardo Martinelli are part of a strategy to make the previous government look bad.
Story by La Prensa English Edition
The Electoral Tribunal authorized the Second Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to continue the investigation of former Education Minister Belgis Castro for the alleged offense of crimes against public administration.
The judges decided to allow the investigation to go forward after reviewing a report that highlighted irregularities in the contracts issued by the ministry for the repair of schools in Colón and the eastern sector of Panama.
Castro, who ran in past elections as a candidate for the National Assembly, was Education minister between September 2007 and May 2008.
The current minister, Lucy Molinar, and Social Development Minister Guillermo Ferrufino, submitted a series of complaints to the Public Ministry which involves officials from the past administration.
Ferrufino has also ordered an audit of the "Red de Oportunidades" program, in which irregularities were found that involved the theft of about $1.5 million.
The president of the opposition Partido Revolucionario Democrático, Balbina Herrera, said that complaints filed by the government of Ricardo Martinelli are part of a strategy to make the previous government look bad.
U.S. Report: Chavez Moving to Silence Media Critics
U.S. Report: Chavez Moving to Silence Media Critics
story by Mariano Castillo
CNN News
(CNN) -- The recent closure of 32 privately owned radio stations and a proposed law to punish "media crimes" are signs that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is moving to quash criticism of his government, according to a recent U.S. intelligence report.
A group of pro-Hugo Chavez rioters beats Venezuelan journalists in downtown Caracas on August 13.
1 of 3 Chavez's government is "moving forcefully to silence critics," said the unclassified U.S. analysis prepared by the Open Source Center, a U.S. government office that translates and analyzes reports from foreign news organizations.
The relationship between privately owned media in Venezuela and the leftist Chavez has never been rosy. Chavez has accused private television stations of supporting his brief ouster in 2002, and the president was a driving force behind denying a license renewal in 2007 to one broadcaster he said cooperated with the opposition.
But the decisions this month by the Chavez government to close 32 radio stations and two television broadcasters and to support legislation that would create prison sentences for people who commit "media crimes" have created a new level of scrutiny from outside Venezuela.
"The media crimes bill is the most blatant example of the government's steady encroachment on media freedom in an effort to establish a media monopoly and stifle freedom of expression," said the unclassified intelligence report, dated August 3.
The Venezuelan government denies that the media crimes law and the closure of the radio stations are related and maintains that each initiative was grounded in Venezuelan law.
"As usual, much disinformation has shaped the debate surrounding these developments," the Venezuelan Embassy said in a fact sheet about the developments.
At the same time Chavez was extolling these two measures, supporters of his government attacked the Globovision television studio, one of few remaining networks that gives a voice to the opposition.
In the August 3 attack, more than 30 members of a pro-government party threw tear gas at the studio and injured three people.
The leader of the attack, ardent Chavez supporter Lina Ron, was arrested. Chavez condemned the incident, but last week, people alleged to be among his supporters attacked a group of journalists who were passing out leaflets in the street.
The leaflets that journalists from the private media conglomerate Cadena Capriles were passing out criticized an education bill that they said would hamper press freedom.
According to local news reports, a group of assailants threw the journalists to the ground and kicked them, sending 12 to the hospital.
Don't Miss
Dozens of radio stations shut down
Venezuela opens new probe against TV station
Groups worry over Venezuela's stance on free press
Head of TV station says raid was scare tactic
The intelligence report coincides with numerous critical statements against Chavez by press freedom organizations.
"The harassment (of journalists) is a permanent condition," Carlos Lauria, Americas program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, told CNN.
The shuttering of the radio and television stations and media crimes law are part of a larger strategy that Chavez has followed since he was briefly deposed in a coup in 2002, he said.
Chavez's goal can be described as a three-point strategy, Lauria said: to control the flow of information, stop critical reports and disseminate pro-government propaganda.
Much of the pro-government propaganda comes through Chavez's use of state-owned media outlets, critics say.
The media crimes law in particular was an escalation from previous measures aimed at the press, Lauria said.
Chavez has used the media as a scapegoat, the intelligence analysis said, but "he may be willing to give this up in order to clamp down on the negative news reporting and commentary, which have been hammering away at the country's economic problems and Chavez's increasing authoritarianism for the past year."
The media crimes law met resistance from the National Assembly and was tabled for the time being because of opposition to it.
Chavez's government defended the draft of the bill, as well as the recent closure of the broadcasters, as being within the law.
The radio stations that were ordered off the air were all violating the law, either by operating with expired broadcasting concessions, failure to renew such licenses or illegally holding a concession, the Venezuelan government's fact sheet said.
According to the document, "neither the regularization of the situation of radio and television (stations) that have been operating outside the law in Venezuela, nor the development of a law to clearly regulate subsequent imposition of liabilities in the case of serious media abuses are measures that limit freedom of speech in Venezuela."
Chavez's intervention with the press is also worrisome because of Chavez's influence over other leaders in the region, including the leaders of Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua, CNN was told by Robert Rivard, chairman of the Inter-American Press Association's Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information.
"Freedom of expression in general, for everyone, is under attack in these countries," Rivard said. "They all have a deep, abiding distrust of journalists and freedom of the press."
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was only days behind Chavez in seeking to close radio stations for technical infractions, Rivard said.
Chavez "has clearly been alienated by a free press and has seen it as a threat and a target," he said.
Not only journalism advocacy groups have been vocal against Chavez.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization this month released a statement expressing concern about the closure of the radio stations.
"There can be no freedom of expression, or even democracy, in the absence of media pluralism," UNESCO Secretary-General Koichiro Matsuura said in a statement.
The divisions over the media measures run deep, both locally and internationally, but on trip this week to Ecuador, Chavez continued to pitch his plans to other leaders. He has faced strong opposition before, and he has weathered it.
U.S. Designates Businessman Here as Drug Kingpin
U.S. Designates Businessman Here as Drug Kingpin
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
In a revelation that is sure to unsettle the central government, the U.S. Treasury Department Thursday designated a Colombian living in Costa Rica as a high-ranking official of the terrorist Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia.
The disclosure was by the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Officially the man, José Cayetano Melo Perilla, has been designated a drug kingpin. The disclosure means that U.S. citizens are barred from doing business with the man or the four companies the department said he operates.
Melo runs a tomato production facility in Costa Rica under the name of Carillanca S.A. This is a well-known agricultural enterprise that has been in business for at least 10 years. Last year the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture included the facility on a tour it ran for Caribbean government ministers. The institute said that Carillanca exports 30 percent of its production to the United States and several Caribbean islands, such as Puerto Rico and Martinique. The other 70 percent is sold to the Wal-Mart supermarket chain in Costa Rica, the institute said.
The company produces tomatoes in greenhouses, using hydroponics and environmentally friendly technologies, said the institute.
Thursday's action, pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), is the Office of Foreign Assets Control's tenth set of designations against the Fuerzas Armadas, known as FARC, since 2004. These designations under the Kingpin Act freeze any assets Melo and his companies may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with them.
"Although recent actions by the Colombian government have undercut the FARC significantly, it continues to be the leading trafficker of narcotics out of Colombia," said Adam J. Szubin, director of Foreign Asset Control. "Today's designation builds on our long standing campaign against the FARC by targeting a key trafficker and money launderer."
Melo, a Colombian national and resident of Costa Rica, is a narcotics trafficker and important financial contact for the Fuerzas Armadas' 27th Front, which is led by Luis Eduardo López Méndez (a.k.a. "Efren Arboleda"), said the Treasury Department. López Méndez ultimately reports to the Fuerzas Armadas; chief of military operations and commander of the Eastern Bloc, Victor Julio Suarez Rojas (a.k.a. "Mono Jojoy"), it said. Suarez Rojas and López Méndez were previously designated as kingpin, Suarez Rojas Feb.18, 2004, and López Méndez Nov. 1, 2007, according to the Treasury Department.
In addition to the Costa Rican hydroponic tomato company, also designated Thursday were the following companies owned by Melo: Carillanca Colombia y Cia S en CS, a Colombian company
dedicated to hydroponic agriculture; Carillanca C.A., a company located in Venezuela whose focus is real estate and construction; and Parqueadero De La 25-13, a commercial parking lot located in Bogota, Colombia, said the Treasury Department.
The Fuerzas Armadas was identified by President George Bush as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker, or drug kingpin, pursuant to the Kingpin Act on May 29, 2003. The State Department designated the Fuerzas Armadas as a specially designated global terrorist in 2001 pursuant to Executive Order 13224 and as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997, said the Treasury Department.
In addition to the 82 drug kingpins designated by the president, 498 businesses and individuals have been designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000, said the Treasury Department. None of them was a Costa Rican resident.
Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act include civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation, criminal penalties for corporate officers up to 30 years in prison and $5 million in fines, and criminal fines for corporations up to $10 million. Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act and fines determined pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, said the Treasury Department.
The Treasury Department credited the Drug Enforcement Administration for providing the information that led to Thursday's action. Agents of the U.S. anti-drug organization are stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Pavas.
This is the third major disclosure of penetration of Costa Rican society by Colombian terrorists in the last three years. In 2006 Fuerzas Armadas commander Héctor Orlando Martínez Quinto was arrested while living an apparently normal life in Puntarenas. Investigators eventually credited him with organized elements of the Pacific coast fishing fleet as drug smugglers. He had managed to gain residency, as has Melo. Martínez was a commander in the Frente 58 and was considered the front's main logistical officer outside the country.
After Colombian soldiers raided across the border into Ecuador March 1, 2008, data on a confiscated Fuerzas Armadas computer led Costa Rican police to the home of a elderly professor who was holding a stash of money in a household safe for a Fuerzas Armadas leader.
Although not directly related to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, aides to President Óscar Arias Sánchez said two years ago that illegal Colombians had entered the country with the intent to assassinate high government officials. The theory was that the Arias administration was intercepting too many drug smuggling boats. Several young men were rounded up and deported, but none had the profile of a paid assassin.
When they arrived in Colombia they were set free by officials there.
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
In a revelation that is sure to unsettle the central government, the U.S. Treasury Department Thursday designated a Colombian living in Costa Rica as a high-ranking official of the terrorist Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia.
The disclosure was by the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Officially the man, José Cayetano Melo Perilla, has been designated a drug kingpin. The disclosure means that U.S. citizens are barred from doing business with the man or the four companies the department said he operates.
Melo runs a tomato production facility in Costa Rica under the name of Carillanca S.A. This is a well-known agricultural enterprise that has been in business for at least 10 years. Last year the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture included the facility on a tour it ran for Caribbean government ministers. The institute said that Carillanca exports 30 percent of its production to the United States and several Caribbean islands, such as Puerto Rico and Martinique. The other 70 percent is sold to the Wal-Mart supermarket chain in Costa Rica, the institute said.
The company produces tomatoes in greenhouses, using hydroponics and environmentally friendly technologies, said the institute.
Thursday's action, pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), is the Office of Foreign Assets Control's tenth set of designations against the Fuerzas Armadas, known as FARC, since 2004. These designations under the Kingpin Act freeze any assets Melo and his companies may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with them.
"Although recent actions by the Colombian government have undercut the FARC significantly, it continues to be the leading trafficker of narcotics out of Colombia," said Adam J. Szubin, director of Foreign Asset Control. "Today's designation builds on our long standing campaign against the FARC by targeting a key trafficker and money launderer."
Melo, a Colombian national and resident of Costa Rica, is a narcotics trafficker and important financial contact for the Fuerzas Armadas' 27th Front, which is led by Luis Eduardo López Méndez (a.k.a. "Efren Arboleda"), said the Treasury Department. López Méndez ultimately reports to the Fuerzas Armadas; chief of military operations and commander of the Eastern Bloc, Victor Julio Suarez Rojas (a.k.a. "Mono Jojoy"), it said. Suarez Rojas and López Méndez were previously designated as kingpin, Suarez Rojas Feb.18, 2004, and López Méndez Nov. 1, 2007, according to the Treasury Department.
In addition to the Costa Rican hydroponic tomato company, also designated Thursday were the following companies owned by Melo: Carillanca Colombia y Cia S en CS, a Colombian company
dedicated to hydroponic agriculture; Carillanca C.A., a company located in Venezuela whose focus is real estate and construction; and Parqueadero De La 25-13, a commercial parking lot located in Bogota, Colombia, said the Treasury Department.
The Fuerzas Armadas was identified by President George Bush as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker, or drug kingpin, pursuant to the Kingpin Act on May 29, 2003. The State Department designated the Fuerzas Armadas as a specially designated global terrorist in 2001 pursuant to Executive Order 13224 and as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997, said the Treasury Department.
In addition to the 82 drug kingpins designated by the president, 498 businesses and individuals have been designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000, said the Treasury Department. None of them was a Costa Rican resident.
Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act include civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation, criminal penalties for corporate officers up to 30 years in prison and $5 million in fines, and criminal fines for corporations up to $10 million. Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act and fines determined pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, said the Treasury Department.
The Treasury Department credited the Drug Enforcement Administration for providing the information that led to Thursday's action. Agents of the U.S. anti-drug organization are stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Pavas.
This is the third major disclosure of penetration of Costa Rican society by Colombian terrorists in the last three years. In 2006 Fuerzas Armadas commander Héctor Orlando Martínez Quinto was arrested while living an apparently normal life in Puntarenas. Investigators eventually credited him with organized elements of the Pacific coast fishing fleet as drug smugglers. He had managed to gain residency, as has Melo. Martínez was a commander in the Frente 58 and was considered the front's main logistical officer outside the country.
After Colombian soldiers raided across the border into Ecuador March 1, 2008, data on a confiscated Fuerzas Armadas computer led Costa Rican police to the home of a elderly professor who was holding a stash of money in a household safe for a Fuerzas Armadas leader.
Although not directly related to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, aides to President Óscar Arias Sánchez said two years ago that illegal Colombians had entered the country with the intent to assassinate high government officials. The theory was that the Arias administration was intercepting too many drug smuggling boats. Several young men were rounded up and deported, but none had the profile of a paid assassin.
When they arrived in Colombia they were set free by officials there.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Latin Leftists Fear a Honduras Coup Domino Effect
Latin Leftists Fear a Honduras Coup Domino Effect
By ALEXANDRA OLSON, Associated Press Writer Alexandra Olson, Associated Press
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Manuel Zelaya's chances of getting restored to the Honduran presidency become more distant with each passing week. Across Latin America, his allies and foes alike see a precedent being set.
It's a glimmer of hope for the region's conservative elite, which has watched with dismay over the past decade as a wave of leftist presidents has risen to power, promising to topple the establishment and give greater power to the poor.
When the once-moderate Zelaya started down that path, Honduras' military, Congress and Supreme Court teamed up to oust him, and despite protests from across the hemisphere the coup-installed government remains in place. Could this be the model Latin America's conservatives were desperately seeking?
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who was briefly ousted in a 2002 coup himself, said Cuba's Fidel Castro told him the situation in Honduras will "open the door to the wave of coups coming in Latin America."
"Fidel says something that is very true," he said.
Added Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, a close ally of Chavez and Zelaya: "We have intelligence reports that say that after Zelaya, I'm next."
Across the region, conservatives who long ruled Latin America — and still own much of it — are showing signs of unrest, with armed uprisings in Bolivia and marches in Guatemala where tens of thousands of protesters have demanded the president resign.
But the most extreme case came in Honduras, a country with three decades of political stability and seven consecutive democratically elected presidents.
"This coup really surprised us," said Jorge Acevedo, deputy director of a Honduran human rights group. "We thought the issue of civilian rule was something we had resolved a long time ago."
Soldiers arrested Zelaya on June 28 and flew him into exile, and within hours Congress swore in the next-in-line to the presidency, Roberto Micheletti. In the six weeks since, demonstrations by Zelaya supporters and diplomatic efforts by countries ranging from the United States to Venezuela have been unsuccessful in orchestrating Zelaya's return.
Argentina's Cristina Fernandez, whose popularity has plummeted, said allowing Honduras' interim government to remain in power until Nov. 29 presidential elections would undermine democracy across the region.
"It would be enough for someone to stage a civilian coup, backed by the armed forces, or simply a civilian one and later justify it by convoking elections," Fernandez told South American leaders. "And then democratic guarantees would truly be fiction."
Honduras responded Tuesday by giving Argentina's diplomatic mission 72 hours to leave the country.
Those who have stirred turmoil in left-led countries insist they are the ones defending democracy.
Many of the so-called "revolutionary" governments that have been voted into power from Nicaragua to Bolivia have not only tried to redistribute wealth but also remove limits on their time in power. Many have reduced the powers of opponents in ways that have made traditional elites feel their private holdings, investments and democratic freedoms are under attack.
"I think Zelaya gave enough reasons to be removed from government — reasons that exist in abundance in Venezuela," said Venezuelan opposition leader Jose Luis Farias. "Chavez has violated the constitution a lot more than Zelaya did."
In Bolivia, opposition Gov. Ruben Costas called Zelaya's ouster a logical reaction to "a process that follows the same book as Chavez, which only seeks constitutional changes to perpetuate strongmen."
"There is a limit in countries where we are suffering abuses," he told radio Erbol.
Of course, the Honduras precedent goes only so far.
No other leader in the region faces the utter political isolation that drove Zelaya from power so swiftly and efficiently: The military, the Supreme Court and even Zelaya's own political party turned against him when he deepened his allegiance with Chavez and pursued constitutional changes in defiance of court rulings.
Elsewhere in the region, many of the leaders have already solidified their hold on power, in part through referendums and new constitutions overwhelmingly approved by voters. In Venezuela, other branches of government including congress and the judiciary are stacked with Chavez allies, leaving his opponents with few options for getting back into power.
"Removing Chavez through legal means — that is, through institutions — is very difficult because he has absolute control over all the institutions of the country," Farias said.
Leftist leaders are taking no chances.
Ecuador has announced plans to create citizens committees to defend against Honduras-style coups. Correa has not provided details of how the groups will work, but critics fear they could become something akin to Cuba's Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, used to monitor "counterrevolutionary" activities.
Bolivian President Evo Morales, who calls two weeks of deadly protests in the eastern lowlands last year a "civilian coup," recently announced that three men killed by police had been planning to assassinate him in a plot backed by opposition leaders.
Guatemala's Alvaro Colom said he was being targeted by elites angry about his attempts to eliminate corporate tax loopholes when thousands took to the streets in May. They were demanding his resignation after a videotape by a prominent lawyer foretold his own murder, claiming Colom was to blame.
And for any Latin American leader who feels confident of their hold on power, Honduras offers a sobering lesson in how quickly a president can lose control.
Luis Vicente Leon, an analyst with Venezuela's Datanalisis polling firm, said all of Latin America's leftist leaders "have a lot of enemies."
"No one," he said, "is immune."
Panama Canal Lock Project Ordered To Get Underway
Panama Canal Lock Project Ordered To Get Underway
La Prensa English Edition
The construction of the third set of locks will start next week.
The bidding process for the design and construction of the third set of locks came to an end yesterday when the Panama Canal Authority finalized the agreement with the low bidder for the project, Grupo Unidos por el Canal or GUPC.
The consortium, led by Spanish company Sacyr Vallehermoso, should begin work by Aug. 25, 2009. After that date, the consortium has 1,883 days to deliver the new locks, around mid-2014. The consortium was awarded the contract to construct the third set of locks because it submitted the low bid for the project, offering to complete it for $3.1 billion.
The order to proceed was issued by the government after insurer Zurich American Insurance Company delivered a performance bond of $400 million and a bond payment of $50 million.
Bechtel, Taisei, Mitsubishi Corporation, the consortium that came in with the second-lowest bid, which was $1 billion more than GUPC's offer, has sent a note to the Minister for Canal Affairs Rómulo Roux, warning about technical shortcomings in the winning bid. That letter was sent based on a review of the technical plans conducted by the company.
CANAL consortium, which submitted a bid of almost $6 billion, has also sent a letter to the government outlining its concerns about the technical plans submitted by GUPC.
Amid an economic crisis that has put the world's economy into a recession, the expansion of the Panama Canal, at a cost of $5.25 billion, is considered the largest construction project in Latin America.
Panama is Red White and Blue
La Prensa English Edition
The construction of the third set of locks will start next week.
The bidding process for the design and construction of the third set of locks came to an end yesterday when the Panama Canal Authority finalized the agreement with the low bidder for the project, Grupo Unidos por el Canal or GUPC.
The consortium, led by Spanish company Sacyr Vallehermoso, should begin work by Aug. 25, 2009. After that date, the consortium has 1,883 days to deliver the new locks, around mid-2014. The consortium was awarded the contract to construct the third set of locks because it submitted the low bid for the project, offering to complete it for $3.1 billion.
The order to proceed was issued by the government after insurer Zurich American Insurance Company delivered a performance bond of $400 million and a bond payment of $50 million.
Bechtel, Taisei, Mitsubishi Corporation, the consortium that came in with the second-lowest bid, which was $1 billion more than GUPC's offer, has sent a note to the Minister for Canal Affairs Rómulo Roux, warning about technical shortcomings in the winning bid. That letter was sent based on a review of the technical plans conducted by the company.
CANAL consortium, which submitted a bid of almost $6 billion, has also sent a letter to the government outlining its concerns about the technical plans submitted by GUPC.
Amid an economic crisis that has put the world's economy into a recession, the expansion of the Panama Canal, at a cost of $5.25 billion, is considered the largest construction project in Latin America.
Panama is Red White and Blue
Twenty Thousand Reasons To Be Optimistic
Twenty Thousand Reasons To Be Optimistic
Luis Miguel Blanco / The Panama Post
Jorge Loaiza, the veteran tourist leader is confident that Panama will not suffer too much with the global crisis Panama offers 16,000 hotel rooms, and soon will be adding another 4,000, with an investment of $ 570 million.
An expert connoisseur of the tourism industry in Panama, Jorge Loaiza, does not know of retirement and at age of 68 is, for third consecutive time, the president of the Panama National Hotel Association (APATEL), the powerful sector which groups together the 87 major hotels in the country, which offer 16,000 rooms, to which 4,000 more will be added in a few months.
"The association is now stronger than ever, so much that it has been possible to accomplish very positive multiple agreements, such as obtaining $ 1.36 million with INADEH (National Institute of Professional Formation and Training for Human Development) for training in tourist care for about 13,000 workers, from taxi drivers and porters", he said.
In addition, APATEL has signed a training agreement with the National Police and for the installation of antennas for communicating with the security institution as well as among all hotels to keep them informed of any incident and ensure an immediate reaction in favor of the tourists, he explained.
Loaiza has announced that, within a a week, an agreement with the SPAC (Panamanian Society of Authors and Composers) will be signed, for payment of rights to use musical works in their facilities, for which no details were announced at deadline as they are at the final stage of negotiation.
The tour leader, who started in 1963 working as executive of airlines like the extinct Pan American, said that in the coming months, another 10 associates will be incorporated to APATEL and they are completing the construction of their facilities, both in cities and beaches.
In total over 4,000 new rooms will be added to the tourist offer, which would exceed 20,000, representing an injection of $ 570 million in investments.
Loaiza detailed that among the new buildings there is a hotel from the Spanish chain RIU, 4 from the North American chain Hilton and the Megapolis, to be administered by the Colombian Decameron. Also, the Bijao of the Superclubs chain under the Princess franchise and Nikki Beach, these last two on the beach.
The leader, who for 12 years has been representing the Decameron chain, explained that "at its best times" the industry reached 80% of demand, reason for extending this offer with the new hotels to a sufficient amount for the coming years.
Regarding the quality of service, he explained that the ATP has to ask the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to do the hotels´ rating because it is necessary for this to be done by an independent body.
And in terms of tourism, he noted that Panama's is more varied than that of its Central American neighbors and has both economic and social stability. "I feel very optimistic because I believe that Panama is going to be one of the countries least affected by the crisis," he said.
He recalled that in the first quarter the industry grew 3.2% on 2008 figures, "which was very good" and that until now, the labor force keeps being stable, with 120,000 direct jobs.
Loaiza indicated that with the immigration authorities of the outgoing government, very good communication was obtained to improve care for tourists and that he will meet soon with the new Panamanian Minister of Government and Justice, José Raúl Mulino, in order to set forth his plans and programs, and therefore work coordinately with the private enterprises and the authorities in benefit of the country.
Panama the land of Blue Seas and Red Sunsets
Luis Miguel Blanco / The Panama Post
Jorge Loaiza, the veteran tourist leader is confident that Panama will not suffer too much with the global crisis Panama offers 16,000 hotel rooms, and soon will be adding another 4,000, with an investment of $ 570 million.
An expert connoisseur of the tourism industry in Panama, Jorge Loaiza, does not know of retirement and at age of 68 is, for third consecutive time, the president of the Panama National Hotel Association (APATEL), the powerful sector which groups together the 87 major hotels in the country, which offer 16,000 rooms, to which 4,000 more will be added in a few months.
"The association is now stronger than ever, so much that it has been possible to accomplish very positive multiple agreements, such as obtaining $ 1.36 million with INADEH (National Institute of Professional Formation and Training for Human Development) for training in tourist care for about 13,000 workers, from taxi drivers and porters", he said.
In addition, APATEL has signed a training agreement with the National Police and for the installation of antennas for communicating with the security institution as well as among all hotels to keep them informed of any incident and ensure an immediate reaction in favor of the tourists, he explained.
Loaiza has announced that, within a a week, an agreement with the SPAC (Panamanian Society of Authors and Composers) will be signed, for payment of rights to use musical works in their facilities, for which no details were announced at deadline as they are at the final stage of negotiation.
The tour leader, who started in 1963 working as executive of airlines like the extinct Pan American, said that in the coming months, another 10 associates will be incorporated to APATEL and they are completing the construction of their facilities, both in cities and beaches.
In total over 4,000 new rooms will be added to the tourist offer, which would exceed 20,000, representing an injection of $ 570 million in investments.
Loaiza detailed that among the new buildings there is a hotel from the Spanish chain RIU, 4 from the North American chain Hilton and the Megapolis, to be administered by the Colombian Decameron. Also, the Bijao of the Superclubs chain under the Princess franchise and Nikki Beach, these last two on the beach.
The leader, who for 12 years has been representing the Decameron chain, explained that "at its best times" the industry reached 80% of demand, reason for extending this offer with the new hotels to a sufficient amount for the coming years.
Regarding the quality of service, he explained that the ATP has to ask the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to do the hotels´ rating because it is necessary for this to be done by an independent body.
And in terms of tourism, he noted that Panama's is more varied than that of its Central American neighbors and has both economic and social stability. "I feel very optimistic because I believe that Panama is going to be one of the countries least affected by the crisis," he said.
He recalled that in the first quarter the industry grew 3.2% on 2008 figures, "which was very good" and that until now, the labor force keeps being stable, with 120,000 direct jobs.
Loaiza indicated that with the immigration authorities of the outgoing government, very good communication was obtained to improve care for tourists and that he will meet soon with the new Panamanian Minister of Government and Justice, José Raúl Mulino, in order to set forth his plans and programs, and therefore work coordinately with the private enterprises and the authorities in benefit of the country.
Panama the land of Blue Seas and Red Sunsets
Arco Chato, a Historical Jewel in the Old City
Arco Chato, a Historical Jewel in the Old City
María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
The original Flat Arch was built by Dominican friars in 1678. It was built with a height of 35 feet by 50 feet of length, and it is located at the Old City of the Panamanian capital. The length, shape and antiquity of the monument sparked the curiosity of travelers as well as that of American and French engineers
Built in the middle of the XVIII century, the Arco Chato (Flat Arch) was part of the Santo Domingo Church, and it´s considered a world heritage. With the passage of time, the original structure succumbed, but the monument was completely rebuilt right at its original site three years later.
Silvia Landires, tour guide of the Old City Office (organization in charge of monument restorations and world heritage sites), stated that the monument was rebuilt due to its historical value, which takes us back in time four centuries ago.
History
The Santo Domingo Church and Convent was built by the end of the XVII century, when the city had just moved to a new location. The Flat Arch held up the choir site of the church. It was like a balcony, and it was located on the main entrance, where singers and musicians used to perform. The church altogether had six brick arcs and the roof was made of wood and tiles.
This church burned up during the fire of 1737, called "The Big Fire". Then it burned up once more during the fire of 1756, which is also known as "The Small Fire". Consequently, the temple was abandoned. It was replaced by a small chapel placed at one of the sides of the convent. The Colonial Religious Art Museum is currently located at this very same site.
The ruins of the church deteriorated over the years and were largely demolished in 1913, except for the Flat Arch and the front wall that were left standing.
During years of planning and building the railroad and the canal in Panama; the length, shape and antiquity of the Flat Arch sparked the curiosity of travelers as well as that of American and French engineers.
Landires claimed that according to the legend, the Flat Arch played an important role that influenced the United States decision on building the canal in Panama instead of in Nicaragua. For them, the fact that the Flat Arch was still standing was evidence that seismic activity was less frequent in the isthmus.
The original Flat Arch was built by Dominican friars in 1678, with a height of 35 feet by 50 feet of length, and it is located at the Old City of the Panamanian capital. The original Flat Arch remained standing until November 7, 2003, when it suddenly collapsed.
Restoration
The project to rebuild the monument began on November 17, 2005, and officially ended in March 2007. The monument is not yet open to the public, but those who want to visit it may do so, and will be able to see it and take pictures from the outside.
Although he was not the person in charge of rebuilding the monument, architect Bolusiano Paris Martínez said: "it is identical to the historic Arch (which collapsed) because the profile they used was very accurate, with old photographs, drawings from a few surveys, and even the actual bricks that had fallen were used. Indeed, it is identical to the original".
A government employee said that as a result of the work done on the Flat Arch it became evident that the surrounding site areas, such as the Santo Domingo Church, could be recovered, so the total rebuilding began.
On the other hand, Paris, who is a Spanish architect, explained that the rebuilding tasks were very complex, reason why they fulfilled them in several stages.
The first part of this work was accomplished by doing a complete recording of all of the ruin. This task was performed to have a good understanding of the conditions of the ruin. Then the process of classification of the remains followed, with an entirely archaeological phase, in which old frames, painted postcards, photos and more were used.
Then, the project was developed using the actual design of the structure. The base was made of steel and cement because they wanted to take away some of the weight, which was extremely heavy at approximately two tons per cubic meter of solid brick and masonry work. Finally, the rebuilding took place in November 2005.
The New Arch has two benchmarks. One is at the center and the other one is at the same level in one of its walls. This will tell us in a given time whether or not the structure has been removed.
"This will give us control of the condition of the structure, and a follow up of the same has been recommended at least every six months", said Paris.
The guides of the Old City Office have tours to all the historical monuments in this area on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 11:00 am.
María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
The original Flat Arch was built by Dominican friars in 1678. It was built with a height of 35 feet by 50 feet of length, and it is located at the Old City of the Panamanian capital. The length, shape and antiquity of the monument sparked the curiosity of travelers as well as that of American and French engineers
Built in the middle of the XVIII century, the Arco Chato (Flat Arch) was part of the Santo Domingo Church, and it´s considered a world heritage. With the passage of time, the original structure succumbed, but the monument was completely rebuilt right at its original site three years later.
Silvia Landires, tour guide of the Old City Office (organization in charge of monument restorations and world heritage sites), stated that the monument was rebuilt due to its historical value, which takes us back in time four centuries ago.
History
The Santo Domingo Church and Convent was built by the end of the XVII century, when the city had just moved to a new location. The Flat Arch held up the choir site of the church. It was like a balcony, and it was located on the main entrance, where singers and musicians used to perform. The church altogether had six brick arcs and the roof was made of wood and tiles.
This church burned up during the fire of 1737, called "The Big Fire". Then it burned up once more during the fire of 1756, which is also known as "The Small Fire". Consequently, the temple was abandoned. It was replaced by a small chapel placed at one of the sides of the convent. The Colonial Religious Art Museum is currently located at this very same site.
The ruins of the church deteriorated over the years and were largely demolished in 1913, except for the Flat Arch and the front wall that were left standing.
During years of planning and building the railroad and the canal in Panama; the length, shape and antiquity of the Flat Arch sparked the curiosity of travelers as well as that of American and French engineers.
Landires claimed that according to the legend, the Flat Arch played an important role that influenced the United States decision on building the canal in Panama instead of in Nicaragua. For them, the fact that the Flat Arch was still standing was evidence that seismic activity was less frequent in the isthmus.
The original Flat Arch was built by Dominican friars in 1678, with a height of 35 feet by 50 feet of length, and it is located at the Old City of the Panamanian capital. The original Flat Arch remained standing until November 7, 2003, when it suddenly collapsed.
Restoration
The project to rebuild the monument began on November 17, 2005, and officially ended in March 2007. The monument is not yet open to the public, but those who want to visit it may do so, and will be able to see it and take pictures from the outside.
Although he was not the person in charge of rebuilding the monument, architect Bolusiano Paris Martínez said: "it is identical to the historic Arch (which collapsed) because the profile they used was very accurate, with old photographs, drawings from a few surveys, and even the actual bricks that had fallen were used. Indeed, it is identical to the original".
A government employee said that as a result of the work done on the Flat Arch it became evident that the surrounding site areas, such as the Santo Domingo Church, could be recovered, so the total rebuilding began.
On the other hand, Paris, who is a Spanish architect, explained that the rebuilding tasks were very complex, reason why they fulfilled them in several stages.
The first part of this work was accomplished by doing a complete recording of all of the ruin. This task was performed to have a good understanding of the conditions of the ruin. Then the process of classification of the remains followed, with an entirely archaeological phase, in which old frames, painted postcards, photos and more were used.
Then, the project was developed using the actual design of the structure. The base was made of steel and cement because they wanted to take away some of the weight, which was extremely heavy at approximately two tons per cubic meter of solid brick and masonry work. Finally, the rebuilding took place in November 2005.
The New Arch has two benchmarks. One is at the center and the other one is at the same level in one of its walls. This will tell us in a given time whether or not the structure has been removed.
"This will give us control of the condition of the structure, and a follow up of the same has been recommended at least every six months", said Paris.
The guides of the Old City Office have tours to all the historical monuments in this area on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 11:00 am.
Ecological Route Between Two Oceans
Ecological Route Between Two Oceans
María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
Seeks to increase the flow of visitors to the country This project will provide ethnic, archaeological and natural attractions
More than four years ago a group of six Panamanian tourism entrepreneurs began promoting what they called The Ecological Route between two Oceans, to promote Panama as an international destination and increase the flow of visitors to the country.
Ana Cecilia Young, one of the promoters of this project, explained that the nature trail is a tour through the natural attractions of the country whose ecological biodiversity arouses as much interest as its beaches and tropical landscapes.
Young, Director of EcoCircuitos Panama, one of the six companies involved in the plan, said that the biological corridor between the North and South coasts of Panama, encompasses one of the richest and most exotic diversity of wildlife in the planet. It consists of a sequence of connected natural areas that allow a constant flow of wildlife of all types, easily observed by the traveler.
This initiative has been approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government's program for investment: "Compite Panama".
All of the companies are tour operators and have their market niche. These include: ECO Circuitos Panama, Experience Panama, Margo Tours, Turista International S.A. Vacaciones & Arian `s Tours.
The idea is to have a more attractive offer for the market. In this project there are ethnic, archaeological and natural attractions provided. It is currently promoted in European, North America and Latin American markets with great success, since the operators have achieved more than a 10% increase in sales.
Another progress of the project is that promoter entrepreneurs have developed software for reservations, prices and transactions, which did not exist before.
Each company developed its own mechanisms for promotion and turned the Ecologic Route between two Oceans into a "brand" internationally recognized.
Places to visit
Depending on what people like, tourists will usually look for a new experience and often combine it with other destinations. For example, if he comes from visiting a Mayan culture in Guatemala, here in Panama he will search for something similar.
Therefore, the Ecologic Route has been divided in thematic trails : colonial Canal, ecological, ethnic and the one which is undoubtedly one of the main attractions for most tourists: the Panama Canal, its history, its landscapes and its accessibility.
It is also the backbone of this route between the two oceans. Ships of all nationalities go through what was once part of the original channel of the Chagres River.
The cost of the tours also depends on what the tourists like. The experience might take seven days and visit all the area including the Ecological Route. The tour begins in the City of Panama, in the Pacific, ending at some point of interest in the province of Colón in the Atlantic.
You also have the opportunity to make a trip to Barro Colorado, where the Smithsonian Institute is developing some of its most important investigations. Another alternative is to see the Panama Canal or take a tour on the Crosses Road that was built by Captain Gaspar de Espinosa, by opening and paving with stones a trail in the forest with the help of 4,000 Indian slaves.
In addition, you can observe birds in the Soberanía National Park, trails, plants, and the pipelines, which have the world record for number of species observed in a single day.
If you prefer, you have the option to visit the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel and Gatún, where you can observe the entry and departure of ships or take the transcontinental train to Colón and visit San Lorenzo, which was built during the colony to face the attacks and plunder of pirates. It was a zone that functioned as transit of merchandise and gold for Spain.
María del R. Martínez / The Panama Post
Seeks to increase the flow of visitors to the country This project will provide ethnic, archaeological and natural attractions
More than four years ago a group of six Panamanian tourism entrepreneurs began promoting what they called The Ecological Route between two Oceans, to promote Panama as an international destination and increase the flow of visitors to the country.
Ana Cecilia Young, one of the promoters of this project, explained that the nature trail is a tour through the natural attractions of the country whose ecological biodiversity arouses as much interest as its beaches and tropical landscapes.
Young, Director of EcoCircuitos Panama, one of the six companies involved in the plan, said that the biological corridor between the North and South coasts of Panama, encompasses one of the richest and most exotic diversity of wildlife in the planet. It consists of a sequence of connected natural areas that allow a constant flow of wildlife of all types, easily observed by the traveler.
This initiative has been approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government's program for investment: "Compite Panama".
All of the companies are tour operators and have their market niche. These include: ECO Circuitos Panama, Experience Panama, Margo Tours, Turista International S.A. Vacaciones & Arian `s Tours.
The idea is to have a more attractive offer for the market. In this project there are ethnic, archaeological and natural attractions provided. It is currently promoted in European, North America and Latin American markets with great success, since the operators have achieved more than a 10% increase in sales.
Another progress of the project is that promoter entrepreneurs have developed software for reservations, prices and transactions, which did not exist before.
Each company developed its own mechanisms for promotion and turned the Ecologic Route between two Oceans into a "brand" internationally recognized.
Places to visit
Depending on what people like, tourists will usually look for a new experience and often combine it with other destinations. For example, if he comes from visiting a Mayan culture in Guatemala, here in Panama he will search for something similar.
Therefore, the Ecologic Route has been divided in thematic trails : colonial Canal, ecological, ethnic and the one which is undoubtedly one of the main attractions for most tourists: the Panama Canal, its history, its landscapes and its accessibility.
It is also the backbone of this route between the two oceans. Ships of all nationalities go through what was once part of the original channel of the Chagres River.
The cost of the tours also depends on what the tourists like. The experience might take seven days and visit all the area including the Ecological Route. The tour begins in the City of Panama, in the Pacific, ending at some point of interest in the province of Colón in the Atlantic.
You also have the opportunity to make a trip to Barro Colorado, where the Smithsonian Institute is developing some of its most important investigations. Another alternative is to see the Panama Canal or take a tour on the Crosses Road that was built by Captain Gaspar de Espinosa, by opening and paving with stones a trail in the forest with the help of 4,000 Indian slaves.
In addition, you can observe birds in the Soberanía National Park, trails, plants, and the pipelines, which have the world record for number of species observed in a single day.
If you prefer, you have the option to visit the Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel and Gatún, where you can observe the entry and departure of ships or take the transcontinental train to Colón and visit San Lorenzo, which was built during the colony to face the attacks and plunder of pirates. It was a zone that functioned as transit of merchandise and gold for Spain.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Martinelli Bust JetSet Massage by Prostitutes
Story by Panama Jack
President Ricardo Martinelli President of Panama leeds raid on whore house in Panama City. The house of ill repute was JetSet Massage. As I under stand it, Condom's and Drugs where found at the seen. Also several undocumented Columbian Girls were found to be at the house and detained by Imagration Police. As of today the JetSet massage/House of Prostitution is no longer in business.
President Ricardo Martinelli President of Panama leeds raid on whore house in Panama City. The house of ill repute was JetSet Massage. As I under stand it, Condom's and Drugs where found at the seen. Also several undocumented Columbian Girls were found to be at the house and detained by Imagration Police. As of today the JetSet massage/House of Prostitution is no longer in business.
Jet Set Elegancia Still Running - Hookers in Obario
Jet Set Elegancia Still Running - Hookers in Obario
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide com - It looks like the Jet Set Elegancia Spa in Obarrio is back up and running full speed. They had a run-in with their neighbors a few months ago - there are some very rich and politically powerful people living right next door and I was sure they were going to be shut down. But not so fast - I just checked their website and you can see that "Sol" is available 24/7 (pictured here), advertised as a 21 year-old submissive Russian woman, 34C, Chestnut hair and green eyes, 1.6 meters tall and weighing 125 pounds. Of course, whatever happens in the back room during your 60 minute session for $150 bucks is between you and her. Don't forget your raincoat...
Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide com - It looks like the Jet Set Elegancia Spa in Obarrio is back up and running full speed. They had a run-in with their neighbors a few months ago - there are some very rich and politically powerful people living right next door and I was sure they were going to be shut down. But not so fast - I just checked their website and you can see that "Sol" is available 24/7 (pictured here), advertised as a 21 year-old submissive Russian woman, 34C, Chestnut hair and green eyes, 1.6 meters tall and weighing 125 pounds. Of course, whatever happens in the back room during your 60 minute session for $150 bucks is between you and her. Don't forget your raincoat...
Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
Hooker's in Panama
Story by Don Winner
Hookers, Hookers... In Obarrio
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I ran into someone who reads Panama-Guide regularly and they commented "what's the matter, Don? No stories about hookers lately?" Hey, not by choice, you can bet on that. As chance would have it I got a telephone call late yesterday afternoon from Ivan Medina, the Secretary of the company for JetSet Elegancia Intl. If you remember La Prensa and several other local newspapers ran stories about a raid the "corregidora" (Justice of the Peace) from Bella Vista conducted against their business on 2 October 2007. I picked up the story from La Prensa and translated it when it came out. They were calling me to complain, to clarify what had happened, and to ask me to pull down the original article. (more)
Officially Pro-Hooker: Let me state my bias going into this article - I am officially pro-hooker. I think whatever consenting adults decide to do to one another behind closed doors is their business. I know all of the arguments about exploitation and abuse and believe there are ways to mitigate those threats and to protect the women and men who work in the sex industry as well as their clients. Obviously there is and always will be a demand for their services and someone will always step up with the supply. Over the years the Government of Panama has taken a generally common sense approach, much more liberal than the silly knee-jerk anti sex industry found in most of the Puritanical-based United States. Pushing hookers underground by making everything illegal tends to put everyone involved in much more danger in several senses of the word. Recognizing and accepting reality allows the Panamanian government to implement means and measures to protect everyone on all sides of the business transaction. That's my official stance, for what it's worth, and you should know that going in.
But, In Obarrio? The JetSet Elegancia Intl compound is located at the corner of Calle 57 and 3rd Street South in Obarrio. For the record, this is a neighborhood of mansions, some of them worth millions of dollars. To get there, drive down Calle 50 past the Marbella intersection. On your left hand side you will see the "Tropicana" furniture store at the intersection with the traffic signal. That is Calle 56 and you can not turn to the left there because it's one-way coming towards Calle 50. Turn to the left at the very next street which is Calle 57. You will know that you have the correct street because there is a nice park on your right hand side. The JetSet Elegancia Intl compound is the last house on the left hand side. It has a large while wall all the way around. They have Valet Parking (according to their website) and the doors are marked "Entrance" and "Exit". The second door is the entrance, so you can just pull up, they will open the door for you, and then the door will close behind you once you're inside. Should take about ten seconds, max.
So, What's The Problem: According to Estella Echeverri, the President of the company, there are a lot of rich and powerful people who live in Obarrio and they don't like the fact that they are operating a "spa" in their neighborhood. She accused the "corregidora" of Bella Vista, Lic. Lourdes Guerra, of being corrupt and of having abused her power. In a telephone interview Echeverri said "I was traveling to Costa Rica at the time of the raid. If I had been there I never would have let them enter the house." Echeverri said "residents of Obarrio paid the corregidora of Bella Vista to conduct the raid, and they paid the press to print bad articles about us in order to do damage to our business." I asked her if she had or if she intended to file an official criminal complaint with Panama's Judicial Technical Police (PTJ) regarding her alleged complaints against Lic. Lourdes Guerra, because she was making serious allegations of corruption. Echeverri said "we are currently consulting with our lawyers and we intend to file a criminal complaint against the corregidora for corruption as well as for abuse of power and abuse of her office and position. In addition we are going to sue the newspapers that ran the story as well."
Is This "Spa" a Massage Parlor? I explained my "pro-hooker" position to Estella Echeverri. I gave her my quick analysis of the problems she was having which apparently stem from her choice of location and venue. Many rich, powerful, and well known people who live in those houses in that particular neighborhood of Obarrio, and there's no way they are going to stand for a "spa" to operate literally in their backyards. And another thing, if JetSet Elegancia Intl is really a "spa" which does nothing but beauty treatments for aging socialites, then they probably would not have any problems at all. If that were the case then the little old biddies in the neighborhood would be lining up for facials and a nice bikini-waxing before their weekend jaunt to Contadora on the yacht..
Trying to Bullshit Me Is Generally A Bad Idea: And this is the part where I got ticked off. I explained nicely to Echeverri that I've been here for more than twenty years, that I've researched the sex industry in Panama extensively, I know most of the owners and players, and that everyone in the world knows that JetSet Elegancia Intl is actually a Panamanian-style massage parlor, done fancy. All of these massage parlors work on the "don't ask, don't tell" principle. The client pays a flat fee at the door and then heads off to a room with the girl. Whatever happens between the two adults behind closed doors is between them. Echeverri held her ground. In spite of significant evidence to the contrary, she continued to insist that no, JetSet Elegancia Intl is not that kind of an operation, and that they are not involved in the sex industry in Panama, at all.
Salute the Bullshit Flag As It Runs Up The Pole: It took me about 30 seconds to Google the customer feedback from the whore monger chat boards and forums that are all over the Internet. On these boards international whore mongers discuss their experiences with different establishments in Panama. The general consensus on JetSet Elegancia Intl, and this is feedback from customers who have been there (and, I have not) is that they are charging too much for what they provide, and that the girls simply are not that great. You would be better off at another club. When I told Echeverri about those reports, she asked me "where are those, I've been trying to find them..." and I told her how to use Google. Good luck with that.
Oh My! Email Threats: I almost forgot. Before the phone calls came in I received this email from dario [xxxestrellaxxx@hotmail.com] which said:
"My friend no say lies of jetset. We have all document for operation free, Jet set is funtionaly in this moment, an need you remove the mesage about jetset, this message impact direct my business, if you no remove this message. We open a legal process for Don Winner. Sorry my friend. note: respond this email for later tomorrow."
Errr... OK: Later on the phone Estella Echeverri told me that email was written by Ivan Medina, the first guy who called, and that he used one of her email addresses by mistake to send me that email. What's really funny is that if you Google "Dario" (the name that comes with the email address) "Echeverri" (the last name of the President of JetSet Elegancia Intl) and "Panama" you come up with SEC filings for a guy named Dario Echeverri who was involved in a company called Phone1globalwide Inc in Panama back in 2004 and 2005. Now, are the two related? I have no idea. The only other Dario Echeverri is a Priest in Colombia who got famous for trying to negotiate a peace with the far-right paramilitaries. Maybe he's thrown in the cloth and has come over to the other side? Nah...
Obviously, so threat of any kind of sexual activity here...
Wait A Minute, Back To The Sex Thing: For the record, when the "corregiduria" (Justice of the Peace) of Bella Vista raided the JetSet Elegancia Intl compound their website went down immediately. And also for the record, shortly after the raid I began to see ads in the paper again for JetSet Elegancia Intl in the personal sections of La Prensa, La Critica, etc. So, it seems like they are, in fact, back in business.
A Construction Related Complaint: According to Ivan Medina the original problem with the "corregidora" had to do with an issue related to a construction complaint and that they used that as a pretext to enter their facility. He went on to say that the company has all of their permits and permissions to operate as a spa, and that they had fixed the problem and were opened basically the next day.
"How Many "Alternadora" Visas Do You Have?" I asked Ivan Median how many "alternadora" visas they have, and he said that they have about ten. He said the problem is that many of the girls left when the "corregidora" made her raid, and that the "alternadora" visas are tied to the girls. That there is a process through which you have to "clean" the visa to allow it to be used by another girl, and that's part of their problem. Medina said they are now operating primarily with Panamanian girls, which does away with that problem.
Backtrack, Change Story: The first conversation I had with these people was with Ivan Medina. After that conversation I received another call a few minutes later from Estella Echeverri who contradicted what Ivan Medina had just told me. She said that they do not have any "cupos" for "alternadora visas" because, she said, "we are not that kind of business." So when I asked her if they were using all Panamanian employees, she said "no, we are using Colombian girls as well, but only as professional service contracts."
Ah, It's All Coming Together: A few weeks ago I got a tip from someone in Immigration who called to let me know that "there was a house in Obarrio that was full of Colombian girls who were turning tricks." At the time it got by me, but when Estella Echeverri told me they had "Colombian independents" working there on "professional service" contracts, that was even enough for someone as dense as me to make the connection. JetSet Elegancia Intl was the house my contact in Immigration was talking about, and they had called me before the raid that was conducted by the "corregidora" of Bella Vista. Unfortunately, my contact simply didn't know the exact location of the house, and I didn't have time to chase it down. No wait, that call came in months ago.
A Call to the "Corregidora": I like to be able to verify all angles of the stories I publish so I put a call into the office of Lic. Lourdes Guerra, the "corregidora" of Bella Vista, to get her response to the threat of a criminal complaint for being corrupt, having accepted bribes from the residents of Obarrio, for having abused her office, and for overstepping her bounds, according to Estella Echeverri. I called again and the people in her office explained that all hearings are scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and that it might be difficult to speak with Lic. Lourdes Guerra on the issue, or that she would not be able to get back to me with a formal response for a day or two. So, that's pending.
What About the "Alternadora" Visa Thing: That's kinda funny, because when I spoke to Ivan Medina in the first conversation he was right on the money as concerns the technical handling and the "ins and outs" of dealing with foreign girls who are working in Panama on contract under "alternadora" visas. I was convinced that the did have the ten "cupos" or so just based on the way he answered my questions. But then he was contradicted by Estella Echeverri who said that Median was wrong and that they do not have any (zero) "alternadora" visas. I told her I was going to follow that up with immigration, and she said "go right ahead."
Now, A Call In To Immigration: Sra. Maritza Aldiano who works in the a section of Immigration (that I had never heard of) called "Transeúnte" is responsible for knowing exactly which companies have all of the "alternadora" visas in Panama. I gave them the names of the primary players, Ivan Medina and Estella Echeverri, the name of the business as well as the business address, and they are going to investigate to find out if they have any "alterndadora" visas or not. According to Sra. Maritza Aldiano, she checked the records in immigration and there is no indication of any "alternadora" visas being issued to the company JetSet Elegancia Intl. She checked on the name of the company, the names of the people involved, as well as the operating address of the "spa" and confirmed what Estella Echeverri told me - they don't have any "alternadora" visas. Glad we got that cleared up.
Maybe Starting With A Threat Was A Bad Tactic: Estella Echeverri started to try to tell me how to write, what to publish, which story to pull down, etc. I explained to her that it simply does not work that way. She said that "but if I do a Google search for JetSet Elegancia Intl then the first thing I find is your article about us." Well, not anymore. Now, you're going to find this one. I told her (again) that I personally do not have any problems at all with the sex industry in Panama, and that the real problem she has is with her choice of venue. I mean, if the thing was located somewhere else no one would mind. But putting this kind of business in the ritzy Obarrio neighborhood was just a dumb business decision. That's her bad call, not mine. I also explained to her that when I do a story I don't just take a phone call from one person and start writing what she wants to hear. I'm now in the process of (happily) writing about hookers in Panama again. So, thanks for that.
Call Out The Dogs: I am happily engaged to my lovely fiancé and our beautiful daughter just turned ten months old so there's no way I can conduct any kind of independent verification of certain aspects of this story on my own. But there certainly is no shortage of "dogs" out there who run in these circles all the time, and I made some phone calls to get a "blow by blow" description of the activity inside of the house (so to speak, pun on purpose.) Research. It's all in the name of accurate investigative journalism. Wouldn't want anyone to accuse me of doing an incomplete job of it, you know.
All Hookers, All The Time: If I changed the name of the website to the Panama-Hooker-Guide my traffic would probably quadruple overnight. Whatever. I write about this stuff because a lot of the English speaking expatriates who come to Panama make use of these services. They exist whether Ruben Blades likes it or not, and it's best to know which places are operating with all of their permits and permissions because you can walk off the street and hit the Oasis Club for the "businessman's lunch special" and be perfectly within the law, no muss, no fuss. If the JetSet Elegancia Intl people are in the middle of having a run-in with their neighbors and the "corregidora" of Bella Vista Lic. Lourdes Guerra, well then that's their problem. My job is to just figure it all out and do what I always do, write about the hookers in Panama. Allow me to add this - I know Lic. Lourdes Guerra personally and she's seen it all. I hope that the people at the JetSet Elegancia Intl have their act together, because they have made some pretty serious allegations, and from where I'm sitting they appear to be on pretty thin ice. Let's watch and see what happens next.
Copyright 2007 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
Hookers, Hookers... In Obarrio
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I ran into someone who reads Panama-Guide regularly and they commented "what's the matter, Don? No stories about hookers lately?" Hey, not by choice, you can bet on that. As chance would have it I got a telephone call late yesterday afternoon from Ivan Medina, the Secretary of the company for JetSet Elegancia Intl. If you remember La Prensa and several other local newspapers ran stories about a raid the "corregidora" (Justice of the Peace) from Bella Vista conducted against their business on 2 October 2007. I picked up the story from La Prensa and translated it when it came out. They were calling me to complain, to clarify what had happened, and to ask me to pull down the original article. (more)
Officially Pro-Hooker: Let me state my bias going into this article - I am officially pro-hooker. I think whatever consenting adults decide to do to one another behind closed doors is their business. I know all of the arguments about exploitation and abuse and believe there are ways to mitigate those threats and to protect the women and men who work in the sex industry as well as their clients. Obviously there is and always will be a demand for their services and someone will always step up with the supply. Over the years the Government of Panama has taken a generally common sense approach, much more liberal than the silly knee-jerk anti sex industry found in most of the Puritanical-based United States. Pushing hookers underground by making everything illegal tends to put everyone involved in much more danger in several senses of the word. Recognizing and accepting reality allows the Panamanian government to implement means and measures to protect everyone on all sides of the business transaction. That's my official stance, for what it's worth, and you should know that going in.
But, In Obarrio? The JetSet Elegancia Intl compound is located at the corner of Calle 57 and 3rd Street South in Obarrio. For the record, this is a neighborhood of mansions, some of them worth millions of dollars. To get there, drive down Calle 50 past the Marbella intersection. On your left hand side you will see the "Tropicana" furniture store at the intersection with the traffic signal. That is Calle 56 and you can not turn to the left there because it's one-way coming towards Calle 50. Turn to the left at the very next street which is Calle 57. You will know that you have the correct street because there is a nice park on your right hand side. The JetSet Elegancia Intl compound is the last house on the left hand side. It has a large while wall all the way around. They have Valet Parking (according to their website) and the doors are marked "Entrance" and "Exit". The second door is the entrance, so you can just pull up, they will open the door for you, and then the door will close behind you once you're inside. Should take about ten seconds, max.
So, What's The Problem: According to Estella Echeverri, the President of the company, there are a lot of rich and powerful people who live in Obarrio and they don't like the fact that they are operating a "spa" in their neighborhood. She accused the "corregidora" of Bella Vista, Lic. Lourdes Guerra, of being corrupt and of having abused her power. In a telephone interview Echeverri said "I was traveling to Costa Rica at the time of the raid. If I had been there I never would have let them enter the house." Echeverri said "residents of Obarrio paid the corregidora of Bella Vista to conduct the raid, and they paid the press to print bad articles about us in order to do damage to our business." I asked her if she had or if she intended to file an official criminal complaint with Panama's Judicial Technical Police (PTJ) regarding her alleged complaints against Lic. Lourdes Guerra, because she was making serious allegations of corruption. Echeverri said "we are currently consulting with our lawyers and we intend to file a criminal complaint against the corregidora for corruption as well as for abuse of power and abuse of her office and position. In addition we are going to sue the newspapers that ran the story as well."
Is This "Spa" a Massage Parlor? I explained my "pro-hooker" position to Estella Echeverri. I gave her my quick analysis of the problems she was having which apparently stem from her choice of location and venue. Many rich, powerful, and well known people who live in those houses in that particular neighborhood of Obarrio, and there's no way they are going to stand for a "spa" to operate literally in their backyards. And another thing, if JetSet Elegancia Intl is really a "spa" which does nothing but beauty treatments for aging socialites, then they probably would not have any problems at all. If that were the case then the little old biddies in the neighborhood would be lining up for facials and a nice bikini-waxing before their weekend jaunt to Contadora on the yacht..
Trying to Bullshit Me Is Generally A Bad Idea: And this is the part where I got ticked off. I explained nicely to Echeverri that I've been here for more than twenty years, that I've researched the sex industry in Panama extensively, I know most of the owners and players, and that everyone in the world knows that JetSet Elegancia Intl is actually a Panamanian-style massage parlor, done fancy. All of these massage parlors work on the "don't ask, don't tell" principle. The client pays a flat fee at the door and then heads off to a room with the girl. Whatever happens between the two adults behind closed doors is between them. Echeverri held her ground. In spite of significant evidence to the contrary, she continued to insist that no, JetSet Elegancia Intl is not that kind of an operation, and that they are not involved in the sex industry in Panama, at all.
Salute the Bullshit Flag As It Runs Up The Pole: It took me about 30 seconds to Google the customer feedback from the whore monger chat boards and forums that are all over the Internet. On these boards international whore mongers discuss their experiences with different establishments in Panama. The general consensus on JetSet Elegancia Intl, and this is feedback from customers who have been there (and, I have not) is that they are charging too much for what they provide, and that the girls simply are not that great. You would be better off at another club. When I told Echeverri about those reports, she asked me "where are those, I've been trying to find them..." and I told her how to use Google. Good luck with that.
Oh My! Email Threats: I almost forgot. Before the phone calls came in I received this email from dario [xxxestrellaxxx@hotmail.com] which said:
"My friend no say lies of jetset. We have all document for operation free, Jet set is funtionaly in this moment, an need you remove the mesage about jetset, this message impact direct my business, if you no remove this message. We open a legal process for Don Winner. Sorry my friend. note: respond this email for later tomorrow."
Errr... OK: Later on the phone Estella Echeverri told me that email was written by Ivan Medina, the first guy who called, and that he used one of her email addresses by mistake to send me that email. What's really funny is that if you Google "Dario" (the name that comes with the email address) "Echeverri" (the last name of the President of JetSet Elegancia Intl) and "Panama" you come up with SEC filings for a guy named Dario Echeverri who was involved in a company called Phone1globalwide Inc in Panama back in 2004 and 2005. Now, are the two related? I have no idea. The only other Dario Echeverri is a Priest in Colombia who got famous for trying to negotiate a peace with the far-right paramilitaries. Maybe he's thrown in the cloth and has come over to the other side? Nah...
Obviously, so threat of any kind of sexual activity here...
Wait A Minute, Back To The Sex Thing: For the record, when the "corregiduria" (Justice of the Peace) of Bella Vista raided the JetSet Elegancia Intl compound their website went down immediately. And also for the record, shortly after the raid I began to see ads in the paper again for JetSet Elegancia Intl in the personal sections of La Prensa, La Critica, etc. So, it seems like they are, in fact, back in business.
A Construction Related Complaint: According to Ivan Medina the original problem with the "corregidora" had to do with an issue related to a construction complaint and that they used that as a pretext to enter their facility. He went on to say that the company has all of their permits and permissions to operate as a spa, and that they had fixed the problem and were opened basically the next day.
"How Many "Alternadora" Visas Do You Have?" I asked Ivan Median how many "alternadora" visas they have, and he said that they have about ten. He said the problem is that many of the girls left when the "corregidora" made her raid, and that the "alternadora" visas are tied to the girls. That there is a process through which you have to "clean" the visa to allow it to be used by another girl, and that's part of their problem. Medina said they are now operating primarily with Panamanian girls, which does away with that problem.
Backtrack, Change Story: The first conversation I had with these people was with Ivan Medina. After that conversation I received another call a few minutes later from Estella Echeverri who contradicted what Ivan Medina had just told me. She said that they do not have any "cupos" for "alternadora visas" because, she said, "we are not that kind of business." So when I asked her if they were using all Panamanian employees, she said "no, we are using Colombian girls as well, but only as professional service contracts."
Ah, It's All Coming Together: A few weeks ago I got a tip from someone in Immigration who called to let me know that "there was a house in Obarrio that was full of Colombian girls who were turning tricks." At the time it got by me, but when Estella Echeverri told me they had "Colombian independents" working there on "professional service" contracts, that was even enough for someone as dense as me to make the connection. JetSet Elegancia Intl was the house my contact in Immigration was talking about, and they had called me before the raid that was conducted by the "corregidora" of Bella Vista. Unfortunately, my contact simply didn't know the exact location of the house, and I didn't have time to chase it down. No wait, that call came in months ago.
A Call to the "Corregidora": I like to be able to verify all angles of the stories I publish so I put a call into the office of Lic. Lourdes Guerra, the "corregidora" of Bella Vista, to get her response to the threat of a criminal complaint for being corrupt, having accepted bribes from the residents of Obarrio, for having abused her office, and for overstepping her bounds, according to Estella Echeverri. I called again and the people in her office explained that all hearings are scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and that it might be difficult to speak with Lic. Lourdes Guerra on the issue, or that she would not be able to get back to me with a formal response for a day or two. So, that's pending.
What About the "Alternadora" Visa Thing: That's kinda funny, because when I spoke to Ivan Medina in the first conversation he was right on the money as concerns the technical handling and the "ins and outs" of dealing with foreign girls who are working in Panama on contract under "alternadora" visas. I was convinced that the did have the ten "cupos" or so just based on the way he answered my questions. But then he was contradicted by Estella Echeverri who said that Median was wrong and that they do not have any (zero) "alternadora" visas. I told her I was going to follow that up with immigration, and she said "go right ahead."
Now, A Call In To Immigration: Sra. Maritza Aldiano who works in the a section of Immigration (that I had never heard of) called "Transeúnte" is responsible for knowing exactly which companies have all of the "alternadora" visas in Panama. I gave them the names of the primary players, Ivan Medina and Estella Echeverri, the name of the business as well as the business address, and they are going to investigate to find out if they have any "alterndadora" visas or not. According to Sra. Maritza Aldiano, she checked the records in immigration and there is no indication of any "alternadora" visas being issued to the company JetSet Elegancia Intl. She checked on the name of the company, the names of the people involved, as well as the operating address of the "spa" and confirmed what Estella Echeverri told me - they don't have any "alternadora" visas. Glad we got that cleared up.
Maybe Starting With A Threat Was A Bad Tactic: Estella Echeverri started to try to tell me how to write, what to publish, which story to pull down, etc. I explained to her that it simply does not work that way. She said that "but if I do a Google search for JetSet Elegancia Intl then the first thing I find is your article about us." Well, not anymore. Now, you're going to find this one. I told her (again) that I personally do not have any problems at all with the sex industry in Panama, and that the real problem she has is with her choice of venue. I mean, if the thing was located somewhere else no one would mind. But putting this kind of business in the ritzy Obarrio neighborhood was just a dumb business decision. That's her bad call, not mine. I also explained to her that when I do a story I don't just take a phone call from one person and start writing what she wants to hear. I'm now in the process of (happily) writing about hookers in Panama again. So, thanks for that.
Call Out The Dogs: I am happily engaged to my lovely fiancé and our beautiful daughter just turned ten months old so there's no way I can conduct any kind of independent verification of certain aspects of this story on my own. But there certainly is no shortage of "dogs" out there who run in these circles all the time, and I made some phone calls to get a "blow by blow" description of the activity inside of the house (so to speak, pun on purpose.) Research. It's all in the name of accurate investigative journalism. Wouldn't want anyone to accuse me of doing an incomplete job of it, you know.
All Hookers, All The Time: If I changed the name of the website to the Panama-Hooker-Guide my traffic would probably quadruple overnight. Whatever. I write about this stuff because a lot of the English speaking expatriates who come to Panama make use of these services. They exist whether Ruben Blades likes it or not, and it's best to know which places are operating with all of their permits and permissions because you can walk off the street and hit the Oasis Club for the "businessman's lunch special" and be perfectly within the law, no muss, no fuss. If the JetSet Elegancia Intl people are in the middle of having a run-in with their neighbors and the "corregidora" of Bella Vista Lic. Lourdes Guerra, well then that's their problem. My job is to just figure it all out and do what I always do, write about the hookers in Panama. Allow me to add this - I know Lic. Lourdes Guerra personally and she's seen it all. I hope that the people at the JetSet Elegancia Intl have their act together, because they have made some pretty serious allegations, and from where I'm sitting they appear to be on pretty thin ice. Let's watch and see what happens next.
Copyright 2007 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
Panama: Yacht Club Faces Eviction
Yacht Club Faces Eviction
story by La Prensa
The government has demanded that the Club de Yates y Pesca pay $300,000 a month for its ocean-front concession.
The government has given its final word to the Club de Yates y Pesca. The club either has to leave its property on the Cinta Costera or pay for the land it occupies at market value.
That means the club will have to pay $300,000 monthly, or 60 times the $5,000 monthly rent that the club's administration offered to pay the government. The government's calculation is based on an average of $10 per square meter in rent. The club operates a marina that covers three hectares.
The marina is currently situated in one of the most desirable parts of Panama City, as it sits right off the new Cinta Costera. The land occupied by the club has an estimated value of at least $75 million, which doesn't include the $10 million that was spent to fill in the land to help develop the marina.
The value of the land is also a conservative estimate, as some developers have paid up to $4,000 per square meter for land there.
"What is at work here is that they have to pay market value," confirmed Minister of Economy and Finance Alberto Vallarino.
According to Iván Carlucci, the former president of the Association of Real Estate Brokers, it is difficult to assess the value of the parcel because it has not even been assigned zoning, which is what sets the price of land.
story by La Prensa
The government has demanded that the Club de Yates y Pesca pay $300,000 a month for its ocean-front concession.
The government has given its final word to the Club de Yates y Pesca. The club either has to leave its property on the Cinta Costera or pay for the land it occupies at market value.
That means the club will have to pay $300,000 monthly, or 60 times the $5,000 monthly rent that the club's administration offered to pay the government. The government's calculation is based on an average of $10 per square meter in rent. The club operates a marina that covers three hectares.
The marina is currently situated in one of the most desirable parts of Panama City, as it sits right off the new Cinta Costera. The land occupied by the club has an estimated value of at least $75 million, which doesn't include the $10 million that was spent to fill in the land to help develop the marina.
The value of the land is also a conservative estimate, as some developers have paid up to $4,000 per square meter for land there.
"What is at work here is that they have to pay market value," confirmed Minister of Economy and Finance Alberto Vallarino.
According to Iván Carlucci, the former president of the Association of Real Estate Brokers, it is difficult to assess the value of the parcel because it has not even been assigned zoning, which is what sets the price of land.
Panama: ATTT Adds Checkpoints, Steps up Ticketing
ATTT Adds Checkpoints, Steps up Ticketing
Story La Prensa
Traffic police handed out a total of 112 tickets Monday during a series of surprise inspections east of the capital.
Some 30 drivers were ticketed near the Riande Airport Hotel on Juan Díaz Road for carrying licenses that did not match the vehicle driven.
la prensa
Traffic police and ATTT agents have stepped up ticketing of drivers and vehicles that violate transit regulations.
At other points in the area, including Cabimas and Las Garzas of Pacora, several drivers were stopped for other traffic violations, including speeding.
Sandra Escorcia, director of the country's transportation authority, ATTT, explained that the ticketing was not part of a special operation, but represented routine checkpoints throughout the metropolitan area begun the day after the presidential inauguration.
In fact, Escorcia explained that 254 tickets were given to public buses by ATTT officials between July 20 and 24. The most common causes in this period were inadequate use of headlights, lack of safety equipment and flat tires.
However, as ticketing has increased, so has the amount of money owed to the entity in unpaid fines. Escorcia reported that nearly $3 million in fines is currently outstanding. Of that total, fines on construction trucks represent $171,000.
Meanwhile, the death of 25 persons people following last week's tragic accident near Pacora has awakened an old dispute over the installation of speed governors, as called for by the Martinelli administration. Though traffic regulations ordered their installation in public buses and heavy equipment during the Torrijos administration, the law was never fulfilled.
Dionisio Ortega, president of Chamber of Transportation, said members have agreed with that the devices are needed and are currently analyzing how they should be installed.
Story La Prensa
Traffic police handed out a total of 112 tickets Monday during a series of surprise inspections east of the capital.
Some 30 drivers were ticketed near the Riande Airport Hotel on Juan Díaz Road for carrying licenses that did not match the vehicle driven.
la prensa
Traffic police and ATTT agents have stepped up ticketing of drivers and vehicles that violate transit regulations.
At other points in the area, including Cabimas and Las Garzas of Pacora, several drivers were stopped for other traffic violations, including speeding.
Sandra Escorcia, director of the country's transportation authority, ATTT, explained that the ticketing was not part of a special operation, but represented routine checkpoints throughout the metropolitan area begun the day after the presidential inauguration.
In fact, Escorcia explained that 254 tickets were given to public buses by ATTT officials between July 20 and 24. The most common causes in this period were inadequate use of headlights, lack of safety equipment and flat tires.
However, as ticketing has increased, so has the amount of money owed to the entity in unpaid fines. Escorcia reported that nearly $3 million in fines is currently outstanding. Of that total, fines on construction trucks represent $171,000.
Meanwhile, the death of 25 persons people following last week's tragic accident near Pacora has awakened an old dispute over the installation of speed governors, as called for by the Martinelli administration. Though traffic regulations ordered their installation in public buses and heavy equipment during the Torrijos administration, the law was never fulfilled.
Dionisio Ortega, president of Chamber of Transportation, said members have agreed with that the devices are needed and are currently analyzing how they should be installed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)