Bonnie

Rumor is that the government had a large, outstanding bill with Copa. I think it's in the process of being remedied.

Other reports indicate that he had a fairly extensive criminal history of child, woman, and animal abuse back in the States. Undoubtedly, he was here in on tourist visa that he renewed regularly, so he didn't have to undergo a law enforcement check. With all the griping about how burdensome the enforcement of the tourist visa limitations are, has anyone considered that lax enforcement allows scum like this to remain in Panama indefinitely?

If this is true--and I have no doubt that it is--it is reprehensible. The one thing that is still inexpensive here is labor, so there is no excuse for an employer not fulfilling his obligations to pay social security. Not to pay s.s. is to leave the worker without health insurance and without a livable retirement. Anyone who shirks this responsibility should be ashamed. It also goes a long way to explain why the s.s. system here seems always to be in crisis. Penalties for not paying, I understand, are substantial. But there are not nearly enough government inspectors and enforcers. But, in Boquete at least, I have found that many employees are fully aware of their rights and are willing to fight for them. And they usually win. I have a full time gardener who earns $420 a month. But I pay all social security, not just the half I'm obligated to. This is a substantial benefit to him--about $50 a month--and it relieves me of having to address the issue of salary increases on a regular basis. Graciela's point is also well-taken. Most everyone is aware of a major, lucrative business here in Boquete that routinely hires employees for six months and then lets them go before longterm s.s. obligations kick again. Disgraceful.

My interpretation is that so log as a foreigner doesn't vote or contribute money, any other participation in politics is allowable--even though it doesn't explicitly address the expression of political opinions.

In the 12 years I have lived in Panama, I have always heard that expats are not allowed to participate in Panama politics. So last week, shortly before I left my position as a Citizen Volunteer Liaison for the U.S. Embassy, I wrote asking for clarification of Panamanian law relative to expats' participation in Panama political campaigns. You may be interested in the Embassy's response: - Under PNM Law, foreigners cannot vote in Panamanian elections and cannot provide financial support to political campaigns; - Foreigners can support a political candidate by participating in their campaigns (i.e., wearing their t-shirts, accompanying them to activities, etc.

I'm keeping track, and I'm gratified. I'll put up with inconvenience to fix those perilous drop-offs.

Thanks so much for this report, Bud. It sounds like a wonderful evening, and I wish I had gone. Maybe next time.

The Embassy staff advises that there will be a delay in their flight tomorrow morning and their consequent late arrival in Boquete. This, in turn, has necessitated a change of venue. The community outreach will be held at BCP instead of the library. The exact time of their arrival is not known at this point, but they will extend their stay past 1:00 to accommodate appointments.

It’s my understanding that folks no longer are having problems accessing the video. Thanks are due the video team for identifying and correcting the problem.

AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES UNIT – CONSULAR SECTION UNITED STATES EMBASSY-PANAMA Passport expiring soon? Did you know it is faster to renew your U.S. Adult Passport by mail? If you are over 16 years old and you need to renew your U.S. passport you can save time by taking advantage of our Adult Passport Renewal by Mail service. You may renew your passport by mail if you meet ALL of the following requirements: Your most recent U.S Passport: · Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application; · Was issued within the last 15 years; · Was issued with 10 year validity; and · Was issued in your current name or you have changed your name since your passport was issued and can submit legal documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, Change of Name Deed) to prove this change. If your most recent U.S. passport does not meet all these requirements, please follow the instructions here. If you are eligible to apply for the passport renewal by mail, we recommend you use this service. Appointments are limited and are reserved for those who are required to apply in person. Click here for information on how to use the passport by mail service. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama 507-317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Panama Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

But the fact remains that not everyone chooses to use Facebook. And of those who do, how many are aware of Boquete Recycling and join the group so as to receive their posts? If this is the only way the recycling at the fairgrounds is advertised, the ads are reaching a small percentage of the Boquete population.

The recycling dates are posted on FB by Pamela Olsen. The next one is Tuesday, March 26, i.e., today. The recycling dates are posted on Boquete Recycling on Facebook. I have suggested that she also post here and on News Boquete.

Thanks for this reminder about what wonderful work Boquete Hospice and Health does. Spread the word. Not enough people take advantage of what they have to offer. It's an outstanding community resource, manned by talented, dedicated people.

I need help from those of you more well-versed in technology than I. I haven't had a laptop in a long time, but I need to get one. I'm not looking for anything fancy, but I do want a reliable machine that will handle most things. Also, I need help with availability. I would appreciate any advice any of you can give. I currently have a Windows desktop, an iPhone, and an iPad.

This house is under contract, and no problems are anticipated.

I'm all for this, but isn't it against the law?

There is a contradiction (as well as an error in year) about the dates of this community outreach in the below Embassy message. The correct date is Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Read the message carefully to see what and when particular services are offered. U.S. Embassy Panama Consular Section American Citizen Services Unit The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Panama will be visiting Boquete, Chiriqui, on Thursday, March 28, 2018, to provide DS-11 passport and notarial services to U.S. Citizens. Please note that due to logistical constraints, we are not able to provide passport renewal services for adults (Form DS-82) at the event. To renew adult passports, please use the passport by mail service. WHERE,WHEN, AND HOW: Where: Biblioteca de Boquete,Avenida Central, Bajo Boquete, Panama When: Thursday, June 28th. Notarial services 10am-12pm. Passport services 12-1pm. How: Please register below according to the service that you require: For passport renewal for minors and lost/stolen or damaged pssport services, register here (Please note that we will NOT accept routine adult passport renewals during this outreach event. To renew adult passports, please use the passport by mail service). For Notarial Services, register here HOW TO PAY FOR PASSPORT AND NOTARIAL SERVICES (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY): The Embassy can only accept payment by local banker’s cashier check (known in Spanish as “Cheque Certificado”) made payable to “U.S. Embassy Panama,” issued within the past five months. Our office has confirmed with the State Department that, unfortunately, we cannot accept cash or credit card payments. The notarial fee is $50 per each signature of the Consular Officer. A list of passport fees can be found here. Other than passport and notarial services, all other services are no-fee. WHAT TO BRING FOR PASSPORT AND NOTARIAL SERVICES: Passports: Please note that we will NOT accept adult passport renewals during this outreach event. To renew adult passports, please use the passport by mail service. For passport renewals for minors, in addition to the completed DS-11 application, bring a copy of the photo page of the minor’s passport, a copy of both parents’ passports /cedulas, one recent color photo with a white background that measures 5x5 cm (2X2 inches) and a copy of the minor’s birth certificate, in addition to the original birth certificate and passport/ cedulas. The fee for passport renewal is currently $115.00 for a minor (under 16) and $145.00 (for a minor 16 years of age and older). The minor (under 16) and both parents or guardians must appear in person. If only one parent is present in Panama, the “Statement of Consent from Absent Parent” Form DS-3053, notarized in the United States, is required. Please note that the DS-3053 will not be accepted if notarized in Panama. For lost/stolen passports, in addition to the completed DS-11 application and the DS-64 statement regarding a lost or stolen passport, one recent color photo with a white background that measures 5x5 cm (2X2 inches), a Panamanian police report documenting the lost/stolen passport, and documentation of your identity (government-issued identification cards and/or proof of U.S. citizenship). The fee is currently $145 for an adult (over the age of 16) replacement of a lost or stolen passport. Notarizations: Here is the link with details. If you are requesting the notarization of your driver’s license, bring a photocopy of the front and back page of your license, as well as your license. If you are requesting notarization of benefits documents, bring the original and a copy of the document(s) showing the amount of benefits you receive monthly or annually. The notarial fee is $50.00 for each signature of the Consular Officer. We look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely, American Citizen Services Unit U.S. Embassy in Panama Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama 507-317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Panama Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Note: The timestamp on this e-mail message may reflect Washington, D.C., time, which may differ from local time

There is an error in the Embassy announcement. The correct date is Thursday, March 28, 2019.

I now am able to access the video on all my devices: desktop computer, iPad, and iPhone. I agree that BD was caustically rude. Those persons putting together the video are unpaid volunteers who offered their time to make available a presentation important to U.S. expats—a presentation that was “sold out” and that many who attended therefore were unable to participate in. I, for one, applaud their community service.

I can reach it on my tablet and phone by going directly to the website: www.tvchiriqui.com

But, returning to the subject at hand, I have not received my new Medicare care via my MBE Miami address. I guess I’ll have to go to MyMedicare.gov and sign up.

I also should add, Jim, that even were I inclined to "get legal" and reveal my foreign address by registering with SSA online, it's not possible to do so from Panama. And we all know what the likely wait period would be to speak to someone were I to telephone SSA in either the U.S. or Costa Rica. If I'm ever found out and chastised, I intend to point out how very difficult they make enrollment for persons abroad.