Moderator_02
-
Posts
11,529 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Blogs
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Moderator_02
-
-
Quote
Health Committee misses cannabis debate
Cannabis nurseryPost Views: 268The National Assembly discussion of a bill seeking to regulate the medicinal use of cannabis in Panama was adjourned on Tuesday, February 20 because the deputies that make up the Health Commission were missing.The commission had previously created a technical panel of specialists for the analysis of the legislative initiative that seeks to regulate the use of cannabis compounds for therapeutic use.
The debate was to focus on article 1 of the bill that states that cannabis can be produced and marketed in the country in a controlled manner.” The question that persists in the technical committee is whether growing the plant would be allowed to obtain the drugs, or if they would only be allowed to be imported.
The proponents have argued that medicinal cannabis is beneficial for people with chronic pain and diseases such as epilepsy.
Other specialists ask that the results of investigations be taken into consideration about existing cannabis treatments.
“Physicians are used to working with drugs based on research results” psychiatrist Carlos Smith told TVN News.
“There are many more testimonials than results of research. It is not very responsible to throw us only people’s statements ”
However, Smith considered that if there were any citizen who required treatment, “the State should be able to bring it and use it with the authorization of the relative “.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/health-committee-misses-cannabis-debate
-
Quote
Drug tainted $20,000 cash for Bitcoins
MARTINELLI CORRO, under escort before his release.Post Views: 368A COUSIN of ex-president Ricardo Martinelli found with $20,000 tainted with traces of drugs, told police who stopped him in Panama’s San Francisco district that the money was to buy Bitcoins.But on Monday, February 19, 2018, the Superior Court of Appeals granted Ramón Martinelli Corro and Jorge Luis Álvarez Cumming release from preventive detention and replaced it with country arrest.
The suspects, charged with money laundering have to report every Tuesday and Friday before the authorities and cannot leave the country.
They had to hand over their passports and cannot change their address.
The Drug Prosecutor’s Office requested that the provisional detention be continued
Drug Prosecutor, Javier Enrique Franco, said that five samples tested positive for various drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/drug-tainted-20000-cash-bitcoins
-
Quote
Uber hits another Panama speed bump
Post Views: 248UBER has had another setback in Panama with the Supreme Court’s refusal to admit an appeal seeking to annul an Executive Decree applying regulations to companies that provide transport services through technological platforms.The decision was made in an ordinary session of the plenary of the Court On Thursday, February 22.
Sources told La Prensa that the magistrates considered that Uber had to present its appeal before the Third Chamber of the Court.
The Government gave six months from November 2017 for the companies that offer transport service through technology platforms to comply with the guidelines of the Decree.
Vehicles that are part of that system must be registered in a list and the service can only be offered in the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Panamá, Colón and Coclé- will have to be done electronically (credit card).
Drivers must be Panamanians, over 21 and have an E1 type driver’s license -given after having a minimum two years of experience with C or D- type licenses and also present a clean police record.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/uber-hits-another-panama-speed-bump
-
Quote
Call for ‘Fire routes’ in Casco Viejo
Post Views: 173THE DESTRUCTION of three historic buildings, in a fast-spreading fire in Casco Viejo on Wednesday, February 21 has renewed calls for the creation of a vehicle-free access route for emergency services.Firefighters were hampered by illegally parked cars – one in front of a fire hydrant – forcing first responders and residents to manhandle them away from the area. Low water pressure was an additional problem.
A fire route has been a long-standing demand from residents whose pleas have been overlooked by successive governments.
The fire started around noon in the Casa Boyacá built in 1890 and spread to the Casa Rosada andCasa Francia also built in the last decade of the nineteenth century.
The historian Rommel Escarriola said that the structures were on one side of the Baluarte Mano de Tigre and formed part of the wall that surrounded the city of Panama,
Katti Osorio the former Director of Historical Heritage of the National Institute of Culture (INAC) said that the surrounding area is part of the Monumental Complex of the Old Town, but Casa Boyacá Casa Francia house are cataloged as “first order”, that is, they have the same value in terms of care and conservation that should be given to a national historic monument. the name Boyacá was given in reference to the triangular shape of the building similar to the prow of a ship, specifically a Colombian gunboat from the time of the War of a Thousand Days.
Escarriola and Osorio agreed that the authorities have a duty to build an exact replica of the property.
Ángel Delgado, of the Fire Department, said that the causes of the fire are unknown, but a preliminary report should be ready Friday.
The Ministry of Housing and Land Planning said that 40 families made homeless will be given temporary accommodation until they can be permanently resettled in the area.
The Joint Task Force reported that there were no fatalities but several people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Neighborhood pleas
Patrizia Pinzón, of the Casco Neighborhood Friends Association, said that for several years they have insisted to the different governments that a “well made and well maintained” evacuation route is urgently needed so that the main streets are free of vehicles. Pinzón said it is “unusual” that the authorities have not addressed the issue.http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/call-fire-routes-casco-viejo
-
Quote
Varela pressed on judges’ selection process
ALVARO Aleman stonewallsPost Views: 82PRESIDENT Juan Carlos is being pressed to live up to campaign promises over the selection of Supreme Court Judges, and facing increasing criticism over stalling tactics.Organizations that make up the State Commission for Justice have fired off a letter asking him to implement the process for the selection of magistrates that was established in 2005.
The letter tells Varela, that the model proposed by the pact has over 11 years of experience and has been approved by the citizenship for its credibility.
The commission also attached the agreement signed in 2005, as and the profile for those designated to the Court.
In spite of this reports La Prensa, the Minister of the Presidency, Álvaro Alemán, reiterated that the president will use his s constitutional powers to nominate the replacements of Oydén Ortega and Jerónimo Mejía, and that the issue could possibly be addressed in the first week of March by the Cabinet Council
Campaign promise
During the 2014 political campaign, Varela promised that, in order to improve justice, he would take into account the recommendations agreed in the State Pact.The note sent to the Presidency, tells Varela that there is “a clear commitment of the government” in the fight against impunity and corruption, actions that coincide with the position taken by sectors of public opinion.
This, adds the letter, requires further strengthening of the institutions that have to do with the investigation and prosecution of crimes that affect the State’s assets.
Alemán said that he had not read the note, but reiterated that the president will use the powers that the Constitution gives him to make the appointments of the magistrates but did not rule out that potential candidates could have meetings with the commission.
“I understand that candidates may be subject to interviews or meetings with the State Commission for Justice, but the president will exercise his constitutional power “,
He said that will be after Varela returns from a trip to Dubai for Earlier the president, who is not noted for fast action although said he would wait for the end of carnival (February 9 to 13) to address the issue.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/varela-pressed-judges-selection-process
-
Quote
OPINION: In search of honest leaders
Watch my lipsPost Views: 127Two stories on the front page of La Prensa today (Feb, 22) are related to unfulfilled promises by the current president Juan Carlos Varela.On the one hand, reluctance of his administration to incorporate the State Pact Commission for Justice in the selection of magistrates, breaching one of his campaign commitments.
While Transparency International makes an evaluation about the perception about corruption in our country, and other pending tasks of the Government stand out: the reform of the Law on Public Contracting, a conflict of interests law and another of protection for whistleblowers. The fight against corruption was also a promise of Varela. Politicians must understand that when they present their plan of government and offer their campaign promises, they are making a moral contract with the citizens of the country they aspire to direct. The breaking of those promises produces cynicism, unrest and offends society.
The country needs honest men and women who honor and keep their word …La Prensa, Feb.22
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/opinion-search-honest-leaders
-
Quote
Pope knocks “likes” in Panama WYD message
Pope Francis at the last WYD in PolandPost Views: 119WITH less than a year to the World Youth Day (WYD) to be celebrated in Panama, over 42,000 people have registered since the lists were opened last week.On Thursday. Feb. 22 Pope Francis sent a message to the young people of the world who are thinking of participating in the religious and cultural event and gave a homily on social media.
“As WYD in Panama approaches, I invite those who want to be part of this great adventure to prepare with joy and the enthusiasm, “he said.
“WYD is for the brave, not for young people who only seek comfort and who recoil from difficulties. Do you accept the challenge? “He added.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio recalled that the XXXIII World Youth Day, will have a place at the diocesan level in Rome on February 25, when the Catholic Church celebrates Palm Sunday ” another step in the process of preparation for WYD International of Panama in 2019. ” But he took time out to identify problems facing today’s youth, such as the “Terror and uncertainty” or the fear of not being accepted in the group.
“Today, many young people feel compelled to be different from what they really are and try to adapt to often artificial and unattainable standards, “he said.
Many spend their time ” with continuous photographic retouching” of their image “hiding behind masks and false identities until they almost become fake themselves.
he raised the alarm about the “obsessive” tendency to receive likes,
“Many are obsessed with receiving as many” likes “as possible. And this sense of inadequacy produces fears and uncertainties, “he said in his message.
The Pope asked young people not to lock themselves in and raise “a barricade” to defend themselves against everything and everyone but to go out and talk and dialogue with others.
The pontiff said that many young people today feel “disturbed and seized by so many fears”, but pointed out above all one that surpassed all the others: “there is a deep fear of not to be loved of not being accepted for what you are. ”
“Do not leave, the radiance of youth in the darkness of a closed room in which the only window to see the world is the computer and the smartphone, “he added.
He urged them to have “courage” and to use “their strengths and energies to improve the world, starting with the closest reality. ” The key -according to the Pope’s recipe- is “to love the people with whom we share daily life. And we can also love those who are not so beautiful.”
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/pope-knocks-likes-panama-wyd-message
-
Quote
$70 million Prison Tender Relaunched
The Ministry of the Interior in Panama is reconvening the tender for the design, construction and equipment of the new Colon Penitentiary Complex.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Due to complaints by the contestants, the public purchase process has been canceled repeatedly, with the latest one occurring in October of last year, when the three participating consortiums were disqualified.
The new purchase by the Panamanian government has April 10 as the deadline for the receipt of offers, and a reference price of $70.4 million. See history of the tender process.
More details of the tender.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of the Interior:
Panama February 20, 2018.- -.The Ministry of Government, through the Purchasing and Procurement Directorate, wishes to inform interested parties of a second call to participate in the best value tender N ° 2017-0-04-0-03-LV-009437, for the "Study, design, construction and equipment of the New Colon Penitentiary Complex", with a reference price of B /. 70,405,353.20 million balboas.
The bidders may examine or obtain the tender documents through the Panama Purchase website from the date until the day of the public act that will take place on April 10, 2018. The delivery of proposals is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Nationality Hall, located on the second floor of the Headquarters of the Ministry of Government and the opening of envelopes will be at 10:01 a.m.
A public visit to the project site will take place on March 5, which will depart from the MinGob facilities. Those interested in participating must request their quota in advance of the scheduled date for the visit, by request to the email consultas@mingob.gob.pa with a maximum of 3 people per proposer. You can also request a CD containing the digital information of the plans or collect it from the Purchasing Department.
In addition, a meeting has been planned for 9:30 a.m. on March 12 in the Nationality Hall, so that all participants can have their questions answered regarding the project's specifications.https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/70_million_Prison_Tender_Relaunched_1
-
Quote
Tocumen plans Singapore style logistics center
Post Views: 135TOCUMEN International Airport is investing $12.3 million to kickstart a logistics area modeled on the operations in Dubai and Singapore by creating a new light industries center only meters from the cargo terminal, the first of its kind in the region.The funding will go towards preparing the first 18 hectares where companies will be installed for labeling and packaging perishable food products and assembly of technological devices such as computers and cell phones, and other light manufacturing activities
Carmen Carrizo de Pages, Vice President of Strategy and Planning of Tocumen, S.A. said that with the project, Tocumen seeks to increase the movement of cargo to and from Panama, which despite having the greatest connectivity in the region, is below other markets, such as Colombia, in the movement of goods by air.
The investment made by the airport will be used to build the basic infrastructure of lighting, internal streets, and parking lots, while the construction of the manufacturing facilities will be the responsibility of the companies installed in the project, which will have a 20-year concession.
Currently, Tocumen handles the transport of 12,000 metric tons of merchandise each month
http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/tocumen-plans-singapore-style-logistics-center
-
Quote
55 families lose homes in Casco Viejo blaze
Post Views: 234AT LEAST 55 families were affected by a fire that destroyed three restored buildings in Casco Viejo on Wednesday, afternoon, February 21. Firefighters were hampered by illegally parked cars and low water pressure.The three houses in Plaza Herrera, formed the Boyacá house, a triangular structure built in 1890 and restored in 2005 under the supervision of Spanish and Panamanian architects. Neighboring buildings were also affected by the blaze, which took an hour to control.
Many of the residents had been rehoused in the structure after being evicted from other buildings in the area. It was located between Avenue A and 11th Street.
Police, who cordoned off the area to protect rubberneckers, arrested a man trying to steal belongings of the newly displaced victims which had been carried on to the street.
Jaime Villar, general director of the Fire Department, said they had problems with water pressure and badly parked vehicles that made extinction work difficult (see video).
The cars were removed and towed.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/55-families-lose-homes-casco-viejo-blaze
-
Quote
Airbnb, Taxes and Tourism
The company would be willing to charge the lodging tax in Panama if the restrictions on the rental of real estate for tourism purposes were eliminated, and if the data on property owners was protected.
Monday, February 19, 2018
These are the conditions that representatives of the property rental platform proposed to the Panamanian government to begin negotiating the possible collection of the 10% lodging tax, also paid by hotels, in order to formalize their operation in the country.
In 2017, the 2,200 property owners in Panama registered with the website generated earnings of $7.2 million for the rental of 3,800 properties throughout the country.
See: "Boom in Vacation Rentals"
AirBnb.com representative for Central America and the Caribbean, Shawn Sullivan, told Prensa.com that " ... they are willing to sign an agreement with the Government to collect the 10% lodging tax, which is also paid by hotels, but under certain conditions."
Among the requests of the company are the " ... elimination of Article 21 of Law 80 of 2012, which prohibits the rental of properties for tourism purposes for less than 45 days, as well as protection of the data of the owners of the properties registered with the platform."
According to Sullivan, in other countries where similar agreements have been reached with governments, tourism has grown between 20% and 30%.https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Airbnb_Taxes_and_Tourism
-
Quote
$12 million Tender for Urbanization Works
Tocumen Panama is putting out to tender the adaptation of access roads, subdivision and urbanization of 13 hectares of land that will be used for the first phase of a free zone to be built on the airport's premises.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Panama Government Purchase 2018-2-02-0-08-LV-007334:
"According to the guidelines established in the 2015 Master Plan, Tocumen International Airport will build a new Free Trade Zone measuring approximately 35 hectares, to provide value-added services and merchandise re-processing, mainly on the airport grounds, intended for international export.
Included within the framework of the aforementioned development of this new Free Trade Zone is the subject of this purchase process to establish the conditions for actions concerning the first phase, understanding it as the adaptation of the access roads to this new area to be used as a Free Zone and the parcelling and urbanization of approximately 12.93 Ha (hectares) without including the slopes, depending on the terrain. "
Reference value: $12.310.717
The deadline for receipt of bids is March 29, 2018.
See Tender.https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Tender_for_Urbanization_Works_for_12_million
-
Quote
Rise in Poultry Production in Panama
The poultry producers' association estimates that production of chicken meat has grown by almost 40% in the last nine years, while annual per capita consumption went from 68 pounds in 2007 to 92 pounds at present.
Monday, February 19, 2018
The figures are estimates from the National Association of Poultry Farmers (Anavip), whose data indicates that in 2008 around 250 million pounds were produced, 100 million pounds less than current annual production.
See also: "Market figures for chicken meat in Central America"
Panamaamerica.com.pa reports that "...According to the president of Anavip, Luis Carlos Castroverde, greater consumption of the product is due to the investments that the industry has made in production and consumption of chicken. "In recent years we have made significant investments in technology, controlled environment, room temperature which has an effect on the development and growth of chickens, genetics, these are some of the factors that have influenced the industry's growth."
"... Figures from the Comptroller General of the Republic show that production of chicken meat from January to December 2017 grew by 3.5%, however, there was a deceleration compared to the same period in 2016 when it registered 6.6%. Faced with this situation, Castroverde indicated that he does not know what the Comptroller's Office's source is. "Our source is the Ministry of Health that takes the data in each of the plants that process the chickens. That has been our guide year after year," he said."https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Rise_in_Poultry_Production_in_Panama
-
Quote
Two Offers for $45 million Road Works
China Railway International Group and Constructora Urbana are the two companies that submitted their proposals in the tender to renovate 98 kilometers of roads in Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Monday, February 19, 2018
The companies that submitted offers were Consorcio de Vías y Puentes del Istmo (China Railway International Group), with a proposal of $45.4 million, and Asociación Accidental C&C Gualaca (Constructora Urbana, S.A.), with an offer of $44.9 million.
See details of the tender.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Works in Panama:
This work includes maintenance of 16 vehicular bridges and solutions in 23 critical points, the majority of which are due to sinking.
For the benefit of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro, the Public Works Ministry (MOP) today held the Best Value Public Tender for the Renovation of the Pan-American Highway - Gualaca - Chiriquí Grande, which consists of a length of 98 kilometers, including critical points.
Two contractors participated in the public event where the MOP reference price was first disclosed for the amount of B / .45,346,864.04.
Subsequently, the act of opening proposals submitted by each proponent in the order in which they were received took place. Consorcio de Vías y Puentes del Istmo (CONVÍAS) proposed the price of B / .45,398,922.90. For its part, Asociación Accidental C&C Gualaca proposed the price of B / .44,875,800.00.
Once the public act was concluded, the process to be followed was explained to those present indicating that the files will be foliarized and then the technical proposals will be delivered to the formally constituted Evaluation Commission.
Read full release (in Spanish).https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Two_Offers_for_45_million_Road_Works
-
Quote
Ex-police chief gets jail leave for doctor visits
Post Views: 134JAILED former police chief and head of the National Security Council, Gustavo Perez awaiting trial for wiretapping during the Ricardo Martinelli administration has been granted court permission to attend medical appointments at Punta Pacific Hospital complex for six monthsThe decision was handed down on January 29 by Sixteenth Criminal Judge Enrique Pérez, following a request from defense lawyers.
Perez is prosecuted for the alleged commission of crimes against the inviolability of secrecy and the right to privacy for alleged telephone interceptions without judicial authorization.
The judge authorizes Perez to leave El Renacer prison on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. for 11:00 a.m. appointments.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/ex-police-boss-gets-jail-leave-doctor-visits
-
Moderator comment: This CSS facility is located in the Panama City area.
QuoteGang shoot-out in polyclinic ER
POLYCLINIC JJ VallarinoPost Views: 298Gang members intent on finishing off the victim of an attempted assassination exchanged gunfire with a rival gang in the Emergency Room of the JJ Vallarino Social Security (CSS) Polyclinic in the early hours of Monday, February 19 says the agency’s director Alfredo Martiz.He made the announcement on his Twitter account and confirmed details in a telephone interview with Telemetro.
Martiz said the incident occurred after an injured gang member arrived in the emergency room and was followed by an armed rival group to finish the attempted killing.
“I am very dismayed because the CSS has many problems and now we have problems of citizen violence,” said Martiz.
In another Tweet, Martiz said: “we are reviewing the film of the installation and are coordinating with the police.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/gang-shoot-clinic-er
-
Quote
New death highlights risk of surgery abroad
Post Views: 276THE DEATH of another Panamanian citizen undergoing plastic surgery abroad has sparked a warning of the dangers of out-of-country surgery, particularly in Venezuela.The latest death is a 54-year-old woman who traveled to Venezuela to undergo a surgical procedure in a clinic located in Maturín, capital of the Monagas state.
Judicial authorities in Venezuela have opened an investigation, to determine the circumstances in which the woman died.
Sources told La Prensa that among the known cases of surgeries causing death term was, one person who was in a coma and two other patients who were infected wounds due to lack of antibiotics to cure them. Another person was the victim of an assault when leaving the clinic.
The informants, warned of the risks when going to a foreign country, especially in Venezuela, where there are unstable economic and social conditions.
Plastic surgeons have repeatedly warned about the risks of surgeries abroad because the success of the interventions is reliant on the postoperative care given to the recipient.
A patient who received a plastic or aesthetic surgery must have a minimum follow-up of six months.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/new-death-highlights-risk-surgery-abroad
-
Quote
Fishermen’s double hit, snakes and bombs
Waiting for touristsPost Views: 284FISHERMEN from the Pedasi, district who rely on tourism to supplement their income, have been hit by a double whammy – sea snakes on a popular beach and two recent discoveries of unexploded WW II bombs on Isla Iguana.
Red flag alert on beaches
Edson Hernandez, a fisherman and owner of a hostel complained of mismanagement of tourism information, and some 80 fishermen in the area who ferry passengers to Isla Iguana and along the coast are demanding an explanation from the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) related to the closing of the island and the beaches, because they found out only through social networks, and customers have canceled their reservations.
Emilio Cedeño, who is dedicated to carrying tourists from El Arenal beach to Isla Iguana, told La Prensa that said they have been affected for eight days because they are not allowed to set sail.
Last Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment reported the temporary closure of areas for use by tourists and visitors on beaches in the province of Los Santos, because of the presence of marine snakes of the yellow belly species (Hydrophis platurus).
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/fishermens-double-hit-snakes-bombs
-
Quote
Interview: Chinese investments could boost Panama's agricultural sector
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-11 07:48:08|Editor: YurouBy Luis Alberto Sierra G.
PANAMA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama in June 2017 could be a big boost for the Central American country's agricultural sector, a senior Panamanian official has said.
Agriculture is a crucial part of the Panamanian economy, employing 17 percent of the workforce but facing major challenges.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Panama's deputy minister of agricultural development Esteban Giron said that collaboration with China offered new forms of cooperation and transfers of technology which would boost production.
For Giron, China's vast experience and technological development have made it a key ally for Panama to strengthen its rural economy, since over 70 percent of its economy comes from services.
"Relations with China are very important, mainly because we are establishing technical cooperation consisting in the training of our technical personnel on biosecurity and agricultural best practices, including a network of laboratories," he indicated.
The setting up of laboratories dedicated to animal and crop health are key for Panama to not only guarantee international quality standards for biosecurity, but also increase the application of modern technology, explained Giron.
These laboratories will be staffed by Panamanians but will be open to the exchanging of experiences with Chinese technicians, while most of the equipment will be provided by China.
While Giron said the exact amounts needed for this investment had not been set, they would be sufficient to truly bring a new technological dimension to Panama's agricultural sector.
"We need machinery which is adapted to the needs of every production niche. For large producers, if they can import machinery more cheaply from China, wonderful, but it must have the same quality as that currently being imported," he explained.
According to the deputy minister, the priority areas that could interest China in Panama have been defined in an agreement signed by President Juan Carlos Varela, since relations were established between both countries last year.
From now till October, Panama will present China with a number of projects that could draw investment, including in agriculture.
-
Quote
Darien Earth tremors felt in Panama
Post Views: 1295.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Darien near the town of Jaque.on Sunday, February 18, was felt in the provinces of Panama, Panama West and Coclé.The quake at 9.55 a.m. was followed by a 4.3 magnitude tremor of 4.3 at 10.14.
The National Civil Protection System Sinaproc) reported that there was no material damage.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/darien-earth-tremors-felt-panama
-
Quote
Fire Controlled, Toxic Smoke Remains
Post Views: 102A FIRE in a municipal landfill that threatened to spread to Panama’s oldest protected forest heritage, is under control but the region is suffering from vast clouds of toxic smoke.Juan Martinez mayor of the district of Macaracas, in Los Santos province where the blaze started at noon on Friday, February 16 said that barriers have been created to prevent the fire from reactivating.
He said that investigations are underway to determine if the fire was spontaneous or provoked, and support is being requested from the Urban Garbage Authority (AAUD).
Moisés Barrías, regional director head of the agency of the Ministry of Environment said that while the fire has been stopped, monitoring in the area continues because there are strong breezes and intense heat, and there are still concerns for El Colmón forest, which has been a protected area for 100 years.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/fire-controlled-toxic-smoke-remains
-
Quote
Third bus accident in five days
Post Views: 168THE THIRD traffic accident in five days involving bus transport was recorded on Sunday, February 18 on the Inter-American Highway, at San Carlos.According to early reports, the head-on collision occurred when the driver of a car crossed into the opposite lane and collided with a minibus. At least two people were taken to hospital . bringing the total in three incidents to 47.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/third-bus-accident-five-days
-
Quote
Panama-flagged vessel stopped in Tunisia
Post Views: 126A VESSEL sailing under the Panamanian flag has been intercepted by the Tunisian Coast Guard in the south of the country and escorted to the port of Sfax.The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), says that it will provide full cooperation with Tunisian authorities of Tunisia in their investigations of the vessel named Ural.
The AMP said that it “strongly condemns any criminal activity that threatens human life, such as piracy, trafficking in persons or illicit substances.”
If the ship is found to have committed acts of this nature The Merchant Marine Directorate of the AMP will execute administrative actions (sanctions or cancellation of the Panamanian Merchant Registry).
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panama-flagged-vessel-stopped-tunisia
-
Quote
Beaches red and yellow flag alerts
BATHING with care alertPost Views: 78YELLOW flags have been raised on all beaches in the country by the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) indicating bathe with caution, due to the strong waves.The warning of waves of two to three meters in the Panamanian Caribbean, from Guna Yala to Bocas del Toro, has been extended until next Saturday, February 24.
Sea snakes
A red flag is flying on Monagre beach, in the province of Los Santos, which prohibits the entry of bathers, due to the presence of marine snakes.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/beaches-red-yellow-flag-alerts
The continuing story of Ricardo Martinelli, his family and trials
in Corruption, Fraud, and Scandals - Investigations / Prosecutions
Posted
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/martinelli-escapes-extortion-case-now