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Banking assets increase

Laws have been proposed to make the system more transparent.

Spanish version

Roberto González Jiménez 23 sep 2016 - 09:27h

The international banking center of Panama closed July with assets of $118.6 billion, which represents an increase of 2.7 percent in comparison with the previous year.

The local credit portfolio increased by 10 percent. Banking Superintendent Ricardo Fernández said that the "credit business maintains positive growth."

He said that this is a reflection of growth in construction (14.3 percent), mortgages (13.8 percent), industry (15.1 percent) and agricultural (9.9 percent).

The report also reflects a growth in total deposits, which increased 1.9 percent to $84.7 billion. The superintendent said that the growth in deposits is due to confidence in the local banking sector.

Deposits have continued to grow despite the international cases that have affected the reputation of Panama, such as the release of Mossack Fonseca files and the placement of companies related to the Waked family on a sanctions list by the U.S. government.

These cases have prompted a discussion of initiatives that would make the industry more transparent.

"Strengthening the framework of transparency in our financial system is a step in the right direction and sends a signal to the market and different regulators about the commitment and the seriousness with which the banking system manages its risks," Fernández said at the inauguration of the first Latin American Summit of Financial Risk, which is held in Panama City.

On Sept. 20, the National Assembly approved on third debate the law that guarantees the intergovernmental agreement between Panama and the United States to exchanging banking information.

The executive also presented to the Assembly a project that would change reporting requirements for offshore companies that have been suggested by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Some say, however, that these initiatives will result in a loss of competitiveness of the financial platform and the country's legal services.

Fernandez said the latest statistics of the banking sector refute this hypothesis.

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Leyes-intercambio-fortalecen-transparencia-SBP_21_4582251730.html

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ACP asked to revoke concession of North Properties

It is accused of causing environmental damage at the site. 

‘Un problema de falta de coordinación’

Spanish version

Ereida Prieto-Barreiro, (UNIDAD DE INVESTIGACIÓN) 22 sep 2016 - 09:14h

The Center of Environmental Awareness of Panama (CIAM) has requested the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) revoke a concession granted to North Properties and require the company to reverse environmental damage it caused on a site in the basin of the waterway.

In the request, delivered yesterday to the Board of Directors of the ACP, it questioned why action has been delayed on the issue, which has been a problem since 2014. The group says the company should pay $830,000 in damages.

It said the ACP has a duty to protect the heritage of the people of Panama and must take action on the issue.

Environmentalists are concerned that erosion and runoff caused by the deforestation of the site will impact the quality of drinking water sources.

The group claims the ACP was made aware of the problem by a report issued in 2014, but the ACP said the data has been misinterpreted.

According to the ACP, the report "was an academic exercise to test a model of calculations in the framework of a training workshop. The document is not an official report of the ACP."

But an internal source of the ACP confirmed that the document is part of the record of investigation being carried out into North Properties.

Tuesday, North Properties delivered an action plan to the ACP to "remedy the irregularities" it caused at the site.

http://www.prensa.com/in_english/Piden-Canal-permisos-North-Properties_21_4581501807.html

Two days ago Yahoo! announced that its information systems had been hacked in late 2014. This breech of customer information affects 500 million (no, that is not a typo) of its users. This incident is being reported as the largest [known] hacking event in the history of the digital world. For CL members who are users of Yahoo! services, you may want to consider some damage control, such as password changes, etc.

An interesting twist in this story is that Yahoo! is in the process of being purchased by Verizon in a 4.83 billion USD transaction. This hacking incident reportedly could scuttle that change of ownership.

For more information, here are just two of the many links to this announcement:

http://www.businessinsider.com/yahoo-hack-by-state-sponsored-actor-biggest-of-all-time-2016-9

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/your-yahoo-account-was-probably-hacked-company-set-confirm-massive-n652586

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Silence surrounds Ministry over Odebrecht probe request

Posted on September 20, 2016 in Panama

Kenia Porcell

Post Views: 158

A WALL OF SILENCE has surrounded the office of Panama’s Attorney General over  allegations that she has failed to assist authorities from Brazil with the investigation into corruption allegations against the construction company Odebrecht.

Earlier  Kenia  Porcell had justified her  lack of assistance by stating that the request was too vague.

But Brazilian prosecutors have made public their call for information, which contains nine specific requests related to bank accounts and other information about a Panamanian company that was allegedly used to launder money for bribes paid by Odebrecht.

The request was made 18 months ago.

La Prensa reported on Tuesday, September 20,  that it  had been seeking comment on the issue since the previous  Thursday, but the Attorney General’s Office has not responded.

Civic groups have criticized lack of cooperation by Panama on the issue.

The Independent Movement (Movin), said that the fight against corruption and crimes such as money laundering require more than speeches, but concrete action as well. It said that these actions will send the message to the world that Panama takes the issues seriously.

Legal viewpoint
A legal opinion published by La Prensa  says that under a treaty between the two nations  Panama is obliged to cooperate with Brazil in all investigations requesting assistance. In  2005, the  United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted. This indicates that no bank may impede cooperation in combating corruption. This convention allows an aggrieved country, as is Brazil, for the lack of cooperation from Panama, to initiate a process of international arbitration or even go to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, to enforce and seek compensation for damages that the uncooperative actions of the Public Ministry may have caused.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/silence-surrounds-ministry-odebrecht-probe-request

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Colombia president ok’s Waked extradition to US

Posted on September 20, 2016 in Panama

Nidal Waked

Post Views: 177

Panamanian Nidal Waked will soon be getting his day in a US court  to face charges  of fraud and money laundering after Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos authorized his extradition.

A Florida prosecutor is reported to be calling for a 50-year sentence in a case that has devastated  the Waked family owned business empire that once included Soho Mall, Felix B Maduro and the La Riviera chain of stores, a prominent fixture in  Latin American airports.

Santos approved the extradition before heading to New York to participate in the 71st General Assembly of the United Nations.

Nidal Waked is currently being held in La Picota Prison in Bogota. He was arrested in Colombia May 4.

The next day, the US Department of the Treasury placed 68 companies linked to Nial Waked and his uncle, Abdul Waked, on a sanctions list.

The Wakeds have denied any wrongdoing and have sued the U.S. government over the decision, which prohibits any US entity or citizen from engaging in transactions with companies in the family conglomerate.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/colombia-president-oks-waked-extradition-us

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Social Security boss under investigation

Posted on September 22, 2016 in Panama

Estivenson Giron

Post Views: 77

 

THE HEAD of Panama’s stumbling Social Security Service CSS)  is to be  investigated by the institution’s Board of Directors.

Estivenson Giron  is accused of  “deficiencies” in his management.

Néstor Vega, representative of the agency’s professional employees, said that there are shortages of drugs and medical supplies at Social Security, which has affected the service provided to insured persons.

He said these problems have been outlined in internal reports by the agency.

“There has to be an investigation,” he said.

Irma Delgado, president of the board, said that it is “evaluating” all these problems and complaints that have been presented against the current administration.

At the same time, she said that inspections have been made of various facilities.

Emma Finch, a patient advocate, said that there are shortages of some 250 medications, a fact confirmed by the National Medical Negotiating Commission.

Asked if he was afraid of losing his job, Giron responded, “why would I if I am doing nothing wrong.”

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/social-security-boss-investigation

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14 year olds give birth to third baby

Posted on September 22, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 175

 AT LEAST 14 year old girls gave birth to their third child in Panama during 2014 says a newly released report.

Additionally 22 girls under 15 years had their second baby and 645 per below that age had their first child.

As pro and anti activists wrestle with the question of sexual education in schools the report entitled “Live births of the Republic,” revealed the grim statistics

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/14-year-olds-give-birth-third-baby

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Court postpones travel talk

Posted on September 22, 2016 in Panama

Ayu Prado, Court's most traveled judge.

Post Views: 69

Panama’s  Supreme Court judges have  postponed the discussion of regulations for judges’ journeys undertaken inside and outside of Panama.
“It was put to a vote and by a majority of five decided to await the outcome of an audit by the Comptroller General ” said a statement from the Court
The audit prepared by the General Comptroller of the Republic at this time includes travel of all judges.
The Court has paid almost a million dollars in travel for judicial and administrative officials over a period of two years. In 2014 and 2015 $995,731.84 was spent with top judge Ayu Prado leading the way.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/court-postpones-travel-talk

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Tidal wave alert for Pacific Coast

Posted on September 21, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 257

 

A TIDAL WAVE  warning has been issued for Panama’s Pacific coast by Etesa’s Hydrometeorological center.

It will be in effect for the next three days producing waves of “significant height long life and high frequency”

The alert  is valid from 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 22 until 11:59 p.m. on September 24.
The phenomenon is present on the coast of Chiriqui, south  Veraguas, Los Santos, Herrera, and the  Gulf of Panama, among others.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/tidal-wave-alert-pacific-coast

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Attorney General continues under attack

Posted on September 21, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 63

THE LACK of cooperation by Panama in the investigation of the Lava Jato corruption scandal in Brazil continues to rile the legal community and  civil  groups.

Lawyer Carlos Barsallo said Tuesday September  that international cooperation is a fundamental element in the fight against international financial crimes and corruption.

“We should cooperate when it is requested and ask for cooperation when it is necessary,” he said. “Existing laws or procedures that work against those principles must be revised.”

Carlos Lee, of the Citizens Alliance for Justice  said that Attorney General Kenia Porcell must make a formal statement clarifying the position of the Public Ministry (MP) about the claims submitted by Brazil.

“The argument has been that the request was too general. However, the reaction of Brazil reflects very poorly on the country due to the silence of the Public Ministry,” he said.

“There are cooperation agreements that oblige the country to be diligent in its  response.”

Porcell has still not responded to questions about the situation.

Brazil was seeking information on Panama bank accounts, allegedly used by the Odebrecht construction company to  launder money and funnel bribes.

Odebrect has received some $9 billion in contracts from successive Panama governments and City Hall.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/attorney-general-continues-attack

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Child and teen pregnancies soar

Posted on September 21, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 85

Child and teen pregnancies soar

Teenager and child pregnancies continue to soar  In Panama with 6,365  deliveries between January and August in Ministry of Health (MoH)facilities.at the rate of one every 54 minutes

The figures do not include pregnant young people seeking medical care in the Social Security Fund (CSS) or private clinics.

During the first eight months of this year for every 100 pregnancies, 31 were teenagers was 30.5.

The  index is higher in Darien (37%), Colon  (36%) and Bocas del Toro (35.5%).

Areas with fewer teen pregnancies in the country this year are the Guna Yala (25.5%) and Panama Metro (26.3%).

According to the World Health Organization, a teenager is  between 10 and 19 years of age.

In 2015 there were 10,976 cases of teenage pregnancies, 241 more than in 2014.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/child-teen-pregnancies-soar

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Absconder Mizrachi meets prosecutor

Posted on September 19, 2016 in Panama

Belfon and Mizrachi

Post Views: 117

FORMER FUGITIVE Mayer Mizrachi  arrived at the Pubic Ministry on Monday September 19 to face interrogation in the first of two cases against him.

He was accompanied by his lawyer, former Panama Attorney General Ana Belfon, who was appointed by ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, brother-in law of Mizrachi’s father Aaron.

Mizrachi who has a record of flaunting his image and brushes with the law on social media was wearing a smirk, but not the Criptex sweat shirt  that has been exhibited on  some of his Twitter messages.

He is  currently under investigation for  the commission of crimes against public administration to the detriment of the Government Innovation Authority  (AIG) and  was questioned by the Seventh Anticorruption Prosecutor.

Mizrachi has been accused of laundering the money paid to him by the government.

Mizrachi is back in Panama after being expelled from Colombia following failed attempts to get political asylum.

He had been held there since December 2015.

He is  barred from leaving the country after bail was set at $100,000 by the Second Superior Court.
An internal AIG audit revealed that Mizrachi’s  Innovative Venture company did not comply with establishing the the creation and integration of a single, private network for the security agencies: National Police, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of the Presidency and the  Public Ministry.

The contract  was to connect  100 users in the entities to the system.

Mizrachi left the country before the job was done and was arrested on an Interpol waaant in Colombia.
There is an Interpol Red Alert for his father, wanted on other charges.

Meanwhile, Mizrachi junior continues to smile for the cameras.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/absconer-mizrachi-meets-prosecutor

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Panama flouts money laundering probe request

Posted on September 19, 2016 in Panama

Deltan Dallagnol and Kenia Porcell

Post Views: 151

BRAZILIAN prosecutor’s have pulled back the veil of secrecy surrounding requests for assistance from Panama in money laundering investigations involving construction company  Odebrecht and local banks.

The Brazilian company has received billions of dollars in contracts from successive Panama  governments including over $2.5 billion from the Varela administration.

Some 18 months after having made a request for information to the Public Ministry of Panama on bank accounts, beneficiaries and other financial transactions, the Federal Public Ministry of Brazil has grown frustrated with a lack of response to its request

Of the nine specific requests made by Brazil, Attorney General Kenia Porcell has answered one, ignoring the others completely. reports La Prensa in a damning expose including copies of correspondence from Brazil.

The Brazilian officials are seeking information about company Constructora Norberto Odebrecht, S.A., which allegedly used Panama companies to launder money used to pay bribes for state contracts.

The company had admitted to paying bribes to government officials in a number of countries, including Panama.

Brazilian authorities have sought information about accounts at Credicorp Bank, which were opened for the company Constructora Internacional del Sur, S.A.

That company allegedly paid the bribes to officials. But Panama has ignored most of those requests.

This was done despite the fact that Panama has signed a number of international treaties pledging to cooperate with such investigations. Those treaties state that bank secrecy should not be an obstacle to such investigations.

Panama has also signed a criminal legal aid treaty with Brazil in which it pledged to hand over documents and provide legal assistance in the case of misappropriated legal funds.

Brazilian Prosecutor Deltan Dallagnol wrote on Aug. 18, after more than a year of waiting, “Panamanian authorities are resisting the total fulfillment of the order.”

Porcell could not be reached for comment says La Prensa

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panama-flouts-money-laundering-probe-request

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DEGRADATION: City fumbles, Canal Authority acts

Posted on September 19, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 156

DEGRADATION: City fumbles, Canal Authority acts

THE PANAMA Canal Authority (ACP) is taking a stronger stance against a company accused of causing environmental damage than the capital city whose deputy mayor Raisa Banfield was once an activist in the field.

The North Properties has been pushed present a remediation plan to the Panama Canal Authority to reverse the effects of the deforestation of a site it is developing along the waterway.

The ACP has said the project has caused a large amount of sediment to enter the water, which could constitute a health risk.

The ACP has gave the company until Monday September 19  to present an action plan to remedy the irregularities.

If no plan is presented, the ACP will suspend work at the site. Work could also be suspended if the plan is deemed to be insufficient.

The project was approved in January 2015.

In addition to erosion, the agency found a number of health risks due to garbage on the site, which provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The ACP has taken a much stronger stance on the project than the Panama Municipal Government, which stated that “repeated failure” to meet environmental standards “is not grounds for the revocation of an environmental impact study.”.

The project has contaminated the Caimito River, which empties into Miraflores Lake, which is in the Panama Canal basin.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/degradation-city-fumbles-canal-authority-acts

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Panama Attorney General under fire

Posted on September 19, 2016 in Panama

Kenia Porcell

Post Views: 126

CIVIC GROUPS  in Panama have reacted strongly to published revelations about the country’s  failure to cooperate with Brazilian prosecutors.

Attorney General, Kenia Porcell   has been singled out for her lack of response to judicial aid requests from Brazilian prosecutors working on the Lava Jato (car wash)  case.

Movin the Panama  Independent Movement  issued a statement on Monday September 19 emphasizes that, in a globalized world where crimes involve several jurisdictions, there must be cooperation between countries.

“There cannot be speeches for transparency and the combatting of corruption without being accompanied by actions that send a message to the world that Panama will not tolerate these acts,” the group said.

The neglected inquiries concerned accounts in Panama banks allegedly used to transfer bribes which the Odebrecht company has admitted paying.

The former president of the company who was feted in Panama, is serving a near 20 year jail sentence.

He is cooperating with authorities in an attempt to get his sentence reduced.

Meanwhile the Panama government and the municipality continue to award  major contracts to the  Brazilian construction company.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panama-attorney-general-fire

For the convenience of CL users, below are the Spanish version, followed by an online (automated) translation, of the text from the blog entry provided by Keith in the prior reply. The blog entry is dated 3 April 2016.

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Blog

 

Inicia construcción de estadio Kenny Serracín

Publicado el 3 abril, 2016

Con la presencia del Gobernador de la provincia de Chiriquí, Hugo Méndez, el diputado Florentino Ábrego y Mario Pérez, secretario general del Instituto Panameño de Deportes (Pandeportes), se dio inicio este viernes a los trabajos para la construcción del nuevo Estadio Kenny Serrracín.

Tan sólo horas después de una emotiva pero momentánea despedida, el Estadio, tras su demolición, entra a una nueva etapa por un año y 8 meses de construcción, con una inversión de 16.2 millones de dólares del Gobierno de la República de Panamá.

“La inversión que representa el nuevo Estadio Kenny Serracín tiene un impacto positivo para los fanáticos y atletas chiricanos quienes por muchos años estuvieron a la espera que un gobierno escuchara el clamor de la población”, señaló el Gobernador Méndez.

Ante la presencia de medios de comunicación, minutos después se inició el desmantelamiento de la histórica caseta local del equipo chiricano.

“Hoy por fin inician mejores días para el béisbol chiricano. Dentro de 20 meses tendrán un excelente estadio”, señaló Mario Pérez, secretario general de Pandeportes.

Según los constructores, la primera etapa será el desmantelamiento de las casetas y tribunas, seguido a la demolición del edificio principal y luego la totalidad del estadio.

Se pretende que nuevo Estadio Kenny Serracín esté listo para el campeonato Nacional Mayor del 2018. Tendrá dimensiones y especificaciones exigidas por Major League Baseball (MLB), lo cual también le permitirá ser sede de eventos internacionales de alto nivel.

Además, contará con graderías y butacas para 8,500 personas, ascensores para la movilización de los fanáticos, acceso para discapacitados y estacionamientos para más de 300 autos. También los jugadores tendrán comedores, cocina, lavanderías, dormitorios, baños, vestidores modernos para ambos equipos, dogout y jaula de bateo.

Igualmente, a través de esta obra que estará a cargo de la empresa Administradora de Proyectos de Construcción, S.A (Aprocosa), se mejorará el terreno de juego, sistema de rociadores, drenaje, cambios en el ojo bateador y el sistema de iluminación. Para la prensa deportiva se habilitará el salón de conferencia para entrevistas, al terminar los juegos y se construirán 17 cubículos para radio y televisión.

And now the automated translation (courtesy of freetranslation.com), with a significant completion date goal highlighted on my part. To repeat, this is an automated translation, so be forgiving of the obvious shortcomings.

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Starts construction of Kenny Serracín Stadium

With the presence of the Governor of the province of Chiriqui, Hugo Méndez, Florentino Abrego Deputy and Mario Pérez, Secretary general of the Panamanian Institute of sports (Pandeportes), began on Friday to the works for the construction of the new stadium Kenny Serrracin.

So only hours after an emotional but momentary farewell, the stadium, after its demolition, enters to a new stage by a year and 8 months of construction, with an investment of 16.2 million of dollars of the Government of the Republic of Panama.

"The investment that represents the new stadium Kenny Serracín has an impact positive for them fans and athletes predisposition who by many years were to the hopes that a Government heard the cry of the population", said the Governor Mendez.

The presence of media, minutes later began the dismantling of historical local team chiriqui Doghouse.

"Today at last begin best chiricano baseball days. Within 20 months they will have a great stadium,"said Mario Pérez, Secretary general of Pandeportes.

According to the builders, the first stage will be the dismantling of the stalls and forums, followed the demolition of the main building and then the entire stadium.

It is intended that new Stadium Kenny Serracín is ready for the Greater National Championship in 2018. Will have dimensions and specifications required by Major League Baseball (MLB), which will also allow you to host international events of high level.

In addition, count with stands and seats 8,500 people, lifts for the mobilization of the fanatics, access for the disabled and parking for over 300 cars. Players also have dining rooms, kitchen, laundry, bedrooms, bathrooms, modern dressing rooms for both teams, dogout and batting cage.

Equally, through this work that will be in charge of the company manager of construction projects, S.A (Aprocosa), it will improve the playing field, sprinkler system, drainage, changes in the eye batter and the lighting system. For the sports press will enable the conference room for interviews, at the end of the games and will be built 17 cubicles for radio and television.

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Landslides and high waves alerts

Posted on September 18, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 214

HEAVY  rains that hit the province of Veraguas caused landslides and mudslides in the streets and roads of the districts of Santa Fe, San Francisco Calobre and Veraguas.

The most affected communities are: Chorrillito, La Perdiz Arriba, El Penon, and Chorrillo .

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) is coordinating with the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) to handle any futher emergencies that arise in the province.

High Waves
Meanwhile the  high waves alert issued by Sinaproc on Friday, September 16, remains in effect on the Pacific coast until Thursday, September 22  with waves approaching six meters.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/landslides-high-waves-alerts

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Panama-Qatar air link mooted

Posted on September 18, 2016 in Panama

Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Post Views: 195

TOCUMEN  INTERNATIONAL Airport  could be adding a fresh destination to its  flight schedules  following talks between  President Juan Carlos Varela and Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

They agreed on Sunday, September 18  to begin exploring the possibility of connecting the countries through a flight that would be routed through Barcelona, Spain.

The two leaders met in New York at the 71st General Assembly of the United Nations.

“Both expressed an interest in strengthening economic relations through the promotion of investment in the commercial sector, infrastructure and real estate,” said a Panama government spokesperson.

On security matters, the Panamanian delegation proposed establishing a mechanism for the exchange of information, security, intelligence and immigration.

It is expected that, before the end of the year, a delegation from Qatar will come to Panama to continue the talk.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/panama-qatar-air-link-mooted

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Indigenous congress rejects Barro Blanco deal

Posted on September 18, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 120

THE AGREEMENT on the future of the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project between the government and the indigenous community is heading back to the negotiating table.

The Barro Blanco dam, near completion

Hailed by President Juan Carlos Varela, and local UN representatives as “historic,” it was rejected by a majority of the  145 delegates attending the Ngäbe Bugle General Congress on Saturday September 17.

The decision , not to ratify the agreement signed in  August  was made in a secret ballot  with  76 votes against the agreement, 67 in favor and 2 invalid ballots.

Panama Vice president and Chancellor Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado, said  that the Government maintains willingness to seek a negotiated solution to ensure legal certainty.

Congress, President  Demecio Cases   said  that the Government must now sit down and talk again with them to develop a new document that meets the expectations of its people.

Irene Gallego, Deputy Minister of Indigenous  Affairs who was at the meeting, said Barro Blanco is practically out of the region. “This is the first agreement where the indigenous people were given a stake in the project.”

During the meeting, the absence of general cacique Silvia Carrera, who was one of the district authorities who signed the agreement questioned. The vote ended after 8:30 p.m., in the community of Cerro Algodon , a town where the mountains are “ lost in the clouds”

Divided communities
The communities were divided on the agreement which granted, among other things, 15% of the gross income of the almost completed project.

Those  opposed indicated that it had been signed only by the general cacique Silvia Carrera, and some regional and local caciques.

They argued that the fate of the agreement should be defined at the General Congress in which, besides the chiefs, there are 250 delegates who would come to be the equivalent of the deputies in the National Assembly.

Those supporting  the agreement indicated that it was an opportunity for the region to have something, and  guarantee better conditions for the indigenous people.

In addition, it prevented any other dam on the Tabasará River

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/indigenous-congress-rejects-barro-blanco-deal

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Panama's Baha'i Temple, a haven of peace attracting ever more tourists

Published September 11, 2016

EFE

 

Panama City –  Amid smoky and beat-up buses, street vendors and hillsides crammed with rickety shacks, the only temple of the Baha'i faith in Latin America rises like a stalagmite on the summit of a leafy green hill.

"People who come to visit us can't believe that this place exists in such a difficult and chaotic environment," Abdiel Gonzalez, the director of the worship center for the religion founded in Iran in the 19th century, told EFE.

The temple, located in San Isidro, one of Panama City's most depressed and violent districts, was inaugurated in 1972 and over the years it has become one of the capital's most highly recommended tourist destinations.

About 2,000 tourists visit the temple each month, most of them Europeans, Americans and Canadians, attracted by its spectacular views, possibly the best in the city, and its quiet and peaceful gardens.

This year, the number of visits has risen by 13 percent over 2015, something that Gonzalez attributes to the promotion of the temple on the social networks and, primarily, the metro line established in this neighborhood along one of the city's most heavily-traveled access routes, the Transistmica.

"Before the metro was built, nobody knew how to get here. They got lost and never managed to find us. Now, we've become much more visible because one of the metro exits is right at the Baha'i Temple," Gonzalez said.

When you get to the top of the hill, you come to a stone-paved road, with flowers and butterflies along it, which leads to an imposing white half-moon-shaped building, the work of English architect Peter Tillotson. A diaphanous edifice, without doors or windows, adorned exclusively with rows of wooden benches.

To the south is the spectacular modern capital skyline, but to the north the view reflects the country's pervasive inequality, with a huge shantytown stretching into the distance and the noise from the heavily populated zone spreading up toward you like a pervasive rustling.

"The purpose of the house of worship is for people to have a spiritual place to pray and meditate, independent of the religion they profess. In fact, 90 percent of our visitors are not believers," says the temple director.

The Baha'i faith, with its 7 million faithful, is considered the second-most-widely-professed independent religion in the world. Founded in 1844, the phrase that sums up the central doctrine of the faith - followed nowadays mainly in Iran and Yemen, but accepted around the world - is that "the Earth is a single country and (members of) humanity are its inhabitants," Gonzalez said.

"Our faith is based on equality of the sexes, of religions and races. It was a revolutionary and modern idea for the epoch in which it was born," he added.

The Panama temple, funded by donations that are not made public, is one of just seven worldwide and was erected due to a 1908 prophecy that - after work was begun on the Panama Canal - said that the country would attain key importance for the Americas.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2016/09/11/panama-bahai-temple-haven-peace-attracting-ever-more-tourists/

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Progress Report – The New Baseball Stadium – David

The stadium construction project has begun.  Demolition of the old stadium is underway.

In its place will be an impressive new sports arena which will become the most modern in Panama.  The location of this project is just over the bridge into David when coming from Boquete and close to the Pan American highway.

It is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

http://www.casasolution.com/uncategorized/progress-report-the-new-baseball-stadium-david/

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Government minimum wage boosted to $600

Posted on September 16, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 209

Government minimum wage boosted to $600

THE MINIMUM wage for Panama’s government employees will rise to $600  a month starting in January said President Juan Carlos Varela, in Herrera on Thursday September 15.

Currently, about 60,000 civil servants earn the minimum wage.

At the start of the year, the Ministry of Labor approved an increase of 5.5 percent of the minimum wage for workers in small businesses and 8.5 percent  for those in large companies.

Varela also announced that the government will build a training institute in Pesé, Herrera, his hometown.

It will be the second government-owned training institute.

Varela said that the government gave the order to proceed on the project this week.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/government-minimum-wage-boosted-600

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Panama GDP up 4.9% in first 6 months

Posted on September 16, 2016 in Panama, Panama

Away from the gleaming towers Panama lags

Post Views: 124

PANAMA’S GROSS  domestic product (GDP) grew 4.9 percent in the first six months of the year compared with data from the first half of 2015, said the Comptroller General on  Thursday, September 15.

The construction, financial services and real estate sectors  boosted the economy in the while transport, storage and telecommunications recorded a slight fall.

Growth was 5.2 percent in the period from April to June, while it was 4.6 percent in the first three months of the year.

The comptroller also reported that the deficit was $21.6 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion over the past year.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/panama-gdp-4-9-first-6-months

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Panama 2nd quarter GDP at 5.2%

Posted on September 17, 2016 in Panama

Post Views: 63

PANAMA’S  gross domestic product (GDP) increased 5.2% in the second quarter  representing $450.7 million compared to the same period last year.

According to the Comptroller, activities in the construction industry, mining and quarrying, electricity supply, communications, real estate and business services, private healthcare, government services, local businesses and area franchises performed well during the  quarter.

One of the most notable increases were financial intermediation with 9.0% due to the performance recorded in the International Banking Center, followed by mining activity and construction which both grew by 8.8% Construction

Meanwhile, the activities related to the external sector showed a slight increase as the livestock sector, which grew 1.4% and tourism, reflected in the outcome of hotels and restaurants, recorded a growth of 1.5%.

Canal decrease
Transport, storage and communications, recorded a decrease of 0.7% in the quarter, explained by the decline of the operations of the Panama Canal which revealed negative results at 9.7%, since during the period revenue from tolls decreased 8.7% and the services provided by the Canal  to ships in transit by 13.1% due to the impact of decreasing  trade worldwide.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/panama-2nd-quarter-gdp-5-2-panamas-gross-domestic-product-gdp-increased-5-2-second-quarter-representing-450-7-million-compared-period-last-year-according-c

This posting is another "stretch" on the CL rule requiring topic linkage with life in Chiriqui. Given the widespread availability of batidos (and liquidos, the non-milk version of a batido) in our area, hopefully you won't be too critical of the posting of this topic.

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HEALTH WATCH: Smoothies over juices?

Posted on September 17, 2016 in Nutrition

Post Views: 85

By Michael Greger MD

STUDIES such as a recent Harvard School of Public Health investigation found that the consumption of whole fruits is associated with a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas fruit juice consumption is associated with a higher risk, highlighting the dramatic difference between eating whole fruits and drinking fruit juice.

Cholesterol serves as another example. If we eat apples, our cholesterol drops. On the other hand, if we drink apple juice, our cholesterol may actually go up a little. Leaving just a little of the fiber behind—as in cloudy apple juice—was found to add back in some of the benefit.

We used to think of fiber as just a bulking agent that helps with bowel regularity.

We now know fiber is digestible by our gut bacteria, which make short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) out of it.

SCFAs have a number of health promoting effects, such as inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria and increasing mineral absorption.

For example, experimentally infused into the rectum of the human body, SCFAs can stimulate calcium absorption, so much so that we can improve the bone mineral density of teenagers just by giving them the fiber naturally found in foods like onions, asparagus, and bananas.

Our good bacteria also use fiber to maintain normal bowel structure and function, preventing or alleviating diarrhea, stimulating colonic blood flow up to five-fold, and increasing fluid and electrolyte uptake.

The major fuel for the cells that line our colon is butyrate, which our good bacteria make from fiber. We feed them, and they feed us right back.

If the only difference between fruit and fruit juice is fiber, why can’t the juice industry just add some fiber back to the juice?

The reason is because we remove a lot more than fiber when we juice fruits and vegetables. We also lose all the nutrients that are bound to the fiber.

In the 1980’s, a study   found a discrepancy in the amount of fiber in carob using two different methods.

A gap of 21.5 percent was identified not as fiber but as non-extractable polyphenols, a class of phytonutrients thought to have an array of health-promoting effects.

Some of the effects associated with the intake of dietary fiber in plants may actually be due to the presence of these polyphenols.

Nonextractable polyphenols, usually ignored, are the major part of dietary polyphenols.

Most polyphenol phytonutrients in plants are stuck to the fiber. These so-called missing polyphenols make it down to our colon, are liberated by our friendly flora and can then get absorbed into our system.

The phytonutrients in fruit and vegetable juice may just be the tip of the iceberg.

For those that like drinking their fruits and vegetables, these findings suggest that smoothies may be preferable.

I can imagine people who eat really healthy thinking they get so much fiber from their regular diet that they need not concern themselves with the loss from juicing. But we may be losing more than we think.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/health/nutrition/health-watch-smoothies-juices