Bud
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Uber cash option distorts service –Varela
Posted on August 6, 2016 in Panama
Taxi drivers protest Uber cash movePost Views: 131PRESIDENT Juan Carlos Varela has come down on the side of social media and taxi owning critics of the move by Uber to allow passengers to pay cash for the service.
Varela considered it a ‘mistake’ because it distorts the system for which it was created. “Supposedly, is is a service offered through an application to people with credit cards, “said the president.
According to the president, with cash payment , Uber competes directly with taxis.
In previous statements, Varela had been in favor of the system and considered that did not compete with the local selective transport service, reports La Prensa..
Since Friday, Uber users in Panama and Bogota can pay cash, a measure that has already been implemented in 60 countries where the platform connects users and drivers through a computer app
Also in Bogota, Colombia, Uber users can pay cash from Friday.
The company, in a statement, said it remains open to dialogue with the authorities to achieve an innovative regulation that allows the existence of collaborative platforms in an appropriate legal framework for the benefit of Panamanians.
“Our main goal is to provide the opportunity for all citizens to mobilize safely and reliably, without distinction,” reads the document. Uber said the move to cash is because many users do not have access to a credit card or debit card and want to have other payment options.
Meanwhile taxi drivers consider the move illegal and continue selectively blocking thoroughfare’s in protest.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/uber-cash-option-distorts-service-varela
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WTO to referee Panama-Colombia tax fight
Posted on August 6, 2016 in Panama
Colombia flowers are part of trade disputePost Views: 62THE WORLD Trade Organization (WTO) will has returned to attempting to resolve the ongoing tariff dispute between Panama and Colombia over tariffs on shoes and textiles.
Tariffs imposed by Colombia on shoes and textiles prompted Panama to increase the duty on numerous products from Colombia, including flowers and concrete.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), the arbitrator has 90 days to issue a decision. That deadline is from June 22.
Panama and Colombia have failed to reach an agreement in the dispute. The reasons for the disagreement differ on both sides.
During meetings between the two countries, Colombia decided to extend the tariff until November 1, claiming it was part of its fight against money laundering and smuggling.
Panama has repeatedly rejected the Colombian move and. has also won two decisions before the WTO
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/wto-referee-panama-colombia-tax-fight
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But then there have been concerns about Panama's financial sector, and so a select team of experts was assembled to research and document the financial sector. Unfortunately that is not working out too well.
QuoteVarela committee stars quit
Posted on August 5, 2016 in Panama
Nobel laureate Joseph StiglitzPost Views: 264THE TWO STAR members of a committee set up by President Juan Carlos Varela to review Panama’s financial industry have resigned after only three months, over the “lack of transparency and independence”
They are American Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, and Swiss citizen Mark Pieth, a professor of criminal law at the University of Basel.
The committee was set up in the wake of the Panama Papers reports exposing the activities of Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca, whose founders served as advisors to the Varela administration,
Stiglitz and Pieth issued a joint release on Friday, August 5.
After the resignation, the Foreign Ministry reacted to the latest blow to Panama’s image with a statement that it regretted the decision, and said that it was due to internal differences between members of the group.
“We regret the departure of Joseph Stiglitz and Mark Pieth. The Panamanian government understands both resignations are due to internal differences over which it is not going to intervene. Even so, it is thankful for the work and recommendations made by them. The government reiterates its firm and real commitment to transparency and international cooperation, demonstrated with clear actions that have been recognized by the international community,” the Ministry said.
The committee was installed April 29 by President Varela
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/star-members-varela-committee-resign
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Panama deficit down, rosy GDP projections
Posted on August 5, 2016 in Panama
Public infrastructure projects like Metro 2 are helping fuel the economyPost Views: 77PANAMA’S deficit in the non-financial public sector in the first half of the year was fell to $519 million compared with the $647 million deficit in the first half of last year and GDP projections coninue to be the envy of most countries.
The deficit represents 0.2 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while in the same period of last year was 1.2 percent of GDP, said Minister of Economy and Finance Dulcidio de la Guardia.
Revenues were $5.6 billion in the first six months, an increase of $595 million (11.8 percent).
Tax revenues in the first six months were up 12.3 percent or $304 million more than the same period last year.Better tax collection methods played a role in the improved figures
INVESTMENT
Public investment spending rose to $1 .589 billion in this period, representing 3% of GDP, to give greater impetus to the flagship projects of the Government in progress such as Metro Line 2, Road construction projects , urban renewal in Colon and the ,Amador Convention Center, among othersThe latest projection of the growth of the GDP of Panama for 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund, is 5.7 percent, while the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projected an increase of 5.9 percent. Either figure would be gladly welcome by ny of the world’s major economies.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-4/panama-deficit-rosy-gdp-projections
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Ex-Minister in corruption probe
Posted on August 5, 2016 in Panama
Alma CortesPost Views: 84FORMER Minister of Labor and Social Development (Mitradel), Alma Cortés is to face interrogation by an anti-corruption prosecutor for alleged unjust enrichment.
According to an audit by Panama’s Comptroller General, Cortés, a practicing lawyer, could not justify $ 2.5 million in income in the period she part of the Executive Branch.
The Sixth Anti-corruption prosecutor has confirmed that Cortes has been cited for Tuesday August 9.
The close confident of absconding ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, whom she has frequently visited during his self imposed exile in Miami,also faces problems within the CD Party, with many of its deputies in revolt against her being named party president by Martinelli.
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Uber cash ploy riles users, taxis
Posted on August 5, 2016 in Panama
Taxis stall rush hour trafficPost Views: 144UBER’S move to allow Panama passengers to pay cash has aroused a fresh storm of controversy including drivers of the yellow hornets, sometimes referred to as taxis, and current Uber users.
The predictable outcry from the taxi owners is because they see the cash option as another major incursion into their fare base, which consists largely of lower income groups, now targeted by Uber because many of them do not possess debit or credit cards, but do possess a cell phone.
The outcry on social media and via call-in programs on radio and TV, is from current users of the service who complain that allowing Uber drivers to accept cash converts them to the level of pirate taxis, making them and passengers vulnerable to assault and robbery.
Meanwhile the Transit Authority (ATTT) announced an investigation into the legality of Uber drivers ccepting cash
Protesting taxi drivers blocked roads in several locations on Friday, August 5.
The carrier leader Rafael Reyes said that that President Juan Carlos Varela said that Uber would not affect the selective transport of the country, but is doing so more now with the cash payment option.
“We reject this illegal platform,” said Reyes, who requested a formal statement by the Transit Authority and Land Transportation (ATTT) on the new form of payment,
Ulysses Calvo, legal director of the ATTT, explained that theUber business decision to accept cash Uber will be incorporated as another factor in the file that it keeps open..This update to the system is done because “many users do not have access to a credit card or debit card and, , wish to have other payment options,” said an Uber statement.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/uber-cash-ploy-riles-users-taxis
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Marcelyn and I recently came across a new, small and cozy restaurant at Plaza San Francisco. The name is "The Garden". It is located immediately to the right of Mort's Bakehouse. Plaza San Francisco is becoming a "happening place". And plenty of parking.
We have been to The Garden twice, and both times were pleasant experiences. The Garden is not a typical restaurant where you go in, sit down (or wait to be seated), and then order from a menu. There are menus, but ordering is more cafeteria style. You go to the end of the food line (farthermost point from the front door) and go through various stations to order drinks, salads, soups, veggies, main courses, etc. They have many of what we would call healthy foods, such as protein drinks, vegan dishes, organic salads, etc.
Be forewarned that the food is excellent, and the servings are large. At our second visit, some friends joined us and their orders included a smoked trout plate (which was described as the best he had ever had, and she ordered a wonderful chicken, rice, and black bean plate, with an enormous salad).
Hours of operation are Mondays to Fridays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and the lunch menu (salads, soups, baked potatoes, hamburgers, etc.) starts at 11:00AM. Currently closed on weekends.
The prices are very reasonable, and the ambiance is warm and inviting. The wall mural adds so much to the dining experience. The operators are Andrew Foote and his wife Romsey. The decor was well planned and executed to give one the feeling of being in a garden (hence the name The Garden).
The Garden also sells fresh seafood. They are wanting Panamanians to bring their products in for display, such as honey, aprons, coffees, etc. -- locally made, produced, and grown items.
Here are some pictures that Romsey made available to us:
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Trade war with Colombia escalates
Posted on August 4, 2016 in Panama
Flowers from Colombia will cost morePost Views: 215PANAMA’S TRADE war with Colombia edged up a notch this week with a Cabinet move to raise tariff rates on four categories to the maximum allowed by international regulations.
The move came in response to Colombia’s decision to extend a tariff on imports of textiles and footwear,
The Cabinet Council on Tuesday, August 2, approved the increase on flowers, clothing, coal and material for cement.
The decree is valid from Aug. 16 to Dec. 31.
Colombia has refused to follow a ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that said its duties on products from Panama are a violation of international standards.
On WEdnesdayb, Colombian Minister of Trade Maria Claudia Lacouture defended the country’s decision, saying it was an action taken against money laundering and smuggling, a view not supported by the WTO.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/trade-war-colombia-escalates
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Martinelli extradition process to continue
Posted on August 4, 2016 in Panama
Martinelli lawyer Rogelio Cruz, ponders thenewsPost Views: 164LAWYERS struggling to keep former president Ricardo Martinelli from facing justice in Panama got another thumbs down on Thursday August 4.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it has turned down a petition submitted by his legal team to reconsider an earlier decision to move ahead with the extradition process for the absconding former leader.
The ministry rejected the initial arguments of the defense as “inadmissible.” That decision was issued July 11.
The ministry also rejected a petition of unconstitutionality in the legal process.
It issued the ruling based on the fact that the decision by the Supreme Court to ask for the extradition of Martinelli was “final, unappealable and binding.”
Martinelli has been living in exile in Miami in the United States since January 2015, but still endeavors to pull the strings for his disaffected CD party, which is now split into two groups in the National Assembly.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/martinelli-extradition-process-continue
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Restaurants have weekend to adjust to no inclusive tips
Posted on August 4, 2016 in Panama, Restaurants
Post Views: 202RESTAURANTS will have a weekend breathing space to adjust their billing equipment to the “no tips included” regulation which was signed into law on August 3.
Oscar Garcia, manager of Acodeco, said Thursday August 4 that he will wait until next week for traders to adjust their equipment but pointe out that although the law appeared in the Official Gazette on August 3 it should not be a surprise for traders, because representatives of restaurants and hotels participated in discussion at the first debate in the National Assembly.
“Therefore, in principle this should not be a surprise to anyone,” he said.
He stressed that traders must make adjustments so that from Monday, August 8 invoices do not include tips, otherwise they will be subject to sanctions either because they were detected by Acodeco or by complaints from citizens.
The new rule states that the tip or gratuity for the service is voluntary, so it will not be included as an additional charge.
The tip may be suggested, provided that the total is specified in the bill to pay, including taxes or fees. And it must show clearly and in differentiated manner the total bill without the tip.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/restaurants-weekend-adjust-no-inclusive-tips
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Uber’s cash payment option
Posted on August 4, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 114FROM FRIDAY August 5, Panama’s Uber customers will have the choice of paying with cash or credit card.
The update to the system will be introduced because “many users do not have access to a credit card or debit card and, therefore, wish to have other payment options,” says a statement from the company
The cash option will be done through a pilot program from Uber users who have been chosen randomly, the company said.
“All they have to do is change their payment method from the application.”
Within the Uber app the user must go to the option of ‘pay’, on the menu, then choose the ‘cash’ option and finally ask for the shuttle service.
Once the user reaches the destination the amount shown on the app is shown to the driver.
According to the company, all security features will be present before, during and after each trip, including the option to share the journey and qualify the driver and leave comments about the trip.
Uber, founded in 2009 in San Francisco, is a technology company that has a presence in 491 cities in over 70 countries.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/ubers-cash-payment-option
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Agree, Keith. That is a very nicely done website.
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We have used a very nice man for many years -- Sr Rodolfo Vargas, His cel numbers are 6447-7675, 6998-7017, 6224-5068.
There also are some large commercial concerns that do this work, but I have no experience with them. One that I have heard of is something like "Truly Nolan" (not real sure about the name).
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Thanks Judy. These are, at best, difficult topics to discuss, and your experiences are valuable for our community.
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Great reply, Roger B.
With the greatest respect for all involved in this project, and especially including Mayor Emigdio Walker Vasquez, every time I re-read the mayor's feedback (see above post by Keith) from last Tuesday's public meeting, I get the feeling of a "whitewash". I remain skeptical.
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I believe Skype can also receive text messages. Can someone confirm that? Or is it only Skype version of text messages? Hmmm.
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Unsolicited opinion here.
In looking at the ongoing construction of the new Super Barú here in downtown Boqueteville, it appears that it will be a rather small store, only two stories high. Straight-in, off-street parking will be in front of the building, and my guess is about eight slots, mas o menos.
Once the store is completed and in operation, that will be a very crowded area. But at least there will be some serious competition for the current grocery stores. Competition is always good.
Even though it would have been more distance [from where we live], I actually would have preferred the Super Barú to be in Alto Boquete where there would be more space for both the store and the parking. It wasn't my decision, however. Such is life.
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Home comfort for corruption suspect
Posted on August 3, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 75THE FORMER director of the Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) Edwin Cardenas became the latest suspect to undergo his interrogation by an anti-corrruption prosecutor in the comfort of home on Wednesday August 3.
Cardenas is being investigated for alleged crimes against public administration for alleged mismanagement during his tenure, between July 2014 and April 2015.
On July 27 it was announced that Cardenas underwent a medical evaluation at the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences after undergoing knee surgery.
Earlier in the year the brother of former president Ricardo Martinelli, got the same kid glove treatment at his home in Costa Del Este, although the next day he was able to go to a business meeting.
During the investigation of Cardenas, prosecutors have made several site inspections of regional offices and warehouses of the IMA, located in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui and Veraguas.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/home-comfort-corruption-suspect
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Convicted judge wants new deal
Posted on August 3, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 105CORRUPTED and disgraced former Judge Alejandro Moncada Luna, who in his time on the bench sentenced scores of people to long prison terms, is not enjoying life behind bars.
He has via his lawyer made five requests for a National Assembly hearing control, to review the conditions of his detention in El Renacer prison where is serving five years for unjustified enrichment and falsifying public documents. He got a sweetheart deal and escaped with five years instead of a potential 12.
The information was released by Deputy Jorge Ivan Arrocha, who served as chairman of the Credentials Committee, Regulations, Parliamentary Ethics and Judicial Affairs in the 2015-2016 legislative period.
Arrocha said he will request a meeting with colleagues Rony Arauz and Crescencia Prado. The three -Arrocha, Araúz and Prado- compliance judges are appointed in the case followed Moncada Luna to set a hearing date.
“I am not the president of the judges of compliance … [But] we must fulfill our role,” he said.
In April, the ex Supreme Court president was hospitalized in Santo Tomas,for 10 days after complaining of “chronic hypertension”.
Since March 2015, when a settlement agreement in which he recognized the commission of two crimes, Moncada Luna has tried unsuccessfully to serve the sentence under home detention.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/convicted-judge-wants-new-deal
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End to “tip included” restaurant bills
Posted on August 3, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 189INCLUDING TIPS on restaurant and hotel bills became illegal in Panama on Wednesday, July 3 , when President Juan Carlos Varela signed off on a consumers’rights bill..
“The new rule states that the tip or gratuity for the service is voluntary, so it will not be included as an additional charge to the price agreed or announced, except in the case of services pre-contracted in which the gratuity charge is determined ” says a statement of the Ministry of Communication
It adds that , the tip may be suggested, provided that the total is specified in the bill to pay, including taxes or fees and also display a clearly differentiated total to pay, including taxes, fees and suggested tip.The bill also provides obligations of the supplier accept coins or notes of any denomination without submitting personal identification.
The legislation specifies that in the case of parking services a sign must be displayed saying: “This place does not offer free parking to customers.” It must also announce the rates and conditions of service “.
The law, take effect from its promulgation, also provides that the supplier must accept coins or notes of any denomination duty without personally identifiction, provided they are legal tender in the Republic of Panama as well as deliver the exact change..
Any establishment selling goods must display the price accurately and clearly visible to the public
“Provider adoption of any practice that misleads the consumer to confusion or misleading about the price of goods and services is prohibited,” said the statemenhttp://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/no-tip-included-restaurant-bills
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Pope’s support message for Panama event
Posted on August 3, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 25WHILE some skeptics remain critical of Panama playing host to the World Youth Day in 2019, Pope Francis has given words of encouragement to the country’s Catholic religious leaders.
“Do not be afraid and continue with the preparations,” he told Cardinal José Luis Lacunza, Panama Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa and Colón Bishop Ochogavía Manuel Barahona during an audience at the Vatican before they returned to Panama.
Panama’s bid to host the event was presented to the Holy See with the endorsement of the Episcopal Conferences of Central America and with the strong endorsement of President Juan Carlos Varela and the First Lady who were portrayed as “Papal groupies“ by local cartoonists while they were in Krakow, Poland for the last rakow, Poland for the last Youth Day.
Lacunza said that they will request an opening of borders to the pilgrims to facilitate connections. That bid focused on Panama’s location as a prime spot to host the event.
“We want to involve the countries of Central America, through the government of Panama,” the cardinal said.
Ulloa stressed that the event will help to remove “the exclusion and the marginality” of youths in Central America.
“It will show them that there are opportunities,” he said.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/popes-support-message-panama-event
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Gas prices continue downward spiral
Posted on August 3, 2016 in Panama
Post Views: 82AS WORLD oil prices continue to fall fuel prices in Panama are dropping in tandem
The National Secretariat of Energy reports that on Friday, August 5
95 octane gasoline will go down 0.048 cents per liter and 91 octane will go down 0.039 cents per liter; while diesel will drop 0.047 cents per liter.
In the city of Panama and Colon 95 octane gasoline will cost $0.668 cents per liter, gasoline 91 octane will cost $0.650 cents per liter and low sulfur diesel $ 0.539 cents a liter.
Currently, prices in Panama and Colón stations are at $2.62 a gallon for 95 octane or 0.716 cents per liter, while 91 octane is $2.50 a gallon or 0.689 cents per liter. The diesel is sold at $ 2.13 a gallon 0.586 cents per liter.
http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/gas-prices-continue-downward-spiral
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Gail has always been supportive of our community. A year and a half ago she made a special effort to accommodate an unusual travel schedule for two of our closest friends from the states by providing a special brunch and briefing and viewing of her hummingbirds. Johnnie and Larry were in awe of what Gail had achieved, and further that she was so open with her home. The food she prepared was wonderful. It is a day that Johnnie, Larry, Marcelyn and I could never forget. In this intervening time, Johnnie and Larry have both passed away. And with Gail's recent loss of her husband, we are saddened beyond words.
Marcelyn and I will be contributing to help Gail through these difficult times. To make things easier on everyone, Marcelyn and I will be leaving an envelope with our contribution at MBE Boquete for Kris Berg or perhaps someone Kris designates to retrieve and add to the donated funds for Gail. The envelope will simply have "For the Benefit of Gail Cody" on the outside of the envelope.
Perhaps others from our community who have had similar experiences with Gail can follow suit. Just a suggestion.
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Panama and Food Sales to Venezuela
In the first round of negotiations the Venezuelan government bought $46 million worth of food and hygiene products from five Panamanian companies and plans to increase purchases in the coming months.
Monday, August 1, 2016
The total volume of foodstuffs, personal hygiene products and agricultural raw materials purchased by the Venezuelan government from companies in Panama amounts to 160 thousand tons.
See: "Venezuela Takes $100 million to Panama to Buy Food"
"... The Minister of Industry and Commerce of that country, Miguel Perez Abad, said that the agreement to purchase goods and supplies was signed by the governments of both countries, as well as companies, and allows Venezuela to import products to cover basic needs and for Panama to respond reciprocally with the purchase of some products manufactured in the South American country. "
"... The official explained that ... 'This is the first business negotiation, so to speak, but we hope it is the start of fluid and reciprocal trade between the two countries. The proposal is that if Venezuela buys 100 million dollars in products from Panamanian companies, Panama can also buy non-traditional export goods manufactured in Venezuela. ' "Source: Prensa.com
http://www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/main/Panama_and_Food_Sales_to_Venezuela
Club Residencial El Frances
in Miscellaneous Chiriquí Topics
Posted
Construction, serious construction, has now begun at this site. We had to make a run to PriceSmart yesterday. On the way back home, we stopped along the road by the El Frances area to take some pictures of major equipment moving in to clear the land.
Club Residencial El Frances has begun the construction phase.