credit to www.panama-guide.com
PANAMA (AP). In the past five years, poverty in Panama declined four percentage points, according to a study released Tuesday. The living standards survey conducted by the Comptroller General and assisted by the World Bank found that poverty level was 32.7% in 2008, while in 2003 poverty was estimated at 36.8%. Extreme poverty levels fell from 16.4% to 14.2%. The figures show that poverty “has been declining gradually in the last period from 2003 to 2008 has fallen 4% which is good,” said Panama’s comptroller Carlos Vallarino during the presentation of the survey results. More
Rising economy lifts some out of poverty in Panama
Thank the Kuna Indians for Dark Chocolate Health Benefit Discoveries
By now the fact that chocolate is good for your health is old news. Many people have been advised of the positive effects that dark chocolate especially has on blood pressure numbers, and have since forth rejoiced in the pleasure of eating delicious chocolates as “medicine.”
What you may not have known is that the Kuna tribe from right here off the coast of Panama is partially responsible for all the excitement. Melanie Grimes reported for HealthNews.com that a Harvard University study of the Kuna tribe, which drinks 5 cups of cocoa everyday, has practically perfect blood pressure numbers and a lower occurance of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and diabetes.
From their studies, researchers have concluded that chocolate Read more
Custom Strike Lasts Only Two Days
The customs strike in Panama that started last Wednesday ended last Friday as demands of the workers were met by the governemt.
Customs workers managed to receive see Customs officially recognized as a career path, raise wages and have the appointment of 197 workers who were deemed as temporary named as permanent employees. The Director of Customs estimates that these changes will cost the government $1.6 million and $1 million respectively.
This is in addition to the multi-million dollar effect the strike has already had on the Panamanian economy. Well… at least things are moving again!
The Road to the Petaquilla Mine Still Closed
Panama America recently reported on the continued protesting in Colón, as farmers block the road to the Petaquilla Mine.
Farmers in the area are rallying for the closing of the mine, which they say is harming the environment. As a people who depends on the land and the water, the contamination puts their livelihood is at stake.
The Governor of the Province of Colón, Julio Kennión, has been in negotiations with the farmers, but to no avail. They say that they will not leave until the mine is closed down for good.
Managers from local plants have tried to appeal to government forces for help, but the farmers are not backing down. The group of protestors is made up of Read more
The Real Deal on Real Estate in Panama
If you want to know what is really going on with the Real Estate in Panama then you need to hear what Kent Davis, fellow gringo and Real Estate expert in Panama has to say. And once he has sold you on Panama, check out www.equitypanama.com to get the process of investing or relocating to Panama started:
So you have just spent two grueling weeks waging war in the streets of Panama, dealing with realtors that don’t show up on time and home owners that answer the door in their pajamas. You are on the home stretch, and have finally decided on your “short list” of Panama properties: you’re ready to buy.
This report is Read more
First Confirmed Case of Swine Flu in Panama
Rosairo Turner, Panama’s Health Minister, has confirmed the first case of the H1N1 Swine Flu virus in Panama. The influenza type A virus has been detected in a 20 year old Panamanian male who was traveling in the United States, and returned to Panama some 2 weeks ago.
Upon his arrival back in Panama from the United States, the patient began to experience symptoms consistent with Swine Flu. No details were given on exactly when the patient arrived back in Panama, nor what airline or flight he was traveling on.
The patient is currently at home, in stable condition, and has been receiving on-going medical care.
Detection of the Swine Flu H1N1 virus in the unnamed male patient was Read more
Ricardo Martinelli wins Panama Presidential Election
Ricardo Martinelli, a conservative supermarket bigwig, won Panama’s presidential election on Sunday with ease, despite Latin America’s recent leaning towards leftist leaders.
Martinelli had taken 43% of the vote by the time the electoral tribunal declared him the winner. His lead over former housing minister Balbina Herrera was a whopping 61% to 36%.
Martinelli is quoted as saying, “Starting on July 1, a change is coming to Panama. We will govern with the best in Panama.”
Supporters of Martinelli are eager to see him fulfill promises to improve education, transportation and public security.
Despite being a conservative, who last year attented the U.S. Republican National Convention in Minnesota, there are many similarites to Martinelli’s campaign as that of democratic Barak Obama’s. Martinelli Read more
American in Panama Suspected of Carrying Swine Flu (H1N1 flu)
In case you haven’t heard this by now…
By Sean Mattson PANAMA CITY, May 1 (Reuters) – Panamanian police detained an American traveler on Friday who left a hospital after health workers suspected he could have a new flu virus that is spreading quickly around the world, a hospital official said. The H1N1 swine flu virus has killed up to 177 people, almost all in Mexico. Worldwide, 13 countries have confirmed cases, though Panama is not among them. The unidentified American man flew to Panama City from Canada and upon arrival was flagged by health officials as having flu symptoms. He was sent to a local hospital early Friday morning, said the hospital’s director Gerardo Victoria. Staff conducted a Read more
The Gringo Shares His Little Black Book…
I am happy to help anyone who wants to make the move to Panama with tips on how I have success in Panama, but I have to admit that sometimes getting back to those who e-mail me is pretty difficult, and time consuming.
So, this Gringo, along with all the other Gringo writers (see my blogroll for affiliate sites) have worked to create a database that puts you in contact with the people you need to reach in Panama (and Guatemala, Costa Rica, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and more!)
If you are looking for legal services, real estate information, an English speaking assistant or driver, cosmetic surgery, dental work and so on, all you need to do is the Read more
2 Bedroom – 2 Bathroom – Fully furnished Apt for rent in Panama City (Punta Pacifica) – Rent by the week or month
The Panama Gringo has an apartment for rent on the 22nd floor of a one year old building in the Punta Pacifica area of Panama City. Great location in the middle of nearly everything.
Here is what is included:
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx 950 sq feet condo.
42 inch plasma TV with over 250 channels (including English CNN, FOX and ESPN, BBC and others)
Broadband wireless and wired connectivity
Voip phone that can be used to call US for free
Fully furnished � two couches, 2 brand new beds, all linen (2 sets) and towels
Washer/Dryer/Refrig/Microwave/Stove
Air conditioning in each bedroom plus master air conditioner in living room
Small balcony with fan
One secure parking space on the first
