The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued today, Friday, the order to proceed for the fourth and final dry excavation contract for the Pacific Access Channel (PAC-4). This contract is part of the program to expand the Panama Canal, with the total project valued at $5.25 billion dollars. The winning consortium submitted all required performance bonds for payment and insurance during the first ten days after the contract was awarded on 7 January 2010. Now, with this order to proceed, the consortium ICA-FCC-MECO has 1,288 calendar days to finish this important phase of the expansion project, which should conclude on or before 2 August 2013, according to a press release from the ACP. This channel, located on the West bank of the Canal between the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks, will complete the construction of a 6.1 kilometer long channel that will link the new third set of locks on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal to the Culebra Cut. This project also includes the excavation, removal and disposal of approximately 26 million cubic meters of material. The ACP awarded this contract to the consortium ICA-FCC-MECO, after the contractor submitted the lowest bid, complying with the requirements in the bid sheet. (Source: La Prensa)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Yesterday afternoon I started getting telephone calls from Panamanian reporters who were trying to confirm if Isaac Polanco, the 27 year-old Puerto Rican who was arrested on Sunday in relation to his alleged involvement in a plot to kidnap President Ricardo Martinelli, is the same guy who walked away from a jail in Idaho.

• Inmate Walks Away from the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center, Nov. 5, 2008 - BOISE – An Idaho Department of Correction inmate walked away from the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center in Burley while on a work detail. Isaac Polanco, IDOC #85250, was sweeping the jail’s front office when he walked out the front door and disappeared at 1:16 a.m. Polanco was serving time for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of burglary, malicious injury to property and grand theft by possession. His next parole hearing was set for April of 2013. All of the convictions were for crimes in Cassia County.
  
  
• Sheriff's Deputies Catch Jail Walkaway, Nov. 6, 2008 - BOISE – An inmate who walked away from the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center in Burley while on a work detail is back in custody. Isaac Polanco, IDOC #85250, was sweeping the jail’s front office when he walked out the front door and disappeared at 1:16 a.m. Wednesday. Deputies found him eating lunch at a restaurant about seven blocks from the jail about 1:30 p.m. today (Thursday). Polanco was with another person who will also likely be charged in aiding Polanco’s escape. Polanco was serving time for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of burglary, malicious injury to property and grand theft by possession. His next parole hearing was set for April of 2013. All of the convictions were for crimes in Cassia County. Polanco will now likely face an escape charge in Cassia County.

So, as you can see, a guy named Isaac Polanco did in fact escape from a jail in Idaho, but he was apparently caught the next day. "Our" Isaac Polanco is apparently a different dude. There must be something about the name that makes you do criminal stuff, eh?

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

He broke the silence. President Ricardo Martinelli finally spoke about the controversial case of alleged misappropriation of money from the Social Investment Fund. The president said that the comptroller is conducting a comprehensive audit, but the public should wait for them to do their work. According to Martinelli, you can't think about doing anything based on "insinuations" made by a company that was "not authorized to do what they did." The president said the Social Investment Fund should be handled in a transparent manner. (Source: Kathyria Caicedo for Telemetro)    

Panama's National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) reported today that three earthquakes have been registered in different parts of the country in less than 12 hours. The first quake, with an intensity of 4.1 degrees was recorded at 12:41 am in the Azuero Peninsula, on the Torio Guánico fault. The second quake was reported at 4:52 am, in the province of Chiriqui with a magnitude of 4.2 degrees. This movement was felt in Boquete, Cerro Punta and Volcan. Then at 9:25, there was a third quake in the border area between Costa Rica and Panama. Arturo Alvarado, Director General of SINAPROC said they are monitoring the regions where the earthquakes occurred. (Source: ABDIEL AUGUSTO PATIÑO for La Estrella)   

PR Log (Press Release) – Leading Design firm Ware Malcomb (www.waremalcomb.com) is proud to announce that design and construction have been completed for the International Business Park at Panama Pacifico (www.panama-pacifico.com), an industrial park and Class A office, being developed by London & Regional Panama. The project is located with close proximity to the Pan-American Highway and the Panama Canal. Phase I in the International Business Park including 2 flex-industrial buildings totaling 21,150 square meters with clearing heights that allows for high storage racking and mezzanine. The buildings were designed to international level standards that reflect a flexible, modern, and innovative design with a distinct color palette that characterizes the local Panamanian environment. The buildings can accommodate a variety of tenants and types of spaces including headquarters, offices, distribution and light assembly. Ware Malcomb’s Latin America Studio, based in Panama provided master planning, architectural, site development and core interior design services for the 26-hectare logistics, multi-modal, business and distribution ark that will boast more than 100,000 square meters of office space and 22,000 square meters of industrial space. The master plan was designed to interlace the existing natural habitat within the campus setting. The project includes a variety of green corridors, plazas, and a “river like” water feature that help maintain the tropical atmosphere. (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (355 words)

Panama's President Ricardo Martinelli, said during a meeting of the Latin American Business Council (CEAL), that on Monday he would summon the owners of the various television channels in Panama to a meeting, to ask them to stop harping on the theme of insecurity in the country. "Channels 13, 4 and 2 produce a shoddy news broadcast because through its contents they give a message of insecurity in the country, which we are not living." He argued that Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin American, and that an example is that we don't have to go around using bodyguards and much less armored vehicles. On Sunday Martinelli went to the Judicial Investigation Department for an alleged assassination attempt against him. So far three people have been arrested, two members of the Institutional Protection Service and a foreigner. (Source: María De Gracia for the Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Mr. President - there were an average of three murders per day during 2009, which is a lot for a relatively small country of just 3.3 million inhabitants. The bodies are turning up by the dozens. Just last night there was one dude who was shot twelve times, and the headline was that he survived the attack. When you say that "we are not living" in a period of extreme insecurity, you are quite simply wrong. And do you really think that asking the heads of the television channels to order their reporters to cover crime and violence less will have any kind of impact? It won't. Once we get done talking about all of the corruption scandals, we barely have time to talk about the executions and the stacks of dead bodies found tossed by the side of the road every night, which we fit in before the fatal traffic accidents, and before the stories about the 600 kilos of seized cocaine. In short, are you friggin' kidding me? This country is a lot less safe than it was just ten or fifteen years ago. Now, they will kill you for $5 bucks and a cheap cell phone. That happened two days ago in San Miguelito, by the way. A taxi driver was killed for exactly that. You might feel safe, but no one else does.   

While inspectors from the office of the Comptroller General of the Republic took control of the Social Investment Fund (FIS) offices yesterday, the Auxiliary Bishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, called upon the authorities to investigate the whereabouts of $1,394,247 dollars that were paid in the name of the Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary. Irregularities were found in this case not only by the independent external auditor contracted by the FIS, but so did the Comptroller in 2008. "It is unfortunate that a religious institution is in the middle of this situation. The case must be cleared by the authorities to identify those responsible," said Ulloa. The priest explained that when the Church receives donations for social projects, they administer the money themselves and they make reports on how the funds were invested. "This is how it has always been done," he said. The bishop's statements came after La Prensa revealed that several checks that were issued by the FIS in the name of that monastery, between 2000 and 2004, were never given to the Catholic congregation. This case is also being investigated by the Public Ministry. In addition, yesterday the Comptroller sent ten auditors to the FIS to verify the irregularities noted by López Consultores, the private outside third-party auditors hired by Giacomo Tamburrelli.

Fábrega's driver received $426,000 from the FIS - The driver for PRD Nation Assembly Deputy José Luis Fábrega received $426,000 dollars in contracts from the Social Investment Fund (FIS), from between 2006 and 2009. The information comes from official checks included in the external audit report ordered by FIS Director, Giacomo Tamburrelli, as soon as he took office. Fábrega is also linked to a company that from 2006 to 2009 did business with the FIS for more than $1.4 million dollars. The company was dissolved 72 hours ago, just as the FIS audit came to light. Fábrega accepted that he created the company, but said he sold before it became a provider for the FIS. (Source: La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Panama City is practically vibrating today as this FIS scandal grows and takes shape. It will probably take years, but there's a good possibility that a whole string of former lawmakers could eventually end up in prison. Personally I think this whole thing as one primary target - Pedro Miguel Gonzalez. He was the President of the National Assembly and Martinelli would probably love to see him thrown in jail. OK, we start off with a couple of ex-Ministers and a former Municipal Engineer to break the ice (check.) Then we use this whole gambling kickback thing to take down Ernesto Perez Balladares (check.) If we get out of the PARLACEN then we can go after Martin Torrijos, and that will happen in November 2010 (check.) Get the Supreme Court to reopen the CEMIS case and we can use that to sink Balbina Herrera (check.) OK, who's next. Great - there was all kinds of corruption in the FIS, so let's use that to get to Pedro Miguel Gonzalez (check.) NEXT! Take a number. Plenty of prosecutors, no waiting...    

The Superbook VIP Sports Club would like to invite everyone to come by this weekend to catch the NFL Playoff Games. Superbook is a fantastic place to watch any sporting event. This week they are focusing on the NFL playoffs leading up to Super Bowl XLIV, they are also looking towards the future and scanning the calendar of upcoming significant sporting events around the world, such as the Winter Olympics, March Madness and the Final Four, followed by the NBA playoffs, the Kentucky Derby, and the World Cup this summer. They have access to all of the required technology and direct channel feeds from several different sources. "Big Mike" says "it doesn't matter if you want to watch something exotic or to see a game that's hard to get - if the game is being played, no matter what the sport or country, chances are we can get it on a screen for you. Just ask."

Recently Renovated: From their website - "VIP Sports Club: Feel all the sports action live in our modern and comfortable VIP Sports Club, where you will have a front seat complemented by the latest in technology with multiple plasma TVs, a huge projector screen and excellent audio. In addition, you can also enjoy the best in drinks along with delicious appetizers and dishes in our bar and restaurant." They've recently completed a major renovation, overhaul, and face lift - to include more, better, and larger television screens (there's like 42 right now and it seems like more go in every day) as well as improvements to seating, lighting, tables, and the entire general atmosphere and vibe. Superbook is a fully licensed bar and nightclub and they are trying to focus more on that part of their business as well. There's a large VIP area available for private parties.

Really Excellent Food: According to Bill Bates, the Food and Beverage Services Manager at Superbook, "we're trying to provide a higher level of quality with our food and to serve things that you can't find anywhere else in Panama. We have all of the regular bar food like hot dogs and hamburgers, but we even upgrade those with special touches and preparations. For example, we have our ground beef specially mixed at the butcher made from high quality lean beef - so they're better for you than a regular burger and they taste great." They also do a grilled "North Carolina style" chili-dog, which is actually a charcoal grilled sausage, split open and filled with (secret recipe) chili and coleslaw. And of course if you would like to "kick it up a notch" they also have a more complete menu with steaks and corvina. Personally, I never made it past the chili dogs and cold beer. Bill says with a grin "for the Super Bowl were going to roast a whole pig right there in the back - once that smell starts wafting over the city people will just follow their noses straight here..." They're really going to put on a great party for the Super Bowl this year.

The Superbook: As the name implies, Superbook is also offers the widest selection in sports betting options in all of Panama. Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, boxing, tennis, golf … they have it all! You can bet live and in-person by visiting Suberbook to place your bets live with their representatives. You can also place your bets via telephone from the comfort of your own home. Call 214-8913 for more information on how to open your phone account. From their website - "Offering the local Panamanian public as well as international visitors the best location to gamble on sporting events, SUPERBOOK is proud to provide a high quality service that has earned the respect of our competition. With the opening of our new location we have amplified our services, and always remain committed to granting nothing but comfort and efficiency to our clients and friends. Keep enjoying our attractive gambling services with top-notch video and audio technology transmitting every single sporting event and match live, now well-complemented by our exclusive bar and restaurant. Located in the heart of the Banking Area in cosmopolitan Panama City, SUPERBOOK brings you action every single day of the week. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the finest and most varied experience in sports betting in all of Latin America. Enjoy your experience and live all the action at the Superbook!"

Location: The Superbook VIP Sports Club is conveniently located in the Banking Area (Área Bancaria) with easy access and ample parking. Superbook - formally known as "Kopas" - is located on the road that runs through the middle of the banking district, on the street that runs right past the Beirut Restaurant and the Marriott Hotel, on the right hand side about a half-block before Beirut. They have plenty of parking in front as well as behind the building and excellent security.   

Last year 1,533,902 foreigners entered Panama legally, according to a report by the National Immigration Service. The same document specified that the three countries with the most people arriving to Panama are the United States (430,017), Colombians (374,858) and Venezuelans (315,219.) On the other side of the coin, they also announced that 1,248,475 foreigners departed the country during 2009. (La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Let's see, quickly doing the math, that means 285,427 foreigners stayed in Panama. And since people from the United States made up about 28% of the total number of people arriving, you could possibly conclude that about 28% of those who stayed in Panama are from the US - which works out to 79,919 new gringos in Panama. That's what the math says, given the assumptions. Do you think that's even close? What if it's half that - 39,959. It's still an impressive number. However the Panamanian Immigration Service notoriously presents statistics but out of context, like in this story. They are just counting beans at the airport - you figure out what it means. Anyway, no matter how you slice it there seems to have been a net increase of 285,427 newly arriving foreigners who stayed in Panama last year. Welcome aboard. Wanna buy a condo? By the way, this number would represent 8.6% of the entire population (3.3 million).   

An Israeli citizen who was sought by Interpol, was arrested yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 20 January, on Vía España. Police Deputy Commissioner Néstor Valdés reported that the 53 year-old Israeli citizen is linked to drug trafficking and money laundering. Valdes said the man is wanted in Belgium, and they have started proceedings for his extradition. (Source: Getzalette Reyes for La Prensa)

Investigators from the Judicial Investigation Department captured Modechain Abraham. At the time of his arrest he was carrying a Dutch passport in the name of Jeremia Patrick. He is being held in the headquarters of the DIJ. (Source: Kathyria Caicedo for Telemetro)

This dangerous Israeli who was captured in the area of San Francisco where he lived on Wednesday is linked to the Sinaloa cartel. The man held a forged passport under the name of Jeremiah Patrick Davis that he used to outwit the authorities at the airport. It is known the man had military training, which is why he was captured by specially trained units. (Source: TVN)

Editor's Comment: There's a strong rumor going around that Israeli's have been brought in to "take over" security for Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli after the botched kidnapping attempt. And then all of a sudden some Israeli dude who's been wanted for a long time gets popped. Are the two related? Who knows.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Warning - this has nothing to do with Panama. I've decided to support the campaign of Republican Bruce Blakeman for US Senate in New York. I'm from New York, you see, and I've been unhappy with our state's Senators for quite some time. I think Bruce Blakeman is positioned to pull off an upset victory over the Democratic incumbent, much like Scott Brown did in Massachusetts. From his website: "These are turbulent times for the families of New York State and our nation. I am running for senate because I share the anger, frustration and worry of the hard-working families of New York. Unemployment hovers around 10% and in some regions of our state it is much higher. Billions have been spent on so-called stimulus programs, but nobody I’ve talked to has been stimulated . Where did the money go? Unfortunately, the current atmosphere in Washington punishes businesses, successful people and middle-class taxpayers and threatens the very foundation of our economic system. Government should reward hard work, sacrifice, risk and ingenuity. These are the principals that made us the most prosperous nation in the world. We have seen the GDP and GNP increase when businesses invest in equipment, technology and people versus investing in government programs that are wasteful and driven not for the jobs they produce, but for the votes they can buy. That is wrong!"

So, between now and the "Krakatoa" elections in November, expect to see a steady but gentle stream of stuff supporting Blakeman's campaign. Like this, for instance...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

The President of Panama's National Assembly, Jose Luis Varela, said due to stories appearing in local newspapers this week about a multi million dollar embezzlement of money from the Social Investment Fund (FIS), he has asked the Comptroller General of the Republic to promptly initiate an audit of the FIS. "The FIS is an entity used by municipalities, lawmakers, local representatives, mayors, and the Executive Branch to execute projects for the benefit of communities in the country," he said. He said he questions the validity of the report produced by the company López Consultores, which is why he is asking the Comptroller to conduct and audit and for that audit to be as transparent as possible. "No member of the National Assemvly, representative, or mayor can be above the law and if someone committed an irregular act then the full weight of the law should fall upon them," he said. He also said that if there is a shortfall (meaning, if funds are missing or have been misspent) then only the Comptroller General of the Republic can realize an audit that will have validity. He said in the report that he was able review last night, not only the 19 lawmakers who were mentioned in the press reports are indicated, but rather all 71 lawmakers who are currently members of the National Assembly as well as all 78 from the previous administration. (Source: Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Good point. This outside private company was hired to conduct an external audit and they found some irregularities. Now, it falls to the Comptroller General of the Republic to conduct an official review and audit, and the results of that audit can have substantial legal implications. It would be hard if not impossible for the Director of the FIS to initiate legal proceedings against sitting Deputies of the National Assembly armed only with information generated by an "outsider" company like López Consultores. The Comptroller on the other hand has far reaching powers to investigate this kind of thing throughly, and the results could be used to throw people out of the National Assembly, if they are found to have abused FIS funds for their own personal gain. I suppose this is exactly the argument being made by the Director of the FIS as an explanation of why he didn't go running to prosecutors as soon as the initial report turned up irregularities. And do you want to know who's probably the most guilty? Watch to see who's defending themselves the loudest...   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Bleacher Report recently published a list of "The 20 Hottest Women to Watch on Sports TV." Coming in at #17 on their list was Panamanian born Sage Steele. Sage Steele was born in Panama in 1972. She was born to an American Army family serving in the Canal Zone. Her father would be stationed all over the world during Sage's childhood. She attended high school in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Carmel, Ind. Sage joined ESPN in 2007, and can be seen anchoring Sports Center rather frequently. She came to ESPN after working at Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic in Bethesda, Maryland, where she was an anchor and reporter for the network's nightly local sports news program, SportsNite.

   

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation reviewed the international movements of Isaac Polanco - the Puerto Rican who has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a plot to kidnap President Ricardo Martinelli - and is reportedly investigating the case as an act of international terrorism. Records from immigration indicate Polanco arrived in Panama six months ago on a tourist visa. He has no known family members in Panama, or at least thus far none have been found, the source said. The source also indicated that thus far they have not been able to identify the existence of an "intimate partner" (girlfriend.) The FBI is also working to determine if Polanco, who is being held in isolation at the headquarters of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) in Ancon, is the same as the person of the same name who attended the Air Force Academy located in Colorado in the United States. Institutional Protection Service (SPI) officer Javier Guzman and his brother Benjamin are being held in another cell within the same institution. All face charges for allegedly planning the abduction of Martinelli. BACKGROUND - The assistant inspector of Interpol in Puerto Rico, Ismael Cintron, confirmed Polanco was indicted in the State of Maine in the United States for assault and domestic violence. Cintron said Polanco was booked for this event in 2003. The inspector added they are working to corroborate to determine whether Polanco is the same man who was involved in a case of identify theft in Puerto Rico. So far, his rap sheet has no other criminal activity, beyond the 2003 arrest for domestic violence. Cintron added they do not have any information on Polanco's political allegiances. (Reporter Ricardo Cortés Chico from the newspaper El Nuevo Día of Puerto Rico contributed to this story.) Source: WILLIAM SALA and CARLOS ALBERTO VARGAS for La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: I would still like to see some additional current photos of Isaac Polanco. If anyone knows him or has any additional photos please send them to me at don@panama-guide.com. Now that you've seen his face, maybe you bumped into the guy here in Panama City in the past six months? If so, please send an email or give me a call, cell 6614-0451 or US 845-514-9893. Thanks.   

Despite the market downturn, larger nations such as Brazil have attained investment-grade status. And now a smaller Latin American state, Panama, is finally on track to join the investment-grade club in 2010. In late 2007 Citigroup took a positive stance on the country. Its bullish statement that Panama would reach investment grade by late 2009 was based on improving fiscal accounts, a unique growth trajectory and plans to expand the Panama Canal's capacity. These growth rates would drive a sharp decline in debt-to-GDP ratios. (Source: euromoney.com)   

PANAMA - The assessment of possible sites for new air and sea stations proposed by the Panamanian government to fight drug-trafficking appears among the priorities of the country's security bodies on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Government and Justice, the Minister of National Security Jose Raul Mulino is carrying out a visit to different regions of the nation to assess likely sites for the bases. The official already visited places as Piña and Coiba Island (both in the Pacific Ocean), which are considered among the probable sites. The first of the 11 stations planned by the government and located in Chapera Island, Las Perlas archipelago, started operating in early December. The government will also operate stations in Piña, Punta Coco, Mensabe, Coiba and Quebrada de Piedra in the Pacific Ocean and Chiriqui Grande, Colon Island, Sherman, El Porvenir and Obaldia Harbor in the Atlantic Ocean. This projects has met the rejection of unions and students organizations, which have warned that it could lead to a US military presence in the country. Mulino ruled out that possibility and ratified that the stations will be operated by staff of the security bodies of Panama. However, the US Ambassador in Panama Barbara Stephenson revealed in 2009 that three US security bodies will train the Panamanian staff apart from offering logistic support to the activity. (Source: Inside Costa Rica)   

Panama will spend $300 million on a liquid natural gas, or LNG, terminal and $ 130 million on a gas-fired generating plant, the country's ministry of finance said in a statement Wednesday. The projects will help meet the country's growing energy demand, and reduce the use of liquid fuels, the statement said. The LNG terminal will allow the country to receive, store, and then regasify LNG cargos in Colon, which is near the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. The projects will take around five years to complete. On Wednesday morning, the Chief Executive of Toronto-listed oil company Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp., Ronald Pantin, said the company plans to start exporting gas to Panama and elsewhere in the Caribbean in the near future. -By Matthew Bristow, Dow Jones Newswires.

Editor's Comment: Excellent idea. There goes another $430 million of additional government spending on significant infrastructure upgrades. Anyone keeping score? This should be great news for the people who live near the area where the terminal and plant will be built because it will bring additional jobs and spending for a least five years while the terminal and plant is being built, then long-term jobs to operate and maintain the facilities. Again, more good economic news for Panama. Keep it coming...   

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The Nationwide Tour's season-long quest to award PGA TOUR cards to its 25 leading money winners begins next week with back-to-back events in New Zealand and Australia. The Michael Hill New Zealand Open launches the Nationwide Tour's 21st season Jan. 28-31 at The Hills Golf Club in Queenstown, marking the earliest dates the Tour has launched its season "Down Under". The Tour travels from New Zealand to Fingal, Victoria, Australia for the Moonah Classic at Moonah Links on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, Feb. 4-7. Both events are co-sanctioned in partnership with the PGA Tour of Australasia and feature 156 players -- 78 from both tours. GOLF CHANNEL will air the Michael Hill New Zealand Open on Jan. 30-31 (7:30-9:30 a.m. ET) and the Moonah Classic on Feb. 6-7 (6:30-8:30 a.m. ET) in the United States. The New Zealand/Australia stops will be followed by the Tour's seventh consecutive visit to Panama City, Panama for the Panama CLARO Championship Feb. 25-28. A new event, the Pacific Rubiales Bogotá Open presented by Samsung, will be played March 4-7 in Bogotá, Colombia. It will be the Nationwide Tour's first tournament in South America and the first time a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event will be played for official money in South America. The Nationwide Tour's domestic season commences March 25-28 with the Chitimacha Louisiana Open outside Lafayette, La. The Tour's 21st season will feature 28 events played in 17 states in the U.S. and six countries abroad, its most international stops ever. Over 200 players who have Nationwide Tour access will compete to secure one of the 25 PGA TOUR cards for 2011 that will be awarded at the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island in Charleston, S.C., on Oct. 28-31. "One of the very special things about the Nationwide Tour is that with each new year comes great anticipation about which players will emerge and contend for PGA TOUR cards," said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. "Starting in New Zealand next week and then Australia, this year's season-long quest features six countries plus the U.S. and more than 60 international members from 19 countries. We invite golf fans everywhere to follow all 28 Nationwide Tour events as the competition to identify the next Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink or Lucas Glover plays out from January through October."   

Panama's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (CCIAP) rejected on Wednesday the Venezuelan government measures against several banks and the French-Colombian retail chain Éxito. "At this crucial time for Venezuela, we can not leave them alone. Therefore, we categorically condemn and repudiate the arbitrary closure of banks and retailers, since they violate all the principles we believe in and advocate," said Adolfo Linares, the president of CCIAP, in a statement. Linares added that "the CCIAP is alarmed by the threats on future expropriations hinted by Venezuelan officials, since they are violating once again the freedoms of the Venezuelan people." The Panamanian businessperson also urged the Venezuelan government to reconsider "its actions, which are worthy of an authoritarian dictatorship" and urged the Panamanian authorities to speak up, Efe reported. (Source: El Universal, Caracas)   

By Bhagyashree Garekar, US Correspondent - WASHINGTON - IN A political stunner that could imperil US President Barack Obama's domestic agenda, a little-known opposition candidate has captured a crucial Senate seat that could block health-care and other major reforms. Mr Scott Brown, a Republican state senator, defeated Ms Martha Coakley, the ruling Democratic Party's candidate, in a one-off election to replace the late Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Mr Brown's victory - 51.9 per cent to Ms Coakley's 47.1 per cent - is considered one for the history books. Massachusetts has three times more Democrats than Republicans. But it is the national ramifications of Tuesday's election that has the pundits in a frenzy. The results effectively end the Democrats' 60-vote supermajority in the US Senate, which had allowed them to overcome Republican procedural manoeuvres to block legislation championed by the Obama administration. The loss of a Senate seat in arguably the staunchest of Democratic strongholds would also do much to energise the Republicans and demoralise the Democrats ahead of the mid-term congressional elections in November. '(Mr Obama) was both surprised and frustrated,' presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs said. Others were more blunt. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, a Republican, said his party's victory 'made it very clear that the arrogance in Washington is being rejected by people in Massachusetts and across the country'.

Editor's Comment: President Obama was surprised? Why? Even I knew Brown was going to win. If Obama was surprised by this loss, then he's surrounded himself with "yes-men" which is really bad news. The Democratic party is going to get eaten alive in November if they keep going down the same road for the next nine months. It might already be too late to turn things around, politically speaking. If healthcare passes, the Democrats lose both the House and Senate in the midterm elections. Mark my words. Well, rather than marking my words, would someone please tell Mr. Obama... No wait, even better, "ssshhhhh....." - ignorance is bliss. Let him be surprised again.   

The Panama Air Festival 2010, a show of extreme stunts and acrobatics, will take place on Sunday 31 January, reported its organizers. This is a free event organized by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with sponsorship from Cable & Wireless Panama. The event will be governed by the strictest safety standards, following the required standards in the United States (U.S.), according to a press release. The protagonists of the show are pilots with experience in the field of civil, commercial and military aviation. The festival will feature Fred Cabanas, an experienced pilot who has three gold medals in world aerobatics championships, and a world championship in the World Air Games Unlimited. Cabanas will be flying in his "Pitts Special". Attendees can get to the event by going to the old airport building at Howard, from 9:00 am. The organizers recommend attendees wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. Additionally, at the Panama Air Festival 2010 there will be attractions such as skydiving, model planes, helicopters, commercial aircraft, among others. (Source: La Prensa)    

PANAMA CITY, Panama - The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released first quarter (Q1) operational metrics today for fiscal year 2010. In Q1, Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to transit the Canal (including waiting time for passage) significantly decreased. There also were increases in total transits and net tonnage. These metrics are based on operations from October through December 2009, the first quarter of the ACP's 2010 fiscal year, and are compared with Q1 of fiscal year 2009. CWT decreased 27.5 percent - to 20.29 hours from 27.97 hours. CWT for booked vessels, those ships holding reservations, also experienced a decrease of 20.7 percent - to 13.43 hours from 16.94 hours. Total Canal transits increased 2 percent - to 3,590 transits from 3,520. Transits of supers, larger ships that require greater time and navigation skills to transit the Canal, increased 8.1 percent - to 2,026 transits from 1,874. With regard to key segments, dry bulk and tankers transits increased, while transits of containers, refrigerated cargo (reefers) and vehicle carriers decreased. "In the first quarter of 2010, we saw an increase in a few key areas - particularly tonnage and transits - which point to a global economy slowly, but surely, recovering," said ACP Executive Vice President of Operations Manuel Benítez. "We will go into the remainder of fiscal year 2010 with slightly positive projections and expect sluggish shipping segments to show some recovery." Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tonnage increased 3.5 percent - to 80.9 million PC/UMS tons from 78.2 million PC/UMS tons. The official accident rate declined 0.9 percent to 1.11 accidents per 1,000 transits from 1.12. An official accident is one in which a formal investigation is requested and conducted. Utilization of the booking system decreased 52.6 percent - to 43.1 percent utilization from 90.9 percent.   

By Bob Askew for Panama-Guide.com - You have 90 days to get a Panama driver's license from the date of entry into Panama. Steps for getting initial Panamanian driver's license if you have an valid US state driver's license (under 70 years of age**). Step 1. Authentication/Certification of State DL by US Consulate in Clayton: A. Take your US state DL to the American Consulate in Clayton. Bring your passport and pensionado card (cedula, work carnet, etc., if applicable) during the entire process. You may need to park outside the embassy compound (I’m not sure of the latest policy). B. Go to the cashier at the consulate and ask for a DL certification form. C. Fill the application but DON'T SIGN it at this time. D. Take the application to the cashier and pay $30.00. E. Take a seat until your name is called. F. When they call your name, go to the assigned window and sign the form in front of the consul. G.You will be given a photocopy sheet of your driver's license with all the required stamps and signatures. You will need to take this form with you to the Panama Foreign Ministry office (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) as well as to the SERTRACEN (the contractor who runs the driver’s licensing operation) driver's license office. (Map to Sertracen follows in Step 4) (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (673 words)

Since the dismissal of more than a dozen officials from the Social Investment Fund (FIS), the entity has been the focus of public opinion, especially considering the possibility that some irregularities have been detected in the approval of items worth millions of dollars. In this morning's edition of Telemetro Reporta, Judy Meana, the spokeswoman for the National Government, said it was public knowledge that Giacomo Tamburelli, director of the FIS, had ordered an external audit within the institution. However, reports indicate this audit was not submitted to judicial authorities, although some cases were detected indicating wrongdoing on the part of Deputies of the National Assembly and other officials from the administrations of Mireya Moscoso and Martin Torrijos. Meana added that Tamburelli "for the health of the audit, could not reveal the details," and the only thing that remained was for the Comptroller to participate in the process. Meana said former Comprtoller Carlos Vallarino ordered the investigation days before leaving office. She said that now it will be up to the new comptroller, Gioconda de Bianchini, to investigate the case and to send it to the appropriate authorities. (Source: Kathyria Caicedo for Telemetro Reporta)

Editor's Comment: No matter how you try to paint this with a happy face, the fact of the matter is that the Director of the FIS sat on this report for three months. This entire scandal only came to light once the report was leaked to the press. The people who were fired from the FIS were only fired because the report was leaked. Who was being protected and why? (Rhetorical question). The former Comptroller Carlos Vallarino only ordered an investigation once he had one foot out of the door. Why didn't he order the investigation months if no years earlier? I hope this case turns into another twenty dudes or so locked up in the El Renacer prison, all with the titles of "former lawmaker" or whatever they used to be. And why didn't the Director of the FIS jump on this with both feet? Read carefully. Every report says the 19 lawmakers involved were from the "former administrations of Mireya Moscoso and Martin Torrijos." I'll bet they didn't want to slam the guys who were in the National Assembly under Mireya Moscoso because they are friends to this administration and the director of the FIS. If that's the case, then it's bullshit.   

Officers from the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) raided a residence in the region of Las Lomas, Chiriqui Province, in response to complaints from area residents who said the residence was being used as a whorehouse. Authorities arrested a 25 year-old transvestite who calls himself "Karen" who controlled the place where underage girls, aged between 14 and 17, worked as prostitutes. A client who as at the scene was arrested at the time of the raid. The minors have been handed over to the competent authorities, with their names and identities protected. The First Superior Prosecutor of Chiriqui, Jose Henriquez, said on Telemetro that they have opened an investigation into the case and that they will take the necessary measures to prevent these children returning to the activity of prostitution. (Source: ABDIEL AUGUSTO PATINO for La Estrella)   

Perhaps the darker side of politics is summed up in the 900 page report the Director of the Social Investment Fund (FIS), Giacomo Tamburrelli, has tucked away in his desk. The report lays bare the mechanism used by the Deputies of the National Assembly during the administrations of Mireya Moscoso and Martin Torrijos to divert resources that were supposed to be spent for social assistance. La Prensa had access to an audit conducted in the FIS carried out between July and November 2009 - revealing multi million dollar embezzlements involving at least 19 National Assembly Deputies, from both the political parties currently in power (such as the Cambio Democratico, Panameñistas, Molirena) as well as the opposition Partido Revolucionario Democratico (PRD). Fictitious lists of social assistance, inflated prices for food, purchases of equipment and machinery that is now missing, payments for sporting equipment that was never delivered, and payments for construction projects that were never completed are just some of the anomalies contained in external audit ordered by the government of Ricardo Martinelli shortly after coming to power. The auditors from the firm López Consultores found, after analyzing purchase orders, contracts, checks, bank accounts and other documents of the Social Assistance Program, that the majority of the resources requested by the members of the National Assembly which were supposed to be donated to their communities ended up in their own pockets, or were used to finance their political campaigns. The total amount embezzled reaches $12 million dollars.

The results of outside audit - contracted by the Director of the FIS in July 2009 - were delivered to Tamburrelli last October. But instead of presenting a complaint and making the contents of the audit public, Tamburrelli ordered the document to be filed away. During an interview with La Prensa, the Director of the FIS refused to provide details of the scope of the audit. Despite his refusal, La Prensa obtained a copy of the audit report and conducted its own investigation lasting two months. After the audit was leaked to the press, the fury of the FIS Director went to his right-hand man, Ernesto Moro, and in mid-December Tamburrelli fired him together with another 30 people who used to work for the FIS. All of those who were fired were escorted from the offices of the FIS by agents from the Institutional Protection Service (SPI). Tamburrelli's reaction was the opposite of what he promised when he announced the contract to conduct an external audit. In July 2009 he said: "we promise that we will reveal the results, the irregularities, and the names of the companies." But his promise remained just a promise. Tamburrelli allowed the current Deputies in the National Assembly to continue to operate under the same scheme which started under the administration of Mireya Moscoso (1999-2004) and continued during the administration of Martin Torrijos (2004-2009). (Source: La Prensa)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - It seems like all of the news that matters lately in Panama has something to do with corruption. A new complaint, someone defending themselves, their lawyers making public statements on their behalf, a court decision saying some former official has to got to jail, etc. It's getting pretty monotonous to cover this stuff, but there's not much else going on right now. All of this activity actually represents the start of a fundamental shift in the way things are done in Panama among the ruling political elite. I even suspect the most recent story about an "attempt" against Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli is more about his efforts to make a change, which are upsetting the apple cart among the established power brokers in town. I would not be surprised at all if this story eventually winds out as an assassination attempt rather than a kidnapping. There's way too much in the story so far that simply doesn't make any sense. Anyway, for now it's corruption, corruption, and more corruption. Let the criminal accusations fly and the chips fall where they may.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

Panama's Anti Corruption Czar, Fernando Núñez Fábrega, filed a complaint before the Public Ministry against the former Administrator of the Community Development Program (PRODEC), Julio Aizprúa Godoy, and the former PRODEC Coordinator, César Augusto Loré Ortega, for alleged damages to the state totaling $383,200 dollars. Núñez Fábrega said there are apparent irregularities in payments to contractors charged with inspecting the projects promoted by PRODEC. He said Aizprúa and Lore authorized payments without verifying that the work had actually been performed. Among the alleged irregularities contained in the complain are; there were no orders to proceed, contracts show inspections were done before they were signed, and that contractors were preselected. Also, in some cases bills were presented on the same day that contracts were signed. He explained that two contracts consisted of 30 projects each, for the construction of schools, a health center, and road work in the provinces of Veraguas and Coclé. (Source: Georgina Damián for the Panama America)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - A 27 year-old Puerto Rican named Isaac Polanco was arrested in Panama City last Sunday. He has since been charged by Assistant Prosecutor Luis Martinez with plotting to kidnap Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and to hold him in return for a $10 million dollar ransom. Polanco was reportedly using the alias "Israel Montenegro" while in Panama. According to intelligence sources who have spoken to reporters from La Prensa, Polanco first came to Panama in 2008 and his most recent entry into the country was six months ago. If anyone has a photo of Isaac Polanco (aka Israel Montenegro) please send it to don@panama-guide.com. If anyone knows Isaac Polanco personally please contact me as well. Thanks.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

Isaac Polanco, aka Israel Montenegro, 27 year old Puerto Rican citizen, was arrested last Sunday and has been detained at the Direction of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) as the mastermind behind of an alleged plan to kidnap the President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli. According to intelligence sources, Polanco arrived in Panama for the first time in 2008 and his most recent entry was six months ago. Interpol-Panama has requested additional information from their counterparts in Puerto Rico, especially regarding this personal information, background, and police record. Preliminary investigations indicate the three conspirators planned to execute their plot against Martinelli during a public event that was to be held in a public place, but the date or location of the planned attack was not disclosed. When the information became available to the Security Council of the Presidency last week, the arrest of the Puerto Rican was immediately ordered. He was arrested near the Yuyín Luzcando gym in Bethania. After his arrest, Polanco told officials from the Institutional Protection Service (SPI) he had contacted an SPI Corporal who was working in the area of Corozal, and that he in turn had asked his brother to join the plan. The corporal was identified as 30 year-old Javier Joel Guzmán who was arrested at this workplace. His brother, 28 year-old Benjamín Guzmán, was arrested at his house in San Miguelito. According to the initial statement made by Polanco, the plan was to kidnap Martinelli and demand $10 million dollars for his release. The three men involved in this plan met several times and there is even supposedly a video recording made during the meetings which is being sought, said the source. Thus far investigators have been unable to determine if there are more people involved in this conspiracy, or who was financing the plan. Meanwhile, yesterday Panama's Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez designated Assistant Prosecutor Luis Martinez as the lead investigator in this case, and the three men have already been charged. It was reported yesterday that the prosecutor was involved in expanding the preliminary statement of the accused. Polanco is being detained in a separate location, away from the Guzman brothers. The secretary general of the PRD, Mitchell Doens, said that if the reports are true, then he stands in solidarity with the investigations to catch the culprits, "because homeland and democracy stand above politics." Doens said he hopes this complaint "is not a Reichstag," referring to the burning of the German parliament by the Nazis, who then blamed the opposition. (Source: JOSÉ OTERO and WILLIAM SALA for La Prensa)   

wsj.com - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services upgraded one company to investment-grade territory in the past month, bringing the total number of so-called rising stars to 22 in 2009, the fewest since 2003. S&P had raised nearly twice as many companies from junk status in the same period in 2008. In contrast, 75 entities were cut to junk territory. Since S&P's last report, the ratings agency gave investment-grade status to medical-device maker Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX). S&P said 12 entities are now listed as global potential rising stars, those poised to leave junk territory compared with 72 considered potential fallen angels--being on the verge of getting junked. The Republic of Panama is still the largest potential rising star, with about $11.58 billion in rated debt.   

Approximately $6,000 dollars in cash and a checkbook were stolen from a tourist from Central America as he was about to pass through the gate to enter the Colon Free Trade Zone to make purchases. The tourist, who was in a group with about 40 other people, was attacked by the criminal who put a knife to his neck as he got off of a bus. Threatened with the knife, the tourist had no other recourse than to surrender his personal belongings, authorities explained. The offender ran away toward the area of Arco Iris, which is considered to be a "red zone." The National Police have launched an operation to find the criminal. (Source: Diómedes Sánchez S. for La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Well, isn't that a great headline for tourism in Panama. Do you think the "authorities" could get off of their fat asses long enough to ensure the safety and security of the "tourists" who come to Panama to spend millions if not billions of dollars every year? And, they can't secure the distance from the door of the bus to the door of the Free Trade Zone? Give me a friggin' break... Now they're running around looking for a kid with a knife in Arco Iris. I have news for you - every kid in Arco Iris has a knife. Good luck sorting through that haystack.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 2:06 am this morning, Tuesday, 19 January 2010. According to the US Geological Survey the epicenter of the quake was located at 8.571°N, 82.652°W in the area of the border between Panama and Costa Rica at a depth of 35.9 miles. This places the quake's epicenter 20 miles WNW of David, Panama or 35 miles E of Golfito, Costa Rica. There have been no reports of damage or injuries. Again, these are the "good" kind of earthquakes, little shakers that allow the pressure in the plates to release with no damage.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

A $10 million exhibit of California Gold Rush sunken treasure, the fabled “Ship of Gold,” will be publicly displayed during the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo on February 4–6. The exhibit includes historic gold coins and huge gold bars—one of them weighing in at more than 50 pounds—recovered from nearly 8,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. “The Central America was carrying tons of California gold when she sank in a hurricane in September 1857 during a voyage from Panama to New York City. About $10 million of that gold will be exhibited in an eye-opening public display housed in a specially-constructed 40-foot long representation of the ship’s hull,” said Ronald J. Gillio, Expo General Chairman. The exhibit is courtesy of Monaco Rare Coins of Newport Beach and involved months of work to coordinate the display with collectors who privately own and now have generously loaned many of the items for the exhibit. Robert D. Evans, the chief scientist on the 1980’s mission that located and recovered the fabulous sunken treasure, will be at the exhibit each day during the show to meet with visitors and present educational programs about the Ship of Gold. In addition to seeing gold, a free gold coin will be awarded daily to a lucky, registered visitor. Visitors will also see an exhibit of early American silver half dollars minted from 1794 to 1832. Many of the superb-quality rare coins in the collection are the finest known of their kind. A children’s treasure hunt will be held on Saturday, February 6. Educational programs and collectors’ clubs meetings will be conducted during the show and are open to the public. Heritage Auction Galleries of Dallas, Texas, the world’s largest collectibles auction house, will hold a public sale of U.S. coins. The public hours of the Long Beach Expo are Thursday and Friday, February 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $6 (good for all three days); $4 for members of any coin or stamp club who display a valid membership card; and $3 for seniors 65 and older. Free admission for children ages seven and younger. Discount coupons are available online at www.LongBeachExpo.com.   

Three people have been arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping attempt against Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, and apparently they have already been charged. Assistant Prosecutor Luis Martínez is heading the investigation in the case, as confirmed by Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez. Gomez explained that since president Ricardo Martinelli is involved in the case, then the profile of the investigation is immediately raised, and she said that she understands that charges have already been formulated against the detainees. Gomez said the public should know that the Public Ministry is doing its job and the public will be informed as the investigation develops. (Source: Kathyria Caicedo for Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: That's the first time I've seen an indication that this "foreigner" who is reportedly a Puerto Rican and therefore a US citizen, has been arrested. The previous article indicated that the person had been charged, but its possible to charge someone without having them in custody. Anyway, it now appears that whoever this person is, is now actually arrested and charged in this case.   

Panama's Attorney General, Ana Matilde Gomez, said today that in the case of the threat to the safety of President Ricardo Martinelli, (everyone) should wait until advances are made in the investigation being carried out by the Assistant Prosecutor, before making any statements on the case. Gomez declined to proved any additional details on the investigation, but she said charges have been filed against three individuals involved in the act denounced by President Martinelli, two members of the Institutional Protection System (SPI) and a foreigner. Gomez said the type of crime committed will determine the process, and not the fact that the person concerned is the President. "It will depend on what is achieved in the investigations. Let's wait. I can not speculate. Let's allow the Public Ministry to do its job and everything that is learned will be reported," said Gomez. This morning Panama's Minister of Trade and Industry said the two agents of the SPI, who have already confessed, said they were contacted by a Puerto Rican, who apparently was organizing a kidnapping in which the victim was to be president Martinelli. (Source: ABDIEL AUGUSTO PATINO for La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: This is the first confirmation I've seen that charges have been filed against the "foreigner" who is reportedly a Puerto Rican, which means a US citizen was possibly involved in organizing the attempt. In this press conference Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez is obviously asking everyone (including the Minister of Commerce and Industry) keep their collective mouths shut about this case until the prosecutor has had time to investigate. I have not seen anything to indicate that the Puerto Rican, who remains unnamed thus far, has been apprehended. And, I guess that means law enforcement officials are actively looking for this person. Obviously, there will be much more to come on this story as the information develops over time. Stay tuned.    

After five hours of deliberation a jury found Rogelios "Juana Peña" Ramos and Jorge Morgan guilty of attempted murder for the death of SUNTRACS worker Osvaldo Lorenzo. Ramos was acquitted of the "actual fact" (meaning, the prosecutor did not prove he actually pulled the trigger.) Miguel Ibarra, another defendant, was convicted of masterminding the murder. The other two defendants in the case, Gustavo Santimateo and Julio Coronado, who were only facing the charge of murder, were acquitted. Members of the Single National Union of Construction Industry Workers (SUNTRACS) said they are satisfied with the jury's verdict. The judge in the case, Secundino Mendieta, now has up to thirty days to sentence the men, who could face up to eight years in prison. (Source: Panama America)

Editor's Comment: SUNTRACS union organizers bussed large numbers of their members to the construction headquarters of the of Construtora Norberto Odebrecht S.A. company in Chilibre, who at the time was building the extension of the Northern Corridor to Colón. In Panama the SUNTRACS construction labor union has a terrible reputation as being left-wing extremists and trouble makers, so it's common for companies to try to keep their job sites from being organized by that union. Norberto Odebrecht did exactly that, and their job sites are organized by a competing union, the Sindicato Nacional de la Industria de la Construcción y Perforación de Panamá (SINTICOOP) (National Union of the Construction and Perforation Industry of Panama). The company's actions to keep SUNTRACS out of their job site severely pissed off the union leadership, mostly because each union member who is working pays 2% of his pay every month in union dues. The government contract to extend the Northern Corridor was a huge contract that potentially could have represented millions of dollars for the SUNTRACS coffers, and they were willing to fight for it. On the morning of Tuesday, 14 August 2007, the SUNTRACS leadership bussed several dozen of their members to Chilibre to confront and provoke the members of the SINTICOOP union who were there. SUNTRACS union members produced weapons and started firing into the Construtora Norberto Odebrecht S.A. compound. When the bullets started flying, these men from the SINTICOOP union (who were convicted in this jury trial) forcibly took a handgun from a security guard who was working at the scene and returned fire. One of those bullets struck Osvaldo Lorenzo in the chest and killed him. This was a lamentable and perfectly avoidable incident, resulting in the death of one man and another three men going to prison, all thanks to the irresponsible decision made by the leadership of the SUNTRACS labor union to provoke the conflict in the first place. And what happened to those guys? Not a damn thing. They manipulate people and situations, haul in millions of dollars in dues every year, and do practically nothing for their membership, beyond getting them killed in situations such as this. I lay the blame for the death of Osvaldo Lorenzo at the feet of the SUNTRACS union leadership - that's where it belongs.   

After 24 hours without details and just a brief official statement from the government, this morning Panama's Minister of Commerce and Industry Minister, Roberto Henriquez, revealed authorities have in fact uncovered a plan to kidnap the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli. Henríquez explained that two agents of the Institutional Protection System confessed to having participated in the planning to kidnap Martinelli. He said the officers were "apparently approached and penetrated by a foreigner from Puerto Rico who wanted to attempt to kidnap the President." Henriquez explained on the TVN channel 2 morning news broadcast that probably after kidnapping Martinelli they wanted to "transfer him physically to an unofficial group." "But the investigations continue and they have not concluded, and therefore there may be more ramifications," he added. Henríquez said information he has until the moment allows him to ensure that the information which has appeared in the press about the plan "is completely true." (Source: Manuel Vega Loo for La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Wow! All Puerto Ricans are US citizens. In the original Spanish language version of this article, Panama's Minister of Commerce and Industry actually says the two SPI officers were approached by "a foreigner of Puerto Rican nationality..." If in fact that is true, then the person who was involved in this plot is carrying a US passport and is a US citizen. You know what's funny? I thought I would be writing an article like this someday, but I never expected a kidnapping attempt against President Ricardo Martinelli. I thought I might eventually be writing about an attempt by someone from Puerto Rico to kidnap Pedro Miguel Gonzalez, who is an indicted criminal and fugitive from justice, wanted by the United States as an terrorist in the 1992 assassination of US Army Sergeant Zak Hernandez, who was Puerto Rican. Anyway, according to Henriquez this was a true and valid threat against Martinelli which involved the penetration of his security team, and the apparent participation of a US citizen. Not good.   

Expect a sizzling and fun social life this week, Aries. Venus enters into friendly Aquarius, so everyone’s out to have a good time. This is an excellent time to develop friendships, and book in parties. Emotionally, you run deep, however, and it is a good idea to tap into subterranean emotional waters in order to come to terms with good fortune. Mediation, and paying attention to sleeping dreams, helps you see the signposts of good fortune. An exacting partner expects you to work hard, but do your best to appreciate your self worth. You can’t please someone who’s never happy. Instead allow your reputation to speak for itself, someone positive will eventually notice and congratulate you for your efforts.

To see your horoscope, visit http://Playacommunity.Com at: http://www.playacommunity.com/daily-h...oroscopes/   

The questions continue. Ricardo Martinelli visited the offices of the Direction of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) last night, and the reason for this visit has become a mystery. Although the authorities have said little, informal reports indicate that three officers from the Institutional Protection System (SPI) are under investigation, allegedly for being involved in some type of activity that could endanger the life of President Martinelli. For his part, Panama's Anti Corruption Czar Fernando Núñez Fábrega said this could be related in some way to the theft of two computers from the offices of the National Council of Transparency Against Corruption (CNTCC). (Source: TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: Huh? The President of Panama had to go to the office of the DIJ? I mean, don't you think those guys should go to him? Something's going on, and it could be big. The PRD is really, really "upset" at the on-going investigations into corruption across the board, and into the activities of Ernesto Perez Balladares in particular. And remember, back just before the election there were strong rumors of the possibility of an assassination attempt against Martinelli. And now there's this weak report about how three SPI guys might have been involved in something that could have put Martinelli's life in danger? Listen - Martinelli is severely pissing off a whole lot of people, many of them with virtually unlimited resources. I would not put it past any of them to try to take him out. Remember, Panama and the rest of Latin America is only one generation away from the old days, when you tossed your problems into the Bay of Panama from a high flying helicopter. Many of the members of the (formerly) ruling political class are really nothing more than organized crime figures dressed up and disguised as politicians. I just watched a documentary last night on the theory of how the mafia killed JFK, so maybe my brain is tuned to entertain conspiracy theories right now. Anyway, "fugitaboutit..."   

This Monday morning the residents of the community of Nata, in Panama's Coclé province, awoke to the news of the discovery of the bodies of four men who had been executed. The bodies, which were bound hand and foot, were found near the water treatment plant of the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) of Nata. It is assumed these deaths are linked to drug trafficking, but that has not yet been confirmed. So far two of the victims have been identified; Eric Ramos and José Camargo. (Source: Kathyria Caicedo for Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: It's beginning to sound a lot like Mexico around here. Four guys found dead, executed? The government of Panama is already in a war, right now. The only good news in this story is that the bad guys are not targeting law enforcement officials or innocent civilians. Remember Pablo Escobar? He would set off car bombs in heavily populated areas as terrorist tactics. At least so far the drug traffickers are mostly sticking to executing those who have stolen from them, failed to come through, alerted authorities to their activities, etc. Reports like this sound bad, but it could be a lot worse. 99% of this activity simply misses the rest of us who are in no way involved in criminal activity or drug trafficking.    

By Claude Cartaginese for newsrealblog.com - Leftists in Latin America are in trouble. Costa Rica, Brazil, and Panama, for example, are all countries where the left has been defeated in recent elections or is in serious trouble. In Venezuela, Hugo Chávez’s approval ratings are down to an all-time low of 27%, and sinking almost as fast as Barack Obama’s. To add insult to injury, Latin Americans are no longer buying the leftist rhetoric. In a survey last month, a staggering 59 percent of Latin Americans surveyed agreed that a market economy is best for the future of the region. And now, in the latest rejection of socialism, billionaire Sebastian Pinera has won Chile’s election, becoming the nation’s first democratically elected right-wing president in 52 years. In Chile, Pinera’s promises to return to free-market principles have resonated with the people. After years of recession and failed socialist policies, Pinera, a Harvard-trained economist, has made it his goal to expand Chile’s economic growth 6 percent a year. Chile, which has the highest standard of living in Latin America, is one of the world’s largest producers of copper. After the socialist nationalization of the copper industry by a succession of leftist governments, billions of dollars in copper revenue were squandered in failed social programs. This win should really rattle Chile’s socialist neighbors. Land-locked Bolivia, ruled by socialist and Chávez-wannabe Evo Morales, has been pressuring Chile to provide it with access to the sea for years. Chávez himself may soon feel the coming tide. Pinera will be no Chávez clone; he will be more like Colombia’s conservative President Alvaro Uribe, an outspoken critic of socialism and Chávez, and a friend of the United States.   

The defense lawyer for former Panamanian Education Minister Salvador Rodríguez said today on TVN Channel 2 news that Rodriguez's arrest is nothing more than an administrative failure of the Ministry of Education. Victor Almengor, Rodriguez's lawyer, explained the law for public procurement law states if the contractor has failed to comply with his responsibilities, then the performance bond should be implemented. But in the case of contracts for the removal of fiberglass insulation from schools the Ministry of Education has not done so, and rather they have chosen to prosecute his client. Almengor insisted there is no evidence indicating Rodriguez had committed a crime. (Source: ABDIEL AUGUSTO PATINO for La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: Here's one for you. How about the fact that fiberglass insulation is not a hazardous material, and there's no need to pay contractors huge amounts of money to remove it in the first place. Back on 28 April 2008, now almost two years ago, I published two articles about this entire fiberglass removal scam, the first entitled "Fiberglass in Schools - Scandal and Debate Continues", and the second "More On the Bogus Fiberglass Scare (My Dad is a friggin' genius...)." The thrust of those articles was - "Personally, I think this entire debate over the use of fiberglass insulation is little more than a pork-barrel project. Want to "earn" a bunch of money from the government? Create a problem and then get hired to clean it up." And that was right on the money. These guys first created the problem, then they used the parents and the teachers at the schools to stir up the (ignorant) public even more by protesting over the (created) fiberglass problem, then once the contracts were let and the money was handed over, everyone just took their kickbacks and walked. This entire scandal was pure fabrication, and the only thing they wanted to do was create a problem so they could steal the money allocated to supposedly clean up the problem they created. They knew what they were doing from day one. And, so did I, about two years ago. They are fooling no one.   

Panama's Anti Corruption Czar Fernando Núñez Fábrega said this morning that computers were stolen from the offices of the National Council of Transparency Against Corruption. Núñez Fábrega reported on the TVN Channel 2 morning news broadcast the theft is clearly politically motivated to "protect someone who feels besieged by the Council's investigations." Núñez Fábrega said it was this person who sent someone to steal the material. The importance of this theft is that all of the confidential information related to the investigations their teams were conducting resided in those computers, said Núñez Fábrega. Nunez Fabrega emphasized that the person who entered the the offices of the National Council of Transparency against Corruption had "more skill than "Spider-Man." (Source: Manuel Vega Loo for La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Hopefully Fernando Núñez Fábrega's staff had good off-site backups of their most important information, but in fact I doubt it. In Panama generally speaking governmental offices are woefully behind when it comes to information technology, and particularly in the field of information security. Meaning, for the most part government workers are just happy to be using a computer rather than a typewriter and carbon paper - Panama is only about one step into the information age. There's a need for offsite secure data storage and maybe this incident will help the government to wakeup to the need. For this kind of stuff, it always feels like you're throwing your money away until you really, really need it. You know, like an insurance policy.    

Authorities seized 24 sacks of cocaine aboard a speedboat in Boca del Diablo, Kuna Yala. The "go fast" boat was equipped with three 200-hp outboard motors. Those responsible for the shipment have not yet been captured. This afternoon the drugs will be transferred to prosecutor's offices in Colon. (Source: Panama America)   

By Kim Sue-young, Staff Reporter - South Korea and Panama agreed Saturday to make a joint effort to hold a summit between Korea and Latin American countries this year. During a meeting with Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan in Tokyo, Panamanian Foreign Minister and Vice President Juan Carlos Varela expressed hope that a summit between Korea and SICA member countries will be held in the first half of this year, a ministry official said. The meeting took place on the sideline of the fourth Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) participated in by 34 countries in the region. Panama, the southernmost country in Central America, is the chair of the eight-member Central American Integration System (SICA) this year. The Panamanian minister said that Minister Yu gave a positive response and proposed having a discussion on an "appropriate date." "Details of the date and venue will be determined through further consultation," the official said, asking not to be identified. The entity of the Central American countries was established in December 1991 and formally came into operation two years later. Members include Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic. They seek to achieve regional peace and economic integration, and have a coordinated voice within the international society. Korea had the first summit with SICA member states in Guatemala in 1996 during the Kim Young-sam administration. The second round was held in Costa Rica in 2005 during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Panamanian Minister Varela asked for Korean companies' brisk participation in economic projects such as developing a copper mine in Panama, the official said. He expressed his willingness to visit Korea this year. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the FEALAC forum, Minister Yu promised to give strong consideration to demands and interests from FEALAC members in the G20 Summit slated for November in Seoul.   

By SHANNON MELNYK / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News PANAMA CITY, Panama – It's a new day in Central America. The $5.5 billion expansion of the hydraulic eighth wonder of the world, the Panama Canal, is expected to have a major impact on global trade in what has steadily become a bustling business hub of the Americas. Widening and deepening the passage will make room for a new generation of monster ships carrying anything from humans to a million barrels of oil, shaving weeks off of current transport times and reshaping trade patterns throughout the world. It also is expected to offer travelers new horizons to explore. Fittingly, "Panama" – loosely translated from an indigenous dialect – means abundance. With the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of the former Walmart employee and new Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, the new government plans to live up to the nation's name by profiting from world business with the birth of the bigger, better canal. In what may be a metaphorical baby shower, it's also injecting undisclosed millions into welcoming the world. With sights set on giving neighboring Costa Rica a run for its tourism dollars, Panama is gearing up to becoming both a cosmopolitan and resort destination, luring tourists with its spectacular Old World history, hurricane-free tropical beaches, luxury shopping and jungle adventures. (more)    Click Here To Read The Full Article (518 words)

Former President Martín Torrijos came to the fore on Saturday and asked for their constitutional rights of former Education Minister Salvador Rodríguez, who is in custody, to be respected. Torrijos said that all democracies have to be sustained within a state of law, which is why he said justice will be served for his former minister, who received special permission to attend his father's funeral. The former president said that without doubt they can investigate, but all of his rights should be respected. Salvador Rodriguez remains prison due to the investigations pending against him for the alleged misuse of state funds. (Source: TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: Weak. There's little the PRD or Martin Torrijos can do when faced with questions about guys like Belgis Castro, Salvador Rodriguez, Jaime Salas, or Ernesto Perez Balladares. The best they can come up with is "their rights should be respected." News Flash! These guys are getting more "respect" than the rest of the citizens of Panama, with the Supreme Court having to stop what they are doing to hear endless "preventative" requests for "habeas corpus" or whatever else, bogus legal maneuvers used by their lawyers to create smoke, slow down the process, or to turn the tables back on the members of the Public Ministry who are investigating them. Ana Matilde Gomez is a risk of being removed from her position as Panama's Attorney General, because she caught a corrupt prosecutor on tape using his power and influence to squeeze money out of a poor family - making them pay thousands of dollars or he would have their daughter transferred to the Women's Prison where it would be much more difficult for them to visit and to bring her food and basic hygiene supplies. In effect, the guilty guy (who was caught red-handed) has turned the tables. Now Perez Balladares' defense lawyers intend to file a complaint against the prosecutor who is investigating him, alleging "abuse of power." This, from the guy who abused his own power while president of Panama to sell off millions of dollars worth of state owned assets and resources to the highest bidder, taking bribes from all. None of these guys get any sympathy from me, and their calls of "respect my rights" ring hollow. The PRD remains in free-fall, and we might be witnessing the slow death of a political party right before our very eyes.   

After being granted provisional permission, former Education Minister Salvador Rodríguez went to the province of Chiriqui to attend the funeral of his father, José Arsenio Rodríguez, who died the morning of Jan. 15. The ceremony was held at the Del Carmen Church of David, which was also attended by former President, Martín Torrijos Espino. Rodriguez, who faces charges for alleged crimes against public administration, highlighted the work of his father in education and in the area of social communication. Jose Arsenio Rodriguez was highly regarded in the Chiriqui province, where he worked for many years at Radio Chiriqui. Upon completion of the ceremony the former minister had to return to the El Renacer Penitentiary, where he remains in detention. (Source: Telemetro)