The search operations set up by the National Police (PN) this past weekend in San Joaquín, Panamá Viejo, and Mañanitas, yielded the re-capturing of three fugitives that recently escaped from La Joyita prison. According to a press release from the PN, the first capture took place in the neighborhood of 8 de Septiembre in Mañanitas, when authorities apprehended José Junier Martínez (23 years old), who had escaped from La Joyita last Friday, Nov. 13. Martinez is charged with murder. Meanwhile, in San Joaquín, officials captured Fernando Garcés, who at the time of detention fired shots at police, who responded hitting his right ankle. Upon capture, Garcés gave a false name, but after an identification check, police confirmed his true identity and seized a 9mm pistol with six bullets from him. Garcés escaped from La Joyita this past Sept. 4 and is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. The last was Alberto Miller, seized on 9th street in Panamá Viejo, after public complaints informed of the location of the fugitive. Miller fled La Joyita last Sept. 4, similar to Garcés, and is accused of homicide. The three criminals, previously at large, are now in the hands of the corresponding authorities. Full ...

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La Estrella - The construction of the third set of locks for the expansion of the Panama Canal will begin in January 2010, said yesterday executive director of the consortium that won the bidding for the project, Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), Antonio Zaffaroni. "We are at the beginning and there are many bureaucratic procedures, presentations that have to be done, and permits to obtain. The real work starts in January. For now it's all preparation, removal of animals, cutting trees..." said the official from the GUPC consortium, led by Spanish company Sacyr Vallehermoso. Zaffaroni said the first phase of the work will be the excavation, after having established "the facilities to produce concrete, crushed stone, cement and equipment to unload the arriving supplies." GUPC won the contract to build the third set of locks in mid-July for $3.1 billion dollars. Regarding the concerns raised over the difficulty of getting the job done at that price, Zaffaroni said "at present" there is "nothing alarming." "The budget is lower due to better technical skills, because having studied the project well it will cost less because we have optimized transportation cycles and construction methods," he said. The international consortium, which also includes the Italian company ...

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The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) confirmed that they will provide assistance to the five survivors of a fire that was reported yesterday morning on 24 de Diciembre. This was announced by the entity’s director general, Arturo Alvarado, on RPC Radio, where he confirmed that three of the fire’s victims had died. In the afternoon hours, humanitarian aid was delivered on behalf of the Office of the First Lady. Although no precise details were released about what caused the fire, Alvarado said the Fire Department of Panama was the one who was responsible for quelling the blaze. Full story and link can be found at: http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2009/11/16/hoy/english/news_1544.asp

Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu, announced on Sunday details about the new transportation system for the city of Panama, which is called "Metro Bus”. It will be a "comfortable" and "reliable" system, according to the official, who added that its passengers would be charged one sole fare. Papadimitriu, who is also chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Presidency, noted that, in order to implement the new model, the entity will need to make a change that "will not be easy, but we will achieve it." He also assured that they would comply with the due procedures for awarding the concession of the new buses. In a press conference at the Presidency, Papadimitriu stated that on Nov. 26 of this year, officials would make available through “Panama Compra”, the terms of reference corresponding to the bidding process for the new transportation system. The official said the new Metro Bus system will commence operations on March 29, 2010, taking over the buses currently in operation, which he said will be replaced in part by that date until the complete 100 percent of the buses has been replaced. Full story and link can be found at: http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2009/11/16/hoy/english/news_1545.asp

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Many people don't understand the difference between sewers and storm drains in Panama City, and here's why. In fact there are two drainage systems, one that's supposed to handle all of the "black" water and human waste, and another that's supposed to only handle rain runoff from the streets. However, many times the little rivers and drainage streams that run through the middle of the city smell like open sewer pits, so people often make the mistaken assumption that those streams are either the primary sewage system, or that in fact there is no sewage system in Panama City and all of the human waste just goes straight into the Bay of Panama. The truth is that there is a comprehensive sewer system in Panama City which handles the waste generated by the more than 1.4 million residents every day. However these little rivers and streams frequently receive contaminated water and materials that are supposed to be handled by the sewer system. The sewer system is severely overtaxed and its infrastructure is crumbling. When a sewer pipe collapses or otherwise becomes blocked somewhere along the system, the sewer ...

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The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) have initiated assessments on the proposed construction of a new port in the district of Aguadulce. These assessments began with a visit last Saturday by staff from the Planning Department and Pre-Investment Fund to the area of La Caleta, along El Salado beach; a prospective site for the work. The inspection was conducted with the purpose of reviewing the proposed request for non-refundable funding presented by the Technical Board of the province of Coclé, chaired by Governor Julio Pinzón. Jaime Pérez, MEF planner, disclosed that the officials were assessing project feasibility, technical aspects related to the site chosen for the work, and conditions of the old port. Later, he said, they will be hiring a consulting firm specializing in ports to carry out an official feasibility study. "It's a very interesting project and, from our point of view, it is viable in all aspects: socio-economic, some technical. But that will be ultimately decided by the profile or prefeasibility study carried out," he said. It was learned unofficially that the proposed cost to the MEF for the port project is an estimated $89,000. One of the businessmen who has ...

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Five additional tanks to store crude oil will be built by Petroterminal de Panamá (PTP) as part of a pipeline expansion project, which implies an investment of $480 million. Two tanks will be erected on the Atlantic side, with a capacity of 631,000 barrels, 80.79 meters in diameter, and 20.47 meters high; and three tanks are slated for construction on the Pacific side, with a storage capacity of 693,800 barrels, 80.79 meters in diameter, and 22.40 meters high. PTP reported that the engineering design for construction of the oil storage tanks is regulated by industry standards, using structural steel materials. The works, currently in the final stages of construction, include the erecting of a dam within which the tanks will be installed; a network of sewers and process piping; and a pump station within the tank farm on the Atlantic. Also included is a fire system and control systems. The company used the existing pipeline, adding two pumping stations of the same capacity to the existing ones in the Atlantic basin, and changing the valves, among other modifications. The pipeline reversal project and the expansion of storage capacity is expected to allow for the pipeline to ...

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PANAMA - The social program Opportunities Network, designed by the last president administration, will be revived by the present Panamanian government next November, reported official sources. Guillermo Ferrufino, Minister of Social Development, pointed out he will reintroduce the mechanism, before many no-work months which generated worries among the thousands of people benefited by the initiative. Authorities will materialize payments retroactively and will also add December payment, that is why they will spend about 24 million dollars. The Opportunities Network reaches 75 Panamanian families and gives social security contribution of 50 dollars monthly. Government will also pay next November 16 to 18 the second charity raffle ticket to people above 70 years who do not have a pension, program that reaches more than 55 thousand people. Full story and link can be found at: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/november/15/centam-091115-02.htm

By SANTIAGO Fascetto for La Prensa - The former Comptroller Alvin Weeden said yesterday that the company Ports Engineering and Consultants Ltd. (ECCP) was created to "steal tax money" from the State. He accused, by first and last name, those politicians who benefited with the money generated by the company: Hugo Torrijos, Rubén Reyna and Ernesto Pérez Balladares. "The purpose was to steal tax money, they saw that it was generating $3 million dollars per year and operating expenses were only $400,000 per year. It was business," said the former official in conversation with La Prensa. In 1997 PECC signed a contract with the now defunct National Port Authority (APN) to assist in the navigation of ships arriving in Panamanian waters. Hugo Torrijos was the administrator of the APN, and Ruben Reyna was the deputy, during the administration of Perez Balladares. Weeden was tasked to carry out, in his position as the Comptroller General of the Republic, an investigation into the alleged damage to the State, which resulted in the exposure of the complex network of companies, businessmen, and politicians who were behind the PECC. "They were so cynical that they didn't even buy furniture or anything, they just used the ...

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By Eric Sabo - Nov. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Panama may sell as much as $500 million of bonds to finance construction of a subway and other infrastructure projects, Finance Minister Alberto Vallarino said. “We have enough money for the budget now,” Vallarino said in an interview today in Panama City. “But if the timing is right, we will take advantage of it.” Panama is preparing to return to overseas credit markets after Standard & Poor’s boosted the outlook on its BB+ credit rating to positive on Nov. 9, putting the Central American country on the cusp of investment grade. The ratings company said faster economic growth, boosted by the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal, and tax increases are helping keep the budget deficit in check. Panama last sold bonds in international markets in March, when it issued $323 million in a reopening of 7.25 percent securities due in 2015. Latin American governments and companies are selling debt abroad as the global economic recovery fuels demand for the securities. Panama is rated Ba1 by Moody’s Investors Service and BB+ by Standard & Poor’s. Both ratings are one level below investment grade. Vallarino said that he expects Panama to win an investment ...

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Sale Price : $ 85,000 Type: Apartment Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Beach/Islands Address: GORGONA BEACH Property Infomation Bedrooms: 1 Stories: N/A Bathrooms: 1 Garage: N/A Area: 55 Square Meters Sleeps: N/A Features Swimming Pools Appliances Furnished Description Location This apartement is located in Serena Beach, Gorgona at 50 minutes from Panama city and 5 minutes from the main stores and malls underconstruction in Coronado located at the three floors Description of the complex The block has 5 floors Parking area A hotel in the first floor Restaurant A Big swimining pool with showers, tables and chairs Private and direct access to the Beach. located within walking distance to the Beach a reserve water ta nk of 40,000 galons completetly fenced Description of the apartement Completetly renovated apartement , from the door, windows , floors furniture, etc it sales with brand new furniture such as. ....Washer and dryer machine, Refrigerater table set with chairs stove fans air conditioner furniture to put your clothes a queen size it have big glass windows in the front, living room kitchen a room with toilet inside and a litle room to store things Contact ...

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Sale Price : $ 395,000 Type: House Status: For Sale Construction Year: 1995 Location: Beach/Islands Address: Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro Property Infomation Bedrooms: 3 Stories: N/A Bathrooms: 3 Garage: N/A Area: 4,956.33 Square Feet Sleeps: N/A Features Direct Ocean Front Ocean View Internet/Phone Balcony/Terrace Laundry Room Maid's Bathroom Maid's Quarters Pet Friendly Appliances Furnished Description * Location: Caribbean island of Solarte in the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Republic of Panama. Tranquil rainforest retreat 15 minuets by boat from shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in Bocas town. * Site: 4,956.33 m2 (1+ acre); buildings are nestled among the tropical growth 45 feet above the refreshing breezes of the Caribbean. Extensive landscaping of tropical trees, plants, nature paths, concrete walkway to dock, outdoor shower. * Main house: 2,109 sq. ft.; Great Room with 24 foot vaulted ceiling is connected to covered terraza by 12 large wooden French doors; Master BR, Guest BR, and two full baths. All the quality furnishings are included. * Design: The main house creates a feeling of integrating the nature of the outdoors with ...

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Sale Price : $ 220,000 Type: Land Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Mountains Address: Near Caldera Property Infomation Bedrooms: N/A Stories: N/A Bathrooms: N/A Garage: N/A Area: 10 Hectares Sleeps: N/A Features Description A 10 Hectare (25 acres) farm that straddles the Chiriqui River for over 800 meters. Home sites, cabins, so many possibilities. The farm has power and water access. This farm is only 40 minutes away from Boquete or one hour away from David Center. Contact Information To contact the owner of this property – please click here…

Sale Price : $ 19,000 Type: Land Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Mountains Address: Boqueron Property Infomation Bedrooms: N/A Stories: N/A Bathrooms: N/A Garage: N/A Area: 7000 Square Meters Sleeps: N/A Features Description A 7000 square meter lot located in the mountains of Boque ron, Chiriqui. The lot has access to power and water. I Contact Information To contact the owner of this property – please click here…

Sale Price : $ 142,735 Type: Land Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Beach/Islands Address: PENONOME Property Infomation Bedrooms: N/A Stories: N/A Bathrooms: N/A Garage: N/A Area: 9.5 Hectares Sleeps: N/A Features Mountain View Description Location Locatet at La Candelaria,penonome at 25 km from the town of penonome Descriptionthis a beautiful property in a very safe area of clean and hard work people charging you cheap prices for their job the property is 9.5 hectareas it has a beautiful view of the mountains a creek nice topography fully titled it sales for $1.50 per square meters Ubicacion localizado en la candelaria de penonome a 27 km de el centro en penonome Descripcion Esta ermosa propiedad tiene una topografia bastante plana Consta de 9.5 hectareas tiene hermosa vista a la montana por todos sus alrededores consta con una quebradita con agua todo el ano Esta completamente titulada, lista para la venta La propiedad a sido limpiada y cercada tiene algunos arboles frutales como mango,limon , nance, palmas de coco, Su precio de venta es de $1.50 por metro cuadrado. el terreno mide 95157.18 m2 el precio de venta seria ...

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Sale Price : $ 13,260 Type: Land Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Beach/Islands Address: chame celaje Property Infomation Bedrooms: N/A Stories: N/A Bathrooms: N/A Garage: N/A Area: 883 Square Feet Sleeps: N/A Features Description FLAT PROPERTY,TITLE,WATER,ELECTRICITY,NATURAL AREA,NICE PEOPLE AROUND CLEAN, HONEST AND PROFESIONALS.} LESS THAN 1 MINUTE FROM THE BANK, RESTAURANT,CLINIC,PHARMACIES,POLICEMAN,FIREMAN,CIBER CAFE,AND THE HIGHWAY ONLY 4 MINUTES FROM MALIBU AND SERENA BEACH 5MINUTES FROM SUPERMARKET,PHARMACY,HOSPITAL OPEN 24/7 DAYS A WEEK, MAC DONALD, 2 MALLS UNDER CONSTRUCTION,RESTAURANT AND GOLF. ALSO AIRPORT CLOSE ENOUGH AND A RIVER CLOSE BY TOO ABOUT 3 MINUTES. we have 883sq for 13260 and 1000sq lot for 15000 LOTES CON EL MEJOR PRECIO QUE PODRÁ ENCONTRAR EN EL AREA Y LA MEJOR CALIDAD PLANOS,TITUL ADOS, CON AGUA DEL IDAAN CON BUENA PRESION,ELECTRICIDAD,BUEN AMBIENTE NATURAL,BUENOS VECINOS, AREA LIMPIA, AREA SEGURA,CON LUCES EN LA NOCHE, A MENOS DE UN MINUTO DEL BANCO, LA POLICIA,BOMBEROS,RESTAURANTES CIBER CAFES,CLINICA,FARMARCIA. CERCA DE LA PLAYA A TAN SOLO 4 MINUTOS DE LAS PLAYAS MALIBU, PLAYA SERENA Á 5 MINUTOS DEL SUPERMERCADO, FARMACIA, Y HOSPITAL 24 H ...

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Sale Price : $ 425,000 Type: Apartment Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Panama City Address: Building Pacific Park Seventh floor Avenida Balboa Property Infomation Bedrooms: 3 Stories: 1 Bathrooms: 3 Garage: 2 Area: 255 Square Meters Sleeps: N/A Features City View Ocean View Internet/Phone Cable TV Gym/Spa Tennis Court Pool Laundry Room Maid's Bathroom Maid's Quarters Furnished Description Apartment with 255 square meters Magpie Avenida Balboa Park - Building Pacific Park Seventh floor. Best place in town with direct views OLDER Cinta Costera-Casco and the Pacific Ocean at 100 meters 5 Bath-Living - Studio with Commedor-Full Bar-3 bedrooms with bathrooms - Bathroom social- fourth employee bathroom-Laundry-Kitchen (fully equipped: dishes, pots, cutlery etc.) - Entrance hall-5-split air conditioners 2 parking-furnished (minus the pictures or paintings), full equipped gym room See photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/44546356@N08/sets/72157622640966313/ Contact Information To contact the owner of this property – please click here…

Sale Price : $ 190,000 Type: Commercial Status: For Sale Construction Year: N/A Location: Panama City Address: Calle 42, Bella Vista Property Infomation Bedrooms: N/A Stories: N/A Bathrooms: N/A Garage: N/A Area: N/A Sleeps: N/A Features Description The Dlirio is American owned and designed to American standards. It is located on Calle 42, Bella Vista, in the middle of Panama City’s fine restaurant district. The Dlirio features a ground floor restaurant that seats 120 and has 3 private dining rooms. Dlirio’s second floor is a Bar/Disco that seats 80. This turnkey offer includes business & full liquor lic enses, govt. and tax permits, etc. – all fully transferable. There are no liens against the Dliro. All furniture and equipment is included as well – all the way down to the knives & forks! The Dlirio is priced to sell at $190,000. If you like the restaurant business, this offer is literally a steal! See full details at http://www.bizmeds.biz/pdf/dlirio.pdf Contact Information To contact the owner of this property – please click here…

TVN Noticias - Ninety-eight (98) bags with "white flour" were found inside a container that was abandoned in a warehouse on Via Tocumen, near the University of Technology. The container from South America was supposed to contain 36 stoves, but upon inspection authorities found only six stoves and 98 sacks full of drugs. When they were opened officials found a big surprise, since the bags contained illegal substances. The police are investigating together with the anti drug prosecutor to determine exactly what kind of drugs are in the container, as well as to determine the other circumstances surrounding this case, to determine if it involves the theft of goods or substances. Tomorrow the police are expected to provide a more detailed report on this bust. Full story and link can be found at: http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20091110213551248

Prior to being elected president, Ricardo Martinelli rated the propaganda of Martín Torrijos' government as "expensive, personalistic" and seeking reelection. Since taking office this past July 1, Martinelli's administration has spent $2.1 million on publicity. This figure would be enough to build 27 schools with basic infrastructure. "The government has obtained a net or premium rate for some campaigns", justified Astrid Salazar, head of the state publicity department. Salazar added that "no money was wasted, as some campaigns were refused on the grounds that they did not have specific objectives to benefit the people." Meanwhile, the National Council of Private Enterprise "asked the Government to practice through actions what their words preached during the campaign." "This expenditure is justified only if warranted to communicate something to the community, but if it's the habit of advertising to advertise, then they are missing the change," said Gaspar García de Paredes, president of the business guild. Meanwhile, Rubén Castillo Gil, of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives, asked the Government for "austerity" and not to use publicity for partisan politics. According to Jaime Porcell, a market researcher, "the government is unwilling to discuss, so it needs marketing.” Full story and link can be found at:

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