Stories about Panama from April, 2012
Panama: New Law Establishes Ministry of Culture
On April 24, 2012, the National Assembly of Panama approved yesterday the "Law of Culture", which among other things elevates the National Institute of Culture to the Ministry of Culture. The main sponsor of the law, Deputy Jose Blandon announced it yesterday on Twitter, which became a reflection of the Panamanians that approved the bill.
Panama: Poor But Not Forgotten Thanks to Online Videos
Coco Solo was once a United States Navy submarine base on the Panama Canal Zone, near Colón, Panama. Today, Coco Solo is the home of some of the poorest, most marginalized Panamanians. Online videos are a few of the available online media that show life in this community.
Panama: President Martinelli's Confrontation with Journalist Generates Controversy
President Ricardo Martinelli called a press conference to clear up the matter of the scandal connecting him with the Italian businessman Lavitola, but he ended up in a confrontation with a journalist, making reference to a past drug problem. Social networks immediately reverberated with shows of contempt for and condemnation of the President's words.
Panama: Italian Scandal Rocks Martinelli Government
Links between Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and Italian citizen Valter Lavitolla have placed the Panamanian government in the eye of the story, following the arrest of the Italian at the Rome airport on accusations of bribery and corruption. Fingers have been pointed at other members of the Panamanian government for allegedly taking bribes during tendering for contracts to build prisons.
Panama: Traffic Congestion Sparks Online Reports and Complaints
Transport is one of Panama's biggest problems and traffic jams are an everyday occurrence in the Panamanian capital. Social networking sites, especially Twitter, are seen as a good way of avoiding them or grumbling about them.
Internet Campaigns Invite Tourists to Visit Latin America
There are many web pages and blogs used to promote tourism in Latin America. We provide links to some of these pages here, and share a conversation with Global Voices author Jorge Gobbi, who is a specialist blogger on the subject of tourism.
Panama: Netizens Urge President to Sign Law to Protect Animals
Panama's National Assembly approved a new law that protects domestic animals. But several days later, the law is still awaiting presidential approval. In the mean time, netizens on social networks discuss the law, pushing for its approval by sending messages to urge the President to sign it.
Panama: A Video Testimony on Mining in the Azuero Peninsula
Joao Quiróz from Medio Cerrado [es] interviews Joaquín Moreno, a resident of the Herrera province in the Azuero Peninsula in Panamá, about mining. Joaquín tells Joao about his opposition to a mining project in the area.
