Panama: Bocas Dolphins Under Threat, and Non-Lethal Personal Security Devices in Panama. · Global Voices
Melissa De León

#1: From The Noriegaville News, Bocas Dolphins Under Threat :
My own opinion of this project is it is simply a commercial venture using and probably abusing the natural resources of Panama. The continued use of the buzzword abundance in their proposal confirms my feeling. How do you increase abundance by removing the dolphins from the bay? I agree that dolphins are not an endangered species as I have sailed through schools of thousands off Venezuela and on the
Eastern Caribbean. However, there is not an overabundance of dolphins in Dolphin Bay.
The few dolphins there are like pets to the local population and they are very disturbed, deservedly, about their possible loss. Read the complete story…
#2: From Panama Guide, Non-Lethal Personal Security Devices in Panama :
Compared to many parts of the United States it's relatively easy to obtain a permit to legally carry a handgun in Panama. From personal experience I know that carrying a handgun for self defense is usually a bad idea, especially in a foreign country and I strongly suggest you think twice before you go that route. If you produce the weapon and draw a bead your next decision might include taking another human life. There are, however, viable alternatives. Continue reading…
#3: MsABCMom on Schools in Panama:
We were in Panama to witness the first week of the school year. As an educator here in the U.S. many of the things I observed made a great
impression on me. Here are some of those things:
Some kids may not get all of their books right away or at all. If they can't afford then, the books are available for use or for copying at the libraries. One of my cousins did this last year. Everyday after school she would go to the library to borrow her school books there. I also witnessed another means of gaining access to school books when I was there. A 13 year old boy in my aunt's neighborhood was selling “chance” numbers to earn money for his books. He was selling numbers at 10 cents a piece for a win or $2-$3 dollars. He would profit about $4 in the end. I bought two tickets from him and then later in the day when I found out why he was selling the numbers, I handed him $5 to go toward his book fund. Read more…
#4: C.J. Schexnayder from Klephblog visits Panama: The Panama Canal
As the $5.2 billion effort to expand the Panama Canal begins to gain headway, the Panama Canal Authority has started giving a peek into the scheduling of this massive project. Earlier this month, the authority – which oversees the management of
the canal – held an infoconference to provide details on the seven-year
project for companies interested in participating.
Some 600 representatives from 222 firms and 34 countries attended the three-day Panama City conference held on March 8-10 in Panama City, Panama. At the meetings the authority gave a rough timeline for the bids to be let for outside companies to take part in the project – the dredging of the ocean entrances, the dry excavation of the Pacific side lock channel and a single massive contract for both sets of locks. Read the complete post…
#5: Learn how to cook plantains the Panamanian way: Patacones  101 – Tostones (ES /EN)
If you have ever wondered how to prepare patacones, this post is for you. If you have dreamed enough about a crunchy
patacón and salivated while others prepare this tropical delicacy, this is your lucky day. We have prepared this pictorial, step by step tutorial that will make you the star of the kitchen. People will rave about you and your patacones! The best part is that patacones are delicious by themselves or as a side dish with your favorite meat, fish or chicken dish. Continue Reading…