News and events

09/01/2010

If you live in Panama City = are you seeing yellow :} everywhere --

For more than 3.5 years we've heard that the government had regulated that all cabs would be painted yellow - but we never saw them getting painted - then all of a sudden there is a deadline of December 31, 2009 and lo and behold - all the cabs are yellow. Nice to see some regulations being followed.

The Martinelli government released the plans and route for the proposed rapid transit train. It seems by the route that it is designed to move the largest groups of people who generally use the diablo rojos or the cabs it is unlikely it will reduce the car traffic but it should cut down on the buses and that's a good thing. It should also make the lives of these people easier as the trains will have schedules and they will not be packed in like sardines.

In our 3 years here in Panama we have seen many changes but one of the most encouraging is the shift toward being aware that trash and litter is unsightly and causes health issues. We are seeing signs on highways admonishing not to toss trash and in our area, trash cans being placed along roadways.

One more thing I hope evolves and changes is the attitude toward dogs and cats - it makes my heart cry when I see the strays and the unwanted.

Donna and I spent some time going through all of the pictures we took in 2009 and created a slide show - we hope you enjoy it. http://www.whypanama.net/2009review/index.html

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I am hoping to hear from some people that have untitled land on the coast or island to see if they know anything more about the implementation of the new law 80. So far I haven't heard anything but as soon as I do I will

The new land titling law was passed by the Panamanian legislature last week - the new law 80 will allow all lands owned under derecho posesorio (right of possession - ROP) - lots of changes were introduced and hard fought by the opposition groups  and in the end any land up to 5 hectares will be titled without fees, whereas any land holdings above 5 hectares will be subject to a fee based on where the land is located. Some of these titled lands are going to be very expensive. The government just released the final piece, the regulations or implementation guidelines and I have not had an opportunity to review them yet. As everyone knows, the devil is in the details.

Please don't forget the Arraijan Shelter for rescued dogs and cats. www.TheyNeedYourLove.org - if you can spare as little as $10 a month that would make a huge difference in the life of one dog or cat.

Don't forget to join me on Twitter. I enjoy meeting so many interesting people in Panama and around the world. If  you are on Twitter let me know - I can be found as "PanamaTweet". Donna's Twitter handle is "ICanGarden" - follow us.

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