Pedasi Iguana Reserve

An area comprising of 52 hectares and located within the province of Los Santos, in Pedasi is that of Iguana Island, a wildlife refuge. The area was declared a wildlife refuge in 1981 by the Government of Panama, which serves as an area for the protection of the various species located here.

The area has been heralded by researchers as being one of the most biodiverse, offering tourism and fishing resources that are really unparalleled in the world. The coral reef which is within the protected area has been found to be 4800 years old, making it the oldest in the world, and one of the largest protected coral reefs, measuring 14 and 15 hectares within the Gulf of Panama. The reef forms the basis for the breeding grounds for many commercially fished marine species and therefore forms the very sustainable source of this commercial sector.

A wide variety of marine life species can be found in this area and include over 170 different species of fish, and a number of different crustacean and bird species, although the frigate bird population has all but taken over the island. More than 5,000 frigate birds, locally known as tijerita, which means little scissors, inhabit the island, together with all the other and diverse creatures. Of the species of fish one may catch a glimpse of the spectacular spotted eagle rays, weasel sharks or the beautiful butterfly fish.

The site has furthermore gained popularity as an archaeological site too, due to the fact that fragmented pieces of pottery have been found at the site and which date back to pre-Colombian times. Security has further been stepped up in the area according to ANAM, who look after protected areas; this is to prevent illegal activities and possible poaching endeavors in the region, whilst an education drive continues with local fisherman for the implementation of conservation and sustainable development issues.

The region is exceptionally popular amongst eco tourists and students alike, with a recorded 2500 people having visited the island up to June of 2009. The management of the region charges an entrance fee of $10 per person or $5 per student, and the island can be accessed by boat from Pedasi. The short boat ride takes about ½ an hour, and one can negotiate a suitable rate with local fisherman who can provide transport to the island. Pedasi is located in the Los Santos province and is just over 320km from Panama City.

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Pearl Islands get Floating Boutique Hotel

November marks the date for the addition of a new boutique hotel to Panama’s impressive portfolio of resorts, hotels and accommodations. The hotel takes the form of a cruise ship, built in Germany and named The Sea Voyager.

The Sea Voyager, which will cruise around the Peal Islands Archipelago will offer the benefits of private yacht-like facilities and ambience, with a maximum guest capacity of 64 guests, accommodated in 33 rooms on the three deck liner.

The cruises are centered around the eco tourism aspect and potential of the region and were designed by world renowned Swiss hotelier Andre Niederhauser, who also serves as promoter to the Cuna di Vida vacation property and group. Itineraries aboard the luxury ship include swimming and horseback riding onshore by day and by night luxurious gourmet dining on board the ship. The crew of the vessel originate from the Lindblad fleet, which according to Niehauser offer superior service and standards, and hence the retention of the closely knit team on board the Sea Voyager. Cruises onboard the pioneering eco tourist destinations are available in three, four and seven day itineraries, with special launch promotions available until December 2009.
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Building permits soar, to beat 20 year tax exemption

The number of building permits issued in June 2009 was almost four times the amount issued over the same period in 2008. According to the Comptroller General the significant increase in building permits issued, which amount to $550 million is largely due to the looming deadline of the 20 year tax exemption.

This pattern of rushing at the last minute to get the permits before the deadline has been repeated year on year for the preceding decade, with each administration extending the deadline through their respective terms, however to date no such notification has been received from the Martinelli administration.
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Why Iran is No Good for Latin America

External involvement in Iran has continued to draw criticism from various quarters, however with the recent and apparently blatant fraudulent activities around the recent elections, many of the critics are now raising an eyebrow and considering alternative viewpoints on the country of Iran.

Clashes between government forces and their own citizens, voicing concerns over alleged fraud and corruption within the recent elections has resulted in the loss of a legitimate voice within the region. The result is that once staunch supporters are now not really willing to stand up and speak in defense of the errant leadership and government of the now decidedly split political ranks of Iran.

With the lack of support from some of its supporters, Iran is now being scrutinized from the perspective of what threats can possible emanate from what has become a somewhat volatile power within the Middle East and more specifically within its nuclear program and research.

A subject that has not achieved as much media attention is that of Iran’s interest and activities within Latin America, which is not a new area of interest but has been steadily gaining for the previous 20 years. This originally culminated with the orchestrated attacks in Buenos Aires, in the 1990s against the Israeli Embassy and the Jewish Community Center. Iran, with its considerable oil wealth has established significant ties and investments within the Latin American region, which include the fact that the country is the second biggest investor within the South American county of Venezuela, by virtue of its considerable investments within the oil programs in Venezuela, as well as their provision of funding for various housing schemes within the country. This influence and investment has extended to Bolivia, within which this country has agreed to the cooperative agreement, worth over $1 billion in their oil, gas and industrial sectors. In addition to this investment within the Bolivian health sector has resulted in a number of training facilities for healthcare professionals, as well as several health clinics for the Bolivian population. Additional initiatives have extended to Ecuador and Nicaragua in various energy production developments, as well as medical services and provisions to the people of the respective nations.

This strategy, according to some speculators is typical of the extremists groups that employ a tactic of social responsibility, as displayed by their involvement with hospitals, training facilities as well as power and energy provision; which serves as a mask for their ultimate extremists goals and actions. Some might even say that this is an effort of seeking support during times of increasing alienation by Europe and the US over their nuclear program.

With the latest developments, which some term as an illegitimate leadership and government, it may well be the opportunity for some of the Latin American leaders to consider the true motives of the Iran government in their display of social investment within the region. Perhaps the initiatives implemented and agreed upon by the respective countries are not purely based upon social welfare for the Latin American people, and these funded projects may be nothing short of buying the support of these countries and her peoples.
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Panama City Rental Pricing Declines

Panama City has developed significantly over the years, with the addition of a multitude of construction initiatives, both from a residential and commercial perspective which has changed the skyline of Panama on a continual basis, and will continue to do so as Panama continues to develop and gain in popularity as both a tourism and business destination.

If one considers the cost of living, as well as the bargains that could be had in Panama with respect to the real estate that one could have secured in 2004 as compared with current prices, needless to say those prices have skyrocketed. From raw land, coastal properties to condos, prices went through the roof for reasons that may be seen as speculative, as well as well founded sentiment regarding the progression of Panama as a country. Developments such as the Panama Canal expansion project, the variety of incentive initiatives may well have played a role, however many believe that a lot of hype around the real estate in Panama was based upon efforts to follow on Costa Rica’s example of their real estate growth and development.

Ironically though, or perhaps due to the extensive supply that is now available within the rental market, the prices to rent these very apartments have plummeted. So much so that some apartments, which were going for about $2000 per month, rent in certain areas, have now become available at 50% of that going rate. Regardless of which side of the fence you are one, whether as an owner investor or rental tenant indicates that the supply is so extensive that naturally such a correction or leveling out was bound to occur sooner or later. This type of market correction provides a lot of opportunities for people looking to rent, as well as for those that travel to Panama on business regular and even the tourist that may prefer to stay in an apartment as opposed to a hotel or resort, as this effectively provides some of the most cost effective accommodations regardless of term of stay within the country at the moment.

The oversupply of apartments for the rental market, has resulted in many a buyer that entered the market a little late to actually now consider selling their unit, as this oversupply naturally extends to the selling prices of the units that are now available. It seems that all remains relative within any real estate market regardless of where and which country it is situated in. There is a quarter calling for added benefits and initiatives for foreign investment into these widely available apartments to encourage a more stable growth and reduce, what some may term as the state of flux that appears to be occurring, however considering the current global scenario it may take a while before cycles return to ‘normal.’
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Panama’s Tax Standing

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Pope Benedict XVI invited to Panama

The meetings between the dignitaries were focused on both the regional and international economic and religious situations, and specifically the situation within Panama. Issues around the social initiatives and policies, with an eye future developments as well as the promotion of the Christian faith and values within Panama were discussed in relation to the current collaboration and relationship of the Church and State in Panama.

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Al Gore in Panama

Al Gore’s sensational ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ lecture will be delivered by the now world renowned environmental activist Mr. Gore himself. Al Gore who served as Vice President in the United States, under President Bill Clinton, has made a significant name for himself within the environmental movement, after the release and acclaimed success of the documentary movie of the same name. The documentary was premiered at the well known Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently nominated and awarded a number of Academy awards.

Mr. Gore’s presentation and lecturer around the issue of global warming and climate change, depicts the scientific predictions of the effects of these climatic issues and how these may well be realized within our lifetimes. The lecture is scheduled to be held at the Anayansi Theater, and is sponsored by Copa Airlines and BAC Credomatic Network, with tickets available from Blockbuster and ranging from $100 to $300, there are discounts for group bookings as well as students and seniors. Based upon the movie that was released in 2006, the lecture will be conducted in English with Spanish translation and will include the latest research and current data pertaining to the current situation of the climatic conditions under question. Gore’s message to the world is that if we do not monitor and adjust or current lifestyle choices and habits that these factors will influence the earth’s climate and the future of the planet for our descendents, and hence a more aware and responsible approach needs to be implemented today.

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Telecommunications Security Law

The debate regarding telecommunications security, within which operators of telephones, cellular phones and internet providers will be required to retain information of the users of their services. Concerns regarding the invasion of privacy have arisen at the mention of this proposed Law Number 28, of which the Ministry of Government and Justice stated that this was not an attempt at legalization of such privacy invasion, nor wiretapping of any telephone conversations. There are stakeholders who have withdrawn from the discussions around this proposed bill, due to the fact that the perception of this proposal is a gross violation of civil liberties and freedom, although this proposal is still at the discussion level.

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