By claire Morris: Tourists in Panama eager to experience “real” indigenous culture may be disappointed to learn that these Embará Indians buy their sarongs from an Asian importer. Time stands still in this village. Or does it? Parara Puru might be sheltered by the Panamanian rain forest, accessible only by dugout canoe from the Río Chagres, but the women who greet us as we climb the slope from the jetty wear cloth imported from Taiwan wrapped around their waists. As they lead us into the great hall—a massive open-air thatched structure—I notice tables crowded with intricate baskets and masks, carved wooden birds, and bracelets fashioned from local stones. These handmade wares are displayed solely for our group’s browsing pleasure, in the hopes that we’ll buy. And Antonito Sarco, this Emberá Indian community’s frontman, might be clad in a colourful loincloth and wear beadwork around his neck, but he’s relaying orders into a cellphone and speaking Spanish instead of his native Emberá dialect.
So much for feeling like an explorer from a faraway land who happens upon indigenous peoples for the first time.
I sink onto a bench inside the hall, joining 15 others who have travelled from England, Japan, Australia, and Greece to make this journey down the Río Chagres to this cluster of dwellings that is home to about 80 people. We listen to our guide’s translation as Antonito delivers a welcome speech in Spanish. The seven men who serenaded us on arrival with drums, flutes, and percussion instruments stand solemnly behind him. It’s clear they’ve done this many times before. I wonder just how many tourists the people of Parara Puru entertain each month.
Enough to prevent them from having to move to the city and give up their way of life, I learn from our guide, Pedro García, who is the director of the Panama-based tour company Adventures in Panama. He tells us that the Emberá used to be self-sufficient, growing their own food and using the forest for fuel. “In 1984, the government declared this area a national park,” García explains. “So, if the Emberá want to continue residing here, they have to comply with certain rules: no more crop-growing, no more deforestation. The only option for sustaining their lifestyle is tourism.”
The 129,000 hectares of Chagres National Park protect what is said to be the cleanest river in the Americas. Like many Canadians, I agree that the creation of national parks is a good thing. But now I’m confronted with real people who are in danger of losing a way of life because of it. The history of the Emberá Indians in this area stretches back well before any European explorer came prospecting for Panamanian gold in the 16th century—gold that the Emberá reportedly traded for glass beads.
Is tourism really the answer? Won’t canoe loads of tourists flashing cameras and greenbacks alter this culture until it becomes no more than a remnant of what those explorers encountered?
After a tasty meal of golden plantains and fish caught in the Chagres that morning, we receive a tour of the resident botanical doctor’s garden, a tamer extension of the rain forest rimming the village. Plants that are said to cure asthma, indigestion, infertility—you name it, Miguel has it. In fact, he’s recently been courted by pharmaceutical companies looking to mass-produce natural medicine. He squats beside a plant he calls “God’s Hand” and breaks off three leaves, but only after murmuring a few reverent words.
“We have to ask permission from the spirit of the plant,” he explains, “so it knows who is going to be treated and in what way.”
He goes on to demonstrate how to apply a remedy to cure back pain: mash one leaf and place the pulp over the painful area, then position the other two leaves in a cross formation over the heart. After that, he disappears into the rain forest, and emerges with another plant. He explains that he once used this to draw snake venom from our guide’s leg. García obligingly shows off a scar on the back of his calf.
As the tropical sun becomes blisteringly hot, we return to cover to purchase souvenirs from the village craft tables, and to have our arms and backs patterned with the juice of the jagua fruit, a traditional ritual believed to promote good health. The woman who approaches me, reed in one hand, cup of black juice in the other, squints at me from behind the hibiscus wreath that rests on her brow. “Friendly traveller,” she pronounces, and proceeds to paint the Emberá symbol for this on my upper left arm.
With this badge of goodwill, I turn toward the musicians, who’ve struck up a jaunty tune. Assuming I’ll join in, Antonito silently takes my hand and leads me through the steps of an Emberá dance. Soon the entire village and my fellow visitors are jiving in a circle.
As the dance blurs the differences between Parara Puru residents and our group of travellers, I decide that outside influence will have a negative impact on this community only if its people allow it to. Yes, the women’s sarongs are imported from Asia, but García says they buy them in Panama City because they’re affordable and more enduring than the reeds they used to wear. The villagers still choose to don the minimal clothing that the climate encourages, rather than the modern attire favoured by urban Panamanians. Miguel continues to nurture his healing plants, and will do so regardless of whether or not pharmaceutical companies show interest in his cures. And families still weave their baskets, allowing travellers like me to take home a reminder of a unique culture, one that is still strong.
ACCESS: The tour company Adventures in Panama offers day trips to several Emberá communities, including Parara Puru. Trips cost US$65 to $95 depending on the number of people in the group. From Panama City, it takes about an hour by road to reach the put-in point on the Río Chagres in Chagres National Park, and the trip to Parara Puru by motorized dugout canoe takes another hour. For more information, visit www.adventuresinpanama.com/ or call 877-726-6222.
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
By Sandra Alicia Rivera for La Prensa – The 2007 Panamanian National Fair Season starts today with the inauguration of one of most colorful and aromatic, the 35th Annual Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair. Organizers of this event say that the wonderful flowers and smells make this event different than any of the other 21 fairs that are held in the different provinces throughout the country. Edilberto Beitía, president of organization, said that this year the gardeners will not dissapoint the visitors who will be attending the fair between 11 – 21 January, and at least 35,000 flowers will be exhibited, featuring orquids frm Australia, Japan, the United States, Costa Rica and, of course those native to Panama. Putting this fair together takes the entire year. As soon as the 2006 fair finished gardeners began to prepare the ground for seeds and transplants for this year’s fair. This early preparation ensures that all of the plants will be in full bloom for the festival. During the year the also take inventory of their stock and contact foreign companies that distribute the plants to them to place new seed orders. Each year they spend more than $90,000 on seeds and plants. The fair features 47 gardens – among them two specializing in orchquids, that occupy a total of three hectares and that under the constant care of ten people. (more)
In order to select the varities of plants to plant gardeners first study both the characteristics of the plant and determine an optimal placement that will ensure the plant will grow to its full potential with regards to development, volume, color and height. They prefer those plants which are best adapted to the temerature and climate of Boquete. The fair also features conservatories with microclimates adapted to the necessities of certain species to foster their germination and development.
Ezequiel Pittí, who is generally in charge of the gardens, said that maintenance is constant. In his case he starts to work at 7:30 a.m. and finishes at 6:00 p.m. The expert says that this season the flowers that have best developed and best looking are the marigol, petunias, the (pensamientos), geraniums, the “Novias” of New Guinea, the chavelitas and the roses. Part of Pitti’s job is to change the design of the gardens. First they do design sketches and then they plant the seeds and seedlings. He said the most complicated and delicate work is pruning because there’s no room for errors.
The patronage spends $60,000 just on the maintenance of the annual fair. Altogether organizers have invested $275,000 and hope to both income of approximately $1 million dollars. Beitía said that in this 35th version of the Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair there will be creations on display frm 170 Panamanian and foreign craftsmen, which gives added value to this event.
One of them is Rubén De Gracia, native of the district of Remedios, who creates beautiful adornments out of clay, rice and dried beans. His specialty is to decorate the balconies of the houses in the interior of the country at a reasonable price, charging frm $6.00 to $22.00 per house. Another one of the exhibitors is Mario Serracín, that makes pocketbooks, belts, and knapsacks frm leather.
Also included in the event are agricultural pavilions showing the wide range of products cultivated in the region, with an emphasis on potatoes, strawberries, cabbage, lettuces, and where they explain the sowing and harvesting process for organic coffees.
The president of the patronage said they are prepared to receive as many as 100,000 visitors during the ten days of the 35th Annual Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair. In addition there are cultural activities and commercial exhibits with awards and recognition to the best exhibitors. The Panamanian Institute of Tourism said that every year the event draws more visitors, and judging by the occupancy rates of the 140 hotel rooms in the area this year will be no exception.
CHIRIQUÍ.170 ARTESANOS NACIONALES Y EXTRANJEROS EXPONDRÁN SUS CREACIONES.
Con aroma a flores arranca la temporada de ferias 2007 La XXXV versión de la Feria Internacional de las Flores y el Café se desarrolla del 11 al 21 de enero. Patronato dice que el trabajo de organizar una exhibición de esta magnitud toma un año entero.
ESPECIAL PARA LA PRENSA/E. Espinosa
COSTOS. Solo en el mantenimiento de los jardines el patronato organizador gasta 60 mil dólares.791705 Sandra Alicia Rivera BOQUETE, Chiriquí
La temporada nacional de ferias 2007 empieza hoy con la inauguración de una de las más coloridas y aromáticas de su tipo, la de las flores y el café del distrito de Boquete.
Los organizadores afirman que esa característica hace que el evento se diferencie de los otros 21 que se celebran en las diferentes provincias del país.
Edilberto Beitía, presidente del patronato, asegura que este año los jardineros se han esmerado para no defraudar a los visitantes que acudan entre el 11 y el 21 de enero, pues se exhibirán al menos 35 mil flores, entre las que destacan las orquídeas de Australia, Japón, Estados Unidos, Costa Rica y, por supuesto, las nativas de Panamá.
El trabajo que conlleva organizar una exhibición de esta magnitud toma un año entero, es decir, desde el momento mismo en que finalizó el evento de 2006 los jardineros comenzaron a preparar el suelo para la siembra y trasplante en el mes de febrero pasado. Eso les aseguró, transcurridos estos 11 meses, máxima floración.
Durante ese tiempo también hacen el inventario y contactan a las empresas extranjeras que les distribuyen las plantas para hacer nuevos pedidos de semilleros. Se informó que cada temporada se invierte 90 mil dólares en compras.
La feria tiene 47 jardines –entre los que destacan dos orquidearios– que ocupan tres hectáreas y están al cuidado permanente de 10 personas.
Para la selección de las variedades de plantas a sembrar se estudia previamente sus características, que incluyen el clima propicio para que alcancen su desarrollo pleno, volumen, color y altura. S e prefiere las que mejor se adapten al clima templado del distrito de Boquete.
La feria también dispone de invernaderos cuyos microclimas se adaptan a las necesidades de ciertas especies y favorecen su germinación y desarrollo.
Ezequiel Pittí, encargado general de los jardines, indicó que el mantenimiento es constante. En su caso empieza a laborar desde las 7:30 a.m. y finaliza a las 6:00 p.m.
El experto afirma que entre las flores que esta temporada han alcanzado un mejor desarrollo y vistosidad están la marigol, las petunias, los pensamientos, los geranios, los novios de Nueva Guinea, las chavelitas y las rosas.
Parte del trabajo de Pittí es cambiar el diseño de los jardines, para ello se hacen bosquejos previos, luego se siembran las plantas adecuadas. Revela que quizás el trabajo más complicado y delicado es la poda, pues no se pueden cometer errores.
Solo en el mantenimiento de la feria el patronato gasta 60 mil dólares. En total los organizadores invirtieron 275 mil dólares y esperan obtener ingresos por el orden de los dos millones de dólares.
Beitía informó que en esta trigésima quinta versión de la feria de Boquete se exhibirán las creaciones de 170 artesanos nacionales y extranjeros, lo que le da un valor agregado al evento.
Uno de ellos es Rubén De Gracia, oriundo del distrito de Remedios, quien a partir de materiales como la arcilla, arroz y frijoles elabora vistosos adornos.
La especialidad de De Degracia son los denominados “balcones” o fachadas de las viviendas del interior del país, en precios asequibles a todos los bolsillos, desde 6 dólares hasta los 22 dólares.
Otro de los expositores es Mario Serracín, quien confecciona carteras, correas y mochilas trabajadas en cuero.
El evento incluye pabellones agrícolas que muestran una gama selecta de los productos que se cultivan en el distrito, entre los que destacan las papas, fresas, repollos, lechugas y, en donde no falta una explicación del proceso de siembra y cosecha del cotizado café orgánico.
El presidente del patronato dijo que se han preparado para recibir a 100 mil visitantes durante los 10 días que dura el espectáculo de las flores, que se complementa con actividades culturales, comerciales y la premiación y reconocimiento a los mejores expositores.
Los funcionarios del Instituto Panameño de Turismo confirmaron que cada año este evento atrae a muchos visitantes, y a juzgar por la ocupación actual de las 140 habitaciones de los hoteles y pensiones, este año no será la excepción.
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Franz Smets for the German Press Agency – Panama City- Every day after 5 p.m. thousands of cars snake from Colon, on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, to Panama City, on the Pacific. Many people who work in the Colon Free Trade Zone or at one of the big container terminals prefer to live in the Panamian capital. So they shuttle the 80 kilometres, on the country’s only toll road, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. People have always used the Isthmus of Panama, the narrowest part of North America, to get from one ocean to the other – first on foot, then on horseback and with horse-drawn carriages. A railway line was completed in 1855, allowing the transit of bulkier goods from ships on one side to ships on the other. Much of the line, the original Panama Railroad, is now underwater. The big seafaring ships sail over it as they proceed through the Panama Canal and Lake Gatun, which was created by damming the Chagres River. The 19th century headquarters of the Panama Railroad, which directed interoceanic rail traffic across the Isthmus of Panama (then governed by Bolivia), were in a building that today is the Hotel Washington. The fastest and most convenient route linking San Francisco and New York in those days was via Panama. (more)
The Panama Railroad proved so successful that at one time it was the highest-priced stock on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1913, a year before the Panama Canal began operations, it transported nearly 3 million passengers and more than 2 million tons of freight. Without the railway and its transport capacity the canal could never have been built.
Passenger service on a modest scale resumed just six years ago. A single train, luxuriously outfitted, travels from Panama City to Colon in the morning and returns in the evening. Travel time is 57 minutes – the quickest way to get from one ocean to the other.
Driving the distance can take two hours or more as the road is perpetually congested. And ships using the Panama Canal need about eight hours, after waiting for days to enter the waterway.
As soon as the train leaves the station, laptop computers are flipped open. For traders from the Colon Free Trade Zone, the air-conditioned coaches are an ideal place to work out final details with buyers and partners, to compare prices, and to make offers.
Through large windows they can enjoy the picturesque tropical rainforest, which continually opens up to reveal Lake Gatun and the big ships gliding on it. In some places the train seems to glide through the middle of the lake as it passes along an embankment just above the water’s surface.
INFO BOX: Interoceanic journey by rail
PRICE: The train has first-class coaches only, all of which have bar and snack service. There is also a restaurant coach. Open-air viewing decks allow passengers to get a feel for the tropical heat and humidity. A one-way trip costs 22 dollars (about 17 euros).
Internet: www.ipat.gob.pa.
© 2006 – dpa German Press Agency
Photo Credit: phototakeout.com
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Welcome Aboard! Thank you for taking the time to visit. Panama Yacht Tours is a Panama based maritime tour operator and maritime service provider. We have a fleet of 16 boats to choose from and many, far too many to mention, destinations to explore within Panamanian waters. Our yachts range in size from 29’ to 118’ and everything in between. Panama Yacht Tours prides itself on unprecedented service while aboard any one of our yachts. Our packages are all inclusive from fine foods and beverages to state of the art fishing equipment. Panama is blessed with a variety of ocean activities to choose from. We have world class fishing, incredible dive sites and breath-taking islands to explore as you will see in the following pages. Oh, and do not forget a Panama Canal Transit! Panama Yacht Tours also enables our clients to see the Panama Canal up close and personal on either our private or a fixed departure transit. We transit the Canal in style aboard our larger luxurious yachts (please see the attached calendar for special departure dates aboard the luxury yachts). Again, all meals (gourmet) and beverages (open bar) are included as well a professional Panama Canal Guide. The Private Transit is perfect for large groups, corporate events, incentive travel groups and/or if you just want to live the life of the rich and famous for a day!
A Panama Canal Transit is a Trip of a Lifetime
Partial Transits of the Panama Canal: Panama Yacht Tours provides weekly departures every Saturday to passengers who would like to transit the eighth Wonders of the World. Please see our web site for specific dates and availability. $99.00 for adults and $45.00 for children (12 and under). We have several options available and will depart from either the Flamenco Yacht Club (at the Duty Free Shop) in Amador or Pier 19 in Balboa to go north through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks to Gamboa, or south from Gamboa back to the Pacific Ocean. An air conditioned, luxury coach will transport passengers to the point of departure and pick them up at the end of the transit. This tour includes a Professional Panama Canal Guide, Hot Buffet Lunch, Open Bar for Sodas and Water, Beer and Wine available for sale, Transportation to Gamboa from Flamenco Marina, Transportation to and from Flamenco Marina is not included though can easily be arranged.
43′ Lagoon Catamaran Yacht
Full Transit of the Panama Canal: We will depart from either Pier 19 in Balboa or the Flamenco Yacht Club at 7:30 am and will return to Panama City at 7:30 pm. Passengers transit all three locks (Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun locks) and disembark in Colon on the Atlantic side. Passengers are transported back to Panama City via air conditioned, luxury coach to either Flamenco Yacht Club or Pier 19. Cost: $149.00 Adult, $55.00 Children.
118’ Twin Deck
Private Transits of the Panama Canal: Panama Yacht Tours specializes in a unique and intimate way to transit the Panama Canal – a Private Panama Canal Transit aboard your very own, private luxury yacht. We can accommodate groups up to 120 passengers aboard one of our 3 vessels that operate in the Canal. This one of a kind tour is fabulous for family reunions, tour groups, incentive travel, corporate events or a small group that desires something different than the “cattle car” services offered. Private Transits are available any day of the week but require advanced notice (at least 14 days in advance). Panama Yacht Tours can provide everything imaginable to make your Panama Canal Transit a guaranteed success. All private transits include the yacht, captain, mates, all ACP Canal fees and deposits, line handlers and fuel. Optional items include professional guide, gourmet catering, open bar and fruit bar, musical entertainment, transfers or even a fireworks display if you wish for those evening transits! Menus and open bar can be economical to extravagant. Please contact our office for more details concerning our exclusive Private Panama Canal transits.
Corporate Events and Private Parties: Panama Yacht Tours has had the pleasure of entertaining many distinguished guests aboard our yachts. Whether one is entertaining out of town clients or rewarding employees, an event aboard one of our larger vessels is a splendid way to reward or entertain. Evening bay cruises aboard our 118’ Twin Deck, 70’ luxury defender or 61’ Defender, with an elegant meal and an open bar, is one of our more popular events. Seeing the sun set against the Bridge of the Americas is a sight to behold! We can accommodate up to 120 passengers at one time. Private Panama Canal Transits are also a great way to entertain clients or reward employees for a job well done.
Black Marlin Fishing in Panama
Fishing in Panama: Panama, in its native tongue, means an abundance of fish. Our forefathers were right on the mark with this moniker. The Pacific is a playground for the angler. Many world records have been set or broken within our waters. Panama Yacht Tours and their crews bring year of experience on our charters. From state of the art tackle and gear to the knowledge of the crew finding the fish, your chances are excellent landing fish. The Pacific offers many fertile fishing grounds.
The World Famous Piñas Bay: In season (January-March), Piñas Bay is arguably the best place in the world for His Majesty, the Black Marlin. Zanes Reef is located just a short distance from the Bay and the fishing is nothing short of spectacular. Over 180 world records have been set or broken in Piñas. The Tropic Star Lodge is located here as well. The only problem with the Lodge, if there is one, is during the peak season it is 100% sold out through high season. Panama Yacht Tours gives you the ability to fish these waters during peak by staying aboard your yacht. All our crews are made up of excellent fishermen and captains. Both the captain and the crew are an extremely important component while fishing for big game. We cannot guarantee a world record but we know you will enjoy the magnitude of the fishing in Piñas Bay. Inland fishing here is also incredible. Every vessel will come equipped with equipment, an experienced captain and experienced mate.
65’ Ocean SS Sportfish
Our Fleet: We have a fleet of sixteen boats to choose from and many, far too many to mention, destinations to explore within Panamanian waters. Our yachts range in size from 29’ to 118’ and everything in between. We can accommodate your group no matter how large or small.
Isla Coiba: Once thought of as an inaccessible slice of nature’s heaven, Panama Yacht Tours now offers our clients access to one of Panama’s most breathtaking venues…Isla Coiba. Situated off the coast of western Panama (the eastern Pacific), Coiba boasts some of the world’s best fishing and diving. Coiba and the surrounding islands are virtually uninhabited. Whether you are a fisherman, a spear fisherman or a nature lover, Panama Yacht Tours has a package that combines the right vessel and accomodations for you to explore these pristine islands! Fish, scuba, snorkle, or explore Coiba with us.
The pristine beauty of Isla Coiba
* Off-Shore (combo) Sport Fishing: The waters around Coiba Island are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and fishing in the area is strictly regulated. We respect and follow all Panamanian laws and limits with regards to protecion of the natural environment. The area is remote and difficult to access which is why we recommend living aboard our mother ship the Cebaco Bay for Big Game Fishing in the area. The waters near Coiba are teeming with Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Rooster Fish, Wahoo, Dorado and huge Yellowfin Tuna. Panama Yacht Tours has a few different options for the avid angler. Cebaco Bay is the new home to a unique concept of fishing in Coiba. Panama Yacht Tours has partnered with the 2003 Black Marlin Catch and Release World Champion to bring our client a world class fishing experience in Cebaco Bay. Cebaco Bay is located on the southern end of Isla Cebaco which is an uninhabited island made up of pristine, white sand beaches and thousands of coconut trees. “Uninhabited” made these fishing grounds near impossible to fish for there were no sleeping accommodations nor were there facilities to refuel or re-supply. Until now…PYT now has the ability to send anglers to fish the hottest reefs in Panama with all accommodations and sundries readily available.
The 47′ Buddy davis “Aguja” anchored next to the 110′ “Cebaco Bay” mothership near Coiba.
* Live Aboard the Mother Ship and Fish From the Yacht: We offer a 47’ Buddy Davis and a 55’ Ocean Yacht that are professionally equipped with crew and state of the art fishing gear. Spend the day fighting a monster Black, an enormous Tuna, feisty Wahoo or behemoth Cubera Snapper or giant Grouper. After a full day of fishing, the yachts will moor next the Cebaco Bay mother ship. The 110’ mother ship sleeps 12 comfortably with a full galley, 2 full baths and a covered deck that is 90’ long! Enjoy your day’s catch cooked out on the deck on the BBQ while you relax in the tropical, star filled evening while trading “fish stories” with your buddies or other anglers aboard. We offer fishing on the Hannibal Bank, Aguja Reef and El Roncador in the Coiba area. These waters boil with schools of Bonito and Blue Runners which the large billfish feed upon in frenzy. Waters of 1,000 feet are found only a mile off shore in the Azuero Peninsula.
* Coiba Island Adventures (ECO and INSHORE FISHING PACKAGES): 31’ Wellcraft – This sleek, very well equipped vessel is perfect for groups up to 6 passengers. This trip will originate from Puerto Mutis in the province of Veraguas. The boat will be waiting for you at the dock and you will depart immediately to the waters that surround Coiba. Lodging will be in the cabanas on the Island of Coiba itself. There is a Ranger Station that is staffed 24 hours a day and the cabins are available to visitors throughout the year. This 2 day minimum trip can be tailored to your interests. The crew is a very capable fishing crew and the gear and tackle is state of the art. On the other hand, if nature is your primary focus, your crew will guide you through the history and nature of the Coiba National Park. The snorkeling around Coiba is spectacular and all the gear you require is supplied for your use. The trip includes visits to Coiba, Canales de Afuera, Bahia Honda, Rancheria and Granito de Oro. This vessel is well equipped with all radio and satelite equipment necessary to ensure safe navigation. This package is an ALL-INCLUSIVE excursion. Tour includes: land transfers, food, beverage (beer, wine & liquor included), boat and fuel charges, captain, mate, ice, cabana accommodations and all National Park fees.
28′ Sea Ray near Coiba Island
* 28’ Sea Ray with Lodging at the ANAM Cabanas on Isla Coiba: Enjoy the daily use of our 28’ Sea Ray with twin 200 Mercury Optimax (4 stroke) as you and your friends fish, snorkel and tour the breath taking islands in and around Coiba. Your captain and mate have years of experience in these waters and will ensure a memorable trip with their “local” knowledge. This vessel can accommodate up to 8 passengers with sleeping and meal accommodations on the Island of Coiba itself. There are a number of cabanas located right on the beach with air conditioning, electricity and private baths. The electricity is run off a generator that operates from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is also a dining facility and full kitchen. There is a chef to prepare all meals while on the island. Box lunches, snacks and a cooler will be prepared daily and taken with you on board the boat as you enjoy the day on the water with plenty of food and drinks. This package is an ALL-INCLUSIVE excursion. Tour includes: land transfers, food, beverage (beer, wine & liquor included), boat and fuel charges, captain, mate, ice, cabana accommodations and all National Park fees.
25′ Eduardono – Running on the open ocean near Coiba Island.
* 25’ Eduardono with Lodging in the ANAM cabanas on Isla Coiba: This vessel will also start its journey to Coiba from Puerto Mutis on the main land. This boat is captained by an ex Panamanian police man whose post was the Island of Coiba and his job was to provide water transportation his fellow officers and superiors. Needless to say, Cappy knows the waters quite well. Whether you are fishing, diving, snorkeling, spear gunning or just enjoying nature, this is an economical and well guided excursion to take. The boat has the capacity for 6 adults. Please see the above details for lodging in the cabanas, meals and what is included. The boat will be at your disposal each day you spend in the islands. This is our most affordable package to Isla Coiba. We hope you can come and discover a slice of heaven with Panama Yacht Tours. This package is an ALL-INCLUSIVE excursion. Tour includes: land transfers, food, beverage (beer, wine & liquor included), boat and fuel charges, captain, mate, ice, cabana accommodations and all National Park fees.
World-Class scuba diving and snorkling.
* Diving Excursions: Panama Yacht Tours has teamed up with a local Dive Operator that is second to none in diving the waters of Coiba and the surrounding islands. They are the only land based dive operator in Chiriqui. There are multiple dive sites in the national park. There is the island of Coiba, Canal de Afuera, Jicaron, Uvas, Contreras, Pajaros and Bincano. Panama Yacht Tours offers tours from 2 to 8 days. Multiple dives during the day are the norm. All tours are ALL INCLUISVE and many options are open to you to meet any planned budget whether tight or extravagant. Anything is possible when traveling with Panama Yacht Tours!. All tours are accompanied by a PADI Certified Dive Master and the trips are ALL INCLUSIVE. Lodging will be on either the mainland, at the cabanas on Isla Coiba or for an an all out sea experience, you can stay aboard our 118’ mother Ship which is anchored in Cebaco Bay, Isla Cebaco from the months of November through April.
Exclusive VIP and Celebrity Relaxation Tours
Top Notch VIP Treatment for Celebrity Get-Aways: We have top-end luxury yachts operating out of Panama City that can take you offshore to dive, fish, swim, snorkel or tour with all of the luxuries of a live-aboard yacht. Panama is just a short hop away from the United States by air, and we have the connections and experience to accommodate any need or requirement with the utmost discretion.
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
News Blaze.com – Canopy tours can be an amazing addition to your family vacation to South and Central American destination such as Panama. If you are looking for an adventure travel experience you will never forget, nothing equals these Panama attractions. During these tours you will glide through the treetops, above the crystal clear rivers and ancient waterfalls that comprise the landscape of Panama. One great location to attempt canopy tours is Lago Gatun, the manmade lake that forms a large part of the Panama Canal. Lago Gatun is a large lake covering 164 square miles. With the creation of the lake many hilltops around the Panama Canal became islands. The biggest and best known of them is Barro Colorado Island, home of the world famous Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Melia Panama Canal, a luxury resort on the bank of Lago Gatun offers canopy tours of this amazing area. From their website www.MeliaPanamaCanal.com: Glide among the treetops on a zip-line crossing Gatun Lake. Two qualified guides accompany guests on all canopy tours and take adventurers through four zip-lines on Isla Bananas, crossing Gatun Lake and finishing right at the Meli Panama Canal pool. (more)
How it Works
A harness and an ultra-resistant steel cable are used to help you defy gravity as you take in the sites and soar through the trees of the Panama area.
Because of the fact that it is just you, a harness, and a cable it is important to make sure every safety precaution is taken. That is why qualified canopy tour operators like Melia Panama Canal are preferred. The equipment and the steel cables that canopy tours use can easily resist the size of any human. The harness supports 2,000 pounds and the cable, 10,000 pounds.
How to Prepare
It is suggested that you where long pants, a sweater, boots or any other type of closed shoe. You want to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Most tours will let you bring a child over six, but it is fair warning that a young child may change their mind once on the platform.
Overall canopy tours can be an amazing thing to share with your family on your tropical Panama vacation or anywhere else in Central and South America. Make sure you prepare and understand exactly what you are getting into before you take on the task, so that you can be assured a great experience.
(End Article)
Need A Guide?: Give me a call at (507) 399-4750, cell (507) 6614-0451 or email me at http://thepanamanetwork.com
SOURCE: Don Winner @ Panama-guide.com
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Thanks to new federal passport proposals, the cost of a Caribbean cruise, a Cancun honeymoon, or a Vancouver theater weekend could be going up. The security-related changes, scheduled to take effect over the next 2 1/2 years, will affect Americans who travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Panama and Caribbean. Previously, American travelers simply flashed a driver’s license or birth certificate when returning from those destinations.Beginning December 31, 2005, re-entry to the U.S. from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America will require a passport–$97 for adults, $82 for children under 16. On December 31, 2006 passport requirements will go into effect for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada. And on December 31, 2007, passports will be required for ALL air, sea, and land border crossings to or from the United States.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports, and the process can be arduous and time consuming.
Frequently asked questions about passports such as: “When should I apply?”, “Do I have to apply in person?”, “What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?”, “Does my baby need a passport?” Answers to these questions and hundreds of others can be found by searching the Internet. Interesting tip–even your pet will need a passport to enter the European Union.
To obtain a U.S. passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of the 6,0000 designated passport application acceptance facilities nationwide, including many post offices, Federal and state courts, clerks of court, and a growing number of public libraries and public colleges and universities. For a list of the offices closest to you, search by ZIP code on the State Department website at http://www.iafdb.travel.state.gov.
You need to bring two identical 2-by-2 inch, full-face, front-view photographs, and a completed DS-11 application form (available from one of the 6,000 facilities.
In addition, you will need a driver’s license or government-issued ID card and proof of citizenship, which in most cases, is an original or certified birth certificate.
All children under age 14 must also apply for a passport in person, and both parents or legal guardians must appear together and sign the child’s form (if the second parent submits a notarized letter of intent, one parent signature is adequate). Minors age 14 to 17 must also appear in person and for security reasons, parental consent may be required. And, unlike adults, children under 14 must apply for renewals in person.
For Americans 16 and older, a first passport costs $97 and is good for 10 years. Children under the age of 16 require their own passport which cost $82 and are valid for five years. Renewals, which can be done by mail, are $67 for both adults and children.
One of the most often asked questions, “When should I apply for a passport?” has a simple answer–several months before your planned trip. If you will need visas from foreign embassies to enter those countries, allow even more time. Don’t wait to get a passport! Get it now, so you will be ready in case you may need or want to travel on short notice. The average time from application to passport arrival is six to eight weeks, and passport demand goes up during the summer months, so plan accordingly.
When you receive your passportFree Web Content, remember to sign it in ink and print your name and address so it may be returned to you if it is ever lost.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing valuable information on a variety of timely topics. For an embassy full of advice, resources and suggestions about passports, visit http://www.PassportPlace.com
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment, when required.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Panama is now positioning itself as the “New Costa Rica”. It has put together the most appealing program of special benefits for foreign residents and retirees you’ll find anywhere in the world today. We can refer you to a law firm in Panama that has an attorney who does nothing but Immigration Law in Panama. Below are some of the Visas available.
Panama Visa Qualifications All visa applications must be made through a Panamanian lawyer. There is no age limit required for applying for any of these visas, save for the minimum legal age of 18 years. Youngsters under 18 will qualify for a visa as dependents of their parents. All overseas documents to be presented to the authorities in Panama must be authenticated by a Notary and by the Panamanian consulate nearest you, or by a notary and the Apostille. The Apostille (The Hague Convention of 1961) is a faster way of authenticating documents and is normally obtained through the Secretary of State in your home state (in the United States) or through the Foreign Office (in Britain). For Canada, please check with the Panamanian Embassy or consulate nearest to your home city. All documents must be fresh (within two months of visa application) and passports must have at least one year to run. Dependents: Bring a marriage certificate. However, original marriage certificates are not acceptable if over two months old, so you’ll need to request fresh ones. If your children under 18 are to be covered by your visa, you’ll need to bring fresh birth certificates (not originals). None of these visas grant work permits. All visa applications require that you obtain a health certificate and HIV test in Panama. Types of Visas in Panama The Tourist Pensioner Visa (Turista Pensionado) This visa is designed for persons whose pension from a government entity or private corporation is $500 or more ($600 or more for a couple per month). You will have to prove this under scrutiny. Usually a pension statement from the government or private pension will suffice but backup bank deposit records could not hurt. The Pensionado Visa is granted indefinitely but it is necessary to prove to the Immigration Departmenton on an annual basis that the income is still flowing from your pension. The benefits include one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car. There is also a basket of other benefits and discounts available to those holding this Visa. However, please note that under this visa you cannot qualify to acquire Panamanian nationality.
Private Income Retiree Visa (Rentista Retirado) This visa is for persons who don’t have a monthly pension, are no longer working, and have received a retirement lump sum. As a visa requirement, that money is to be deposited on a five-year certificate of deposit with the National Bank of Panama, to yield at least $750 a month (at current rates the face value of the CD would need to be approximately $260,000). The visa is renewable every five years, as long as the CD is renewed. The Private Income Retiree Visa includes such benefits as a travelling Panamanian passport (that however does NOT grant nationality), a one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000), and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car.
Person of Means Visa (Solvencia Económica Propia) Designed for those who wish to live in Panama off their own means, without the need or desire to work or start a business. The person must have a one-year certificate of deposit in any local bank of at least $200,000. $80,000 of the $200,000 can be in the form of a home purchase. Upon applying for the first, provisional renewal of this visa, the certificate of deposit must also be renewed for one more year. After renewal, the visa is granted permanently with the right to a cedula (local identity card). Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to apply for Panamanian nationality.
Investor Visa (Inversionista) Designed for those who wish to establish a business in Panama (note, though, that some retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $150,000 and minimum of three, permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year and after renewal is granted permanently with the right to be issued a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to apply for Panamanian nationality.
Small Business Investor Visa (Inversionista de Pequeña Empresa) Designed for those who wish to establish a small business in Panama (note that retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $40,000 and minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year, and needs to be renewed three more times before it is granted permanently with the right to a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to obtain Panamanian nationality.
Immediate Panama Passport This program allows foreigners to obtain immediate Panamanian Passport under the condition that they make a 5 year certificate of deposit (CD), at the Banco Nacional de Panama, which earns a minimum of US $750 per month in interest income.
Panamaexpertos.com Call us — 561-210-5832
If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment, when required.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
$40,000 Investment – Permanent Residency leading to Panama Passport
Summary – This is a unique program where one invests $40,000 in an approved Panama reforestation program. This allows the investor to obtain a Visa for themselves and their spouse as well as dependent children; no additional investment is required for dependents. This is the least expensive legitimate residency program we are aware of. The Visas are renewable annually and after either one or five years they become permanent residency Visas allowing the investor and their dependents to reside in Panama permanently and also to work in Panama. After five years one can apply for citizenship. This is an extremely inexpensive way to obtain a Panama residency and eventually a citizenship with Panama passport which is good fro visa free travel in most of the western EU and throughout most of Latin and South America. The reforestation program is a statutory program written down as law. It is not a pay off some lawyer in the dark situation which will blow up when the government investigates some corrupt official selling citizenships. Never get involved in any residency/citizenship/passport program that is not written openly in the public laws for you to read. Never get involved in any residency/citizenship/passport program where you do not have to go to the official immigration building in the country for processing and to pick up your documents. Never get involved in any situation where you are paying a lawyer large fees because he “knows” the immigration officials and can make it happen cutting the red tape for you. People are constantly getting arrested trying to use passports and identity cards obtained in this manner. All of our programs are statutory and written in the public laws. If you actually make the investment of either $40,000 or $80,000 in the reforestation visa program it is a documented lawful program written in the law books and will be honored by the government, subsequent elected officials of Panama etc. What I am saying is if you make the investment, you will have your permanent residency which after five years makes you eligible to apply to be a citizen of Panama with a Panamanian Passport.
The Investment – You are investing in forestry projects generally dealing with teak wood but other types of trees are available. Some projects give you title to the actual land, usually about 2 hectares. The reforestation project must be an approved one. These projects are supposed to generate a fantastic return after 25 years, many times your investment. If you were to liquidate the land say after 10 years your return would generate substantial losses. This is because it takes years for the trees to grow. If you wait 15 years the loss would be less or perhaps you’d reach break even. Now if the value of land in Panama keeps appreciating like it has been doing recently this may prove to be untrue and the investment may be worth more in a few short years? We do think it is a tremendous way to obtain residency and eventually citizenship for a small investment. If the investment is held long enough it is possible to realize a high return on the investment as well. Any gain made on this investment is not taxable in Panama. We are not investment advisors and you need to evaluate the investment potential yourself. The land can be held in the name of a corporation.
Residency – There are two levels of investment for the Reforestation Visa – $40,000 and $80,000. Both have residency and lead to the ability to apply for citizenship after five years. The larger investment leads to a permanent residency after one year, the smaller investment leads to a permanent residency after five years requiring the visa to be renewed each year until the fifth year.
Documents Required – Passports valid for at least 6 months, police clearance report from last place of residence, marriage certificate, birth certificate for children dependents, medical clearance from Panama (we can refer), application forms, pictures, proof of investment contract etc. You have to come to Panama to apply in person but you do not need to live here for this visa.
Time Frame – From the time of receipt of all documents and fees 30-45 days as an approximate time frame. Much depends on the workload of the immigration department at the time of your application.
Fees – The visa immigration processing legal fees are $1250.00 for first person and then $250.00 for each dependent for the initial application. The fees in the following years ($40,000 visa) are $795.00 for the first person and $250.00 for each additional person. Our fee to review and negotiate your investment contract with the reforestation company is $300 (optional). Please note our fees are fair and honest just like our programs being offered unlike the lawyers in other countries that are charging $25,000 and up to get you a visa or citizenship based on the “immigration connections” they have.
For more information please visit: www.panamalaw.org — Email us at: http://thepanamanetwork.com — or — Call us at: (507) 6-480-1279
If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment, when required.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
Panama is now rated as the #1 Retirement Haven in the world. The cost of living is extremely low, the crime rate is also extremely low, the climate is warm all year round, health care is excellent Panama even has a new John Hopkins Hospital, the food is superb, the airport offers flights globally, it is only 2 1/2 hours to Miami, the roads are excellent as in the cell phone service, high speed internet and cable TV. Panama has put together the most appealing programs of special benefits for foreign residents and retirees you’ll find anywhere in the world today. Below are some of the programs available.
Turista Pensionado This visa is designed for persons whose pension from a government entity or private corporation is $500 or more ($600 or more for a couple per month). You will have to prove this under scrutiny. Usually a pension statement from the government or private pension will suffice but backup bank deposit records could not hurt. The Pensionado Visa is granted indefinitely but it is necessary to prove to the Immigration Department on an annual basis that the income is still flowing from your pension. The benefits include one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car. There is also a basket of other benefits and discounts available to those holding this Visa. However, please note that under this visa you cannot qualify to acquire Panamanian nationality or a Panama Passport. It is an instant permanent residency program.
Click here for more information on Pensionado Visa
Panama Reforestation Visa Program $40,000 Investment – Permanent Residency leading to Panama Passport
Summary – This is a unique program where one invests $40,000 in an approved Panama reforestation program. This allows the investor to obtain a Visa for themselves and their spouse as well as dependent children; no additional investment is required for dependents. This is the least expensive legitimate residency program we are aware of. The Visas are renewable annually and after either one or five years they become permanent residency Visas allowing the investor and their dependents to reside in Panama permanently and also to work in Panama. After five years one can apply for citizenship. This is an extremely inexpensive way to obtain a Panama residency and eventually a citizenship with Panama passport which is good fro visa free travel in most of the western EU and throughout most of Latin and South America. The reforestation program is a statutory program written down as law. It is not a pay off some lawyer in the dark situation which will blow up when the government investigates some corrupt official selling citizenships. Never get involved in any residency/citizenship/passport program that is not written openly in the public laws for you to read. Never get involved in any residency/citizenship/passport program where you do not have to go to the official immigration building in the country for processing and to pick up your documents. Never get involved in any situation where you are paying a lawyer large fees because he “knows” the immigration officials and can make it happen cutting the red tape for you. People are constantly getting arrested trying to use passports and identity cards obtained in this manner. All of our programs are statutory and written in the public laws. If you actually make the investment of either $40,000 or $80,000 in the reforestation visa program it is a documented lawful program written in the law books and will be honored by the government, subsequent elected officials of Panama etc. What I am saying is if you make the investment, you will have your permanent residency which after five years makes you eligible to apply to be a citizen of Panama with a Panamanian Passport.
The Investment – You are investing in forestry projects generally dealing with teak wood but other types of trees are available. Some projects give you title to the actual land, usually about 2 hectares. The reforestation project must be an approved one. These projects are supposed to generate a fantastic return after 25 years, many times your investment. If you were to liquidate the land say after 10 years your return would generate substantial losses. This is because it takes years for the trees to grow. If you wait 15 years the loss would be less or perhaps you’d reach break even. Now if the value of land in Panama keeps appreciating like it has been doing recently this may prove to be untrue and the investment may be worth more in a few short years? We do think it is a tremendous way to obtain residency and eventually citizenship for a small investment. If the investment is held long enough it is possible to realize a high return on the investment as well. Any gain made on this investment is not taxable in Panama. We are not investment advisors and you need to evaluate the investment potential yourself. The land can be held in the name of a corporation.
Residency – There are two levels of investment for the Reforestation Visa – $40,000 and $80,000. Both have residency and lead to the ability to apply for citizenship after five years. The larger investment leads to a permanent residency after one year, the smaller investment leads to a permanent residency after five years requiring the visa to be renewed each year until the fifth year.
Documents Required – Passports valid for at least 6 months, police clearance report from last place of residence, marriage certificate, birth certificate for children dependents, medical clearance from Panama (we can refer), application forms, pictures, proof of investment contract etc. You have to come to Panama to apply in person but you do not need to live here for this visa.
Time Frame – From the time of receipt of all documents and fees 30-45 days as an approximate time frame. Much depends on the workload of the immigration department at the time of your application.
Fees – The visa immigration processing legal fees are $1250.00 for first person and then $250.00 for each dependent for the initial application. The fees in the following years ($40,000 visa) are $795.00 for the first person and $250.00 for each additional person. Our fee to review and negotiate your investment contract with the reforestation company is $300 (optional). Please note our fees are fair and honest just like our programs being offered unlike the lawyers in other countries that are charging $25,000 and up to get you a visa or citizenship based on the “immigration connections” they have.
Private Income Retiree Visa (Rentista Retirado) This visa is for persons who don’t have a monthly pension, are no longer working, and have received a retirement lump sum. As a visa requirement, that money is to be deposited on a five-year certificate of deposit with the National Bank of Panama, to yield at least $750 a month (at current rates the face value of the CD would need to be approximately $170,000). The visa is renewable every five years, as long as the CD is renewed. The Private Income Retiree Visa includes such benefits as a traveling Panamanian passport (that however does NOT grant citizenship), a one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000), and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car.
For more information please visit: www.panamalaw.org — Email us at: http://thepanamanetwork.com — or — Call us at: (507) 6-480-1279
Panama offers a multitude of programs enabling one to fairly easily obtain a Passport, Visa, Residency and Citizenship. Panama is an excellent place for a second passport (2nd passport). The plans are outlined below. Do feel free to ask questions. We do not advise attempting to deal with the immigration authorities without adequate legal representation by a competent attorney.
Warning: All of our passport programs require you to be physically present at the immigration department for fingerprinting and photographing. These are NOT the “Pay someone off in the dark” programs you see on the internet which do not require you to go to the country physically and come with a passport, identity card and driver’s license. There are numerous stories on the internet if you look for them of people getting arrested all over the world when they attempt to travel on these passports. What is often done is passport blanks that come back from the manufacturer slightly defective (bad printing, stitching etc.) are marked as not usable by the government and are then sold by unscrupulous immigration officials through third parties. The problem is when the country that issued those does an audit of their immigration department they pick these things up and then the passports are flagged as fraudulent or stolen and this is sitting in some unfortunate person’s wallet waiting to be used and can cause a police detention with likely arrest to follow. There was just a raid recently in Guyana and the corrupt immigration officials there were issuing hundreds of passports daily. Now along comes some guy who bought one of these “officially issued” passports and he goes through immigration in say the EU. Well he doesn’t appear to be a Guyana type so they query around a bit and he gets arrested. Months after the scandal we still see Guyana Passports being sold on the internet which makes one wonder.
We even see Diplomatic passports being sold on the internet for $50,000 and up. This is ridiculous. What the buyers are not aware of is in almost all countries travel using a Diplomatic passport requires a visa so the country you intend to visit will require you to physically submit the diplomatic passport to their embassy for a visa which will involve scrutiny. So when they contact the diplomatic passport issuing government to verify the purpose of your visit, duration, whether or not you will be attached to the embassy, etc. what do you think is going to happen? Do you think the issuing government is going to provide official documentation for all of your journeys? Do you think they will even know who you are? They will most likely remain non responsive and your passport will probably never be returned as a best case scenario but this would most likely be followed by a knock at the door shake you up or arrest you visit by some authorities depending on where you live, admittedly some countries will not care what you did but others that are terrorist sensitive will get really interested in you and your whole life and you should expect to be added into the watch/stop list making airport travel a nightmare for the next ten or twenty years. The government that issued this diplomatic passport may also contact you after they get contacted for a $10,000 bribe or they will make trouble for you and on it goes. Remember why do you see Nigerian Scam Emails – because they work. There are a lot of stupid people out there so don’t be one of them.
How can you tell if a second passport or residency/citizenship program is real? Be careful when buying a second passport (2nd passport). First thing to look for is the statues in the law that contain the laws spelling out the program you are considering. If there are no statues run the other way. If you are told about a special program not for everyone, run.
Next make sure when buying a second passport (2nd passport) you will be going physically to the immigration department in the country for processing, photographs and fingerprints. This will greatly cut down the odds of a scam. Normally the country will want to know who you are, and like to see and copy a valid passport as a minimum. If the deal is you give them pictures and they send you the documents run away, this is probably a scam involving a counterfeit passport blank or a stolen one. I have even heard of them applying for passports in the name of a dead person using your picture. What if he was a dead criminal with warrants outstanding?
When buying a second passport (2nd passport) never agree to get a name change and a second passport all in one shot unless it involves court appearances for the name change. If not this probably involves a corrupt government official and will surely be trouble. If you do a name change in court in some jurisdiction make sure it is not public record or it is greatly diminished in value. Never carry two different passports with your picture in both that have different names unless you enjoy being detained at airports, border crossings etc. A lot of scams involve a story that goes like this; Ok Mr. Gringo you want the passport to be able to travel and open bank accounts and not as a citizen of the USA, EU, Canada etc. Ok well it is best to do so using a name that sounds like someone’s name in our country, here let me suggest this name: Enrique Haeverra. Hey that sounds great you say. Now what you don’t know is they got Enrique’s name off of a tombstone and they are going to identity theft the dead guy for you. This will probably blow up when a cross reference is made or something causes a record check like you trying to enter the country some day and then you are in for it. Remember you don’t talk, look, act or have a story like someone from their country should. Some jerk criminal buys such a passport and then gets caught doing something no regular person would do like money laundering 25 million dollars and then they pull his papers, scrutinize them, see the fraud and the pull all the fraud papers of the corrupt official who signed the bad guys papers and then start canceling all the passports this corrupt official processed illegally for fraud, theft, corruption or just to shake you down for money for playing games with their country and of course you better believe they are going to think you are a millionaire.
Another scam is selling second passports (2nd passport) from non-existent or non-recognized countries. This is done a lot usually for $1000-$2000. There are very few countries who will ever accept these passports and then usually only at border crossings. Usage is hit or miss, mostly misses. People buy these to open bank accounts with offshore. This sometimes works but usually in small countries with small banks. The problem comes when the bank examiner looks over their files and sees one of the fantasia passports as an identity document. He hits the roof and says I want to see real passports for all these people in here in 30 days or lock down these accounts. Now what do you do?
For more information please visit: www.panamalaw.org — Email us at: http://thepanamanetwork.com — or — Call us at: (507) 6-480-1279
SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com
If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment, when required.
Email us at The Panama Club
+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)
