By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - This year "Mardi Gras" or "Fat Tuesday" falls on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 - which is next week. In the next few days everyone will start to have shorter and shorter attention spans as people start to think less about work and more about going off to the beach or the interior somewhere to party for five days straight. The "lucky" ones work just a half-day on Friday this week to get a head start on the long Carnival weekend. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday all lead up to the "big day" on Tuesday, the last official day of Carnival. Most people also get a half-day off on Wednesday, 17 February, in order to give them time to drive back from the interior and to recover from their hangovers, sunburn, and indigestion. Carnival in Panama City will be held on Via España this year, which will be closed from Via Brazil all the way down past the El Carmen Church. Starting about Thursday this week the "exodus" will commence as people depart the city for the interior and beaches. I encourage you to get out and enjoy the carnival celebrations. Just leave most of your cash and valuables at home or locked up in a safe place - if you're waking around soaked to the skin with nothing of value but a buzz and a smile, then you're relatively safe anywhere in the country. Protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen. There will be people all over the place - hammered drunk in the middle of the day - falling down, acting stupid, and basically having way too much fun. Just be prepared to put some distance between you and any random drunk who's having too much fun, and be alert for "drunk fights" between people in the crowd. Carnival in Panama can be a blast - as long as you just take a few steps to stay safe. Now let's see ... Ziplock bags, Shorts, Sunglasses, covered cup to drink beer out of that won't get filled up with "culeco" water, Flip-flops, Sunblock, Pepto Bismo, High-Capacity Long Range Water Blaster ...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

A lifeless body was found dismembered in the district of La Chorrera, in the area of El Espino, abandoned in a pasture, according to RPC Radio. The victim may be a man named Edwin Cortez, who according to a statement of women last saw him on 30 December 2009 when he went with a friend named "Jean" to the area of Curundú. The discovery of the body occurred after a dog dragged a human hand back to the house, an event which prompted authorities to search for the corpse. Authorities are waiting for the results of DNA testing and an autopsy to confirm the identification of the body. (Source: La Critica)   

Two masked men armed, entered the house of a family in Las Lajas in Las Cumbres and took away computers, luxury watches, other valuables, and cash, after killing two dogs. So far no arrests have been made. Neighbors in the area told TVN News that is not the first time this kind of robbery has happened, although most of the houses are participating in the neighborhood watch program. Some of the houses have taken extreme security measures such as with the installation of razor wire, tall fences, and surveillance cameras, but residence agree there should be more police patrols in the area. (Source: TVN Noticas)   

Changes, rotations and resignations continue at the Public Ministry, after the arrival Attorney General Giuseppe Bonissi. One of the first changes was the entry of Nedelka Diaz, who replaces Rigoberto Gonzalez as the Secretary General of the Public Ministry. In her first public statement as the new Secretary General, Diaz sent a message of calm to the officials who work at the institution, saying "fear is not of God." (Source: Telemetro Reporta)   

The Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) and National Police conducted eight searches of houses in the area of Chiriquí Grande in Bocas del Toro and managed to confiscate illegal weapons in five of these searches, one .12 gauge shotgun and five rifles. It was reported on Telemetro Reporta that these weapons were in the possession of people who did not have the necessary permits issued by the competent authorities, which is why the operations were executed. Guillermo Degracia, the Sub Commissioner of Police of Chiriqui, said operations are continuing today to determine the origins of these weapons. (Source: La Estrella)   

Dámaso García, the Mayor of the District of Colón, told RPC Radio that political and economic interests are behind the accusations against him that seek to damage his administration. García delivered his remarks after the Electoral Tribunal decided to lift his political immunity, in order to attend the accusations against him. A former Justice of the Peace accuses him of arbitrariness related to the removal of some billboards. García responds that these persecutions are occurring because "the district of Colón has told the economic sectors that they should pay taxes to the Municipal government." (Source: Panama America)   

The deputy director of the National Immigration Service, Eduardo Penaloza, said he would ask the Government for $2.7 million dollars to repair and remodel the building the institution acquired in 2007 on Ricardo J. Alfaro (Tumba Muerto) which is in a deplorable condition. These new funds will be in addition to the $5.2 million dollars spent during the administration of Martín Torrijos to buy the property, as well as another $7.1 million dollars that was spent to furnish, equip, and move the offices from the old location on Ave Cuba, which is still being used. (Source: La Prensa)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - One of the issues that I have with "Doctor" Jerry Hall, the individual who is running in the Republican Primary for a seat in the US House of Representatives for the 4th District in Texas, is the whole "carpetbagger" element. "Doctor" Jerry Hall, who in fact is not a doctor of any kind and who has never earned a PhD, has lived in Panama since 2002 or so. As a matter of fact he wrote the following letter to the editor of an on-line English language news website here in Panama which you can view for yourself by clicking on this link and then scrolling down to the last letter. The letter, which was published on 22 January 2006, says:

• "Fan mail - Hats off to you for the many years you have provided excellent first hand reporting. May you have many more years of success. I have been living in Panama for over three years, and have seen first hand the guts it takes to publish articles that inform locals and potential retirees here in Panama. The Panama News is one of those papers, offering excellent information, first hand knowledge and up to the minute reporting. I have seen this editor go through many unwarranted problem to then become victorious in providing the truth. Many scammers have tried to damage this editor’s credibility and have never succeeded as of yet. We have only seen those scammers end up in jail. Eric was the first to report many of these individuals, at great risk because in Panama there are laws that the criminals use to hide behind and then use actual laws to stop the truth from coming out. Thanks again for a job well done! Dr. Jerry Hall"

That Puts Him Coming Here In 2003: Since the letter "Doctor Jerry Hall wrote in January 2006 says he's been living in Panama for "over three years" - that would be 2003, 2004, and 2005, meaning that he most likely moved here originally in 2002. I know that he first landed in Bocas del Toro and was doing some land deals up there. If any of you Bocas del Torinos have the details please post them as comments to this article or just email them to me at don@panama-guide.com. This matters because in fact "Doctor" Jerry Hall still resides in Panama full time, and he only went back to Texas to participate in the election. Have you ever wondered why Jerry Ray Hall is doing this stuff? I think I know why...

Ralph Hall is 86 Years Old: It is my firm belief that Jerry Ray Hall is simply hanging around until the Republican Incumbent, the Hon. Ralph M. Hall who has been serving the people of the 4th District in Texas for more than thirty years, is no longer available or able to serve his constituents. Ralph Hall was first elected to Congress in 1980 and he has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress. I think the charlatan Jerry Ray Hall is counting on the fact that many Republican voters in the 4th District have been voting for "Hall" for so long that they won't even notice the difference in the first election where he's running and Ralph M. Hall is not. He thinks they will act as sleep-walking sheep and just wander into the voting booth and cast a ballot for him at some time in the future, when the day comes that Ralph M. Hall is not there. And if that is his plan, nothing could be more underhanded and slimy. I thought politicians were supposed to get elected based on their abilities, credentials, background, skills, and education. Apparently, that's a row that's too tough to hoe for Jerry Hall. He wants to just slip in the back door unnoticed, and he's counting on the basic premise that the constituents of the 4th District in Texas are dumb enough to let him get away with it. How underhanded is that?

Doing "Due Dilligence" on Don Winner: The people in Texas are slowly starting to wake up to the entire Jerry Hall scam that's taking place right under their noses. Today I was asked to email a scanned copy of my DD-214, the Department of Defense document which proves that I actually did serve 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant on 30 September 2000, to a member of the Tea Party in Texas. They want to make sure that I am who I say I am and to establish my "bona fides" - which is ironic because the person they really should be checking out is Jerry Ray Hall. But, no matter - I happily sent off the document and I'm willing to provide any other information to establish by identity and credentials. And as far as my background and credentials are concerned, I would invite Congressman Ralph M. Hall to speak to his long time Republican colleague in the House or Representatives, the Hon. Ben Gilman from Middletown, New York. My father, Merritt Winner, knows Ben Gilman personally and has worked on his campaigns in the past. Ben was my Congressman until the 20th District in New York was broken up in 2003. And nobody has a better reputation in Middletown New York than my father. As a retired Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department he's easily one of the best known and most respected people in town. My dad will vouch for me, and Ben Gilman will vouch for my dad. Did you ever see that movie "Six Degrees of Separation"? It's like that.

So There's My "Jerry" Article For Today: I'm not going to stop on this guy until he loses the election. These articles will reside on the Google database forever more. I don't think "Doctor" Jerry Hall has a snowball's chance of winning this election on 2 March 2010 - and I will remain vigilant for future elections. If anyone ever sees "Doctor" Jerry Hall running for anything, anywhere, please let me know. This guy shouldn't even be the dog catcher, much less a congressman.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

ARIES
At work, the best thing you can do is to remain in the background. The less you say, the better your position. Luck comes to those who are willing to stay silent and allow their work to speak out for them. Push all your passion into your cause. Inspiring conversations occur between you and your friends, if you are feeling empty, connect with someone who lives a dynamic creative life. When it comes to love, this Valentines Day, you’ll need to show the softer; more vulnerable “you” to someone, this action will solidify your relationship and make it stronger. It may feel scary to open yourself up like that, but in the end, it will allow your love to understand that you have feelings too. See this as an act of courage. Poetry and balcony serenades come highly recommended by planetary forces.

To see your horoscope, visit http://Playacommunity.Com at: http://www.playacommunity.com/daily-h...oroscopes/   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The truth really bothers Jerry Hall. Long before he decided to run as a candidate in the Republican Primary for a seat in the US Congress to represent the 4th District in Texas, he was butting heads with other members of the English speaking expatriate community in the Republic of Panama, where he actually lives. He was calling himself "Doctor" Jerry Hall, he signed everything with "PhD" and told anyone who would listen that he was both a Doctor and a Lawyer who supposedly studied at Harvard. Exactly three other people cared enough to hold him to task. They were Susan Guberman-Garcia, a lawyer from California who moved to Panama a long time ago, bought land on an island in Bocas del Toro, and who still runs a small little resort hotel bungalow operation there to this day. Another was Jay Lewis, a practicing lawyer from Montgomery Alabama who has been participating in the Panama-related English language forums for years. And finally Clyde Jenkins, a retired 70-something former land developer from California and Washington state. When Jerry Hall started making a nuisance of himself on the various Panama-related Yahoo! email groups, these three people (primarily) combined forces and their formidable Internet researching skills and they quickly uncovered the truth about Jerry Hall, He is not, in fact, a Doctor and he does not have a PhD from anywhere. He apparently did go out and pay for some kind of bogus credentials from an Internet diploma-mill that has since been shut down as a fraud. Jerry Hall is also not a lawyer - he has never graduated from law school anywhere, and he has never passed the Bar exam in any state or country.

Jerry Hall Lashes Out: When these people uncovered Jerry Hall for what he was, he then contacted me by calling me on the phone in my office. He spent a long time trying to convince me that he had some kind of dirt on all three of the people who were attacking him. He told me he still had access to a secret government law enforcement database as a leftover from some work he had done for the federal government. While he was talking to me on the phone I could hear him frantically pecking away on this keyboard. And of course he didn't have access to any kind of government law enforcement database. That was just another bald-faced lie. I told him to send me the information that he supposedly had, but he said that would be impossible. He said that if the government found out that he was passing secret information to a journalist then he would be thrown in jail. Of course, that was just more lies.

Long Established Pattern of Fabricating Lies: Now, Jerry Hall the candidate for congress has apparently decided that it's time to paint himself with the "very conservative Christian" brush. Why? Because he probably thinks that will improve his chances of getting elected. As part of my efforts to make sure everyone in Texas, and especially those Republicans in the 4th Congressional District, know the truth about "Doctor" Jerry Hall, I posted several of the articles I have published to the Facebook pages of other Republican candidates and organizations. In response, today Jerry Hall posted "Please Read Mat 5:44." Don't need to - know it by heart. It says, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." I would have recommended that Jerry Hall take his own advice, before he tried to convince me that Susan Guberman-Gracia had been disbarred (she had not, it was a lie), that Clyde Jenkins was a pedophile and wanted by law enforcement (he is not a pedophile, that was simply another vile and incredibly despicable lie fabricated by Jerry Hall), and he made something up about Jay Lewis as well, but honestly I forget was he came up with. When I started chasing down the truth about Jerry Hall and posting that information to this website, he posted a string of lies about me on his Facebook page.

Since We're Quoting The Bible: Here's one for you, Jerry. You see, I know for a fact that your newfound love of Christ and the bible is an act that you've adopted very recently for purely political purposes. I know this because your actions are quite simply inconsistent with those of a true Christian. I would invite the fine people of Texas to refer to Peter 2:1-3 - "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as their will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Sovereign Lord who brought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.

Man, That Describes Jerry Hall Perfectly: Jerry Hall certainly doesn't like the "way of truth" and in response he tries to "exploit you with the stories he has made up." In fact, I don't think I need to add a thing.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - When it rains, it pours. The fake "Doctor" Jerry Hall, who is running as a candidate in the Republican Primary in the race for the Congressional seat to represent the 4th District of Texas, has now been caught using a completely "bogus" quote that's supposedly attributed to the famous comedic actor Bill Cosby, on his official website. You can see the quote on Jerry Hall's website here: www.jerryhallforcongress.org/billcosbysideas.html. Well, at least you will be able to see it there until Jerry runs to his website manager and tells him to take it down now that he's been uncovered (again.) One more thing - whoever is running Jerry Hall's website doesn't know what he's doing, and the "Bill Cosby" quote page is incorrectly formatted to display on the Google Chrome browser software. It comes up fine on Internet Explorer, however. Well, at least it will until Jerry Hall yanks it down in embarrassment. What's posted is supposedly a quote from Bill Cosby - "I have decided to become a write-in candidate, and here is my platform." It goes on to say:

• (1) 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait at the border until you can.
  
  
• (2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country's attitude. NO imports, no exports.. We will use the Wal-Mart's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.'
  
  
• (3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.
  
  
• (4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border (six month tour).. They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens..
  
  
• (5) Social security will immediately return to its original state If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will be able to touch it.
  
  
• (6) Welfare - Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.
  
  
• (7) Professional Athletes--Steroids.. The FIRST time you check positive you're banned for life.
  
  
• (8) Crime - We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.
  
  
• (9) One export will be allowed, Wheat. The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.
  
  
• (10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it's a worthy cause.
  
  
• (11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.
  
  
• (12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

And Now - The Truth: Apparently Jerry Hall didn't take the time to check this supposed "quote": on snopes.com before putting it up on his website. You can read the entire story about this "quote" at this link: www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/platform.asp. In short, it's more crap from Jerry Hall. Bill Cosby never said it. However the real Bill Cosby actually did respond to this hoax - just before the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Bill Cosby himself disclaimed involvement with this "write-in candidate" e-mail on his web site:

• BILL COSBY IS NOT A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT - I am not a write-in candidate for President. The statement purportedly from me stating that I am a candidate is a hoax. The platform attributed to me (and at various times to Robin Williams, Andy Rooney and George Carlin) does not represent my views and in many respects is abhorrent to me. Apparently those bloggers and websites who continue to spread this hoax do not care to do even minimal fact checking.

Fact Checking - Yeah, Right: Well, since I've started to do a little "fact checking" on Jerry Hall, it sure has turned into a target-rich environment. Basically nothing about this guy is true or genuine. He decided to latch onto a bogus piece of email spam and hang his hat on it, although the real Bill Cosby finds the content of that post to be "abhorrent." You might as well run to take a look right now while it's still there, because I'm certain Jerry Hall will run to pull it down the minute he sees this article. Knowing him, he will then turn around, call me a "nut bucket" and claim that it was never there in the first place. Right. Great way to get elected to the US House of Representatives - ignore the content of the message and vehemently attack the messenger. And by the way, the army of fact checkers is growing - I didn't find this one myself, someone else tipped me off. Hey! That's a great game we can play - try to find more crap and lies being pushed by Jerry Hall on his official website. My bet's on the whole "fake prophet" angle - real Christians don't conduct themselves in this manner.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Why does "Doctor" Jerry Hall, who is running as a candidate in the Republican Primary in the race for the Congressional seat to represent the 4th District of Texas, think that he can fool everyone? Just yesterday his website, www.jerryhallforcongress.org boasted that he had "donated $1 million dollars" to school children in Panama. This is a (false) claim he has been making repeatedly here in Panama over the years. On 2 January 2007 "Doctor" Jerry Hall posted the following (false) claim to the Panama Forum Yahoo! email chat group - "Panama Forum #26806 1-2-07 Posted by Dr. Jerry Hall - Re: Clyde Jenkins and associates - I have decided to use my Political connections to find out just who these people are that are continueing to try to trash everyone that is new to this site. I worked for the US Department of Justice Immigration division. NOW IT IS TIME TO FIND OUT THE SCOOP ON THE PEOPLE ON HERE THAT ARE SLAMMING EVERYONE ELSE. I am not a real estate scammer I came down here with more money that I need to retire in Peace, I have donated over $1,000,000 for education to the Schools in Panama..."

And There You Have It, Again: Are you starting to notice a trend? Anytime anyone learns the truth about "Doctor" Jerry Hall and calls him on his bull, he plays the "fear and intimidation" card. In the above response he threatens to use his (supposed) contracts within the US Department of Justice Immigration division to "find out the scoop on the people here what are slamming everyone else." In other words, I will use my (supposed) power and influence to attack you. I have a lot of money and power and friends and I will use all of that against you so you should be very afraid of me. And (by the way) he repeats that he has supposedly donated more than $1 million dollars for education to the schools in Panama.

There Are Hundreds of Emails Like This: "Doctor" Jerry Hall is basically a one-trick pony. The only thing he actually knows how to do is lie about his own power, connections, and importance. He artificially inflates himself using things like the false donations and the fake "doctor" title. When someone learns the truth, he counter attacks viciously, in an attempt to both discredit the source who is exposing the truth about him, and it try to intimidate that person to shut up. He is nothing more than a punk-bully who likes to scare people with threats.

Anyway, the $1 Million Dollar Donation Is Now Removed From His Website: It was there yesterday, and now it's gone. Good job at spin control, "doc." Ever tried just telling the truth? It's a whole lot easier, especially for an upstanding American and Christian like yourself (gag.) I guess it's the sheer hypocrisy that really pissed me off about this guy. And the audacity of this man to run for congress is simply unfathomable to me. Anyway, the First Amendment is still working - "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..." Smart guys. They knew people like me would sniff out and expose people like Jerry Hall, given the chance. And I'm just as sure Jerry Hall would shut me down in ten seconds if he could because he hates it when people expose the truth about him. By way of recap, I think we've already established that "Doctor" Jerry Hall is not actually either a doctor or a lawyer, that he does not have a PhD nor has he ever graduated from law school, despite his continuing claims to the contrary. I think it's also safe to say that Jerry Hall has not, in fact, ever donated $1 million dollars to poor kids in Panama. It simply did not happen, again despite his often repeated claims to the contrary. Next up - Does Jerry Hall Live in Panama or Texas? That should be fun. Followed by "What Would Jesus Do?" The only thing worse than a flat-out lier is a fake evangelist. And I'm just getting warmed up...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

The Super Bowl - the biggest sporting event of the year - will be played next weekend on Sunday, 7 February 2010 at 6:00 pm (Eastern and Local time). Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints will square off against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in what has all the the makings for a high scoring Super Bowl XLIV, but the real party will be here in Panama City. The Superbook VIP Sports Club, Panama's premier sportsbook in Panama City, is getting ready for the party of the year. We are pulling out all the stops to ensure this years Super Bowl will be an event you remember. The Super Bowl promises to have something for every sports fan, and we've recently put the finishing touches on some major improvements and upgrades - with the installation of seven new big screen TV's for example - to ensure no matter where you are in the club you can catch all of the action. We know what you're thinking - "only seven televisions?" No, we just installed seven MORE televisions and now there's like more than fifty screens throughout the club. Get comfy on a couch in our VIP section. Pull up a chair in front of the wall-sized projection TV. No matter where you sit or which way you're looking, you'll have a great view of the game. (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (394 words)

Sectors of Panamanian society are appealing to President Ricardo Martinelli, to stop the "excessive hunger for power" that is plunging the country into what could be the "worst institutional-political crisis in recent decades." The concern of the Catholic Church was published in the weekly newspaper "Catholic Panorama", which states that given the situation that has arisen over the case of the Attorney General's Office, "the interests and the social peace of the nation take priority over the individual." The Church believes that "to submit the country to the shock, the disappointment, and the institutional dispute, is a dangerous act, the consequences of which will eventually result in a heavy price." Politician Miguel Antonio Bernal warns that we face an executive that does not stop its excessive accumulation of power, which can be "dangerous" for the country. Bernal's view is shared by PRD deputy Leandro Avila who argues that many of the Executive's actions could lead us to a "great crisis". Since July the administration of Ricardo Martinelli has planned its actions to achieve a greater concentration of power than what is provided by the Constitution (critics allege.) The concern of the Church is added to that of other groups and organizations from the civil society. Some of them openly supported Martinelli as a candidate in the last election, but now they are orchestrating the the revival of the National Civil Crusade that opposed the military dictatorship in the 1980's. Constitutionally, the executive has the power to develop and implement the General State Budget. The Executive Branch can decide how much money is assigned to each of the other branches of government and the manner in which that money is spent, which in effect gives it total control, said Bernal. Milton Henriquez, chairman of the Popular Party, believes the National Assembly should also change it's "complacent" conduct. Martinelli's actions to dominate all structures of the state were clear from the beginning. His government holds a majority in the National Assembly and they ratified his appointment of Gioconda Torres de Bianchini as the new Comptroller General of the Republic, a woman who previously worked as the chief auditor for Martinelli's companies. And this occurred despite his campaign promises that he would select an independent for this post. The National Assembly also ratified two of Martinelli's appointments to the Supreme Court, José Almengor and Alejandro Moncada, both of whom are close to the President. Add the separation of Ana Matilde Gomez from her position as the Attorney General of the Republic and the surprise resignation of Boris Barrios from his politically important position as th Electoral Prosecutor, and the fear that the magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal may be forced from their positions through legal actions pending against them. The Government also aims to control the media. After criticizing the programming and the newscasts on the major television stations, National Assembly Deputy from Ricardo Martinelli's Cambio Democratico political party Dalia Bernal, first proposed the reactivation of the Censorship Board and later the "self-regulation" of the newspapers and radio. (Source: Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Yup, there's no doubt about it. Ricardo Martinelli has taken control of just about every important element of political power in Panama. Any observer can see what's happening and it's making some people very, very nervous. Now ask yourself - how and why has Martinelli been able to gather up so much political power? I would submit that the power now being wielded by Martinelli is a direct reflection of the clear mandate the people of Panama handed to him in the May 2009 election. Once must always remain vigilant upon detecting his particular set of circumstances, however the proof will be to see exactly how his accumulation of state power is used. If Martinelli continues his campaign to flush out and prosecute corrupt PRD politicians - and of course it will be the prosecutors of the Public Ministry and the judges of the Judiciary who actually do most of the heavy lifting in that respect - then I'm all for it. Gather the evidence, hold a fair and transparent trial, respect the constitutional rights of all involved, and obtain true and valid convictions against those who have been RAPING THIS COUNTRY FOR DECADES! There are some people who are afraid of the power being gathered by Ricardo Martinelli for a reason - mostly because they know what they have done and they are afraid that they will now, finally, be held accountable for their criminal actions, in a country where they have traditionally been able to get away with murder, literally. If that's the meaning of "Democratic Change" then it's been a long time coming. Maybe, just maybe, we might be witnessing a healthy evolution of the democratic process in action. And again, the proof is in the pudding. I've been disappointed by Panamanian politicians before. I had high hopes for Martin Torrijos and look how that turned out. Let's hope Ricardo Martinelli is actually, really, truly different from the people who have preceded him in office.   

The Panamanian Supreme Court might have violated the Treaty on Civil and Political Rights adopted by Panama through Law 14 of 1976 in their action to separate Ana Matilde Gomez from her position as the Attorney General of Panama, said Juan Antonio Tejada, a former Ombudsman and now one of Gomez's defense lawyers. According to Tejada, the treaty expressly enshrines the "right to a fair judge" and the right to submit effective petitions in order to preserve one's rights and liberties. Both rights, Tejada said, have been denied by Judge Wilfredo Saenz, who acted alone in his capacity as the rapporteur in the case against Gomez in rejecting the petitions filed by Gomez. With his unusually swift action Saenz prevented the petitions from reaching the full court. Tejada said that it is both "ironic" and "contradictory" that the Supreme Court in their ruling that orders the separation of Gomez from the position of Attorney General, cited Article 14 of Law 14 of 1976 of that international treaty. Consequently, the lawyer said Gomez would file a complaint with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). "This opens the possibility that we may use the international system to ensure the recognition of Gomez's fundamental guarantees of due process," said Tejada. The defense attorney also said that Gomez is preparing for the investigation ordered by the Supreme Court, as part of the complaint made by former prosecutor Arquimedes Saez. (Source: La Prensa)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Man, it's late and it's time to go home. I'll make this one simple and sweet. Jerry Ray Hall has been living in Panama full time since at least 2006 when he bought this house. He only went back to Texas to run in this election. I just did a quick check of the home ownership records in the Public Registry of Panama, and here are the details on the house that he owns in Panama, which he was trying to sell in July 2009. He didn't sell it because it's still registered in his wife Jennifer's name:

• Finca: 73921 Rollo: 1 Asiento: 9
• Número: 7
• Documento: 1 Cod.Ubic.: 8715
• Fecha Inscrip.: 28-09-2006
• Status de Registro: ACTIVO
• Tipo de Registro: ADQUIRENTE
• Apellido Paterno: HALL
• Apellido Materno: .
• Primer Nombre: JENNIFER
• Segundo Nombre: ELIZABETH
• Cedula o Pasaporte: NO 134197075 Estado Civil: SOLTERO
• Proporción: 100.00
• Finca: 73921 Rollo: 1 Asiento: 1
• Documento: 1 Cod.Ubicación: 8715
• Fecha Inscrip.: 18-01-2002
• Provincia: PANAMA Distrito: CIUDAD DE PANAMA.
• Corregimiento: LAS CUMBRES.
• Lote: 2047 Plano: 87-34708
• Status: ACTIVO
• Valor Fincas: 4,345.00 Valor Mejoras: 0.00
• Valor Venta: 0.00 Super. Actural: 1372MTRS-54DC
• Valor Inicial: 4,345.00 Super. Inicial: 1372MTRS-54DC
• Naturaleza: ACTUALIZACION
• Actualización y Transpasos
• Linderos y Medidas
• NORTE.. LIMITA CON BARREDUELA SEGUNDA SIGUIENDO LA LOMA DE LA CALLE Y MIDE 25MT CON 22CM. SUR.... LIMITA CON EL LOTE 2047 Y 2048 Y MIDE 72MTRS.CON 94CM. ESTE....LIMITA CON EL LOTE 2045 Y MIDE 29MTS- CON 60CM. OESTE...LIMITA CON EL LOTE 2048 Y MIDE 13MTRS-90CM. 7 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1979.
• Resto Libre de Finca Madre
• Finca: 73921 Cod. Ubicación: 8715
• Fecha Inscrip.: 18-01-2002
• Nueva Super.: 1372MTRS-54DC
• Nuevo Valor: 4,345.00
• Documento Reg.: 0
• Datos de la Finca Madre
• No. Finca Madre: 73921 Cod. Ubicación: 8715
• Rollo: 0 Tomo: 1641
• Documento: 0 Folio: 248
• Asiento: 1
• Datos del Diario
• Tomo: 241 Asiento: 1641
• Fecha: 13-09-1995 Hora: 13:12:39.9
• Presentado Por: RENAN HENOX SALCEDO

It's Late - That's Enough For Today: This house is still in Jennifer Hall's name. Actually, I'm not really sure if this is the record for their house, and it kinda looks like the purchase of an empty plot of land (that's probably next to their house.) Whatever. I'll figure it out tomorrow. My eye are going crossed... Goodnight, Irene.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - "Doctor" Jerry Hall has been responding to the articles I've posted yesterday and today on his Facebook page. What's more, I spoke to a member of the leadership of the Republican Party in Texas. Right now there is a town hall event and Jerry Hall is present at that event. The person who I spoke to is going to publicly question Jerry Hall on the specific pending questions. For example - Do you live in Panama or in Texas? Where do you spend most of your time? Are you a Doctor or do you have a PhD? If not, then why have you been using that title for years. You say on your website that you donated $1 million dollars to needy school children in Panama. If that is true, is that donation reflected on your IRS tax returns? Please provide the specific information regarding to whom, when, and where did you supposedly make those donations? (Answer - it's all bull.) Jerry Hall has responded to the articles I've written by pulling down his www.jerryhallforcongress.org website. (Update: 7 Feb 2010 - The website is now back up but a few key elements have been tactically removed. Specifically the claim he had previously made about having supposedly donated $1 million dollars to poor school children in Panama. He apparently pulled the site down just long enough to remove some incriminating lies that had been posted there previously, and in particular those details which I have highlighted in his series of articles.) Why? Maybe because he knows it's full of lies. In the last two days "Doctor" Jerry Hall has been trying to respond to the articles I've posted on my website via his Facebook page. Specifically, he has written:

• "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: "WELL IN all campaigns the nuts appear, when someone is working hard there is always one out there. I have one who is trying to drive traffic to his failing web site. So be prepared to hear gossip. It happens to all candidates." Response: Jerry, my website is doing great, thank you very much. As a matter of fact I got more than 100,000 unique visitors in January 2010 (without mentioning your name even once.) In fact, www.panama-guide.com is the #1 English language news website in the Republic of Panama, by far. We are the most read and most respected source of English language news available. And why? Because we are not afraid to call a spade a spade, and to expose frauds and scoundrels like you. Your feeble attempt to downplay or belittle this website is a serious mistake, one you can validate yourself by simply doing a Google search for "Jerry Hall Congress" - and you'll find our articles. In regards to "be prepared to hear gossip" - just answer the damn question. Where did the "Doctor" thing come from? Why did you spend years running around down here telling everyone you were both a Doctor and a Lawyer, graduated from Harvard and Colombia, if it wasn't true? If that's just "gossip" then why don't you spend less time attacking the messenger and more time answering the question?
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: "This is the nut bucket this shows that he just loves to literally attack people at their homes. Just to shed some light on the nut bucket from Panama." (And then he includes a link to an article appearing on Okke Ornstein's website.) Response: The fact of the matter is that Jerry Hall quite simply fabricated and tried to spread lies about Clyde Jenkins, specifically saying that Clyde Jenkins was a pedophile, which was a flat-out lie. Jerry Hall called my office and tried to get me to actually publish his lies about Jenkins, and while I was on the phone with me Jerry Hall said he had access to a secret government law enforcement database - that he still had the login and passwords from "his time working with the government." Of course, that was all bullshit. He told me that he was looking at a warrant for the arrest of Clyde Jenkins and that he was a pedophile wanted in the state of Washington. When I asked him to print a copy and send it to me or to send the hard cold facts via email, Jerry Hall responded by saying that "well there's no way I can do that - if the people who gave me access to this network found out that I was passing information to a journalist, then I would go to jail." How convenient. Of course, he was just making it all up. When I refused to bite on his (bullshit) fabricated bait, he called Okke Ornstein. Ornstein was more than happy to publish the untrue gossip about Jenkins. As a result of legal action taken by myself and Clyde Jenkins in response to the articles published by Okke Ornstein on his website at the time which was called "Noreigaville" - Ornstein quickly pulled down his website and went into hiding. He actually took a gig in Afghanistan to avoid local prosecutors. There are now several criminal complaints pending against Okke Ornstein for defamation and slander. In short, Jerry Hall "played" Okke Ornstein like a fiddle - manipulated him for his own ends.
  
  

  "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: " This is the cropped picture that some nut bucket is using to say bad things about me. I look a little tired here is because I was up late working and met the President at 6:00 am I had to rush. I clean up better when I have time. Hall He cut the President out of the picture so it makes me look bad. That is why I am showing the total picture. I dont think the president would meet with a nut." Response: The President of Panama will have his picture taken with just about anyone. Jerry Hall's problem with that photo is this - that's what he actually looks like. On his website he's using photos taken about twenty years ago - a standard tactic for older politicians. OK, so he's vain. Big deal.
  
  

• "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: "Because they don't have any information that is accurate or valid." Response: Hey Jerry - Why do you call yourself a "Doctor?" Please tell me - to whom did you donate $1 million dollars in Panama? Did you include that donation on your IRS tax forms? I mean, anyone who's going to donate $1 million bucks is at the very least going to take the tax write-off, right? If my information is not accurate or valid, why won't you answer those two very simple questions. Let's just start with those two.
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: "They take things and twist them every which way just so they can say they have readership. Jerry Ray Hall THESE PRESS PEOPLE WHEN THEY HATE SOMEONE ITS ABOUT ANYTHING THEY CAN MAKE UP, Look What Happened to Sarah Palin, well now I have a couple on me because I am a Strong Christian and Loyal American. They are people who have fled America and are telling us what to do from another Country because they are not welcome in America. So they Hate Christians and Americans.... They are DON WINNER, AND CLYDE JENKINS." Response: Holy crap! There's so many lies in that one that I almost don't know where to start. First of all, Jerry Hall insinuates that I have somehow "fled" the United States and that I'm "not welcome" in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. My parents live in the Northeast and I visit them frequently. I live in Panama by choice. I have not "fled" the United States, and there is absolutely nothing preventing my return. However, this is a "classic" attempt at information manipulation - trying to plant a seed of doubt about my background or character. Next comes the reference to supposedly hating both Christians and Americans. Well brother, you're talking to United States Air Force Master Sergeant (Retired) Donald K. Winner, at your service. I spent a full twenty years serving in uniform in the defense of my country, which I love dearly. I see from Jerry Hall's bio and resume that he has never spent a day in military service. So fine, let's compare credentials. You have baseless claims, and I've got a box full of medals. I would be happy to compare by education, background, and credentials against yours any day. The only difference would be - mine are real. I love the United States and Americans in general - but you on the other hand - let's just say there's no love lost there. And with regards to the "hating Christians" remark - you should know that I am also a Christian and I know full what that what you are attempting to do - to play the "I'm more Christian than you" card - goes expressly against the Bible and the Word of God. In short - you claim to be a man of faith but your actions say otherwise. Maybe you forget that I have access to both the leadership and membership of the two churches which have basically expelled you from their membership. But fine, since you seem to want to play the religion card so hard - let's go. It will take me a day or two to uncover all of the details, but it will be my pleasure. Stand by for more.
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall Writes: "Well I've got two nuts after me again. They are two unemployeed nut buckets from Panama, who are trying to promote their web site by doing a lite junk tabloid news paper, They make up any message just to get a reaction and then make this statement: After all, he ends his piece with: "I don't have the time to right now to go back and dig up all of the crap that went down." Response: That's right - I wasn't going to go back and dig up all of the old stuff that happened back in 2006, until you wrote me an email posing as your wife (she didn't write it - you did - I tracked the IP's.) And my website is not a "lite junk tabloid" but rather the #1 source of English Language News in the Republic of Panama, read by thousands daily. If it's such a non-issue, why do you care so much. (Rhetorical) You care because you know that between now and election day about 100,000 people are going to learn exactly what a lying sack of shit you really are.

Thanks For The Help, Jerry: And there you have it, folks. A perfect example of what this guy does. When faced with a simple and honest question from a serious and respected investigative journalist, instead of answering the question he "returns fire" by making untrue accusations against me, by trying to disparage my character, belittle and demean me and by website, etc. Why not just answer the question? Why do you call yourself a "Doctor?" Where did you supposedly donate the $1 million dollars in Panama? In fact - Jerry Hall is simply lashing out (again) because he's been caught in a lie. He is NOT a doctor, he does not in fact have a PhD, he has not graduated from law school and he is not a lawyer, and he has not donated $1 million dollars to needy kids in Panama. It's all lies, and he doesn't like getting called out on his bullshit. He's accustomed to being able to force and intimidate others into silence. Well, he can't shut me up, and I suspect the fine people of the 4th Congressional District in Texas will have a few questions for "Doctor" Jerry Hall at their next town hall meeting. Hey, here's another one - if you love America so much, then why do you live in Panama? Take your time...

But Wait - You Don't Have Any More Time: I just got a call from a person who is somehow a member of the leadership of the Republican Party of Texas. They are having a town hall meeting right now and Jerry Hall is there. I was told this entire incident is going to be brought to the attention of the Ethics Committed of the Republican Party at the National Level. The person who called me said - "If what you are saying is true, then Jerry Ray Hall should not be permitted to remain on the ballot." Yes, it's all true. If "Doctor" Jerry Hall is actually a doctor, then it should be easy for him to produce and prove his credentials, right? If he did attend Law School at both Harvard and Columbia, then he should be able to prove that as well. If he doesn't live in Panama, then just take a look at his passport - the stamps in and out will document his travel. If he did actually donate $1 million dollars to school kids in Panama - did that reflect on his IRS tax returns? And, speaking of tax returns, do those reflect all of the money he has made here in Panama? It doesn't really matter, because I don't think he'll get past the first question.

"Doctor" Jerry Hall Has Pissed Off A Lot Of People: When you make stuff up, create lies, and use those slanderous lies to hurt others, sooner or later it's going to come back around to bite you in the ass. Jerry Hall likes to use fear, intimidation, and threats to manipulate other people and to get his way. That might work for awhile, but in the end you just leave behind a string of enemies who can't stand you. Those people are now chomping at the bit to shut down the fraudulent campaign of "Doctor" Jerry Hall. It might be a little premature, but I'm about to add another notch to the side of my computer monitor. And, it's going to be a busy week in that department.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

Panama's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture held a press conference yesterday to announce that everything is ready to kick off the biggest and most important trade fair in the country, Expocomer 2010, which will be held from 3 to 6 March at the ATLAPA Convention Center. This year Expocomer will feature the participation of countries like Taiwan, Mexico and India, as well as the People's Republic of China, Colombia and Korea who also form part of the group of countries that will "once again honor us with their presence," said Inocencio Galindo, president of the Organizing Committee for Expocomer 2010. Forums, trade missions, individual events and a select program tailored to the needs of visitors, provide additional incentives for exhibitors and buyers participating in the fair that will help to consolidate its international prestige. Among the side events to be held within the framework of Expocomer - there will be a symposium lecture titled "Crisis Management" with the participation of five recognized panelists and five former American presidents, moderated by renowned CNN in Spanish journalist Alberto Padilla and the former presidents Francisco Flores of El Salvador, Rafael Callejas of Honduras and Ernesto Samper of Colombia. Also, for the third consecutive year, the CCIAP together with the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) will present the National Award for Innovation. This award is given to Panamanian companies and innovative entrepreneurs for their noted commercial or industrial activities. The slogan this year is "Expocomer, much more than a fair: a country event." This international trade exhibition has grown in the last 28 years and now the ATLAPA Convention Center has already become small, which is why organizers closely follow and support the government's initiative to build a new convention center to be consistent with the needs and requirements of the development occurring in Panama. (Source: El Siglo)   

Not wasting time. Newly appointed Attorney General Giuseppe Bonissi reported to work today at the headquarters of the Public Ministry to begin the coordination of some of his first acts as the man in charge of the institution. Bonissi intends to take action immediately - among those being changes to the staff, audits, and basic needs. On RPC Radio Bonissi said in some cases he would accept the resignations of some of the prosecutors who have "made their positions available" and that others he would analyze. With regard to high profile cases, Bonissi said "that's an expression that does not exist in legal terms," however he said they would apply all speed as required by law. Nedelka Diaz, who replaced Rigoberto Gonzalez as the General Secretary, also reported to work on Saturday. Source: Telemetro Reporta)   

Luis Alberto Arboleda Dutary was detained by Traffic officers of the National Police while driving a red Hyundai with registration number 503804 at the entrance to La Lajas de Chame. The police officers used the new system which allows them to check in real time to see if a person has any outstanding wants or warrants using the person's driver's license. This system indicated Arboleda Dutary had a pending arrest order, number 699 of the Fourth Criminal Court, dated 11 June 2003. He also had an additional arrest warrant pending, number 6826 from the Third Circuit Prosecutor's Office of Panama, dated 22 October 2007. Finally, this person was turned over to the proper judicial authorities for processing. (Source: La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: I hope they keep good records on how many people are arrested thanks to this new system. Maybe they will see the benefit and keep it maintained and working. Normally, new systems like this get tossed as soon as the first set of batteries die.   

By Todd J. Gillman for the Dallas Morning News - This is not an endorsement. The latest wrinkle in the Ralph Hall congressional race is a bit of unabashed name dropping by an opponent in the GOP primary. Challenger Jerry Ray Hall sent out a press release today arguing that the longtime incumbent, who is the oldest member of the U.S. House, needs to retire -- and if voters pick him, he can hit the ground running. "Jerry already has many Texas politicians as friends," the announcement says. "Jerry' [sic] contacts encompass friends in the Senate and Congress, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman John Culberson, Congressman Mac Thornberry, Congressman Ron Paul, and many other elected officials. Jerry doesn't need to start from scratch learning who can help, he already knows making him the most experienced and connected candidate." To illustrate the point, the announcement includes a photo of Jerry Ray Hall with Culberson, a Houston lawmaker -- implying an endorsement or at least some level of support which, it turns out, isn't the case. "Ralph Hall is a close personal friend and a great Congressman. He has my full support in the upcoming primary elections," Culberson said through an aide. Asked about the photo, Jerry Ray Hall said of Culberson. "I have not asked him for his support as of yet he probably would hold off because Ralph is still running. He is just a good friend over many years."   

If you're a fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) then the Superbook VIP Sports Club is the place to be this Saturday night, 6 February 2010. Broadcast live from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada the UFC will hold an event with 11 exciting matchups featuring such superstars as Randy Couture vs Mark Coleman. UFC 109 Rentless is being broadcast via pay per view, but the people at the Superbook will bring you all the action for free! The Superbook VIP Sports Club - Panama's Premier Sportsbook - has recently completed all renovations, so come by early and enjoy a quick game of pool and your favorite refreshments while getting ready to enjoy Saturday Night at the Superbook catching all the action friom the UFC! Superbook will have the latest lines for all the headline fights. Drink Specials: We will have the following drink specials for the UFC Fight - All national beers by the bucket 6 for $7, Heineken 6 for $10, Smirnoff Ice, Corona, & Miller - 6 for $11. The fight starts at 8:00 pm. Remember at the Superbook bet today get paid today!   

Within a period of five hours yesterday, Ana Matilde Gomez, who until recently was the Attorney General in Panama, received three notifications from the Supreme Court. The first came at 10:00 informing her that she had been suspended from office. The next came at 12:00 noon, informing her that her application to have the case reviewed by the Supreme Court had been rejected. And the third came at 3:30 pm to notify her that her appeal (in relation to the previous action) had not been admitted. The court did not even wait for Gomez to sustain the announced actions. By 5:00 pm yesterday afternoon the office of the Attorney General of the Republic had already been handed over to Giuseppe Bonissi, whom the executive had appointed as the "Replacement Attorney General" - a position that was eliminated with the constitutional reforms of 2004. (Source: La Prensa)   

By TOM BENNING / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON – Congressional candidate Jerry Ray Hall boasts of ponying up $500,000 of his own money to defeat longtime incumbent Rep. Ralph Hall in March's Republican primary. That is no mistake, said Jerry Ray Hall, who isn't related to the congressman. He said he is waiting until this week to funnel the money into his campaign. That way, his funding isn't listed in the most recent campaign finance reports and his opponents are left guessing, he said. "It's called a plan of action," he said. "There is nothing like being on a stealth mode." The filing deadline for the most recent reports was Jan. 31, for activity in the period ending Dec. 31. So Jerry Ray Hall could've transferred the cash weeks ago, and his fellow candidates would not have been the wiser until the next deadline to report donations – Feb. 18. If Jerry Ray Hall keeps his word, he will probably be the best funded of Ralph Hall's five challengers. With only four weeks left until the primary, he wouldn't specify how he was going to spend the money other than to use "any media I can get my hands on."

Ralph Hall has about $232,000 in his campaign account, according to the most recent filings, and two other challengers, Joshua Kowert and John Cooper, have spent only a few thousand dollars. Another Republican candidate, Steve Clark, vowed to match the congressman's funds, and he has already purchased several newspaper and radio advertisements. Clark didn't send the elections commission his candidacy statement until Jan. 8, so his finances also won't be listed until later this month. Jerry Ray Hall hasn't been afraid to stir things up. In a nod to his Tea Party affiliation, he included "Tea" in his name when he first filed to run for office. He has also bragged about friendships and photos with several high-profile politicians – even those who actively support Ralph Hall. "I'm not claiming any endorsements," he said. "I'm just saying I'm the most qualified candidate – other than Ralph Hall – because I have a lot of friends in Washington and Texas already."

Editor's Comment: And don't forget your friends down here in Panama (where you actually live) Jerry. Howdy. "Stealth Mode?" How's that working out for you? He included "Tea" in his name but the Tea Party does not endorse his candidacy. And he thinks that having friends makes him qualified? Amazing.

Related Articles:

• What? That Crazy Bastard Jerry Hall Is Running for Congress? - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall - In His Own Words - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• Because Two Nuts Are Better Than One - Especially In The Sack - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Ray Hall - Texas Republican Primary - 6 Feb 2010

   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I wanted to clear things up a little. I just checked the website of Republican Party of Texas. Jerry Ray Hall registered to run as a candidate in the statewide Republican Primary election, challenging long-time incumbent Ralph M. Hall to be the U.S. Representative to Congress from District 4. The following information is available on their website with regards to the candidate - Hall, Jerry Ray (Tea), P.O. Box 1014, Rockwall TX, 75087 972-800-1367, Profession - Mediator. Date of Birth - 8/9/1951. Date Registered as a Candidate - 1/4/2010. So, this is a primary election for the Republican Party in Texas. I just spent about an hour and a half calling the other Republican candidates who are running in this race against "Doctor" Jerry Hall. I was able to speak directly to three - Steve Clark, John Cooper, and Lou Gigliotti. And, I left voice mail for both Joshua Kowert and the incumbent, Congressman Ralph M. Hall (R). I called to let the the other candidates in this race know about the Panamanian exploits of "Doctor" Jerry Ray Hall and the articles I've published about him on this website. Once I get done informing the other Republican candidates, then I'll spend another day trying to inform the media. I did get one phone call in today to the News Editor of the Herald Democrat a newspaper in Texas 4th District. The specific questions I would have for "Doctor" Jerry Hall - Why does he used the title of "Doctor" and "PhD"? Where did he go to school? When did he graduate? In addition on his website he claims to have donated $1 million dollars to poor children in Panama. My question would be - Where? To what town? What school? What mission? Please provide the details of this incredibly (read: unbelievably) generous donation so that I can speak to the people who benefited and confirm. In fact - I already suspect that "Doctor" Jerry Hall never made any donation of any kind. The missionaries who I've spoken to here in Panama have never heard of him - and in those circles if anyone had actually donated $1 million dollars it would have made international headlines. Like I said - it never happened. Anyway, here's my "Jerry Hall" piece for today.

Oh, Almost Forgot: Yesterday afternoon after I published another article I got a call from a Panamanian lawyer who told me "yeah, that guy was in my office, and he told me he was a US lawyer who had graduated from Harvard and Colombia." As we now know - that was another bald-faced lie. Jerry Hall is neither a "Doctor" or a lawyer.

Related Articles:

• What? That Crazy Bastard Jerry Hall Is Running for Congress? - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall - In His Own Words - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• Because Two Nuts Are Better Than One - Especially In The Sack - 5 Feb 2010

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Well, I'm sorry to see Forrest Walker and his wife depart Panama. I received this letter from him this morning that was actually written for the Editor of the Bocas Breeze - "Editor, Bocas Breeze. You may not print this because it might hurt Real Estate sales or worse mess with someone’s vibes, but I had to write it anyway. After four (only four?) toe-curling, chitra scratching, and mind-boggling years in Bogus de Todo, I am finally parting. The poets say parting is such sweet sorrow. This realist says it is just sweeeet. Anyone reading this who knows me is already aware that I am as rapturous about parting as a televangelist who just a got a million dollar donation from a dyeing octogenarian. I am as deliriously happy as a Deadhead at the reincarnation of Jerry Garcia. I no longer carefully step over the trash on the streets of this town; I whirl around it like a dervish. I kick the empty fruit juice boxes down the street like they are a plaything, as the locals do. I could now care less about the faulty infrastructure here such as the thrice weekly power outages and city water that I won’t serve to a stray dog. I do not have to feel discomfited by half naked heavily tattooed un-groomed and reeking day-tripper s wandering the streets. I will never again have to be careful not to get banged on the head by a surfboard on Third Street. I no longer have to sleep at night concerned of being the next victim of the swelling level of un-penalized misdemeanors.

I no longer have to try to explain to visiting friends why the bathrooms at the airport don’t have toilet paper or running water, and I am past wondering why the airport cannot pave the parking lot. In fact as far as this archipelago is concerned, I stopped asking why about 3 and a half years ago. The answer was always as perplexing and preposterous as the question. Never again will I be kept awake by blaring disco music, oops, it really isn’t music is it. Let’s call it audible canine fecal matter; yeah that is more like it. I can stop spending $50 a month on bug spray to kill *censormode*roaches. I can stop counting geckos on my walls, which are cute mind you, and they eat other insects, bless them, but golly gee, enough is enough. I can stop helplessly watching things rust and rot. This is the only place I have ever seen stainless steel rust.

Are there things to be thankful for here? Oh, sure. I am thankful I only caught Leishamaniasis once. I am thankful I never caught Denque, or Malaria. I am thankful I never had to make use of that sad joke that passes for a medical clinic. But to be truthful, I am thankful for the friends I met here. Y’all made the place almost tolerable. Mostly I am thankful to my wife for getting engineering our egress. To you convinced you’re lucky to be here, I say; You can have it all. I am gone. Out of here. Forrest Walker"

Can I Be The First To Say It? There's only one possible answer to a letter like that - "Run Forrest, Run!" I'm sorry that you feel that way, I guess the only thing there is to say is that every silver lining has a touch of grey... Later, Bud. Fair winds and following seas.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Welcome aboard to our latest link swapper - the Ginger House in Cerro Azul. From their website: "Ginger House is a quaint guest house and wellness retreat located in the mountain community of Los Altos de Cerro Azul. Its 45 minutes away from Tocumen International Airport. This retreat borders the Chagres National Forest. There are plenty of trails to hike and wildlife to see within the retreat area. There are also day trips to taken, such as canal tours, historic tours,river rides and zip Lines through the jungle. Or you can just hang out in a hammock with a good book and a cool drink. I can arrange massage and reiki treatments by appointment only. Ginger House is also available for private functions such as business luncheons or brunch." And special credit goes to Picasso, the owner and operator of the Ginger House, for her patience with me about getting his one posted. She wrote - "Hey...Over Here!!! Dont forget about swapping links and banners and massage and stuff. Ok Well, you told me to pester you, which I really hate to do to people. So here it goes...PESTER PESTER PESTER. I know know pain in the ass. but i gotta get my business rolling. Thanks for your HELP. Cheers, Picasso" My pleasure. And, my apologies for taking so long to get this done. The place sounds great.    

"It's a sad moment because I studied law and aspired to have by rights acknowledged," said Ana Matilde Gomez who was suspended from the position of Panama's Attorney General today, Friday, 5 February 2010. "From day one my rights have been violated," Gomez told reporters who were waiting outside of the Attorney General's office across the street from the Parque Porras. "I'm not destroyed," said Gomez, who, along with officials from the Public Ministry - walked out the front door of the institution. Outside, a white Lexus was waiting for her. Deception - "I regret that the nine judges of the [Supreme Court] have not spoken out," Gomez said, referring to the resources of reconsideration she filed to stop the suspension from office. Because, she said, "the law is on my side and I have not committed any crime." But she added that "history has its own destiny for each individual." Thus, Gomez said: More than the hope of returning to the position of Attorney General, what remains now is "the hope than justice will prevail." (Source: La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Good. That drama is finally over. Now, can we please get back to the serious business of tossing corrupt PRD politicians in jail? I mean, that's what all of this crap has really been about, anyway. Ana Matilde Gomez was simply not doing her job. The whole thing about the cell-tap was just an excuse to toss her out. If it wasn't for that, they would have found another reason. And today Ricardo Martinelli takes one more step towards world domination - except in his case I think he's BOTH Pinky and the Brain. And if you don't get the reference then you're too old...

   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Hoo-boy. Sometimes simple things snowball. I received the following today via email: "How dare you write such a salicious article and use Jerry's photo WITHOUT PERMISSSION! I'm still married to Jerry and your article is having an impact on My Life as well as the life of my 10 year old son! You have no right whatsoever to do this- Jerry does not even live in Panama anymore, don't you have anything better to do with your time! I'm seriuosly upset and agravated by this and am going to talk to an attorney asap. Jennifer Hall." Jennifer, you have the right to remain upset and aggravated. When you talk to your attorney, you might want to bring a copy of "Doctor Jerry's" PhD diploma from "Harbard" University. But you know, Jennifer Hall is still out there on the Internet, specifically on the website "Doctor Jerry" set up while he was down here running scams - specifically www.retire2panama.com. You know I wasn't going to go into all of this in full, but what the hell. Since the good Doctor Jerry Hall want's to run for public office, let's go back and wring out some of the old dirty laundry from Panama, shall we? Let's see, it all starts when Jerry got the fine idea of setting up a school for gringo kids in Panama. I remember like it was yesterday... (more)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (3,102 words)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I did a little more digging into our friend and former resident whack-job, "Doctor" Jerry Hall who is running for Congress in Texas. He has the following posted on his website - www.adrservicesintl.com -

• JERRY R. HALL, Ph.D., C.M., president and founder of ADR Service International, Inc., is a pioneer in mediation, with over 23 years of experience. He has trained over 5000 CPAs, Real Estate agents, Attorneys, business professionals. Member and on the board of American bar Association, alternative Dispute resolution division. He has been instrumental in monitoring and authoring legislation for the purpose of mediation. Member of International Association of Mediators Arbitrators. Dr. Hall has worked or helped to develop pilot programs for EEOC, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Postal Service, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Transportation, NASA.

There's That Pesky Ph.D Thing Again: Now I wonder - why would "Dr" Jerry spend all that time promoting himself, using the title of "Doctor" in every piece of correspondence here in Panama - but then not mention that credential anywhere on his Jerry Hall for Congress Biography page? It just doesn't make any damn sense. Actually - that was a rhetorical question. He dropped the "Doctor" routine for the most part down here in Panama after Clyde smoked him out, but he kept it up in other places where there was less of a chance that we here in Panama would be aware. Like, on his "Alternative Dispute Resolution" website. So, my question for "Doctor" Jerry Hall still stands. Where did you graduate from college? How did you earn the "Ph.D" you're so proud of. I'm sure the alumni from "Harbard" will be glad to see their old bud Jerry is running for congress. Hilarious...

Related Articles:

• What? That Crazy Bastard Jerry Hall Is Running for Congress? - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall - In His Own Words - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• Because Two Nuts Are Better Than One - Especially In The Sack - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Ray Hall - Texas Republican Primary - 6 Feb 2010

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Don – I am surprised you haven’t commented on the Giant Video Screen installed on the Parking Garage of Extreme Planet/Bennigans. There is a huge public outcry to stop this thing…check out the facebook group and pics…very disturbing. I drove down the Cinta Costera this week at night, and could CLEARLY read the screen from the Fish Market…what is that about a mile?? Imagine living next door to it? No a la Pantalla Gigante en la Avenida Balboa! Thank you, Ted DeGennaro" My pleasure.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I just found out that "Dr. Jerry (Ray) Hall" who lived in Panama for a time has returned to Texas and is now apparently running for congress. Well, there are a few things the fine people of District 4 in Texas should know about this guy. First and most importantly, why did he run around here calling himself "Doctor" Jerry Hall? I received an email from on Wednesday, 10 September 2008, which he signed as "Dr. Jerry Hall, ADR Service International, Inc." Earlier Clyde Jenkins started researching this clown and discovered he had supposedly graduated from "Harbard" (no typo) University with a PhD. I looked at the Bio section of his Jerry Hall for Congress website and there was no mention whatsoever of him being a Doctor of any kind. Hmmmmm. And that's just for starters. I've dealt with this whack-job personally on several occasions and he's crazy as hell. No shit - he's as Looney Tunes as they come - ready for the straight jacket. I mean - slobbering, blathering, turn-red-in-the-face, nuts. At one point he was on the phone screaming and yelling at me, threatening about how he was going to do this or that, destroy me, have me killed, use his power and contacts and influence in Panama to bury me, etc. All because I exposed some very simple and basic truths about him. He flat out lied to me and fabricated false stories and lies about other members of the English speaking expatriate community here in Panama. He was trying to do damage to them because they also had some very simple questions about some of his claims and statements - which turned out to not be true. I don't have the time to right now to go back and dig up all of the crap that went down while the good "Doctor" was here in Panama, and I'm sure people like Clyde are going to have a regular field day with this one. And I'll guarantee the fine constituents in Texas and the other politicians running in this race don't have a clue about all of the crap Jerry Hall pulled while he was living here in Panama. Let's see if we can change that. I know this for a fact - Jerry Hall fabricates stories, lies about himself and others, and tries to manipulate situations for his own benefit. When he is caught in those acts, he lashes out violently and with uncontrolled rage. In short - Class A nut-job. He's now trying to repackage himself as a "tea bagger." I hope some flavor of Republican wins that race, but personally I'd vote for anyone else before this Jerry Hall nut-job. As we used to say in the military - "Fire For Effect."

Related Articles:

• What? That Crazy Bastard Jerry Hall Is Running for Congress? - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Hall - In His Own Words - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• Because Two Nuts Are Better Than One - Especially In The Sack - 5 Feb 2010
  
  
• "Doctor" Jerry Ray Hall - Texas Republican Primary - 6 Feb 2010

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Finally. I got my video camera working again. A long time ago I took a trip to Bocas del Toro for something (forget what) and while there I accidentally left the battery charger for my video camera behind. This effectively put it out of service for awhile until I finally got off my duff and ordered a new charger and battery. Anyway, this is my first little mini-project - "Driving Down Via España." Of course if you drive down Via España every day this will be boring for you. If you haven't been to Panama in a long time you might find it interesting. And more than anything else this is mostly about me knocking the dust off of my video camera. Anyway, for what it's worth...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

Faced with the imminent suspension from office of Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez, prosecutors and administrative officers of the Public Ministry (MP) decided to resign their positions or to make them available to be decided by her replacement, Giuseppe Bonissi, according to sources from this institution and some of the protagonists themselves. Among those who have resigned are the Superior Prosecutors James Bernard and Eduardo Guevara. Both confirmed their decisions to La Prensa. Guevara the Fourth Superior Prosecutor and the Prosecutor for Intellectual Property, respectively. The suspension of Gomez also had an effect on the staff. Kenya Purcell, Deputy Secretary General of the Public Ministry, said she will resign. On Wednesday, the General Secretary Rigoberto Gonzalez said he was going to resign as well in support of Gomez. Gioconda Emiliani, Secretary of Communications and Juan Herrera, head of security, do not rule out doing the same, according to a source. Meanwhile, Auxiliary Prosecutor Luis Martinez, who was appointed by Gomez as the "caretaker" of her office pending the outcome of investigations against her, said he would wait to see how the situation develops in the MP to make a decision on his future. A source said, what's more, that Gonzalez said that Giovany Olmos - who Gomez dismissed as the Environmental Prosecutor - would replace him as secretary-general. Moreover, the new Replacement Attorney General Giuseppe Bonissi said yesterday that former Attorney General Jorge Ramón Valdés will be his adviser. Not surprisingly, the Assembly ratified Giuseppe Bonissi.

With a quick vote the Deputies of the National Assembly confirmed Giuseppe Amadeo Bonissi as the Replacement Attorney General of the Nation, despite warnings that it would be a violation of the Constitution, made by opposition PRD lawmakers, independent lawyers, and sectors of the civil society. During the full session a few lawmakers from the Panameñista political party were conspicuously absent, such as José Blandón, José Luis Varela and Alcibiades Vásquez. When the president of the debate, Noriel Salerno, announced that he would vote, PRD lawmaker asked to speak. Salerno refused, saying that he was not on the list. Avila ran to the front of the floor shouting "Abuse! Abuse! Abuse!" but the official vote taker had already declared the ratification of the one designated by President Ricardo Martinelli.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Right now, at 6:00 pm on Thursday evening, 4 February 2010, the Credentials Committee of the National Assembly has approved the designation of Giuseppe Bonissi as the Replacement Attorney General of the Republic, as nominated by President Ricardo Martinelli together with the Cabinet Council. Now, his designation will be passed to the full body of the National Assembly for a vote. It is expected that this vote will take place this evening. At the end of the work day Ana Matilde Gomez departed the offices of the Public Ministry where she continues to serve as the Attorney General. Originally the Supreme Court said Gomez was to be officially notified of their decision to remove Gomez from her position today. However, I think that they are holding off until the National Assembly finishes with the formality of approving Giuseppe Bonissi, and once that's done then most likely the Supreme Court will proceed with the official and formal notification of Ana Matilde Gomez, effectively removing her from the position. All of this has turned into a feeding frenzy for the Panamanian press, and importantly about a dozen prosecutors and staff members loyal to Ana Matilde Gomez are expected to resign once she is officially removed from office. And notice - Ricardo Martinelli never surfaced anywhere today.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

The Former Minister of Education Belgis Castro was released from the El Renacer prison this afternoon. Castro has been detained since August 2009 as part of the investigation against him for alleged corruption and embezzlement related to the removal of fiberglass insulation from public schools. Castro left the prison in a green Toyota Prado driven by his son. The former government official was able to obtain his freedom after the Second Superior Tribunal of Panama granted him an interim measure other than preventive detention. According to a press release, Castro has to report to the court every Friday. While the Second Superior Tribunal of Panama made their decision, at the same time the lawyers defending Castro obtained a bail bond for $150,000 as part of the process being heard in the Eleventh Criminal Circuit Court of Panama. The decision of the Superior Tribunal of Panama is related to the criminal case for alleged irregularities in the removal of fiberglass insulation from public schools located in the Eastern part of the province of Panama, said the press release from the Judiciary. These anomalies occurred between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2008 as revealed by an audit performed by the Comptroller General of the Republic.   

As soon as Panama's Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez is formally and officially notified of her suspension, the Secretary General of the Public Ministry, Rigoberto González and several other staff members in "positions of trust" will resign from their positions within the institution. With this announcement González is complying with what he has been saying for months - that if Gomez eventually leaves from her post then he would resign. However, while local media reported on Thursday that four prosecutors have also said they would resign, the rest will await for the new Attorney General Giuseppe Bonissi to decide. Meanwhile the Superior Prosecutor neither confirmed or denied that he would resign, although he has another offer within the Municipality of Panama. Other officials argued that the "judicial career" will be diminished, although it is protected by the Constitution. (Source: Panama America)

Editor's Comment: In Panama the Attorney General is the Chief of the Public Ministry. All of the prosecutors in Panama work for the AG. There are literally dozens of prosecutors at all levels, and some are more trusted than others. All of the people who move in these circles know "who's who" so to speak, and they know which of the prosecutors are the loyal allies of Ana Matilde Gomez. While (on paper) their jobs and careers are protected, they also understand this is a situation that is politically charged. For example, Rigoberto González is the Secretary General of the Public Ministry and he also serves as the personal defense attorney for Ana Matilde Gomez. It will be interesting to see which of the high-profile prosecutors turn in their papers, and which stick around to see if Giuseppe Bonissi wants them to stick around. In this world, if the boss doesn't want you, it really doesn't make any sense to force the issue or you'll find yourself prosecuting coconut thieves in the San Blas islands somewhere or sniffing around the Darien looking for the FARC.   

The Electoral Prosecutor Boris Barrios resigned his post today. The reasons for his decision are not known. Barrios, who was appointed in 2008 during the administration of Martín Torrijos for 10 years, leaves office amid an investigation of his performance when he was the First Notary of Panama. The governor of Panama, Mayín Correa, announced this week that she had ordered an audit of all of the Notary Publics in the province of Panama due to the possible commission of crimes of fraud and embezzlement by those who exercised these posts during the past administration. (Source: La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Damn, it's a two-fer! Today Ana Matilde Gomez will be officially notified of the Supreme Court's decision to separate her from her office as the Attorney General of Panama, and now with this resignation of Boris Barrios, Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli will be able to appoint a person to fill the important position of Electoral Prosecutor. This is the person who investigates things such as electoral fraud and anything having to do with politics and elections. There is also an Electoral Tribunal made up of three judges who decide the cases. This is an important position for Martinelli to have locked up. Boris Barrios probably quit because he knows what Mayín Correa will turn up in the audit of the First Notary of Panama, so he's running for cover while he can. Another way to look at this - the PRD loses one more soldier to the Ricardo Martinelli Purge of 2009 - 2010.   

Murder and robbery at sea. Yesterday morning Lisandro López made it to shore near El Embarcadero in Juan Díaz after having spent hours keeping himself afloat, as the only survivor of three who were robbed at gunpoint aboard a fishing boat named "El Sol." Upon reaching land, Lisandro told the inhabitants of El Embarcadero what had happened and he asked them to call the police. On Tuesday night, near Paitilla, the three fishermen were aboard "El Sol" when they were surprised by another boat with three aboard who took the fish they had caught and their boat. "We came upon three men in a boat and they asked us if we could give them fuel, but we refused to give them help," he said. He added that suddenly they were threatened with a weapon and ordered to jump into the water, so he jumped into the water and swam. Soon he came upon Captain Ángel Ceferino García, with whom he swam for awhile, but later he got a cramp and sank. "I heard some shots and do not know what happened to the other man," said Lopez. Following these statements, the National Police and SINAPROC conducted a search but did not find the other two bodies. When Lisandro made it to shore he asked the people in the area to give him food because he was exhausted. (Source: Dia a Dia)   

SPI Corporal Joel Javier Guzmán and his brother Benjamín Guzmán, both Panamanians who are suspects in the alleged plot against President Ricardo Martinelli, were transferred to the La Joya prison. The Guzmán brothers and Puerto Rican Isaac Polanco have been charged with attempted kidnapping. It was learned that the Puerto Rican made himself out to be an informant to members of the Security Council and tried to charge the sum of $2,000 for information related to a supposed kidnapping attempt. Both the SPI Corporal and his brother have denied their participation in the plot. (Source: La Critica)   

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Panama in 2013 in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the South Sea, said Alfredo Prieto, a spokesman for the presidency. Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, confirmed the arrival of Pope that had previously been announced by President Ricardo Martinelli. Although the day of the Pope's arrival has not been announced, Prieto said the visit by the highest authority of the Catholic Church has the backing of the Vatican. In 2013 two major events are expected in Panama. During that year Panama is aspiring to host the Central American Games and the XVII Bolivarian Games. In Panama it is expected the Catholic Church will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the first church on land in the Americas. President Ricardo Martinelli visited the Pope last September at the pontiff's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. In this residence, located in a small Italian town in Lazio, Martinelli spoke with the Pope on his administration's vision to govern the country and the social changes he would promote as tools to combat inequality. (Source: El Siglo)   

On Tuesday afternoon the Cabinet Council approved amendments to articles of Law 69 of 27 December 2007 which created the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) in the National Police, the departments of Criminology Services and the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. The reform allows for the use of a criminal record that, at present, is only required for a work permit, as part of the concrete actions set in motion by the current administration which seeks to offer greater security to the population. The initiative, which will now be passed to the National Assembly for approval and adoption, seeks to remove limits to access and application of the information recorded in the Personal Identification files - known as the "Police Record" - for certain services in the application for employment. The proposal makes is clear that if there is no evidence of a punishable in the Personal Identification file of the DIJ then than should be established in the certificate issued. The struggle for security of the business sector is that they receive job applications on a daily basis and often they become the victims of crime, because often they don't know the real criminal history of the person and they give them a job, and often times they are granted access to confidential information which they then use to commit crimes, as one of the reasons behind this proposal to reform the law and to reactivate the criminal record. The Cabinet Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Minister of Government and Justice to propose to the reform to the National Assembly. (Source: TVN Noticias)   

The regional office of the National Civil Protection System in Colon ordered the closure of Devil's Beach on Fort Sherman in Panama where two people drowned last weekend. Jaime Ospina, SINAPROC regional director, said the beach area was cordoned off and swimmers are forbidden from using the area because it's not safe. According to the official, they will coordinate with other sectors of security to prevent swimmers from entering the area. (Source: Telemetro Reporta)    

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner stressed the need for America to ratify pending free-trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama in order to create jobs by doubling exports over the next five years. In a testimony to the House of Representatives on the federal government's budget Geithner said helping exporters means that America needs to push ahead with the stalled trade agreements or face the possibility of losing those markets to other countries referring to free trade deals like the one signed between Korea and the European Union last year. A study by the US Chamber of Commerce one of the largest business lobbying groups in Washington found that failing to pass the Korea-US accord would mean losing 35 billion US dollars worth of exports and some 345-thousand jobs because Seoul signed a trade agreement with the EU. Echoing similar remarks was Fred Bergsten director of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post Bergsten urged the Obama administration to propose that Congress promptly pass all three outstanding free trade agreements as part of its new jobs program adding that the deal with Korea alone would save some 300-thousand American jobs. The senior researcher says President Obama should aim to wrap up the trade deals by the time the US hosts the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum next year. Kim Seok, Arirang News   

The Credentials Committee of the National Assembly will meet this morning to discuss the ratification of Giuseppe Bonissi as the Replacement Attorney General. Bonissi visited some of the lawmakers yesterday and spoke with members of the commission, carrying documents required to comply with the formality of the process. Meanwhile, Rep. Mario Miller, the Chairman of the Credentials Committee, said they would review the documents submitted by Bonissi to ensure they are in order and after that step his nomination will be forwarded to the full Assembly. It is unknown whether there will be an open consultation period, in which anyone can present their opinions either in favor or opposed to the designation of Bonissi, but Miller said not time period has been established for the public to come forward to make this type of expression, as is customary in the descriptions of other officials such as appointments of judges to the Supreme Court and the Comptroller General. (Source: La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: The National Assembly will approve Bonissi's appointment today, before Ana Matilde Gomez is formally and officially notified of the Supreme Court's decision to remove her from office. The moment she is notified, then Bonissi will immediately assume the position as the Attorney General. I suspect there will be some kind of a ceremony this afternoon either at the Public Ministry or the Presidency.    

Salem-News.com (BEAVERTON, Ore.) - Beaverton Police were called to investigate a sex abuse allegation on November 15, 2008, at the YMCA, 4925 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton. It was reported to have happened at 5:23 p.m. that day, according to Detective Pam Yazzolino with Beaverton PD. "A young juvenile male had reported to his mother he'd been sexually assaulted, by an older white male, while in the facility's shower." She says detectives responded and the resulting investigation led to the arrest of 68-year old Philip Leland Riley. Riley was lodged at the Washington County Jail where he posted bail and subsequently fled the state to avoid prosecution, Yazzolino said. "Numerous attempts were made to locate Riley, however, these attempts proved unsuccessful. It was later believed Riley had left the United States. Beaverton detectives sought the help of the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office where a Federal fugitive warrant was issued and a fugitive investigation began." On October 10, 2009, America's Most Wanted aired a show outlining the case and requested the public's assistance. Numerous tips were received after the broadcast regarding this investigation.

Yazzolino says multiple agencies worked together on the fugitive investigation and this collaborative effort led them to the country of Panama. Panamanian authorities said they received a tip about an individual who carried a World Government of World Citizen Identification card, described as a 'Fantasy Document' by Panamanian authorities, under the name of Danny Williams who was born in Vancouver British Colombia. Panamanian officials made quires with the Embassy(ICE Panama) to see if this individual was a United States Citizen. Records check revealed that the subject was in fact Philip Leland Riley, who had an Unlawful Fight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant issued by the FBI and was wanted by Oregon State authorities for the sexual assault charges out of Beaverton, Oregon. "Panamanian authorities initiated an expulsion order for Riley as an undesirable individual who had no registered legal entry into Panama. The Government of Panama coordinated the return of Philip Leland Riley," Yazzolino said. On February 3, 2010, both US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI escorted Riley back to the United States, where he was apprehended at the Houston International Airport at approximately 4:00 p.m. PST. He will immediately face a Federal Judge on the fugitive warrant, followed by extradition back to Oregon. Yazzolino says the Beaverton Police Department would like to thank the FBI, ICE, US Marshal's Service Oregon Fugitive Task Force, Oregon Department of Justice, United States Attorney's Office, Oregon State Police and the public for their assistance in this investigation and for helping bring Riley back to the Unites States to face justice on the charges of Sodomy I and Sex Abuse I.

Editor's Comment: I have no idea why people think they can come here to hide from the authorities. I do dozens of these kinds of stories every year. If you're running from something in the United States, why not try Ecuador...   

Inflation and a decline in purchasing power is what is expected with the new tax reforms announced by the Government, especially those that indicate an increase from 5% to 7% in the ITBMS sales tax, funds that will be allocated to pay for improvements in public safety and security and to pay for the Universal Fellowship program. "If the government increases the ITBMS from 5% to 7% the amount of money collected would increase by 40%, which means the government would collect an additional $240 million dollars per year from this tax increase alone," said economist and partner in BDO Panama, Aristides Hernandez. "This measure will have a strong impact on inflation of Panama, which in recent years has been the main socio-economic problem the country," Hernandez said. He added that this effect on inflation, coupled with the effect of the increased minimum wage could put inflation in Panama in from 4% to 5% annually. Public accountant Chen Luis Gonzalez is concerned that "a 40% increase in the ITBMS is very damaging to the broad popular sectors and lower income people living in poverty and extreme poverty, as this unfairly reduces growth in their already low purchasing power." "I propose that there should be no increase in the ITBMS and that the additional money needed by the Government for their work should be obtained through efficient and effective and efficient spending," said Chen Gonzalez. The Government notes that with the new reforms more than 49,500 small businesses will pay less income tax than they currently pay. According to Delfín Aparicio, Director of the Panamanian Microfinance Network (Redpamif) in response to Thursday's announcement, "we need to be clear about what the government will do - this is like when they talked of the minimum wage at first they said one thing and then it turned out that they did something that affected more than one sector." "This may be a palliative and next year things stay the same, however, we are not clear what is the real offer for the MYPIMES, we have not captured the essence of the Reformation, we are raising taxes with the ITBMS while on the other side they say they are going down," he said. "The experience we have had during these seven months with this government is that they say one thing and then they fix things they did not originally calculate prior to approving them, that's the problem we have with them," he said. (Source: Panama America)   

70% of the electrical energy that is consuming the country comes from thermal generation plants, and the remaining 30% from hydropower. The National Dispatch Center (CND), which administers the system, is using as much energy as possible from the thermal power plants to conserve water in the reservoirs, said a source. Based on records from the CND, the Fortuna reservoir remains at 1,044.31 meters above sea level, while the Bayano is at 59.93 meters above sea level. For analysts, the driest months are March, April and May, during which time the water now being held in reserve can be used to generate power. (Source: La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: This is a good plan. The power generated by the "thermal" plants, those that burn fossil fuels to generate power, is more expensive. However, there is now a significant "El Niño" ENSO condition in effect which generally results in significantly less rainfall in Panama than normal. You can always import more bunker fuel to burn in the thermal plants, but once the water has left the reservoirs it only gets back in there when it rains. It might cost more to burn the fuel to generate electricity, but that's still better than not being able to generate enough power to meet demand and having to manage rolling black outs or electricity rationing. Fron the NOAA Climate Prediction Center: "Most models indicate that SST anomalies in the Niño-3.4 region will begin to decrease in early 2010, and that El Niño will persist through April-May-June 2010." El Niño causes greatly increased amounts of rainfall for places like Peru, Ecuador, and Northern Brazil - so while we're looking at drought they are looking at flooding and mudslides. No matter what happens, by June or July the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone will move back over our heads to the North and the rains will return to Panama, maybe two months later than normal.   

Those who formed the "Civilian Crusade" more than twenty years ago to demonstrate against the military regime gathered Wednesday outside of the offices of the Attorney General of Panama near Parque Porras to complain about the situation that prevails in the country, and especially the suspension of Ana Matilde Gomez from office. The protest started at 4:30 pm and lasted for two hours. The participants, who were dressed in white, said the main purpose of the demonstration is to defend democracy in the country. Among the protesters were politicians and lawyers among others, and as background music the old song used during protests against Manuel Antonio Noriega, "speak people speak" was being played. The group's leaders said their activities would continue. (Source: TVN Noticias)