Protests in Panama

[jramesch]

Protests in Panama (& Why This Country is Still Where I’d Rather Be)

You may have heard about protests in Bocas del Toro dragging on and finally leading to a declared state of emergency… and if so, you’ve probably got questions. (Just how bad… or not bad… is a “state of emergency” in Panama, anyway?)

Here’s a breakdown, with some local perspective to help you understand more fully (because the superficial coverage offered by international news outlets can get a lot wrong).

- The epicenter of the protests is in Changuinola. Close to the Costa Rica border, this is a lesser-known part of the Bocas del Toro province. Most visitors (and expats) fly straight to the islands—the Bocas archipelago—and never even set foot on the mainland territory where Changuinola is located. (In Changuinola, peaceful protests escalated with some reports of vandalism and looting.)

- Everything’s peaceful for now, but internet and cell service were suspended, though many who have internet through Starlink were able to stay (mostly) connected. That part—in addition to supply-chain difficulties caused by some 45 days of protests and roadblocks—did inconvenience folks on the islands. That said, tourists have continued to arrive and enjoy the islands and their beaches. And expat communities, known for their close-knit grapevines, really shine when there are problems or inconveniences. Expats know better than most how to come together, help each other… and stay happy and grateful, too.

- The protester’s concerns are valid. The protests were sparked by the current government’s plan to make changes to Panama’s beleaguered social security system. (Workers—especially banana workers—said they would not accept having to work even more due to new social security regulations. Chiquita fired thousands of striking plantation employees and suspended operations in Panama entirely.

- There were protests all across the country, but by and large these have been peaceful. Protests are super common here; Panamanians young and old are vigilant about protecting their rights, the environment, unions, indigenous communities, social security… whatever they feel needs to be protected, in short. (In that sense they are very like the French—another people known for their penchant for protests.)

- Police in Panama are remarkably effective and moderate. I won’t say there aren’t some bad apples or regrettable periods in Panamanian history, but over my two decades here I can say they do tend to strike an admirable balance between safety and heavy-handedness. (Panama has one of the world’s highest ratios of police per capita, and the force cracks down crime waves before things get out of hand… hence this country’s reputation as a modern, safe, welcoming mecca.)

Want to know even more? Read on for my perspective piece after 20 years in Panama…

My Chosen Life in Panama

By Jess Ramesch

“Do you still love Panama?” he asked.

I was at a small gathering last night, talking to a neighbor about my travels.

“Yes. Now more than ever, really.” I said.

We were in my building’s rooftop social area, sharing appetizers, potluck-style, and listening to our friend Pete play the guitar and sing. It was a hot day, but a spirited breeze worked its mischief, lifting napkins, paper plates, and bits of rum baba... and cooling sweaty brows. Sunset gifted us pink ice cream clouds that floated deliciously over tropical fiesta blues and greens….

As I looked around me, taking in the warm Panamanian Pacific and the golf course beckoning beyond, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky.

I love being home just as much as I love traveling. I fall for nearly every country I visit. (I adore Mexico and Argentina… am newly interested in Uruguay… )

But Panama… Panama is my rock.

When I consider my travels throughout the country and abroad… what I’ve read in the US and global news… the turmoil of the past few years (and the silver linings)… all of life’s little foibles and pleasures… I am more grateful than ever for Panama.

Life is good here. People are chill. Even during times of great uncertainty—the global financial crisis, the pandemic, and the driest, hottest year all come to mind—in fact, especially during times of great uncertainty, Panama is where I’d rather be.

It’s boringly stable, comfortable, and convenient. It’s number one in Latin America for its environmental performance and sustainability. (Panama is one of only a few carbon-neutral countries on the planet.) It’s the wealthiest country in Latin America by PPP… it’s had the fastest growing economy in the region for years… and it’s known as the Hub of the Americas because of its incredible international airport, home to Central America’s best airline.

Panama is perfect… for me… but it isn’t without its problems. No country is perfect.

Here there are inefficiencies in government, the judiciary, and trash collection… to name a few. While very modern, with high-speed internet across the country and countless services online… it is also, in many ways, still developing. (As is every single country in Latin America.)

But there’s no other place on earth that offers so much with so little inconvenience:

• A mild sunny tropical climate, Pacific and Caribbean beaches and islands, and zero hurricanes

• Proximity to the US and Canada (we’re about a three-hour flight from Miami)

• A strong dollarized economy (Panama adopted USD over a hundred years ago)

• Affordable quality healthcare

• No foreign income tax

• Low property taxes

• And much more…

Panama keeps rising to the top (in fact, it has topped IL’s Annual Global Retirement Index more times than any other country).

I live very well here… and I have a deep sense of security and well-being.

No matter who you are or what part of the world you’re in, I think we can all agree on one thing: The past few years have been kind of crazy. All kinds of crazy, really.

Collectively, we’ve lived through “interesting times” of the sort that come along once every few decades… and that force us to stop and take stock of our lives.

I’m incredibly grateful that I got to spend those years in Panama. It’s here that I found my place in the sun. It’s also where I’d choose to weather any metaphorical storm.

And no matter who you are, or what part of the world you’re in, a storm is bound to come along, sooner or later. Choose your safe harbor wisely… and weather it well.

[BWOODHOUSE 0]

Great information and that adds some peace of mind, thank you Jessica!