Se presenta el proyecto de renovación de calles de Isla Colón y la comunidad reacciona

El día 22 de enero del 2021, funcionarios públicos, consultores privados y residentes de Bocas del Toro se reunieron para dialogar sobre la fase de diseño de un enorme proyecto de obras públicas que tiene planeado transformar a la isla principal del archipiélago de manera significativa. Se dio una presentación de parte de la Ingeniera […]
A Call For A Historical Pedestrian Bocas Town Center

The automobile is not synonymous with progress. Bicycle transportation is more than a leisure activity. There are touristic, commercial, cultural, historical, environmental and health benefits to a pedestrian downtown area. Leaders of the community have made compelling arguments and alternative proposals for redesign of Calle Tercera, the main street on Isla Colón. Plans for […]
Isla Colón Street Renovation Project and The Community Reaction

On Friday January 22, 2021, government officials, private consultants and residents of Bocas del Toro gathered to discuss the design phase of an enormous public works project that has plans to transform the main island of the archipelago in significant ways. A presentation was given by engineer Gloria Augudo, the coordinator of the two consulting […]
Bocas del Toro Panama Christmas and New Years Travel and COVID Rules 2020-2021

Bocas del Toro has been a quite a pleasant place to quarantine; with curfews, lockdowns and all. Though Panama had been opening up gradually for international tourism since October, the Ministry of Health announced some unexpected new restrictions for December 18, 2020 – January 4th, 2021. This follwowing is a guide to help you navigate […]
Surfing Postponed in Bocas del Toro – National Government Vetoes Local Exception

On December 21st, a statement was published by Bocas del Toro’s Ministry of Health giving special permission for beach access for the activity of surf, as physical exercise. Within 24 hours of the release of this statement, on the morning of December 22, the Bocas del Toro Ministry of Health received word that is exception […]
Bocas del Toro Surfing Legalized For a Day, Then Reconsidered – Beaches Will Be Closed for All Activities Dec 23 to Jan 4 (Including No Surfing)

UPDATE: On the morning of December 22nd, we received the news that the special surfing permission has been vetoed by the national government. The beaches will remain closed December 23, 2020 to January 4, 20201, for all activities, including surfing. “According to an direct order at the national level, the beaches will be closed. I […]
“Flexibility for the Island!” – Community Members Oppose the New COVID Restrictions for Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro has a low amount of active COVID-19 cases compared to other regions in the country (99 in the whole province, 6 in the island district as of December 12th). On December 15th, Panama’s Ministry of Health announced stricter health measures nationwide for at least December 18, 2020 to January 4th, 2021. In […]
Panama Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions Taking Effect December 18, 2020

Health Minister Luis Francisco Sucre announced during a December 15th, 2020 press conference new measures that will be put in place starting December 18th with the goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Panama during the upcoming holiday season. The health officials claim that the gradual re-opening of the economy during the last […]
COVID-19 In Bocas del Toro, Panama – December 12th, 2020 Update

COVID-19 Epidemiological Report in Bocas del Toro and Panama – December 12th, 2020 In the islands of Bocas del Toro, as of December 11th, 2020, there are currently 6 active COVID-19 cases. This represents a decrease of 6 cases from our last report on December 5th. As of December 5th, on the islands there had […]
Dive Against Debris in Bocas del Toro

There is something magical about diving into the ocean. Your eyes are filled with blue wonder, feeling so light, refreshing your thoughts and renewing energies. The ocean is the reason why many of us live in Bocas del Toro; be it for surfing, diving, or simply floating around in the water. Having your daily encounter […]
June 1st Total Quarantine to be Lifted and “Economic Block Two” Opens in Panama

After two months of “total quarantine” in Panama, the Ministry of Health announced on May 26 that the quarantine will be lifted as of 5am on Monday, June 1st. There will still be a curfew in place, everyday 7pm to 5am and this is includes Sundays. Men and women can leave their residences during these […]
¡El grupo Isleños Unidos celebra el Mes de la Etnia Negra con concursos virtuales!

¡El grupo Isleños Unidos celebra el Mes de la Etnia Negra con concursos virtuales! English version below Los concursos de trenzas y atuendo se llevarán a cabo en línea del 24 al 27 de mayo El patrimonio cultural de los afropanameños se celebra todo el mes de mayo, culminando en la fiesta oficial: el Día […]
Don Tito Thomas and the Era of Development in Bocas del Toro

por Manuel Niss Quintana English version below Hoy conocemos a un Bocas del Toro llena de hoteles, de restaurantes, con un aeropuerto y al menos una docena de muelles por donde entran a diario cientos de turistas, para nosotros es difícil imaginar una forma diferente de vida a esta, a este ritmo de atender personas […]
COVID-19 Updates – Bocas del Toro, Panama

May 13, 2020 MINSA falsely previously reported 62 cases for Bocas del Toro province. Of the 61 known cases in the Bocas del Toro province, per district there are 37 in Chiriqui Grande, 31 in Changuinola, 3 in Almirante and still zero confirmed cases on the islands of Bocas del Toro. May 13, 2020 Children […]
Panama Will Re-Activate Economy in Six Phases Starting May 13th

President Laurentino Cortizo announced in a press conference that the first “economic block” will be opened up on Wednesday May 13, 2020. There are six different “blocks” in total and will be phased back into economic activity gradually. This first block involves “fishing and industrial aquaculture, electronic commerce, mechanic workshops and general spare parts, plumbers, […]
Can You Buy Alcohol in Bocas del Toro?
Yes and no. Right now, it depends on which store you go to. Some stores are selling and have been officially selling since the national ban was lifted on Friday May 8th at 3:45pm. Others are currently not selling alcohol. There is much of a debate at the local, provincial and national level and some […]
Alchohol Ban To Be Lifted Nationally on May 8 and Many Districts Elect to Extend Dry Law Locally

Español abajo The national ban on alcohol will be lifted as of May 8,2020, announced by Ministry of Health Vice-minister Dr. Luis Francisco Sucre during the May 6th national press conference. Dr. Sucre mentioned that there will be a limit of alcohol per person and as quarantine measures are still in effect, these beverages should […]
Rental Contracts Frozen for Duration of National Emergency and for Two Months After

On May 1st, 2020, President Cortizo signed the Executive Decree No. 145, suspending the eviction procedures of Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial (Miviot), or the Ministry of Housing and Land Management. This is effective immediately, for the duration of the state of national emergency and for two months after the state of emergency is […]
Construction Activities Suspended for 30 Days and Vice-minister Muñoz Addresses Respirator Prices

April 24, 2020 Español abajo Construction Activities Suspended for 30 Days and Vice-minister Muñoz Addresses Respirator Prices Health Minister Rosario Turner announced the 30 day extension on the suspension of all activities related to the construction sector, as ordered by the Executive Decree 548 of April 24, 2020. Activities were originally suspended on March 25 […]
Letter to the Editor – Alexei Vorotnikov

April 23, 2020 Español abajo Dear Editor, I have been interested in the news regarding the many organizations that are helping the families in need in Bocas del Toro. The amount of community support during these difficult times is inspiring. I have seen the updates from the different groups all working hard to make sure […]
Panama Approves Convalescent Plasma Studies

The National Bioethics Committee has approved the study to determine the use of convalescent plasma as an alternative treatment to reduce the duration and complications for critical COVID-19 patients, announced Health Minister Rosario Turner during the April 20 national press conference. Turner went on to explain that this application has been studied by John Hopkins […]
Isleños Unidos: fumigando el ferry y recolectando alimentos por el amor a Bocas del Toro

Isleños Unidos: Ferry Fumigating and Food Collecting for the Love of Bocas del Toro April 14, 2020 Español abajo Isleños Unidos is a civic organization of Bocas del Toro that was formed to confront challenges presented by the unfortunate circumstances of the global pandemic known as the Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19. The United Islanders is […]
Bocas del Toro Community Unites in the Name of Food Security

Español abajo COVID-19 crisis shuts down tourism as of mid-March As the virus began to spread in early March and the first case was detected in Panama on March 9th, it became clear to travelers and business proprietors alike that international travel was about to be put on pause for a bit. Since closing its […]
First Confirmed Cases of the New Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bocas del Toro

April 2, 2020 En español abajo Each day the Panamanian national government directs a televised press briefing on the New Coronavirus situation. Residents of Bocas del Toro watch closely to listen to the updates on case numbers, learn about new preventative measures and to see if the virus has reached our region. Each day it […]
15 of the Island’s Most Eligible Bachelorettes Are Sick of Dating in Bocas and Tell All…You Won’t Believe What They Say!

APRIL FOOLS! We have no island dating drama to share, sorry. However, if we did catch your attention, we would like to take this April Fool’s click-bait joke as an opportunity to tell you about some wonderful local residents who have come together with the common goal of providing the people of Bocas del Toro […]
Panama’s Borders Restricted to Contain the Spread of COVID-19

Coronavirus & How it Relates to Bocas del Toro, Panama As of 3pm today, Monday, March 16th, 2020, there are 55 known cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Republic of Panama – mostly in the Panama metropolitan area – with 1 case in Colón and 1case in Santiago, Veraguas. Panama’s Ministry of Health reported its […]
Education, Not Extractions ◈ Teaching Children How to Keep Their Teeth

by Jenn Parker What do you drink when you don’t have regular access to clean drinking water? You drink sodas and juices which often have anywhere from 9 to 15 teaspoons of sugar in one can, box, or bottle. Children between the ages of 2 and 18 should not consume more than six teaspoons of […]
Most Amount Ever Raised at Annual Back-To-School Fundraiser!

(español abajo) On February 9, local NGO Give and Surf, raised $13,191 — the highest amount ever — at the 7th Annual Back-to-School Fundraiser held at El Ultimo Refugio’s new location on Ave G and Calle 4. Over 300 people came out for the event; anticipating auction and raffle donations from 100+ businesses and individuals. […]
The Permaculture Project That is Breaking Ground

Stephen Brooks is the founder and primary director of Punta Mona in Costa Rica. He visited Bocas for the first time 20 years ago to work on an irrigation project in a well-known farm near Old Bank. This October 2019, with Aaron Jacobson and Sebastian Torres, the new owners of Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm […]
Doble Corona Bocas: Back to Back Surf Competitions in Playa Paunch on the APS National Circuit

(español abajo) In 2019, the Asociación Panameña de Surf (APS) returned to Bocas del Toro after a three year hiatus. It was then that APS president Roger Castillero truly came to recognize the enthusiasm of the community for surfing. With this, he decided to plan a double event with two consecutive weekends of competitions to kick […]