Biologists in Panama Eavesdrop on Manatees for Their Own Good. : Weekly News Roundup, October 16th 2019

Biologists in Panama Eavesdrop on Manatees for Their Own Good. : Weekly News Roundup, October 16th 2019

Oct 16, 2019 | Panama News

Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.

Biologists in Panama Eavesdrop on Manatees for Their Own Good..

In the murky waters of Bocas del Toro, you can’t see the manatees, but you can hear them.

IN THE WATERWAYS OF WESTERN Florida, manatees are incredibly easy to count. They waddle their way down the aptly-named Crystal River, easily spotted from above in waters never cloudier than quartz. For Florida biologists, monitoring manatee populations is as simple as photographing the mammals by helicopter or drone. “It’s a piece of cake,” says marine ecologist Héctor Guzmán, with a twinge of jealousy in his voice.

Source: Atlas Obscura

Panama Becomes Full Member Of The Tokyo Memorandum Of Understanding (Tokyo MOU).

Panama was accepted as Full Member of the TOKYO MOU, during the TOKYO MOU’s 30th PSC Committee Meeting. ¨it is a great honor be part of this prestigious body, ¨ said Panama Maritime Authority’s Director of Merchant Marine, Rafael Cigarruista who heads Panama Ship Registry.

The Tokyo MOU is one of the most active regional Port State Control (PSC) Organizations in the world. The organization consists of 20 Maritime Authorities in the Asia-Pacific regions, now 21 with the inclusion of Panama.

The main objective of the Tokyo MOU is to establish an effective Port State Control regime in the Asia-Pacific region through cooperation of its members and harmonization of their activities, to eliminate sub¬standard shipping and promote maritime safety, protect the marine environment and safeguard working and living conditions on board of vessels.

Source: Hellenic Shipping News

Panama lawmakers debate legalizing medicinal marijuana.

Lawmakers in Panama have taken up an initiative that seeks to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Debate over the issue began two years ago. The previous legislature gave it initial approval but decided to subject it to broader study.

Marijuana is the second most commonly consumed narcotic in Panama, after cocaine. Its sale and possession are both illegal.

The congressional Commission on Work, Health and Social Development took up the measure Wednesday night. It would have to pass through further debates, consultations and votes, and then be signed by President Laurentino Cortizo.

Source: Associated Press

 

Moving to Panama with kids? Here’s how to pick the best school.

Panama has many good private schools to choose from for expats relocating here. Panama’s private schools are amongst the top in Central America, and are easily comparable with the quality of education offered by schools in North America.

It is recommended that foreigners enroll their children into private schools in Panama, because Panama’s public schools lack resources, good teachers, and have poor curriculum. Another problem is over crowding where schools have students either attending the morning session or the afternoons, and not full time, resulting in half the hours of instruction offered in North American schools.

The majority of private schools in Panama have a onetime admission fee ranging from $1,000 up to $12,000 per student. Large family discounts are also available, so make sure to check with the school first.

Source: International Relocation Firm Blog

International Relocation Firm Staff Writer

International Relocation Firm Staff Writer

As one of the leading Panama Law Firms, and one of the regions most reliable service providers, International Relocation Firm brings a wide range of professional knowledge to our clients needs. Our staff is made up of professional consultants, Panama attorneys and immigration specialists who are experienced in international relocation, and are experts in providing a seamless Panama immigration process.

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