Podcasts about panamanian

Greetings listeners, I am Dr. Clancy Seymour with my co-host Dr. Victor Ramsey?Saludos, oyentes. Soy el Dr. Clancy Seymour y estoy acompañado por mi copresentador, el Dr. Victor Ramsey. Doc, ¿cómo estás?Welcome to the NYS AHPERD A-Z Health and PE Podcast. In today's episode we will be interviewing an elementary physical educator from the Republic of Panama to share her perspectives.  Ms. Arleen Wood is a Panamanian who graduated in Humanities with emphasis in physical education, degree acquired at the University of Panama. She is currently a Grassroots Football and Formative Flag Football Coach. She is currently a preschool and primary school teacher.Bienvenidos al pódcast A-Z de Salud y Educación Física de NYS AHPERD.La señorita Arleen Wood es una panameña licenciada en Humanidades con énfasis en educación física, título adquirido en la Universidad de Panamá. Actualmente es Entrenadora de Fútbol Base y Fútbol de Bandera Formativo. Actualmente soy maestra de preescolar y primaria.In addition to Ms. Wood, we have a close friend of the show, Dr. Amaury Samalot-Rivera who is my colleague, friend, and soon-to-be (fingers crossed) Professor in the SUNY Brockport PETE Program. Dr. Samalot, we are grateful to have you on the podcast and thank you for your willingness to help Dr. Ramsey and Ms. Wood with our Spanish listeners today.  Please say hello to the audienceBienvenida, Sra. Wood, estamos encantados de que se haya unido al programa.Además de la Sra. Wood, tenemos a un amigo cercano del programa, el Dr. Amaury Samalot-Rivera, quien es el colega, amigo y del Dr Seymore, y pronto (con los dedos cruzados), profesor en el programa PETE de SUNY Brockport. Dr. Samalot, estamos agradecidos de tenerlo en el pódcast y le agradecemos por su disposición para ayudar a la Sra. Wood y a mi con nuestros oyentes de habla hispana hoy. Por favor, salude a la audiencia.

Meet Diva Green — a Brooklyn-born Afro-Latina of Panamanian descent, destination storyteller, and founder of I Got Your Black, a platform connecting travelers to Afro-Indigenous communities around the world through culturally immersive experiences. After a personal reckoning with systemic racism, grief, and disillusionment with life in the United States, Diva set out on a global journey that transformed her purpose — and her platform. Through I Got Your Black, she's helping Black travelers move with reverence, not entitlement, and amplifying the stories of communities often erased from the mainstream travel narrative. Also in this episode: How witnessing state violence pushed Diva to use travel as activismThe six transformative months she spent living in an Afro-Mexican townWhat she learned, unlearned, and the powerful lessons she's applying to her life todayHow I Got Your Black evolved into an award-winning platformThe emotional complexity of returning to the U.S. after years abroadWhy she believes the Blaxit movement is powerful — but not without challengesHow to travel and migrate mindfully without replicating patterns of gentrification or extraction…and so much more! Connect with Diva Green: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igotyourblack_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@igotyourblack  Ready to start charting your own journey abroad? Download our FREE Blaxit Soundtrack & Soul Work Journal — a curated blend of music and guided prompts to help you reflect, dream, and move from decision to departure: https://blackexpatstories.com/soundtrack Rate, Review & Share! If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review, and share this episode with your community. Join the convo on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackexpatstories/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@blackexpatstories And make sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel so you can watch every new episode: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories

Iain Dale talks to Sam Marks about the life and rule of the Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega

It's not unusual for those in their early twenties to want to get out into the world and explore it. Plenty of young people have found themselves backpacking across foreign lands, sleeping in hostels and meeting strangers in strange places, that will become lifelong friends, sharing lifelong memories. But it's dangerous. Let's not forget that. Anything that fits the bill of adventure - must naturally be so.   To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com    Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/Marooned    Sources:  MSNBC, How this journalist found herself in the middle of a Panamanian true crime story Koude Kaas Cold case blog (information compiled from various sources) News from Dutch investigators on the finding of the backpack and its content Cell phones record the last moments of the Dutch women Dutch women had no plans to leave their accommodations in Panama, says landlady Ouders Kris en Lisanne: Het voelde gelijk al niet - RTL LATE NIGHT Lost in the Wild 'Reddingsteam was dicht bij vermiste Kris en Lisanne in Panama' In den Kleinen Hap Imperfect Plan / 2 Daily Beast- The full story

A passport is crucial to your freedom and global mobility, but what if your citizenship could be a liability? I recently read an interesting article on IMI Daily called “13 Ways Your Passport Could Ruin Your Life.” While I agree with many of the author's points, I believe most of the real-world risks are misunderstood—and far more manageable—than people realize.  In today's episode, I expand on each of the 13 points, breaking them down one by one through the lens of my two decades of real-world offshore experience. I cover the good, the bad, and the misunderstood—and I'll show you exactly how to easily avoid any potential pitfalls while building a solid offshore Plan-B. Enjoy today's episode! IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Listen in as I explain why U.S. citizenship is one of the most dangerous liabilities in the offshore world Learn the truth about mandatory military conscription—and why it's almost never a real threat for expats Tune in to find out how to avoid passport profiling at borders and why more citizenships = more freedom Hear me debunk some common myths about citizenship-based taxation and learn about the only two countries in the world that practice it.  Discover the surprising truth about dual citizenship bans—and why they rarely limit serious expats Find out why the fearmongering around “exit bans” is mostly nonsense—and what really matters when choosing a second passport STAY IN TOUCH! Stay in touch and keep up to date on the latest news affecting expats, as well as maintain a steady stream of my opinions, travel stories, and more by subscribing to our newsletter. Not only will you receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, but sign up now, and you'll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” RELATED EPISODES 341: AI, Inflation & Economic Collapse: The Future Of Money – Thorsten Wittmann 335: Canada: How Socialism Is Destroying The Great White North – Shaun Newman 332: A Red-Pilled New Year'sMentioned in this episode:Join Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would. This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last… If...

Tiller Russell - Waco : American TragedyDocumentary film maker Tiller Russell has an enviable record of making quality fact packed documentary films on everything from Serial Killers and Con Men to historically controversial events such as Waco.He tells Ed Opperman about conmen selling imaginary submarines, meeting one of the worlds' most devious con men and visiting the almost apocalyptic world of Panamanian prisons.He also discusses his documentary film on Waco which is currently airing on Netflix. Behind the scenes the tragedy which still ripples through society was even more savage than the media portrayed.Films                       : Waco Silk Road Night Stalker Operation Odessa The Last NarcWebsite                   : Tillerman Films Recorded April 2023*** Opperman Patreon Exclusive ***Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

For the freedom-minded, there's plenty of doom and gloom where we look for it—wars, technocratic control systems, and economic collapse. But while most people stay stuck in fear or outrage, others are taking action. They're securing second residencies, moving capital out of reach, and planting flags in places where freedom still has a fighting chance. In today's episode, I joined Hrvoje Moric on his program Geopolitics & Empire to discuss what I'm seeing on the ground: which countries are best for freedom-minded expats, how I separate fantasy from reality in the offshore space, and why I believe the path to sovereignty lies in pragmatic action—not black-pilled defeatism. TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH HRVOJE MORIĆ Listen in as I walk Hrvoje through my origin story—from being labelled with a learning disability to building a life of international freedom. Tune in as Hrvoje, and I discuss the repackaged push for a North American Union and why more centralization is the opposite of what the world needs. Discover why Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay top my list of countries best set up for expats.  Find out how I've helped clients stay grounded and realistic about expat life—without buying into the fear porn or the sunshine-and-rainbows fantasies.  Hear my response to critics who overgeneralize Latin America—and why sweeping narratives miss the real, nuanced opportunities on the ground. Unpack how bureaucracies in many third-world countries' inefficiency act as a feature, not a bug, when attempting to implement technocratic controls.  Learn why I favour tangible assets, like international real estate and precious metals, over manipulated stock markets.  By the end of this episode, it will be clear why I reject black-pilled defeatism and instead focus on practical, pragmatic strategies to preserve liberty and wealth. RELATED EPISODES 341: AI, Inflation & Economic Collapse: The Future Of Money – Thorsten Wittmann 340: Expat News: Trump Sends Rubio To Panama & Javier Milei's Meme Coin Scandal 332: A Red-Pilled New Year'sMentioned in this episode:Join Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would. This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last… If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today. Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family. We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly. Come visit me and the Expat Money team,...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Sofía Valdés over Zoom video!Acclaimed Panamanian singer-songwriter Sofía Valdés unveils her anxiously awaited self-titled debut album, Sofía Valdés, out now via Warner Records.In bringing the 10-track album to life, Sofía worked extensively with producers Michael Uzowuru (known for his work on groundbreaking albums like Rosalía's Motomami and SZA's Ctrl), Alex Goose (Vince Staples, Childish Gambino) and Carter Lang (SZA, Lykke Li), as well as in-demand musicians like Local Natives guitarist Ryan Hahn and Diana Gordon.From the epic “Tacones Por La Puerta” featuring cinematic strings from acclaimed Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai to the guitar-driven funk of “Already Yours” and the tender plea on “Un Momento,” the album affirms Sofía as a bold and eloquent songwriter inspired by her family's deep, multi-generational connection to music.She paved the way for the album's arrival with fan favorite collaborations with Latin sensations DannyLux on “Lento” and Cuco on “How's That Working Out,” which earned widespread critical praise, including Rolling Stone who hailed its “modern bossa nova blend of jangly guitar and sleek beats perfect for late summer,” and Ones To Watch who called it “a collab of indie Latino royalty."Her catalog to date — including her previous EPs Silvia, In Bloom, and Ventura — has received a long list of critical acclaim from the likes of NPR, W Magazine, Interview Magazine, NYLON, and many more for her beautifully original blend of bossa nova, folk, and pop.ABOUT SOFÍA VALDÉS Sofia Valdes, a singer/songwriter born and bred in Panama, creates the kind of emo onally honest and beautifully original pop music that could only come from years of exploration. After learning to play guitar at the age of eight and writing her first song at 13, the independent-minded artist sharpened her craft in part by building an eclectic sonic vocabulary informed by everything from folk and bossa nova to '60s Motown and '70s soul. Valdes alchemizes those inspira ons into a sound all her own, gracing each track with her indelible songwriting and beguiling voice. With its transcendent melodies and shapeshifting rhythms, Ventura is an elegant introduction the vibrant musicality that may very well be in Valdes's blood: her great-grandfather was the legendary Cuban musician Miguelito Valdes, and her great-great grandmother was Silvia De Grasse (a Panamanian singer who once performed with Louis Armstrong). We want to hear from you! Please email Hello@BringinitBackwards.comwww.BringinitBackwards.com#podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #SofíaValdés #NewMusic #ZoomListen & Subscribe to BiBhttps://www.bringinitbackwards.com/followFollow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support.

The Panama Canal is a 51 mile long waterway that allows ships to cut about 8,000 miles off of a trip from New York to San Francisco around the route around Cape Horn. The country of Panama owns the canal, which is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an agency of the Panamanian government, but who owns the ports located on either side of the canal? Until now, it has been CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong based firm - raising concerns about China's interest and influence in the supply chain critical Panama canal. On March 4th, it was announced that CK Hutchison had decided to sell two of the largest Panama Canal adjacent ports to BlackRock.  In this episode of Art of Supply, Kelly Barner looks at this story up close: The critical role that the Panama Canal plays in global supply chains The details of the deal that will transfer ownership of the ports: Balboa (on the Pacific side) and Cristóbal (on the Atlantic side)  The diplomatic policy shift this represents with regard to China's presence in the area and relationship with the country of Panama Links: Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to This Week in Procurement  

SEND ME A TEXT MESSAGE NOWThe global economic landscape trembles as gold prices shatter records, reaching an unprecedented $3,000 per ounce. Financial experts describe this precious metal as the "panic asset of choice," reflecting deep investor anxiety about President Trump's erratic trade policies and mounting geopolitical tensions. The immediate consequences are already visible in consumer sentiment, which has plummeted to its lowest level since November 2022, marking a stark reversal from post-election optimism.Meanwhile, international relations continue deteriorating on multiple fronts. The Pentagon reportedly explores military options for the Panama Canal, prompting firm sovereignty declarations from Panamanian officials. Canada transitions leadership as Mark Carney replaces Justin Trudeau amid growing tensions with its largest trading partner. Perhaps most concerning are Trump's repeated claims about annexing Greenland "for international security," which have forced the territory's Prime Minister to rally party leaders in strengthening their rejection of such designs.Americans themselves appear increasingly skeptical of their president's foreign policy approach. Nearly 60% believe Trump's handling of the Ukraine-Russia conflict is unlikely to bring long-term peace, with views breaking sharply along partisan lines. This polarization extends to perceptions of international allies and adversaries, revealing a nation deeply divided in its worldview. Amidst these human conflicts, scientists offer a welcome distraction with their discovery of the source behind mysterious radio pulses from within our Milky Way – a reminder that even as earthly affairs grow increasingly chaotic, the universe continues revealing its secrets to those patient enough to observe and analyze its patterns.What do you believe is driving this global instability? Is it primarily leadership decisions, economic factors, or something deeper in our social fabric? Share your thoughts and subscribe to continue exploring these critical developments together.AWorldGoneMadPodcast@gmail.com

President Trump has been threatening to “take back” the Panama Canal since he regained power. In this episode, listen to testimony from officials serving on the Federal Maritime Commission who explain why the Panama Canal has become a focus of the administration and examine whether or not we need to be concerned about an impending war for control of the canal. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Current Events around the Panama Canal March 5, 2025. the Associated Press. Sabrina Valle, Suzanne McGee, and Michael Martina. March 4, 2025. Reuters. Matt Murphy, Jake Horton and Erwan Rivault. February 14, 2025. BBC. May 1, 2024. World Weather Attribution. World Maritime News Staff. March 15, 2019. World Maritime News. July 29, 2018. Reuters. Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 U.S. Department of State. The Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative” Michele Ruta. March 29, 2018. World Bank Group. The Trump-Gaza Video February 26, 2025. Sky News. Laws Audio Sources Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation January 28, 2025 Witnesses: Louis E. Sola, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, FMC , Professor, Scalia Law School, George Mason University Joseph Kramek, President & CEO, World Shipping Council Clips 17:30 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Between the American construction of the Panama Canal, the French effort to build an isthmus canal, and America's triumphant completion of that canal, the major infrastructure projects across Panama cost more than 35,000 lives. For the final decade of work on the Panama Canal, the United States spent nearly $400 million, equivalent to more than $15 billion today. The Panama Canal proved a truly invaluable asset, sparing both cargo ships and warships the long journey around South America. When President Carter gave it away to Panama, Americans were puzzled, confused, and many outraged. With the passage of time, many have lost sight of the canal's importance, both to national security and to the US economy. 18:45 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): But the Panama Canal was not just given away. President Carter struck a bargain. He made a treaty. And President Trump is making a serious and substantive argument that that treaty is being violated right now. 19:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): President Trump has highlighted two key issues. Number one, the danger of China exploiting or blocking passage through the canal, and number two, the exorbitant costs for transit. 19:20 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Chinese companies are right now building a bridge across the canal at a slow pace, so as to take nearly a decade. And Chinese companies control container points ports at either end. The partially completed bridge gives China the ability to block the canal without warning, and the ports give China ready observation posts to time that action. This situation, I believe, poses acute risks to US national security. 19:50 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Meanwhile, the high fees for canal transit disproportionately affect Americans, because US cargo accounts for nearly three quarters of Canal transits. US Navy vessels pay additional fees that apply only to warships. Canal profits regularly exceed $3 billion. This money comes from both American taxpayers and consumers in the form of higher costs for goods. American tourists aboard cruises, particularly those in the Caribbean Sea, are essentially captive to any fees Panama chooses to levy for canal transits, and they have paid unfair prices for fuel bunkering at terminals in Panama as a result of government granted monopoly. Panama's government relies on these exploitative fees. Nearly 1/10 of its budget is paid for with canal profit. 21:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama has for years flagged dozens of vessels in the Iranian ghost fleet, which brought Iran tens of billions of dollars in oil profits to fund terror across the world. 21:40 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): And Chinese companies have won contracts, often without fair competition, as the infamous Belt and Road Initiative has come to Panama. China often engages in debt trap diplomacy to enable economic and political coercion. In Panama, it also seems to have exploited simple corruption. 32:40 Louis Sola: The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, ACP, an independent agency of the Panamanian government. The ACP is a model of public infrastructure management, and its independence has been key to ensure a safe and reliable transit of vessels critical to the US and global commerce. 33:25 Louis Sola: In contrast, the broader maritime sector in Panama, including the nation's ports, water rights, and the world's largest ship registry, falls under the direct purview of the Panamanian government. 33:35 Louis Sola: Unfortunately, this sector has faced persistent challenges, including corruption scandals and foreign influence, particularly from Brazil and China. These issues create friction with the ACP, especially as it works to address long term challenges such as securing adequate water supplies for the canal. 33:55 Louis Sola: Although the ACP operates independently, under US law both the ACP and the government of Panama's maritime sector are considered one in the same. This means that any challenges in Panama's maritime sector, including corruption, lack of transparency, or foreign influence, can have a direct or indirect impact on the operations and long term stability of the canal. This legal perspective highlights the need for diligence in monitoring both the ACP's management and Panama government's policies affecting maritime operations. 34:30 Louis Sola: Since 2015, Chinese companies have increased their presence and influence throughout Panama. Panama became a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Chinese companies have been able to pursue billions of dollars in development contracts in Panama, many of which were projects directly on or adjacent to the Panama Canal. Many were no bid contracts. Labor laws were waived, and the Panamanian people are still waiting to see how they've been benefited. It is all more concerning that many of these companies are state-owned, and in some cases, even designated as linked to the People's Liberation Army. We must address the significant growing presence and influence of China throughout the Americas and in Panama, specifically. 35:20 Louis Sola: American companies should play a leading role in enhancing the canal's infrastructure. By supporting US firms, we reduce reliance on Chinese contractors and promote fair competition. 36:55 Daniel Maffei: Because the canal is essentially a waterway bridge over mountainous terrain above sea level, it does depend on large supplies of fresh water to maintain the full operations. Panama has among the world's largest annual rainfalls. Nonetheless, insufficient fresh water levels have occurred before in the canal's history, such as in the 1930s when the Madden Dam and Lake Alajuela were built to address water shortages. Since that time, the canal has undertaken several projects to accommodate larger, more modern ships. In the last couple of years, a trend of worsening droughts in the region, once again, has forced limits to the operations of the canal. Starting in June of 2023 the Panama Canal Authority employed draft restrictions and reduced the number of ships allowed to transit the canal per day. Now the Panama Canal limitations, in combination with the de facto closure of the Suez Canal to container traffic, has had serious consequences for ocean commerce, increasing rates, fees and transit times. 39:30 Daniel Maffei: Now, fortunately, Panama's 2024 rainy season has, for now, alleviated the most acute water supply issues at the canal, and normal transit volumes have been restored. That said, while the Panamanian government and Canal Authority have, with the advice of the US Army Corps of Engineers, developed credible plans to mitigate future water shortages, they also warned that it is likely that at least one more period of reduced transits will occur before these plans can be fully implemented. 41:55 Eugene Kontorovich: We shall see that under international law, each party to the treaty is entitled to determine for itself whether a violation has occurred. Now, in exchange for the United States ceding control of the canal which it built and maintained, Panama agreed to a special regime of neutrality. The essential features of this regime of neutrality is that the canal must be open to all nations for transit. That's Article Two. Equitable tolls and fees, Article Three. An exclusive Panamanian operation, Article Five. The prohibition of any foreign military presence, Article Five. Article Five provides that only Panama shall operate the canal. Testifying about the meaning of the treaty at the Senate ratification hearings, the Carter administration emphasized that this prohibits foreign operation of the canal, as well as the garrisoning of foreign troops. Now, Article Five appears to be primarily concerned about control by foreign sovereigns. If Panama signed a treaty with the People's Republic of China, whereby the latter would operate the canal on Panama's behalf, this would be a clear violation. But what if Panama contracted for port operations with a Chinese state firm, or even a private firm influenced or controlled in part by the Chinese government? The Suez Canal Company was itself, before being nationalized, a private firm in which the United Kingdom was only a controlling shareholder. Yet this was understood to represent British control over the canal. In other words, a company need not be owned by the government to be in part controlled by the government. So the real question is the degree of de jure or de facto control over a Foreign Sovereign company, and scenarios range from government companies in an authoritarian regime, completely controlled, to purely private firms in our open society like the United States, but there's many possible situations in the middle. The treaty is silent on the question of how much control is too much, and as we'll see, this is one of the many questions committed to the judgment and discretion of each party. Now turning to foreign security forces, the presence of third country troops would manifestly violate Article Five. But this does not mean that anything short of a People's Liberation Army base flying a red flag is permissible. The presence of foreign security forces could violate the regime of neutrality, even if they're not represented in organized and open military formations. Modern warfare has seen belligerent powers seek to evade international legal limitations by disguising their actions in civilian garb, from Russia's notorious little green men to Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals or disguised as journalists. Bad actors seek to exploit the fact that international treaties focus on sovereign actors. Many of China's man made islands in the South China Sea began as civilian projects before being suddenly militarized. Indeed, this issue was discussed in the Senate ratification hearings over the treaty. Dean Rusk said informal forces would be prohibited under the treaty. Thus the ostensible civilian character of the Chinese presence around the canal does not, in itself, mean that it could not represent a violation of the treaty if, for example, these companies and their employees involved Chinese covert agents or other agents of the Chinese security forces. So this leads us to the final question, Who determines whether neutrality is being threatened or compromised? Unlike many other treaties that provide for third party dispute resolution, the neutrality treaty has no such provision. Instead, the treaty makes clear that each party determines for itself the existence of a violation. Article Four provides that each party is separately authorized to maintain the regime of neutrality, making a separate obligation of each party. The Senate's understanding accompanying to ratification also made clear that Article Five allows each party to take, quote, "unilateral action." Senator Jacob Javits, at the markup hearing, said that while the word unilateral is abrasive, we can quote, "decide that the regime of neutrality is being threatened and then act with whatever means are necessary to keep the canal neutral unilaterally." 46:35 Joseph Kramek: My name is Joe Kramek. I'm President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. The World Shipping Council is the global voice of liner shipping. Our membership consists of 90% of the world's liner shipping tonnage, which are container vessels and vehicle carriers. They operate on fixed schedules to provide our customers with regular service to ship their goods in ports throughout the world. 47:15 Joseph Kramek: As you have heard, using the Panama Canal to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific saves significant time and money. A typical voyage from Asia to the US or East Coast can be made in under 30 days using the canal, while the same journey can take up to 40 days if carriers must take alternate routes. From a commercial trade perspective, the big picture is this. One of the world's busiest trade lanes is the Trans Pacific. The Trans Pacific is cargo coming from and going to Asia via the United States. Focusing in a bit, cargo coming from Asia and bound for US Gulf and East Coast ports always transits the Panama Canal. Similarly, cargo being exported from US and East Coast ports, a large share of which are US Agricultural exports, like soybeans, corn, cotton, livestock and dairy also almost always transits the Panama Canal. The result is that 75% of Canal traffic originates in or is bound for the United States. 48:55 Joseph Kramek: We've talked about the drought in 2023 and the historic low water levels that it caused in Lake Gatún, which feeds the canal locks, a unique system that is a fresh water feed, as contrasted to an ocean to ocean system, which the French tried and failed, but which is actually active in the Suez Canal. These low water levels reduced transits from 36 transits a day to as low as 22 per day. Additionally, the low water levels required a reduction in maximum allowable draft levels, or the depth of the ship below the water line, which for our members reduced the amount of containers they could carry through the canal. This resulted in a 10% reduction in import volumes for US Gulf and East Coast ports, with the Port of Houston experiencing a 26.7% reduction. 51:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Are you aware of allegations from some vessel operators of disparate treatment such as sweetheart deals or favorable rebates by Panama for canal transits? Louis Sola: Thank you for the question, Mr. Chairman, we have become aware through some complaints by cruise lines that said that they were not getting a refund of their canal tolls. When we looked into this, we found a Panamanian Executive Order, Decree 73, that specifically says that if a cruise line would stop at a certain port, that they could be refunded 100% of the fees. And as far as I know, that's the only instant where that exists. 53:05 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): So Panama was the very first Latin American country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, and right now, China is building a fourth bridge across the Panama Canal for car traffic and light rail. Chairman Sola, why should Chinese construction of a bridge near Panama City concern the United States? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, we all saw the tragedy that happened here in the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident and the devastation that had happened to Baltimore. We also saw recently what happened in the Suez Canal, where we had a ship get stuck in there. It's not only the construction of the bridge, but it's a removal of a bridge, as I understand it, called the Bridge of the Americas. It was built in 1961 and that would paralyze cargo traffic in and out of the canals. 53:55 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama also recently renewed the concessions for two container ports to a Chinese company, Hutchison Ports PPC. Of course, Chinese companies are controlled by the Communist Party. How does China use control of those ports for economic gain? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, I am a regulator, a competition regulator. And the Chinese ports that you're referring to, let me put them into scope. The one on the Pacific, the Port of Balboa, is roughly the same size as the Port of Houston. They do about 4 million containers a year. They have about 28 game tree cranes. The one on the Atlantic is the same as my hometown in Miami, they do about 1 million containers. So where Roger Gunther in the Port of Houston generates about $1 billion a year and Heidi Webb in Miami does about $200 million, the Panama ports company paid 0 for 20 years on that concession. So it's really hard to compete against zero. So I think that's our concern, our economic concern, that we would have. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Commissioner Maffei, anything to add on that? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, I do too also think it is important. I would point out that you don't have to stop at either port. It's not like these two ports control the entrance to the canal. That is the Canal Authority that does control that. However, I think it's of concern. I would also point out that the Panamanian government thinks it's of concern too, because they're conducting their own audit of those particular deals, but we remain very interested as well. 56:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Would the facts discussed here be considered violations of the neutrality treaty in force right now between the United States and Panama? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think Senator, I think potentially they could, but it's impossible to say definitively without knowing more, in particular, about the degree of Chinese control and involvement in these companies. I think it's important to note that these port operation companies that operate the ports on both sides, when they received their first contract, it was just a few months before Hong Kong was handed over to China. In other words, they received them as British companies, sort of very oddly, just a few months before the handover. Now, of course, since then, Hong Kong has been incorporated into China, has been placed under a special national security regime, and the independence of those companies has been greatly abridged, to say nothing of state owned companies involved elsewhere in in the canal area, which raised significantly greater questions. Additionally, I should point out that the understandings between President Carter and Panamanian leader Herrera, which were attached to the treaty and form part of the treaty, provide that the United States can, quote, "defend the canal against any threat to the regime of neutrality," and I understand that as providing some degree of preemptive authority to intervene. One need not wait until the canal is actually closed by some act of sabotage or aggression, which, as we heard from the testimony, would be devastating to the United States, but there is some incipient ability to address potential violations. 58:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): If the United States determines that Panama is in violation of the treaty, what is the range of remedies the United States would have for that treaty violation? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think it may be shocking to people to hear today, but when one goes over the ratification history and the debates and discussions in this body over this treaty, it was clear that the treaty was understood as giving both sides, separately, the right to resort to use armed force to enforce the provisions of the treaty. And it's not so surprising when one understands that the United States made an extraordinary concession to Panama by transferring this canal, which the United States built at great expense and maintained and operated to Panama, gratis. And in exchange, it received a kind of limitation, a permanent limitation on Panamanians sovereignty, that Panama agreed that the United States could enforce this regime of neutrality by force. Now, of course, armed force should never be the first recourse for any kind of international dispute and should not be arrived at sort of rationally or before negotiations and other kinds of good offices are exhausted, but it's quite clear that the treaty contemplates that as a remedy for violations. 1:03:20 Louis Sola: I believe that the security of the canal has always been understood to be provided by the United States. Panama does not have a military, and I always believed that there's been a close relationship with Southern Command that we would provide that. And it would be nice to see if we had a formalization of that in one way or another, because I don't believe that it's in the treaty at all. 1:05:05 Daniel Maffei: While we were down there, both of us heard, I think, several times, that the Panamanians would, the ones we talked to anyway, would welcome US companies coming in and doing a lot of this work. Frankly, their bids are not competitive with the Chinese bids. Frankly, they're not that existent because US companies can make more money doing things other places, but even if they were existent, it is difficult to put competitive bids when the Chinese bids are so heavily subsidized by China. 1:06:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): What would China's incentive be to heavily subsidize those bids to undercut American companies and other companies? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, it's not a real short answer, but Senator, China's made no secret of its ambitious policies to gain influence of ports throughout the globe. It's invested in 129 ports in dozens of countries. It runs a majority of 17 ports, that does not include this Hong Kong company, right? So that's just directly Chinese-owned ports. So it has been a part of their Belt and Road strategy, whatever you want to call it, the Maritime Silk Road, for decades. So they believe that this influence, this investment in owning maritime ports is important to their economy. 1:07:05 Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): In 2021, Hutchison was awarded those two ports, Port Balboa and Port Cristobal, in a no-bid award process. Can you tell me, does the United States have any authority or recourse with the Panama Canal Authority under our current agreement with Panama to rebid those terminal concession contracts. And perhaps Mr. Kantorovich, that's more in your purview? Louis Sola: Senator, both of those ports were redone for 25 years, until 2047, I believe. And they have to pay $7 million is what the ongoing rate is for the Port of Houston- and the Port of Miami-sized concessions. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): And it can't be rebid until after that date? Louis Sola: Well, I believe that that's what the comptroller's office is auditing both of those ports and that contract. That was done under the previous Panamanian administration. A new administration came in, and they called for an audit of that contract immediately. 1:20:10 Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Are the companies now controlling both sides of the Panama Canal, the Chinese companies, subject to the PRC national security laws that mandate cooperation with the military, with state intelligence agencies. Does anyone know that? Eugene Kontorovich: They're subject all the time. They're subject to those laws all the time by virtue of being Hong Kong companies. And you know, they face, of course, consequences for not complying with the wishes of the Chinese government. One of the arguments -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Wouldn't that be a violation of the treaty? And isn't that a huge risk to us right now that the Chinese -- Eugene Kontorovich: That is a threat to the neutrality -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): If they invaded Taiwan, invaded the Philippines, they could go to these two companies saying, Hey, shut it down, make it hard, sink a ship in the canal. And wouldn't they be obligated to do that under Chinese law if they were ordered to by the PLA or the CCP? Eugene Kontorovich: I don't know if they'd be obligated, but certainly the People's Republic of China would have many tools of leverage and pressure on these companies. That's why the treaty specifically says that we can act not just to end actual obstructions to the canal. We don't have to wait until the canal is closed by hostile military action. Thatwould be a suicide pact, that would be catastrophic for us, but rather that we can respond at the inchoate, incipient level to threats, and then this is up to the president to determine whether this is significantly robust to constitute -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): So aren't we kind of walking up to the idea of a suicide pact, because we've got two big Chinese companies on both ends of the Panama Canal, who, if there's a war in INDOPACOM, Taiwan that involves us and China, these companies would be obligated to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party and PLA? I mean, are we kind of walking up to a very significant national security threat already? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, certainly, there's a threat. And I think what makes the action of the Chinese government so difficult to respond to, but important to respond to, is that they conceal this in sort of levels of gray without direct control. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Let me ask you on that topic, as my last question, Professor, let's assume that we find out. And again, it wouldn't be surprising. I think you can almost assume it that these two companies have Chinese spies or military officials within the ranks of the employees of the companies. Let's assume we found that out, somehow that becomes public. But I don't think it's a big assumption. It's probably true right now. So you have spies and military personnel within the ranks of these two companies that are controlling both ends of the Panama Canal for you, Professor, and Chairman Sola, wouldn't that be a blatant violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty, if that were true, which probably is true? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, I do think it would be a clear violation. As former Secretary of State, Dean Ross said at the ratification hearings, informal forces can violate Article Five as well as formal forces. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Is there any evidence of Chinese spies or other nefarious Chinese actors embedded in these companies? Louis Sola: Senator, we have no information of that. That's not under the purview of -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): But you agree that would be a violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty? Louis Sola: I do. 1:26:25 Daniel Maffei: Senator Sullivan was talking about Hutchison Ports. That's actually the same company that runs terminals on both ends of the canal. I am concerned about that. However, if we want to be concerned about that, all of us should lose a lot more sleep than we're losing because if there are spies there, then there might be spies at other Hutchinson ports, and there are other Hutchinson ports in almost every part of the world. They own the largest container port in the United Kingdom, Felix Dow, which is responsible for nearly half of Britain's container trade. They control major maritime terminals in Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Korea and Tanzania. If owning and managing adjacent ports means that China somehow has operational control or strategic control over the Panama Canal, they also have it over the Suez, the Singapore Straits, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. 1:35:45 Louis Sola: The fees that I think we are looking at, or have been looked at, the reason that we went there was because of the auctioning of the slots. And so what Panama did is they had a smaller percentage, maybe 20% allocation, and then they moved it up to 30% and 40% because it became a money maker for them. So as they were doing -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, let me interject here. The auctioning of the slots gives these the right to skip the queue? Louis Sola: Yes, ma'am. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, so just for the record there. Continue. Louis Sola: So the auctioning of the slots. Under maritime law, it's first come first serve, but Panama has always put a certain percentage aside, and they started to put more and more. So we got a lot of complaints. We got a lot of complaints from LNG carriers that paid $4 million to go through, and we got a lot of complaints from agriculture that didn't have the money to pay to go through, because their goods were gonna go down. So if you look at the financial statements -- I'm a nerd, I look at financial statements of everybody -- the canal increased the amount of revenue that they had from about $500 million to $1.8 billion in the last three years just because of those fees. So this is what is very concerning to us. 1:39:20 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): Do you know of any instances where the United States has been singled out or treated unfairly under the neutrality treaty in the operation of the canal? Daniel Maffei: I do not. I would add that one of the reasons why saying the US is disproportionately affected by raises in Canal fees and other kinds of fees at the canal is because the United States disproportionately utilizes the canal. 1:44:55 Louis Sola: We have a US port there, SSA, out of Washington State that I actually worked on the development of that many years ago, and helped develop that. That used to be a United States Navy submarine base, and we converted that. As far as the two ports that we have, they're completely different. One is a major infrastructure footprint, and also a container port that's moving 4 million containers a year. That's really phenomenal amount. That's more than Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and you've probably got to get Tampa and a little bit of Jacksonville in there to get that type of volume. And on the other side, we have a very small port, but it's a very strategic port on the Atlantic. So how are the operations done?I don't know how they don't make money. I mean, if you want to come right down to it, if they've been operating the port for 20 years, and they say that they haven't made any money, so they haven't been able to pay the government. That's what concerns me is I don't believe that we're on a level playing field with the American ports. 1:58:50 Eugene Kontorovich: I think the charges and fees are less of an issue because they don't discriminate across countries. We pay more because we use more, but it's not nationally discriminatory. 1:59:00 Eugene Kontorovich: The presence of Chinese companies, especially Chinese state companies, but not limited to them, do raise serious issues and concerns for the neutrality of the treaty. And I should point out, in relation to some of the earlier questioning, the canal, for purposes of the neutrality treaty, is not limited just to the actual locks of the canal and the transit of ships through the canal. According to Annex One, paragraph one of the treaty, it includes also the entrances of the canal and the territorial sea of Panama adjacent to it. So all of the activities we're talking about are within the neutrality regime, the geographic scope of the neutrality regime in the treaty. 2:00:30 Daniel Maffei: I actually have to admit, I'm a little confused as to why some of the senators asking these questions, Senator Blackburn, aren't more concerned about the biggest port in the United Kingdom being run by the Chinese. Petraeus in the port nearest Athens, one of the biggest ports in the Mediterranean, is not just run by a Chinese-linked company, it's run directly by a Chinese-owned company, and I was there. So you're on to something, but if you're just focusing on Panama, that's only part. 2:01:45 Louis Sola: About a year ago, when we were having this drought issue, there was also a lot of focus on Iran and how they were funding Hamas and the Houthis because they were attacking the Red Sea. What the United States has found is that Iranian vessels are sometimes flagged by Panama in order to avoid sanctions, so that they could sell the fuel that they have, and then they can take that money and then they can use it as they wish. Panama, at the time, had a very complicated process to de-flag the vessels. There was an investigation, there was an appeals process. By the time that OFAC or Treasury would go ahead and identify one of those vessels, by the time that they were doing the appeals and stuff like this, they've already changed flags to somewhere else. So when we went to Panama, we met with the Panamanian president, and I must say that we were very impressed, because he was 30 minutes late, but he was breaking relations with Venezuela at the time because the election was the day before. We explained to him the situation. The very next day, we met with the maritime minister, with US embassy personnel and Panama actually adjusted their appeals process so to make it more expedient, so if the United States or OFAC would come and say that this Iranian vessel is avoiding sanctions, now we have a process in place to go ahead and do that, and 53 vessels were de-flagged because of that. 2:06:05 Sen. John Curtis (R-UT): Is there any reason that China can't watch or do whatever they want from this bridge to get the intel from these containers? And does that concern anybody? Louis Sola: Well, it definitely concerns Southern Command, because they've brought it up on numerous occasions that there could be some sort of surveillance or something like that on the bridges. 2:20:30 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): We segregate ourselves artificially in a way that they do not. We segregate ourselves. Let's talk about military. Let's talk about intelligence. Let's talk about economics. They don't. China doesn't work that way. It's a whole of government approach. They don't draw a delineation between an economics discussion and a military one. And their attack may not look like Pearl Harbor. It may look like an everyday ship that decides, you know, it pulls into the locks and blows itself up. And now the locks are non-functional for our usage, and we can't support an inter ocean fleet transfer, and our ability to defend it, as you referred to Chairman, is now inhibited by the fact that we no longer have the military infrastructure around the canal that we did just as recently as 1999. 2:21:10 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): So from a commercial perspective, do the shipping companies have concerns over the security of the narrow waterways? We've the Strait to Malacca, we've got the Suez Canal, we've got Gibraltar, we've got Panama. Is that a concern that's thrown around in the boardrooms of the largest shipping corporations in the world? Joseph Kramek: Senator, I think it's something they think about every day. I mean, really, it's drawn into sharp relief with the Red Sea. It was what I call a pink flamingo. There's black swans that just come up and there's pink flamingos that you can see, but you don't act. But no one really thought a whole lot that one of the most important waterways in the world could be denied, and moreover, that it could be denied for such a sustained period. The good news is that -- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): And denied, I might add, by a disaffected non-state actor of Bedouins running around with rocket launchers, who also managed to beat us in a 20 year war in Afghanistan. My point to saying all this is we're just debating operational control of the canal, yet it seems very clear to all of us that a very simple act can debilitate the canal and eliminate our ability to use it in a matter of minutes with no warning, and we have no ability to intervene or stop that. To me, that means we do not have operational control of the canal. 2:30:40 Daniel Maffei: I will say that certainly we need to look at other kinds of ways to get US companies in positions where they can truly compete with the Chinese on some of these things. Blaming it all on Panama really misses the point. I've seen the same thing in Greece, where Greece didn't want to give the concession of its largest port to a Chinese company, but because of its financial difficulties, it was getting pressure from international organizations such the IMF, Europe and even maybe some of the United States to do so. So I just ask you to look at that. 2:31:20 Daniel Maffei: Panamanians are making far more on their canal than they ever have before. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it's going to the right place. But where they're really making the money is on these auctions, and that is why it remains a concern of mine and I'm sure the chairman's. That is where we are looking at, potentially, using our authority under Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act where we could, if we can show that it is a problem with the foreign trade of the US, it's interfering with foreign trade of the US, there are certain things that we can do. Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 15, 2024 Clips 4:01:40 Marco Rubio: The thing with Panama on the canal is not new. I visited there. It was 2016. I think I've consistently seen people express concern about it, and it's encapsulized here in quote after quote. Let me tell you the former US ambassador who served under President Obama said: "the Chinese see in Panama what we saw in Panama throughout the 20th century, a maritime and aviation logistics hub." The immediate past head of Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, said, "I was just in Panama about a month ago and flying along the Panama Canal and looking at the state owned enterprises from the People's Republic of China on each side of the Panama Canal. They look like civilian companies or state owned enterprises that could be used for dual use and could be quickly changed over to a military capability." We see questions that were asked by the ranking member in the house China Select Committee, where he asked a witness and they agreed that in a time of conflict, China could use its presence on both ends of the canal as a choke point against the United States in a conflict situation. So the concerns about Panama have been expressed by people on both sides of the aisle for at least the entire time that I've been in the United States Senate, and they've only accelerated further. And this is a very legitimate issue that we face there. I'm not prepared to answer this question because I haven't looked at the legal research behind it yet, but I'm compelled to suspect that an argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over have been violated. Because while technically, sovereignty over the canal has not been turned over to a foreign power, in reality, a foreign power today possesses, through their companies, which we know are not independent, the ability to turn the canal into a choke point in a moment of conflict. And that is a direct threat to the national interest and security the United States, and is particularly galling given the fact that we paid for it and that 5,000 Americans died making it. That said, Panama is a great partner on a lot of other issues, and I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal and of its security, and also continue to work with them cooperatively on a host of issues we share in common, including what to do with migration. 4:38:35 Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): Now, President Trump has recently talked a little bit about the fact that there are some questions arising about the status of the Panama Canal. When we look to the treaty at issue, the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal, we're reminded that some things maybe aren't quite as they should be there right now. Given that the Chinese now control major ports at the entry and the exit to the canal, it seems appropriate to say that there's at least an open question. There's some doubt as to whether the canal remains neutral. Would you agree with that assessment? Marco Rubio: Yes. Here's the challenge. Number one, I want to be clear about something. The Panamanian government, particularly its current office holders, are very friendly to the United States and very cooperative, and we want that to continue, and I want to bifurcate that from the broader issue of the canal. Now I am not, President Trump is not inventing this. This is something that's existed now for at least a decade. In my service here, I took a trip to Panama in 2017. When on that trip to Panama in 2017 it was the central issue we discussed about the canal, and that is that Chinese companies control port facilities at both ends of the canal, the east and the west, and the concerns among military officials and security officials, including in Panama, at that point, that that could one day be used as a choke point to impede commerce in a moment of conflict. Going back to that I -- earlier before you got here, and I don't want to have to dig through this folder to find it again, but -- basically cited how the immediate past head of Southern Command, just retired general Richardson, said she flew over the canal, looked down and saw those Chinese port facilities, and said Those look like dual use facilities that in a moment of conflict, could be weaponized against us. The bipartisan China commission over in the House last year, had testimony and hearings on this issue, and members of both parties expressed concern. The former ambassador to Panama under President Obama has expressed those concerns. This is a legitimate issue that needs to be confronted. The second point is the one you touched upon, and that is, look, could an argument be made, and I'm not prepared to answer it yet, because it's something we're going to have to study very carefully. But I think I have an inkling of I know where this is going to head. Can an argument be made that the Chinese basically have effective control of the canal anytime they want? Because if they order a Chinese company that controls the ports to shut it down or impede our transit, they will have to do so. There are no independent Chinese companies. They all exist because they've been identified as national champions. They're supported by the Chinese government. And if you don't do what they want, they find a new CEO, and you end up being replaced and removed. So they're under the complete control of their government. This is a legitimate question, and one that Senators Risch had some insight as well. He mentioned that in passing that needs to be looked at. This is not a joke. The Panama Canal issue is a very serious one. 4:44:30 Marco Rubio: In 2016 and 2017 that was well understood that part of the investments they made in Panama were conditioned upon Panama's ability to convince the Dominican Republic and other countries to flip their recognition away from Taiwan. That happened. Jen Briney's Recent Guest Appearances Travis Makes Money: Give and Take: Music by Editing Production Assistance

This International Women's Day (IWD), our hosts, London partner Lucy Winnington-Ingram and ArbitralWomen president Rebeca Mosquera, are joined by Ayse Yazir, Managing Director of Bench Walk Advisors, Alison Macdonald KC of Essex Court Chambers, Natalia Mori, an attorney based in Lima, and Ana Irene Delgado, Panamanian lawyer, diplomat, and politician, to discuss what the IWD theme of “accelerate action” means to them.

This week Justin talks with Rick Yell. Rick served as a civilian agent with the Naval Investigative Service, later renamed the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. In 1986, he was assigned to the resident agency at Fort Amador, Panama. He was present along with his family before, during, and after Operation Just Cause, when the U.S. military ousted Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Rick is featured as one of the primary subjects of the new book, Ghosts of Panama by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr and he's here today to discuss his time in Panama as relations with the United States deteriorated and both nations prepared for war, and what it is like to live through a chaotic invasion right in your own backyard. Check out the book, Ghosts of Panama, here.https://a.co/d/fVVKiAEConnect with Spycraft 101:Get Justin's latest book, Murder, Intrigue, and Conspiracy: Stories from the Cold War and Beyond, here.spycraft101.comIG: @spycraft101Shop: shop.spycraft101.comPatreon: Spycraft 101Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here.Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here.Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here.OC Strategic AcademyLearn spy skills to hack your own reality. Use code SPYCRAFT101 to get 10% off any course!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Did you know that supporting your students' growth goes far beyond bilingualism and language itself?In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Gabby Montenegro Rivera, a bilingual and bicultural educator with a powerful personal story. Gabby, who grew up in Panama with Colombian and Panamanian roots, shares her journey of embracing both Latin and American cultures, highlighting the challenges and advantages of being bicultural.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How early exposure to English shaped Gabby's academic and personal growthThe difference between bilingualism and biculturalism, and why both matterThe cultural barriers multilingual learners face in educationHow to foster a sense of belonging for bicultural students in the classroomThe emotional impact of living between two cultures, and what “home” really meansAs an educator, understanding the cultural experiences of multilingual learners is key to helping them succeed. Gabby shares eye-opening insights on the importance of cultural fluency, her personal struggles with writing in English despite being fluent, and why teachers should actively create spaces where students can embrace both their linguistic and cultural identities.Plus, Gabby dives into how language influences personality and how educators can bridge cultural gaps in the classroom.Whether you're a teacher, student, or someone passionate about cultural identity, this episode is filled with practical strategies and inspiring takeaways.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, claiming the war on women's sports is over. And the State Department claims Panama is willing to waive fees on American ships using the Panama Canal, despite the Panamanian government saying otherwise. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, claiming the war on women's sports is over. And the State Department claims Panama is willing to waive fees on American ships using the Panama Canal, despite the Panamanian government saying otherwise. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

//The Wire//1800Z February 5, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: TRUMP ANNOUNCES AMERICA WILL SEIZE GAZA STRIP. USA WITHDRAWS FROM UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------HomeFront-Washington D.C. - As part of a press conference conducted in conjunction with PM Netanyahu's visit to the United States, President Trump suddenly announced several startling policy decisions. First, President Trump reiterated multiple times that he supports the forced expulsion of every human soul in Gaza, into other nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or Jordan (among others). Secondly, President Trump declared that the United States will seize control of Gaza, and be responsible for managing the entire Strip. AC: As most people were rather taken aback by this bold statement, and even though Trump reiterated his words and articulated his thoughts very clearly, no one is really sure what this means in practice.Also in Washington, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council. AC: It's not clear how this will work out, since this appears to be contradictory to Trump's stated goals in Gaza. For instance, this (and other executive actions) have resulted in a complete defunding of the UNRWA. To many America-first voters, this may seem to be a positive budget cut at face value. However, this agency (and the UN at large) is really the only entity in the region that is corralling the refugees in Gaza. As such, if Trump wants to defund the only civilian groups that can facilitate the mass exodus of Palestinians to wherever they are destined to be, the only other options are to use military logistics to achieve this forced migration.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: For those that do not understand the sheer magnitude of President Trump's policy decision in Gaza, this is a once-in-a-century policy decision the magnitude of which is impossible to convey. Even if this is a negotiation tactic (for instance, to oversell American involvement, so that the counter-offer of Israeli occupation of Gaza looks reasonable by comparison), this is an unprecedented line of logic altogether. As stated (with much fatigue) many times before, the issue regarding the current war in the Middle East is the most hot-button issue there is, with many states (and the US government) quite literally making certain opinions on this war illegal, to some degree. So right up front, no honest discussion can be had, even by those who have the most innocent and/or neutral intentions. This is one of the most important details to remember moving forward.Nevertheless, any comments on President Trump's recently announced policy decisions in the Middle East probably will (rather tiresomely) not have much weight at all or be able to change what is about to happen. Pushing aside the literal Merriam-Webster's definition of ethnic cleansing (and the destabilization that brings), if Trump is indeed serious about his aspirations for owning beachfront property in Gaza, he may find that getting there is more challenging than he previously thought. Trump theorizing about invading Greenland or Panama does not ring the same as invading Gaza, one of the most heavily militarized regions on Earth.Just to wargame the significance of this for a moment, in 1990, the U.S. military invaded Panama as part of Operation Just Cause, with the goal of ousting General Manuel Noriega from power. The United States achieved this goal in 41 days after very little effort on the part of the Panamanian forces. Greenland, being an arctic nation largely centered around one or two main (but still very small) cities would not really be much of a military challenge either. Gaza, on the other hand, presents one of the most significant military challenges possible in warfare...an entrenched adversary, who is strongly dug in throughout an urban area. Even I

How often do you get to meet a sitting president? Well, last week, I did just that when I had the incredible opportunity to meet Santiago Peña, the President of Paraguay. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on two major experiences from the past week—my in-person interview with Panamanian immigration officials as I work toward citizenship and an exclusive luncheon where I met President Peña. First, I'll take you inside my recent interview with Panamanian immigration officials, a key step in my citizenship process. And yes, I had to do it entirely in Spanish. Then, I'll share how I managed to slip away from Chinese New Year's celebrations with my family to attend a luncheon with the President of Paraguay, plus what I learned about the growing ties between Panama and Paraguay—two fantastic Plan-B destinations for expats. Enjoy the episode, and I'll see you back here next Wednesday! THE WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE IN PANAMA MARCH 14-15 Join us in Panama for the inaugural Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference, our first-ever large conference event, taking place in Panama City, Panama, March 14-15, 2025!  This is your chance to gain invaluable insights, connect with like-minded freedom seekers, and, most importantly, connect with 20+ of the most trusted partners necessary to secure a prosperous life offshore. Our VIP Tickets are already sold out, and only general admission tickets remain. Seating is very limited, so head to ExpatMoney.com/Conference to learn more and secure your spot right away! STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE EXPAT WORLD Sign up for any of our newsletters, like the EMS Pulse and the Expat Sunday Times, to stay up-to-date with a steady stream of news and my opinions on the expat world. Download my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships,” today, and you'll be signed up for both! RELATED EPISODES 336: Update: Panama Citizenship & Brazil Trip 299: Expat News: Panama's New President, Millionaires Fleeing The US 283: Panama Healthcare: A Personal Case Study Report

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – The creation of the Panama Canal from 1870 to 1914 provides essential building blocks and detailed insights into why America was in Panama, how Panama came to be, and why the Canal was built there. Along the way, a cast of characters emerges that resonates far beyond Panamanian history, influencing the world for over a century...

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – The creation of the Panama Canal from 1870 to 1914 provides essential building blocks and detailed insights into why America was in Panama, how Panama came to be, and why the Canal was built there. Along the way, a cast of characters emerges that resonates far beyond Panamanian history, influencing the world for over a century...

America In Colombia is a story of secession, "School of Assassins", drugs, immigration, alliance and interference - not necessarily in that order! In this interview, we talk about the following: ►1840s: America's interest in Colombia and Panama ►How Colombia neglected Panama ►Panama's secession from Colombia with American help ►How Colombians learn about Panama's separation ►Colombian democracy, prudent administration and U.S. alliance ►Plan Lazo & the Kennedy administration ►School of the Assassins ►Colombia: this is not our drug war ►20,000 at Pablo Escobar's funeral ►FARC ►Colombia and its assistance to 1.5 million Venezuelans ►Colombian Pres. Petro vs. American Pres. Trump Visit my blog post for images and videos.  

We begin today with some domestic politics and the concern that RINOs continue to destroy red states while wrapping themselves in Trump's name. People close to Trump who claim to share the values of the base need a strategy to shut this down. Next, we're joined by our foremost Latin American affairs expert, Joseph Humire, for a riveting discussion on why we need to rebuild the Monroe Doctrine. Humire explains the geopolitical situation, how China and Russia are taking over critical areas of Latin America, and how we could easily combat their influence. We need not treat Latin America like the Middle East and engage in nation-building. He offers some ideas on how to use a carrot-and-stick approach to assert our national interests — all built upon creating a security perimeter. He also discusses the future of the cartels, the threat of Venezuela, and the diplomatic strategy behind the Panama Canal spat with the Panamanian leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many of you know, I've been a resident of Panama for over five years, and I'm now in the process of pursuing my Panamanian citizenship. In today's episode, I share an update on my latest (and somewhat nerve-wracking...) step in this journey. If you're one of many listeners considering a second citizenship in Panama, you'll definitely want to hear about this part of the process. I also provide a recap of my recent trip to Brazil, where I met with a business partner and toured an exciting real estate project. Brazil has so much to offer in terms of investment opportunities, and I'm thrilled to share a little bit more about the region I am investing in.  Enjoy today's episode, and I'll see you right back here next Wednesday! THE WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE IN PANAMA MARCH 14-15 Join us in Panama in less than two months for the inaugural Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference, our first-ever large conference event, taking place in Panama City, Panama, March 14-15, 2025! This is your chance to gain invaluable insights, connect with like-minded freedom seekers, and, most importantly, connect with 15+ of the most trusted partners necessary to secure a prosperous life offshore. Head to ExpatMoney.com/Conference to learn more and secure your spot right away! STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE EXPAT WORLD Sign up for any of our newsletters, like the EMS Pulse and the Expat Sunday Times, to stay up-to-date with a steady stream of news and my opinions on the expat world. Download my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships,” today, and you'll be signed up for both! RELATED EPISODES 328: 5 Years As An Expat In Panama  322: Expat News: Panama Keeps Investor Visa Price, Trump to End Double Taxation Of Expats? 283: Panama Healthcare: A Personal Case Study ReportMentioned in this episode:TICKETS NOW ON SALEJoin us March 14-15th, 2025, live in Panama City for the Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference. Take your Plan-B to the next level; tickets are limited. Wealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceTICKETS NOW ON SALEJoin us March 14-15th, 2025, live in Panama City for the Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference. Take your Plan-B to the next level; tickets are limited. Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference

​Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has made a string of expansionist foreign policy announcements, angering several of his international counterparts. After reiterating his ambitious intention to purchase Greenland, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, the US president doubled down on his insistence that Washington should regain control of the Panama Canal, the essential shipping passage he claims has been commandeered by China. Built by the United States in the early twentieth century, the waterway transformed global trade and marked America's emergence as a superpower on the world stage, before being transferred to Panamanian control via a 1977 treaty. So why has Donald Trump got it in his sights now? On this episode Jonny Dymond speaks to Julie Greene, a professor of American studies at the University of Maryland, about the storied history of the Panama Canal. And the BBC's North America business correspondent Michelle Fleury discusses the politics and economics behind the Trump administration's diplomatic pursuit of the trade route.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Laurie Kalus, Mhairi MacKenzie and Beth TimminsSound engineer: Annie SmithAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: China Collins

The day Edgardo Griffith met Heidi Ross, he asked her if she'd like to come with him to look for frogs. He was looking for a particular kind – bright yellow, with black spots: the Panamanian golden frog. But by the time Edgardo and Heidi were engaged, the frogs had started to disappear. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Want to listen to This is Love ad-free? Sign up for Criminal Plus – you'll get to listen to This is Love, Criminal, and Phoebe Reads a Mystery without any ads. Plus, you'll get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal and other exclusive benefits. Learn more and sign up here. We also make Criminal and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Branding Self Identity & AuthenticityToday's guest is absolute Fire, Fuego, an eternal light to empower women to live authentically and unapologetically and she has the business to make it happen. No, she's not a life coach but by the end of this episode you will see possibility like never before. Mariery Young, Panamanian with Chinese heritage, or Chino Latina as she lovingly defines herself, is founder of Mezclao Studio, branding identity, illustration, and surface design for brands and entrepreneurs , with clients like Nike, Facebook, Instagram and Sephora in her authentic style of bold colors and patterns.Empowering women's authenticity is the core of Mariery's branding design, based on generations of Matriarchs in her family. It's all about embracing messiness of identity, cultura, life, relationships, all of it because therein lies your authenticity. Takeaways:Embracing messiness, the beautiful "mixes of identity" empowers Latino culture.AHA moments can come from unexpected places and people.Embracing authenticity and cultural heritage is crucial for personal and professional growth.Matriarchs play a crucial role in her creativity, artistic development with colors and patternsEmpowering women through personal branding amplifies diversity, visually connecting with cultural identity.Openness to diversity is essential for growth within the community.Community support is more important than competition.Reach out to Mariery on Instagram: Mariery Young and Mezclao StudioLean into the book, 'The Woman Who Ran With Wolves' , by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, as heard on this episode.

On this episode of The Zach Show, Annette Nenner and Christian Hardinghaus discuss the disappearance of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon on the infamous Pianista Trail in Panama, the case analysis and elements of the disappearance that don't match up, the photos recovered from the SD card, accident versus crime theories, whether this case was covered up by Panamanian authorities, and more.  GUEST BIO: Christian Hardinghaus is a New York Times bestselling author, investigative journalist, and media scientist who analyzed thousands of files related to the case of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon. Annette Nenner is a journalist, writer, editor, and traveler who spent over five months in the Boquete region of Panama interviewing dozens of witnesses related to the case of Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon and conducted intensive on-site research, exploring the Panamanian cloud forest day and night tracing the paths that the girls could have taken.​ Hardinghaus and Nenner are co-authors of the book Still Lost In Panama: The Real Tragedy On Pianista Trail.  SUPPORT THE AUXORO PODCAST BY SUBSCRIBING TO AUXORO PREMIUM (BONUS EPISODES & EXCLUSIVE CONTENT): https://auxoro.supercast.com/ ANNETTE NENNER LINKS:Still Lost In Panama (Book): https://bit.ly/3WrNQ5ZWebsite (Still Lost In Panama): https://www.still-lost-in-panama.com/Website (Personal): https://annettenenner.de/Contact: https://annettenenner.de/kontakt/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annette.nenner/ CHRISTIAN HARDINGHAUS:Still Lost In Panama Book: https://bit.ly/3WrNQ5ZWebsite (Still Lost In Panama): https://www.still-lost-in-panama.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_harding/Website (Personal): https://christian-hardinghaus.de/Contact: https://www.still-lost-in-panama.com/contact AUXORO SOCIAL LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxoroYouTube: https://bit.ly/3CLjEqFFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/auxoromagNewsletter: https://www.auxoro.com/thesourceYouTube: https://bit.ly/3CLjEqF To support the show, please leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This nudges the algorithm to show The AUXORO Podcast to more new listeners and is the best way to help the show grow. It takes 30 seconds and the importance of getting good reviews cannot be overstated.  Thank you for your support: Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/458nbhaReview us on Spotify: https://bit.ly/43ZLrAt 

What if you could get in early on a project developed by Margaritaville, the renowned international resort chain known for its vibrant community, before the crowds arrive? In this episode, I am going to replay the webinar I hosted live this past Saturday, where we walk through the massive upside potential of investing in an area rapidly expanding and set to become Panama's next top vacation destination.  With exclusive off-market access for Expat Money subscribers, this is a rare opportunity to secure prime beach real estate before the crowds arrive. This presentation will demonstrate how you can position yourself to capitalize on the significant upside of this development in the coming years. Enjoy! TODAY'S PRESENTATION ON MARGARITAVILLE'S NEW BEACH DEVELOPMENT IN PANAMA Listen in to learn why Margaritaville isn't just about any single resort or cruise but rather a state of mind centred around a vibrant community. We'll unpack why Playa Caracol—an area I have been promoting for years now—is such a prime location for growth that it was chosen for Margaritaville. Find out why the recent election of Panama's new President has made the Playa Caracol area an even more attractive destination for investment.  Discover why Playa Caracol is such a rapidly growing tourist destination. Margaritaville is now set to be the heart of the developing area.  Take in all the nuts-and-bolts details of the Margaritaville resort itself and the specific units available to the Expat Money community.  Stick around for the Q&A session in the second half, which will likely answer any question that might have come to mind during the main presentation. Can you gain Panamanian residency through the purchase of these units? Find out how these investments can really beef up your offshore Plan-B. By the end of this episode, you'll have a full understanding of this off-market investment opportunity with Margaritaville and why you must get in early, or you'll get left behind.  RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN MARGARITAVILLE NOW! These units are already selling out quickly!  Email Expat@PuntaPacificaRealty.com and include your phone number so you can get a callback and secure your unit immediately. STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST EXPAT NEWS   Download my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships,” today, and you'll also receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times.  THE WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE IN PANAMA MARCH...

It's January 5, 1982, and the central American state of Panama is playing host to one of the most extraordinary narco summits in history. Hosting the pow-wow is Manuel Noriega, chief of Panamanian military intelligence and just a year from siezing its control. Pablo Escobar, head of what will become the feared Medellin Cartel, is there too. But even these criminal heavyweights aren't the biggest gangsters in the room. That title belongs to Roberto Suarez Gomez, Bolivia's so-called King of Cocaine, supplier of Andean coca paste to a global blow industry. Suarez, a former cattle rancher and heir to a rubber fortune, has never been more powerful. Just two years previous he'd backed Bolivia's so-called ‘Cocaine Coup', tearing through capital La Paz and installing violent general Luis Garcia Meza as president. Since then Suarez has built the modern cocaine market, cementing Escobar as his chief buyer, and pulling in Noriega and even the Castros of Cuba. But Suarez couldn't have done all this without the fourth man in this room in Panama, quiet and slight, with a saturnine face that belies the litany of evil he's managed in his 67 years. This is Klaus Barbie, fugitive SS officer and so-called ‘Butcher of Lyon' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – President-elect Trump's social media posts targeting Panama have sparked tensions, centering on control of the Panama Canal and immigration policy. With calls for a new Monroe Doctrine, concerns grow over rising Chinese influence. As U.S. and Panamanian leaders react, the stakes in the geopolitical and information struggle continue to escalate.

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari USA (Ret.) – President-elect Trump's social media posts targeting Panama have sparked tensions, centering on control of the Panama Canal and immigration policy. With calls for a new Monroe Doctrine, concerns grow over rising Chinese influence. As U.S. and Panamanian leaders react, the stakes in the geopolitical and information struggle continue to escalate.

Donald Trump has an aggressive negotiating method: he makes big threats in order to extract concessions. But now that he's floated the idea of invading Danish and Panamanian territories this week, America's allies are especially nervous. The FT's Nordic and Baltic bureau chief Richard Milne and US national editor and columnist Ed Luce join Swamp Notes to discuss Trump's imperial ambitions. Mentioned in this podcast:Why Donald Trump wants GreenlandTrump, Greenland and the rebirth of the Monroe DoctrineDonald Trump's careless talkSign up for the FT's Swamp Notes newsletter hereSwamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Kasia Broussalian, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT's executive producer. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's January 9th. This day in 1964, riots broke out in the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal Zone over the flying of a Panamanian flag alongside the U.S. flag at a local High School.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the roots of the tensions in the zone, and how these riots created a flashpoint that eventually led to renegotiations of the Panama Canal treaty, and return of the canal to local control. Plus: what to make of Trump's claims that he wants to get control back.Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!Find out more at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia

Happy New Year and Feliz Año Nuevo as we kick off Season 8 with a sneak peek of the 3 women leading you to your best version of authenticity. These ladies will inspire you to take a stand of living on your terms, collaborating with each other in support and loving every part of yourself, free from society's expectations.January 15 - Luciana Couto, a Brazilian Health Coach and Wellness Influencer on a mission to make wellness accessible to all women. Drop thinking of resolutions and diets, Luciana is all about feeling confident in your body, mind, and attitude. She def knows confidence, given her courageous journey from Brazil to Toronto to discover her best self. Discover the top 5 routines that will have you greeting each day with enthusiasm and joy.January 22 - Mariery Young, Panamanian illustrator with Chinese heritage, Founder of Mezclao Studio, branding identity, illustration, and surface design, with clients like Nike, Facebook, Instagram and Sephora. Her native plant patterns and bright colors were inspired by her abuelita's love for gardening. Mariery is a force, an emphatic call to action to women to define their value, live their truth and love themselves in it, empowering women through branding, branding of themselves and their business to reflect personal narratives in creative work.January 29 - Heather Reese, Peruana, adopted at birth by a Jewish mother and California father, and raised on the US East Coast. Talk about self discovery! As a Latina lawyer, she discusses the challenges faced by minority women in the legal profession, the significance of authenticity, and the need for visibility and representation in business. This one is all about self-love, confidence, and the importance of community and how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can lead to stronger relationships and personal growth. Like walking the runways as a Large Body Model! She is all that!Consuelo is a First Gen Peruvian, structural engineer, mother and Scorpio fired Latina out to hold the mic and shine the light for amazing Latinas and advocates who share their journey from ancestry to authenticity in their most genuine voice. Connect with Consuelo on IG @Consuelo_Ends_in_ODiscover Encuentras Your Voice podcast on IG @EncuentrasYourVoice and join the comunidad of amazing Latinas!Listen to every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast or any of your favorite streaming platforms. Watch the full videos on our YouTube channel @EncuentrasYourVoice

Send us a text Balloons, Beefs, and the Devil: RHOP Unpacked RHOP S9 E12 - Shake The Devil OffKey Moments and Themes:Jacqueline's Dramatic Arrival:Brings eight heart-shaped balloons symbolizing Karen's citations, claiming to come with “love and light.”Karen sees it as shady and threatens to call the police, prompting Jacqueline to leave with Ray escorting her out.Giselle calls out the gesture as petty and unnecessary.Trip to Panama:The women prepare for their trip, with Wendy assigning room arrangements meant to stir up drama.Ashley reveals her growing feelings for Josh, despite others questioning her choices.Dinner on the Beach:Dancers, including one dressed as the devil, entertain the group.Karen feels uneasy, likening the devil dancer to Jacqueline and referencing “darkness.”Tensions rise as Giselle confronts Jacqueline about her house visit and Karen threatens legal action.Conflict Over Social Media and Parenting:Giselle and Mia argue about portraying their children online and past incidents involving Giselle's daughters.Ashley questions Mia's conflicting narratives about her relationship with Gordon.Mia's Family Troubles:Mia learns Gordon took her kids from the nanny without informing her, leaving her anxious about their whereabouts.Lighthearted Moments:Wendy surprises the ladies with personalized gifts, including Panamanian rum and cups, setting the tone for their day.Support the showhttps://www.wewinewhenever.com/

Inspired at a young age by icons such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other great American Songbook interpreters, Edward brings a unique tone and style to the stage - not just with his jazz vocal prowess, but also with his distinctive presentation. Edward takes pride in looking his best not for anybody but himself, usually attending college classes dressed in a suit and outside with a hat. As a person with ancestry from Latin America, Edward's multicultural background enriches his artistry. With his father's Peruvian roots and his mother's Panamanian heritage, Edward performs in English, Portuguese and Italian, offering a diverse and engaging experience. Edward excelled in music and writing in boarding school. His talent for writing earned him acceptance to Emerson College for creative writing, but he chose to follow his musical passion at Hofstra University where he is on track to graduate with a B.A. in music performance - jazz and contemporary music.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

While Donald Trump's supporters falsely claim he is an "isolationist", he is threatening to colonize the Panama Canal, annex Canada, and seize Greenland (and its rare earth elements). The Trump team also plans to invade Mexico, bomb Iran, and wage proxy war on China. Ben Norton explains. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_UzMTh82w Topics 0:00 Trump's warmongering foreign-policy record 1:35 Trump threatens Panama, Greenland, Canada 2:59 Colonial Christmas threat 3:49 Trump followers revive Manifest Destiny 4:41 Top Pentagon official invokes Monroe Doctrine 5:42 US interventions are not jokes 6:32 Seizing the Panama Canal 8:45 Elon Musk backs colonialism in Latin America 10:29 China defends Panama's sovereignty 11:44 US colonial Monroe Doctrine 13:29 History of US imperialism in Panama 16:07 Panamanian revolutionary Omar Torrijos 18:03 CIA and Manuel Noriega 19:10 US invasion of Panama in 1989 20:20 Trump wants Greenland's rare-earth minerals 22:37 Annexing Canada 23:51 Pro-Trump influencers promote colonialism 26:08 Plans to invade Mexico 27:56 Bombing Iran 28:50 Cold war on China 30:30 DOGE will cut social programs, not military 31:51 Cabinet full of billionaire oligarchs 32:27 Bipartisan imperialism 34:19 Outro

Israel's Netanyahu announces return of negotiation team on Hamas prisoner talks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that top negotiators have returned from Qatar for internal consultations on a potential prisoner exchange with Hamas. It follows a week of intense talks involving Mossad and military officials. Observers view Netanyahu's announcement as part of a pattern of delays in negotiations. Israel is believed to hold more than 10,300 Palestinian prisoners, while approximately 100 Israeli captives are in Gaza. Famine in war-torn Sudan spreading: Global hunger monitor The UN-backed Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warns that famine continues to grip Sudan, spreading to five new regions and putting another five at risk by May. Over 24.6 million Sudanese now face severe hunger, as warring factions disrupt critical aid. The report was published despite the Sudanese government's continued disruption of the IPC's process for analysing food shortages. On Monday, the government announced it was suspending its participation in the global hunger-monitoring system, saying the IPC issues “unreliable reports that undermine Sudan's sovereignty and dignity”. Panamanians protest outside US embassy over Trump's Canal reclaim threat Panama protesters set fire to a picture of US President-elect Donald Trump after his call to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Chanting "public enemy of Panama," demonstrators rallied outside the US embassy. Leaders affirmed the canal's sovereignty, rebuking Trump's remarks about unfair fees and Chinese influence. “The canal is Panamanian, non-negotiable,” officials declared. Post-election violence in Mozambique kills at least 21 Mozambique is reeling from deadly unrest after its top court upheld Frelimo's Daniel Chapo as president, sparking violent protests. At least 21 people, including two police officers, have died, and 236 violent acts were recorded in 24 hours. Protesters torched vehicles, attacked police units, and freed inmates, leaving the nation on edge amid escalating tensions. NASA's Parker Solar Probe makes history with sun flyby at 930°c NASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by flying closer to the Sun than any spacecraft before. The probe successfully navigated scorching temperatures exceeding nine-hundred-and-thirty-degrees-Celsius while flying within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface, collecting valuable scientific data. It is the first of three record-breaking flybys, with the mission aiming to unravel key solar mysteries.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss the release of the House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz and what it means for his political career. Also, Donald Trump's pursuit of the Panama Canal, which was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999, and his hopes to annex Greenland. Plus, they discuss whether pharmaceutical advertising should be banned from television, a move favored by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. Also, a look at the revelation that 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger (R.- TX) has been residing in Texas senior living facility and has not voted on the House floor since July. And winding it up they talk about the politics of President Biden's two-track approach to student loan forgiveness.

Christmas Drama on a MondayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen Tales of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McRae, originally broadcast December 23, 1951, 73 years ago, Christmas Payoff.  Dr. Hartley is murdered in his office on Christmas eve. The killer had a bandaged hand. Followed by the news from 73 years ago, then The Whistler, originally broadcast December 23, 1951, 73 years ago, Christmas Gift starring Betty Lou Gerson.  The story of a nightclub singer's flight from a gangster, as told in a cheap Panamanian saloon. Then Suspense, originally broadcast December 23, 1948, 76 years ago, Holiday Story starring Herbert Marshall.  A meek British botany professor plans a "Devil's Garden" in the basement; a grave for his henpecking wife.And Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast December 23, 1955, 69 years ago, The Patient Little Star. The story of "The Patient Little Star" is told once again. Followed by Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas On The Moon, originally broadcast December 23, 1938, 86 years ago, Rescuing Santa Claus. Captured and locked up by the evil king, Jonathan Thomas uses his magic whistle once again. This time, it makes him small enough to escape. Finally,  Claudia, originally broadcast December 23, 1948, 76 years ago, The Nortons Hunt a Tree. Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Jake Bernstein - Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global EliteJuly 14A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist takes us inside the world revealed by the Panama Papers, a landscape of illicit money, political corruption, and fraud on a global scale.A hidden circulatory system flows beneath the surface of global finance, carrying trillions of dollars from drug trafficking, tax evasion, bribery, and other illegal enterprises. This network masks the identities of the individuals who benefit from these activities, aided by bankers, lawyers, and auditors who get paid to look the other way.In Secrecy World, the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter Jake Bernstein explores this shadow economy and how it evolved, drawing on millions of leaked documents from the files of the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca—a trove now known as the Panama Papers—as well as other journalistic and government investigations. Bernstein shows how shell companies operate, how they allow the superwealthy and celebrities to escape taxes, and how they provide cover for illicit activities on a massive scale by crime bosses and corrupt politicians across the globe.Bernstein traveled to the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and within the United States to uncover how these strands fit together—who is involved, how they operate, and the real-world impact. He recounts how Mossack Fonseca was exposed and what lies ahead for the corporations, banks, law firms, individuals, and governments that are implicated.Secrecy World offers a disturbing and sobering view of how the world really works and raises critical questions about financial and legal institutions we may once have trusted.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

KC Hardin, founder of Conservatorio, joins MoPo and shares his inspiring journey from corporate law in New York to real estate development in Panama. He discusses the revitalization of Casco Viejo - a historic district in Panama City, the lessons learned in navigating the complexities of real estate, and the importance of community engagement in urban development. KC also reflects on the current landscape of real estate in Panama, the challenges of affordability, and his vision for interconnected neighborhoods that foster community. He emphasizes the need for adaptive reuse of buildings and the role of developers in shaping vibrant urban spaces. - Keyes Christopher (KC) Hardin is a co-founder of Conservatorio and has been its president since its inception in 2005. KC also co-founded Esperanza San Felipe, a gang intervention and integration program in the historic district of the Panamanian capital. Before moving to Panama, KC worked as a corporate lawyer in New York and Tokyo with the firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. He is a member of the Central America Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute and a research associate at MIT's Community Innovators Laboratory (CoLab). He holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. in Communications from the University of Miami. Keywords real estate, Panama, urban development, community engagement, adaptive reuse, Conservatorio, Casco Viejo, architecture, sustainability, housing Chapters 00:00 Casey Hardin's Journey from Law to Real Estate 07:35 The Birth of Conservatorio and Its Impact 12:02 Adaptive Reuse and the Challenges of Development 18:48 Lessons Learned and the Evolution of Conservatorio 20:28 Community Development and Zoning in Panama 26:01 Mixed-Use Development and Community Engagement 33:37 Challenges in Design and Development Tools 40:01 Real Estate Landscape and Mobility in Panama 45:40 Future Projects and Urban Revitalization 47:32 The Vision of a Great City Links Conservatorio Casco Viejo Olde Good Things

Singer and DJ, Leonardo Renato Aulder, got together with friends, including El General, to pioneer a movement in the 1980s which they called “reggae in Spanish”.It later became known as reggaeton. Many people think this globally popular music – with its legendary stars like Bad Bunny, Ivy Queen and Daddy Yankee - started in Puerto Rico, but they're wrong.Renato, as he's known, took dancehall music from Jamaica and adapted it to his Spanish speaking Panamanian audience to create a new style of music, which spread in clubs and on the buses. He tells Jane Chambers how he did it. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Renato performing in Costa Rica. Credit: Leonardo Renato Aulder)

The Panama Canal is a short cut between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and plays a huge role in global shipping.The United States had rights to the land surrounding it, known as the canal zone, and also controlled the waterway itself. In 1977, responding to years of Panamanian protest, US President Jimmy Carter and Panama's General Omar Torrijos signed two new treaties, giving full control to Panama. The handover ceremony took place in December 1999.Alberto Aleman Zubieta was an administrator of the canal. Twenty-five years on, he tells Gill Kearsley the story of the handover.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Panama handover ceremony. Credit: Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images)

What if the key to transforming your health was not in a prescription, but in the food you eat? In this powerful episode, Dr. Melanie Cano, a Panamanian physician and expert in plant-based nutrition, reveals how embracing a plant-powered lifestyle can be a game changer for your health. Dr. Melanie shares her experience growing up in Panama and how the country views health and wellness. She talks about her medical training and how it lacked a focus on plant-based nutrition, which inspired her to explore it further. Now, she's on a mission to educate and empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices through her programs like The Whole Protocol and The Intensive Anti-Diabetes Program. Curious about how Dr. Melanie helps people reverse diabetes or what Somos Plant Powered is all about? Tune in to learn more about her life-changing approach to wellness and get some practical tips on conscious eating and creating lasting, healthy habits. Don't miss this inspiring plant-powered conversation! Connect with Dr. Melanie Cano: Website: www.somosplantpowered.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somosplantpowered/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-cano-77b587200  ---  Want to be coached by Dr. Colin and his team? https://www.thechefdoc.app/thrive-coaching Have you been screened recently? Have you checked your diabetic score or CV Risk? SAVE 25% on Popular Health Tests with Code "CHEFDOC25":  https://www.thechefdoc.app/recommended-products  USE CODE "TheChefDoc” $10 off first purchase: https://firstseedfoods.com/ ****RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS**** Ambrosia Complete Set https://collabs.shop/cwcbpk Leafy Greens Bag https://collabs.shop/hxsien Vegetable Bag https://collabs.shop/3w3b4b Berry Bag https://collabs.shop/fnfd1k Mushroom Bag https://collabs.shop/iaftmg  –-  THECHEFDOC WEBSITE, CHECK IT OUT: https://www.thechefdoc.app/  --- *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a source of medical, mental, and dental health advice* Copyright © 2024 by TheChefDoc, LLC All text, graphics, audio files, Java applets and scripts, downloadable software, and other works on this website are the copyrighted works of TheChefDoc, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of copyrighted materials on this website is strictly prohibited.

The dembow, the beat behind reggaetón, is much more than just a backdrop for a night of partying and dancing. The style of music, widely associated with Puerto Rico and forged from a mixture of Jamaican dancehall, Panamanian reggae en español, and American hip hop, has always existed as a form of social and political resistance, and continues to do so in 2020. And as such, it has endured constant attempts to criminalize, censor, and police both the music and those who consume it, from the early tape-confiscations by Puerto Rican law enforcement in the 1990s underground scene to the present day, arguing its hypersexual content. In this episode we speak with Latin and Caribbean music scholars and social workers to break down the racist and sexist undertones of the genre's constant policing, as well as examples of songs by artists such as Tego Calderón and Ivy Queen, that counter these assumptions. We also take a couple of detours to explore how this music, and these criticisms, manifest in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Produced by Luis López. APWW #824

I just love a rainy day! Don't you? In this episode, Ayden shares the legend of a ghostly figure, from Panamanian folklore that haunts the forests, particularly during the rainy season.Want to share your own creepy story, picture, or recording? Leave a 5 star review with your story attached, email Ayden at sustopodcast@gmail.com, DM on social media, or visit SustoPodcast.com to be shared on the show!Sign up for Patreon here!

In this episode, we're reviewing the lyrics to Siembra by Panamanian singer and songwriter Rubén Blades and Puerto Rican singer and trombonist Willie Colón.You'll learn the song lyrics with the meaning and English translation, along with 9 Spanish words & phrases you can use in conversation.What You'll Learn in This Episode: 3 common Spanish phrases with the verb recoger that you can use in daily conversation

Huge news broke regarding Panama's Investor Visa this week, as the investment minimum will now remain at $300K, pausing the previously planned increase to $500K for at least two years. Plus, will Donald Trump really end the double taxation of American expats if he's elected? These are the news stories at the top of my stack for this week's edition of Expat News. After nearly six weeks of travel, followed by the Expat Money Summit right when we got back, a whole lot of news stories have been piling up, so let's dive right into this fifth edition of Expat News! TODAY'S EDITION OF EXPAT NEWS: Listen in for the inside details on the Panamanian government's decision NOT to raise the investment minimum for the Investor Visa. This is HUGE! Learn about the significant change the country of Vanuatu has made that will surely complicate its passport application process for many.  Discover how Russia is providing sanctuary for citizens of “destructive neoliberal countries” with a new visa program.  Is another Caribbean citizenship-by-investment program on the way? Find out which country's opposition party is proposing another Caribbean CBI. Could Donald Trump really end double taxation of Americans overseas if he's elected?  Tune in to learn the details of an interesting new citizenship-by-investment program coming out of a relatively off-the-radar island nation.  In light of recent major hurricanes, hear why more Floridians are fleeing to Panama, a well-known Hurricane-free zone. If you're anything like me, you'll be outraged by the latest taxation scheme proposed in France. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! How are you enjoying these “Expat News” segments? Visit the Expat Money Forum, join our community, and let me know your thoughts! SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER You would have already heard about many of these new items if you had been subscribed to our newsletter. Not only will you receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, but sign up now, and you'll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” RELATED EPISODES ​​310: Expat News: Why The Wealthy Are Leaving The US, Dominica Revokes Passports, A 90% Tax In France 304: Expat News: Bukele's Bitcoin Bank, Portugal Shuns Expats, & Milei's Record Surplus

On today's show we are continuing our series on international outlook. There are many jurisdictions that position themselves as great retirement destinations. If you're visiting, then you can usually stay in some places up to 90 days on a visitor visa before you need to leave. Some places allow up to six months. But if you're looking for a location for a winter residence and want to stay longer than 90 or 180 days then you will likely need a residency visa.  Some countries offer a lengthy process for a residency visa. But if you're willing to make an investment in the country, there is often an accelerated process.  Choosing a destination involves a number of considerations. What is the climate?  What is the culture?  Are you going to be welcome in the country and is it safe? Is the legal system going to be familiar with first world norms with fee simple title? One of the interesting locations is Panama. Panama has a  Qualified Investor Visa program that  grants you Panama permanent residency by investment. The Panamanian government has relaxed certain measures for foreign investors. First, it extended the availability of a reduced minimum investment amount of USD 300,000 for foreign nationals by another two years. -------------- **Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)