Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
Ex-Panama Ruler General Noriega Suffers Brain Hemorrhage
The former leader of Panama, General Manuel Antonio Noriega, has undergone a second operation after suffering a hemorrhage following brain surgery. His daughter Thays said he was critically ill and had been taken back to the operating theatre at the Santo Tomas hospital in Panama City.
Noriega, 83, was released from prison in January to allow him to prepare for the operation.
He was jailed in Panama for murder, corruption and embezzlement. Doctors were successful in halting the hemorrhage during the second operation, but Noriega remains in intensive care. “He is sedated,” said his lawyer Ezra Angel.”His condition is critical after undergoing a (second) open brain surgery in less than eight hours.”Noriega suffered from vascular ailments and has been reliant on a wheelchair.
Although he was never the actual president of Panama, General Noriega was the key figure from 1983 to 1989 – and a key US ally in Central America for four decades.
Source: BBC News
Eagle Ray Flies Out the Water to Escape Hammerhead Shark in Panama
A tourist has captured the moment when an eagle ray flew out of water to escape the deadly jaws of a hammerhead shark. Ralph De Bie, from Amsterdam, was near Zapatila Island in Panama during a surf trip with his friends last month when they encountered the dramatic marine battle.
After twisting and turning under and above the water and failing to get away, the stingray resorted to beaching itself to escape the hunter’s jaws. “We were driving the boat back from an epic surf trip and for a tropical pitstop moment we rocked up at the south end of Zapatila Island” Mr. De Bie said. “Two of us jumped off the boat and seconds later on the other side of the boat we saw the ray jump, with the fin just behind it!
Source: The Telegraph
Trump’s Panama Problem
Ricardo Martinelli, the ex-president of Panama facing extradition on corruption charges, helped Donald Trump launch his first international property in the Trump Ocean Club in Panama City. It was a big moment for Donald Trump.
On July 6, 2011, the future president was beaming as he celebrated the opening of his first international real-estate deal, the Ocean Club in Panama City, Panama. The flashy hotel-condo complex featured a 72-story tower that transformed the skyline of the city with its sail-shaped design. After a ceremony featuring dancers in traditional Panamanian dress, Trump stood at a podium, flanked by his two oldest sons, Don Jr. and Eric, paused during his remarks, gently leaned over and offered a special thanks to Ricardo Martinelli, the president of Panama.“You’re my friend. Great honor.”
Source: Fast Company
Enjoy the 6th Edition of The Panama International Film Festival!
It’s hard to believe that the Panama International Film Festival (IFF Panama) is about to embark on its sixth year, but here we are again. What started as a simple idea to showcase local film talent, has blossomed into one of the premier cinema events in Latin America.
The IFF is a week-long festival that includes screenings, Q & A with cast and production staff, lectures, a gala, and a whole lot of fun. There are nearly 70 different films that will be screened over the course of 7 days, at a variety of theaters all over Panama City. They’re from all over the world, and divided into categories by region and style. Festival goers will get to immerse themselves in cinema each day, and learn a little bit more about the industry and the people who make it along the way.
Source: International Relocation Firm Blog
