SBT News and Notes

Textbooks for Ngobe Schools

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:00:00 +0000

On August 21st. we picked up and sent out over 50 donated textbooks in Spanish, some calculators, and crayons to the Ngobe community school at Cayo de Aqua. Camille Rizzo delivered the books to the community Representative and received a warm welcome as a new island property owner. We additionally have about 40 more textbooks for the school at Salt Creek on Isla Bastimentos, which will go out next week. All textbooks and school supplies are welcomed as monies for these are very limited.

Installation of water filtration in Ngobe Community

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:09:00 +0000

On August 19th we installed our first "slow sand filtration" unit in the Ngobe community of Bahia Honda on Isla Bastimentos. College volunteers Madison Busker of Emory University, Michelle Quan of the University of California at San Diego, and volunteer Mike Swigert, assisted in the creation and installation of the unit. The community is in an area where there are no wells. Their drinking water comes from small streams on adjacent properties and captured rain water. Rain water alone does not meet their needs, due to its seasonality and their lack of adequate storage devices. Ground water is typically contaminated at the source or after collection through the use of contaminated containers or hand contact. Water borne disease affects most community members with its greatest toll on the young and the old (which sometimes die). Believing that "the simplest system is the best system", we chose the slow sand flirtation method based on a recommendation by Eric Nyman of Greenlines, Inc. Slow sand filtration is a very simple system which has been in use for hundreds of years. This unit utilized a 70 gal. water tank and was fitted with PVC piping to provide a bottom output of filtered water. The water is poured into the top and passes down through 4 inches of fine sand, 30 inches of medium grade sand, and a bottom 3 inch layer of pea gravel. A fine plastic mesh was laid over the upper level to capture large trash from the water to be filtered. This can be taken out and shook off as required. Water initially added to the system stands for 2-3 days (not used) and creates its own set of bacteria on the surfaces and spaces between the sand and rock. After the 3 days, any additional water must pass through these bacterially active layers and it has been reported through laboratory tests that up 98% of the harmful bacteria are removed. Engineers without Borders have found units still in operation after 4 years with only minor maintenance required. We gathered biographical data of the families to use the unit and established a follow-up schedule to monitor their health progress. At the installation we noted some design changes which could improve the unit. For example, a cover over the outflow to prevent children and animals from making contact with this area and contaminating it would be very beneficial.

Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales presents at the Smithsonian Environmental Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:09:00 +0000

SBT was invited to present at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Environmental Fair again this year on June 13th and 14th. We were excited to have some amazing news to share at this fair, in which recycling was the main topic. We spoke with Dr. Michael Willinsky over a year ago about our need for a solution to the plastic trash problems in Bocas and all of Panama. He has been working on a process to use all plastics in a recycling process he has patented. He called right before the fair to inform me he has a working plant in operation in Quebec. The amazing part is that the plant can utilize all plastics (not just selected plastics like all other processes). These recycled plastics require only 1/5 the energy cost of creating new plastics, saves on land filling plastics, can be utilized to mold any new plastic product, absorbs and traps greenhouse gases like carbon, makes money, and is environmentally friendly. Unbelievable! This news was very well received at the fair and I hope to have Dr. Willinsky provide a prospectus for me to present to the Mayor of Panama for consideration.

SBT Founder gives Three Talks at the University of West Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:19:00 +0000

On April 16 & 18 I gave three speeches in Pensacola and Ft. Walton, Florida, which were based on my life experiences and my foundation in Panama. The Talks were for the Pensacola Historic Society:" An Environmental History of Bocas del Toro", the Biology Series at UWF: "A UWF Marine Scientist Discovers Panama", and the UWF College Series: "Life after College; Challenges in a Developing Third World Country". The turnouts were moderate, but a lot of interest in Panama was generated. Previously, UWF student trips had only been to Belize, Costa Rica, and Honduras, now Panama will be a new destination.

While at the university, I had a meeting with the university President (a Marine Archeologist) and discussed possibilities for developing an exchange student program and a Bocas extension center. Also, the Head of the Environmental Studies Department has began the development of a new semester course studying NGO's (non-government/non-profit organizations) functions. SBT will be involved in providing the student's primary research topics. This may lead into a scheduled study abroad program as well. All in all, it was a very successful trip and I was happy to give a little something back to my university.

Project Educacion Si Update

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Educacion Si is a plan to create and utilize an e-education concept to connect all schools in Panama to a centralized electronic library. No matter how remote they would be connected. This e-library would contain educational materials, specific Indigenous cultural videos, and video lectures by Panamanian experts in all fields. Each school would receive these streaming videos via broadband wireless Internet.

The Scientific Coordinator for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) recently arranged for me to have a meeting at STRI with the Minister of Technical Environmental Education for Panama, Senora Otilia Arroya. We discussed the lack of educational materials in the main schools and especially in the more remote outer island and mountain schools. These remote schools are primarily Indigenous Ngobe, Bugle, and Naso peoples, and just having enough updated textbooks is difficult to achieve. The thought of a library or computers for these schools is not in the current realm of reality for the educational system.

Senora Arroya's special area of concern is the lack of environmental conservation education. We discussed how this project could change all of that by providing a wide range of youth-engaging educational programs, which could be tailored to specific regions. After having reviewed the Educacion Si concept and the steps we (SBT) had already taken to promote this project, she asked for a full project package and promised she would present it to the Minister of Education. We are waiting for her reply.

Related to this post, we have found a U.S. based organization that can supply us with refurbished computers for $25 each. We have also stayed in contact with Intel (who is the technical backbone of this concept) and hope to provide a contact with the Panamanian government soon.

Don King to become U.S. Embassy Deputy Warden for Bocas

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:16:00 +0000

I've been appointed a Deputy Warden by the U.S. Embassy for the Province of Bocas del Toro. It is a fancy way of saying a liaison to disseminate information during times of crisis from the embassy to U.S. Citizens living in the area, and vice versa. Embassies are generally only located in capital cities (although there were three embassies here at the turn of the century). Many embassy's have a person in each community where a certain number of their countries citizens live or vacation, to provide a source point to insure the protection of their lives and property. Bocas has a new Warden who nominated me for this position. We have scheduled to work on the creation of an emergency action plan for Bocas Town and surrounding areas. This plan would not only aid U.S. citizens, but everyone. A primary part of this plan will be to establish a communication system between remote locations.

Storm Relief for the Indigenous Community at Salt Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:58:00 +0000

Flood relief to Salt Creek Ngobe Community

On December 6th. we delivered supplies bought with donations from Bocas expats and local residents to the Indigenous Ngobe community of Salt Creek on Isla Bastimentos (35 minutes by boat from Bocas Town). A letter from the village leader with a list of the families in need had been sent to us several days before. Supplies of food, clothing, and sanitary items were distributed to 27 families there.

Although the heavy rains have ended, many of the Indigenous families may still need some assistance. Most of the people derive very little income from tourism in Bocas. A few do catch and sell sea food to the Bocas Town markets and restaurants or lumber to builders, but most of the island Ngobe are farmers and fishermen. They still work on a barter system of a farmer trading his produce for fish and vice versa. The heavy downpours and strong winds of this storm front destroyed many of the food crops, which are often grown in the less desirable areas for homes, the lowlands (which are unfortunately the most prone to flooding).

With no crops to trade the system of barter broke down. The farmer cannot trade for fish and the fisherman cannot trade or sell his fish locally. Many Indigenous cannot afford to come to town with produce or fish either. Gasoline prices have been fluctuating between $4.30 to $2.85 a gallon, while an average wage is about $10-$12 per day, if they are working. A trip by canoe could take half a day each way depending on the community's location. We do not know how long it will take to get crops growing again and the system back up and running, at least to the level it was already at, but we will monitor this and have a better idea for the future.

We are gathering information on the issues each community is facing as we deliver supplies. Those with pressing medical needs will be addressed as a Priority. Otherwise, we will not be able to return often as fuel and supplies are limited and there are other communities with the same needs. This information will help us with preparations for any future events. During the worse days of the storm there was often no communication with these communities, even when we had cellular service in Bocas Town. We need to look for an emergency communication system to create a network for the future. A system which is independent of cellular service, robust, and easy to use, perhaps the old style short way radio is the answer.

Storm Relief for Indigenous Peoples

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:55:00 +0000

A large tropical storm reaching from Honduras to Colombia stalled in the Caribbean off Panama in mid-November and created usually high storm surges on Panama's northern coasts, along with heavy rainfall and high winds. On November 22nd, Panama's President declared western Panama to be in a State of Emergency. While the town of Bocas on Isla Colon sustained minimal storm damage and had plenty of food supplies, the mainland towns and Indigenous communities were not so lucky.

The larger mainland towns depend on shipments of food and other supplies supplied by the coastal highway. During the early days of the storm the highway was shut down by 92 mudslides. Near the border with Costa Rica the flood waters raised the rivers by nine feet in some areas. Tens of thousands evacuated their homes and many still live in the baseball stadium. These towns lost power and then water. Fuel ran out and they were cut-off from outside assistance except by sea or air. The large numbers of people in these towns magnified the speed at which their resources were exhausted. Supplies are now being again delivered by road, but at a reduced rate.

The Ngobe Indigenous peoples are spread across several islands and remote mainland mountain areas in communities numbering from hundreds to thousands of people. Many are hours by foot or boat from a main town and supplies of food. Most are hunter-gather/farmers or fishermen, who augment their diets with rice, beans, flour, and other goods bought through cutting and selling native lumber or seafood. They generally have no large reserves of food in their villages or extra clothing personally. The Ngobe live on a day-to-day basis, typically consuming much or their food in a "feast or famine" mode. There is no electrical power except for generators (which few have) so there is no way to store certain types of food. Many still live in thatch roofed huts and often have poor drinking water conditions. They have no way to dry wet clothing until the rains stop and under these conditions dysentery will be wide spread with the children and elderly suffering the most.

Some remote mountain communities are being delivered supplies by U.S. military helicopters, but others are not. I received this letter (see below) from the Cacique (leader) of Salt Creek Ngobe community on Isla Bastimentos, asking for help for these families. The family numbers are mostly children in each household. Their father's occupations are listed as either fisherman or farmer. During the storms, they were unable to do much of either. They are in need of some assistance with food, clothing, blankets, and medicine to get through this time and to get back on their feet. We are asking for donations to buy these items. There is a storm relief program already under way at the University of West Florida. The contact person there is Charity Vander Wall at cjv2@students.uwf.edu

Thank you for anything you can do.

Sincerely,

Don King

Who are the Ngobe-Bugle? http://www.southernexplorations.com/panamaArticleIndigenousPeopleNgobeBugle.htm

U.S. Military relief for remote Ngobe Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:05:00 +0000

According to the Southern Command, U.S. military disaster relief teams from a base in Honduras, have delivered more than 278,000 pounds of relief supplies to victims in flood-affected communities in Panama and Costa Rica.

The teams, comprised of 68 U.S. military personnel from the task force, have been supporting U.S. relief efforts in both countries since Nov 26. During the past seven days, the teams have flown 95 missions, using eight “Chinook” and “Blackhawk” helicopters to distribute aid and evacuate 17 flood victims in need of immediate medical attention.

U.S. Southern Command directed the teams to support ongoing U.S. relief efforts in Costa Rica and Panama, after authorities in both countries declared a state of emergency and requested U.S. assistance.

Near Bocas del Toro, Panama, a region where the task force’s helicopters have delivered supplies, the flooding has killed three people, injured seven, destroyed or damaged more than 1,000 houses, and affected more than 14,500 residents, according to Panama’s National System for Civil Protection.

In the Ngobe-Bugle Reservation community of Bisira, Panama (http://www.maplandia.com/panama/bocas-del-toro/chiriqui-grande/bisira/) they received 3,000 pounds of food ‎staples and water from a Black Hawk ‎helicopter last Friday (Nov. 29th). The airlifted relief commodities also included blankets, hygiene kits, and water containers. They also evacuated 16 flood victims in need of ‎immediate medical attention, which included six children and four pregnant women from remote ‎villages.

The U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Government's lead agency for international disaster assistance, is directing U.S. relief efforts in both countries.

"USAID provided initial funding for the local procurement and transport of emergency relief commodities and deployed disaster experts to the affected areas," said Ky Luu, Director of USAID´s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. USAID disaster experts are also working alongside local authorities to further assess flood damage and determine if additional U.S. assistance is needed.

Source: http://www.southcom.mil/appssc/news.php?storyId=1485

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:43:00 +0000

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is OPEN, but none of the gov't agencies agree on when. MOP says only from 6 AM to 4 PM. Sinaproc (disaster relief) says 6 AM to 6 PM. Meanwhile, vehicles passed thru at 10 PM last night. There will be only two buses running daily between Changuinola/Almirante and David today and only two coming from David (775-2974 Terminal David).

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time. The road between the border and San Jose, Costa Rica is OPEN.

Water taxis:

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Running every hour.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running every hour.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Running every hour.

Internet and Phone Service:

All Cable & Wireless Internet and cellular services is now working. Don Chico's wireless is intermittent.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island, which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open M-F from 8 AM until 2 PM and Saturdays 9-12. Monday the 8th is a Holiday and they will be Closed. The bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842. Nature Air of Costa Rica (506) 8756425

Fuel: No gasoline at Accel Carenero today. (Alexis 757-9983). Unconfirmed rumors of some coming in today. Tropigas and Panagas propane are available in Bocas.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here accept through phone conversations with officials when possible and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.

Bocas Information for December 4th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:14:00 +0000

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is OPEN, but only from 6 AM to 4 PM. There will be only two buses running daily between Changuinola/Almirante and David today and only two coming from David (775-2974 Terminal David). The Pan American Highway is open to Panama City.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time. The road between the border and San Jose, Costa Rica is OPEN.

Water taxis:

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Running every hour.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running every hour.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Running every hour.

Internet and Phone Service:

All Cable & Wireless Internet and cellular services is now working. Don Chico's wireless is intermittent.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island, which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 2 PM and Saturdays 9-12. Monday the 8th is a Holiday and they will be Closed. The bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842. Nature Air of Costa Rica (506) 8756425

Fuel: No gasoline for boats at Accel Carenero today. (Alexis 757-9983). Tropigas and Panagas propane are available in Bocas.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here accept through phone conversations with officials when possible and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

**Since the earliest days of the storm we have been copying and hand delivering copies of this sheet to local hotels, restaurants, businesses, and the airport each day. With the immediate crisis now over, we will begin to only issue electronic postings of this information starting tomorrow. One exception will be the airport, since tourists will not know where to look for information. We will continue to post until all services return to normal.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.

Bocas Information for December 3rd, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:51:00 +0000

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is OPEN, but only from 6 AM to 4 PM. There will be only two buses running daily between Changuinola/Almirante and David today and only two coming from David (775-2974 Terminal David). The Pan American Highway is open to Panama City.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time. The road between the border and San Jose, Costa Rica is OPEN.

Water taxis:

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Running every hour.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running every hour.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Running every hour.

Internet and Phone Service:

All Cable & Wireless Internet and cellular services is now working. Don Chico's wireless is intermittent.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island, which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 2 PM and Saturdays 9-12 (the lines are very long again today). Monday the 8th is a Holiday and they will be Closed. The bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842. AeroPerlas will begin to accept personal cargo today. Nature Air of Costa Rica (506) 8756425

Fuel: Gasoline was available at Accel Carenero this morning, but they are now Closed. (Alexis 757-9983). Tropigas and Panagas propane are available in Bocas.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here accept through phone conversations with officials when possible and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.

Bocas Information Sheet for December 1st, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:50:00 +0000

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is now OPEN to all vehicles, except tractor trailers! There is one lane in some areas. Buses and some tractor trailers are coming from David to Changuinola, but they must stop and off load in certain areas, then re-load on another bus or truck past the slide.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time. The road from the border to San Jose, Costa Rica is OPEN, according to border authorities. Only two buses are running daily from Changuinola to David at 10 AM and 3 PM (775-2974). Bus schedules from David to Panama City is normal. The Pan American Highway is open to Panama City.

Water taxis:

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Open, every 90 minutes or when Full.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running to Almirante only, every hour.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Open, running when full.

Internet and Phone Service:

All Internet and cellular services are now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 12 noon and Saturdays 9-12. Today is a holiday and they are closed. The bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Service is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

Fuel: Gasoline is available at Accel Carenero 757-9983. Propane is available in Bocas.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.

Bocas Information - U.S. Army Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:19:00 +0000

The U.S. Southern Command was requested by Panama for relief assistance in Western Panama after the State of Emergency was declared. They work closely with USAID and the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. A team of 48 U.S. military personnel and seven helicopters began deploying from nearby Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras Nov. 25. The team is comprised of aviation and medical personnel that are working in coordination with national disaster response organizations from each country. So far, they hav e airlifted about five tons of USAID relief supplies and food, and evacuated 16 flood victims in need of immediate medical attention. Attached photograph is of one of these relief helicopters in Bocas on Nov. 30th, 2008off loading supplies.

Bocas Information Update - International Relief Assistance

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:49:00 +0000

On November 27th, 2008 a Colombian Air Force transport landed on Isla Colon with 7 tons of relief supplies earmarked for Changuinola. The supplies were transferred to smaller aircraft and flown there. Relief agencies announced on public radio that two more planes should arrive in Bocas in the next few days. Also, today (Nov. 29th) 2 U.S. Army Chinook helicopters flew over Bocas on their way to Changuinola with supplies.

Bocas Information Sheet for November 29th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:41:00 +0000

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is now OPEN to all vehicles, except tractor trailers! There is one lane in some areas. Buses and some tractor trailers are coming from David to Changuinola, but they must stop and off load in certain areas, then re-load on another bus or truck past the slide.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time (border bridge between Costa Rica and Panama). Caution: some roads in Costa Rica near the border may NOT be passable due to flooding. The roads are open between Puerto Viejo and San Jose. Utilities in Changuinola were restored and they are providing tanker trucks of water to outlying towns. I would strongly recommend not going there!

Water taxis:

Due to the lack of fuel some companies are Closed and others have limited service.

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Open, but no scheduled runs.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running to Almirante only when full.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Closed

Internet and Phone Service:

All Internet and cellular services are now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 12 noon until further notice, and Saturdays 9-12. This Monday (Dec. 1st) is a holiday and it will be closed. This bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Bocas Information Sheet - Mainland Highway Access

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Bocas Information for November, 28th, 2008

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is now OPEN to all vehicles! There is a lot of traffic and only one lane in some areas.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time (border bridge between Costa Rica and Panama). Caution: some roads in Costa Rica between the border and San Jose may NOT be passable. Utilities in Changuinola were restored, but the water system is being shutdown again for maintenance due to the storm. Conditions are still bad there and over 90 additional Police Officers have been sent in to maintain order. Do not go there!

Water taxis:

Due to the lack of fuel some companies are Closed and others have limited service.

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Closed
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running to Almirante only every 1 1/2 hours now.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Closed

Internet and Phone Service:

All Internet and cellular services are now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 12 noon until further notice, and Saturdays 9-12. This Monday (Dec. 1st) is a holiday and it will be closed. This bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

Colombian Air Force craft arrived in Bocas yesterday with supplies for Changuinola.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 Updates at www.solareef.com, see the Blog.

Bocas Information - Indigenous Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:57:00 +0000

12:59 November 27th, 2008

The following is and excerpt from a Panamanian Government statement at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-7LS2SM?OpenDocument

"The Emergency Operations Centre (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia - COE) informed that rains continue to affect the province of Bocas del Toro and the region of Ngöbe Bugle, an indigenous reservation which is hard to access. In the region of Ngobe Bugle there are 395 houses affected. According to SINAPROC, over 3,000 people have been affected and more than 45 indigenous communities are surrounded by water and isolated."

Yesterday, we sent out our boat to the community on San Cristobal to gather information as to their current situation for both medical and other supplies needed. Food, clothing, and other goods donated by a Bocas relief organization headed up by Virginia Vasquez, were distributed there. No injuries had occurred there and people were mostly hungry and wet. Some thatched roofs had collapsed. Their needs are food, clothing, water, baby supplies (pampers and formula) and some medicines. The medical report is being given to the local hospital to prepare for the return trip.

There is no gasoline available in Bocas and the return trip with needed medicines and supplies will depend on additional fuel or an alternative mode of transport being found, such as a sailboat perhaps. If anyone has any suggestions please let us know. The outer islands and Ngobe-Bugle Camarca will have to be self-sufficient until either the Panamanian government reaches them or the fuel crisis abates. If you are going into any of these communities please gather information and relay it to the proper authorities.

Bocas Information Fuel Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:23:00 +0000

10:25 PM November 26th Bocas del Toro

The marina was not answering the phone this afternoon (757-9800), but I was told by a sailboat Captain they had two boats come in today for diesel. I don't know their current status, but I would think they are saving fuel for marina slip users.

Also, there was either some gas or diesel available at a station in Almirante this afternoon. The vehicles lined up for it and it is now all gone. The station owner said there is no more in town. One of the vessels bringing fuel and supplies (the landing craft) returned to Port Colon shortly after leaving there this morning (according to an Almirante Port official).

The two tanker trucks arriving in Bocas this morning brought enough fuel for the Bocas generator to run for about 15 days.

To stretch their fuel supply the ferry will not run again until Friday.

That's all I have at present. We will be enjoying Thanksgiving tomorrow and not checking the radio or other sources for updates. If anything important gets to me I will post it on the blog.

Bocas Information - Coastal Highway Update

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:25:00 +0000

5:27 PM Nov. 26th, 2008
The road between Changuinola and Chiriqui Grande is now open. Diesel buses are transporting between these locations only. The road to David is still Closed. The border is still Closed.

There is diesel fuel available at the Bocas Marina and Yacht Club and at the Almirante docks. There is NO gasoline available in Almirante.

Bocas Information Update - Power Plant Fuel Arrives

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:47:00 +0000

Two tankers with diesel fuel for the Bocas Power Plant arrived by ferry today. The trucks were stuck in Almirante due to suspension of the ferry service because of the weather. We will try to get information on the estimated days of service this will provide. Prior to this arrival, the amount of fuel already here was estimated to last for 5-7 days more.

Bocas Information for November 26th

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Hola,

SBT has been gathering information from government agencies, Airlines, Immigration points, the U.S. Embassy, radio, and business owners in Almirante. For the past three days we have published this information to "Bocas Information Sheets" and distributed them to the airport, hotels, hostels, and restaurants. Starting today, we will also publish to this blog site and other Bocas related sites. If you call us we may have more information on a particular topic (757-9401). We will add-on as new updates comes in.

1:06 PM Bocas Information for November, 26th, 2008The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local and Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante and David/Panama City is blocked by mud slides and may not be cleared for weeks. Current work is being conducted to open the roads for supplies only.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is CLOSED at this time (border bridge between Costa Rica and Panama); also there is no public transportation between Almirante and Changuinola at this time. There is no potable water there and a lot of stranded people. Do not go there!

Water taxis:

Due to the weather, boats from Bocas are running to Almirante only, but there you may find few hotels to stay in and no way to leave town.

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033
"Taxi 25" 757-9028
"Jampam" 757-9619

Internet and Phone Service:

Cable & Wireless provides Internet and cellular service to Bocas del Toro. All Internet and cellular service is now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is NOW open only from 8 AM until 12 noon (until further notice), Monday through Friday and Saturdays 9-12. This Monday is a holiday and it will be closed. This bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Are flying intermittently due to weather conditions. AeroPerlas is only delivering food to Changuinola today and flying people out. Aeroperlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

U.S. military helicopters are assisting efforts in remote mountain areas.

Gasoline (mixed only)is available in the islands as long as it lasts at Isla Solarte 6459-8412 and mixed and unmixed at Crab Caye (near Crawl Caye).

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.

Courtesy of Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales (SBT) and Bocas del Toro Realty Services, Inc. 757-9401 www.solareef.com

Animal Refuge is in Danger of Ending.

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:08:00 +0000

For the last three days I have been visiting a remote wildlife refuge project called "Tigre Salvaje" (Save the Tiger). Founded by Dave Teichmann, he has personally funded and operated this project on the Pacific for over three years now. Originally, he came with his rescued margay cat (called a tigre) hoping to protect a small portion of the wildlife in this less frequented part of Panama.

He trained and setup patrols to locate and protect nesting Olive Ridley, Green, and Leatherback marine turtles, but due to the number of poachers and feral dogs he was forced to collect the eggs. He constructed his own incubators and has hatched out around two thousand turtles so far. His area is also home to an endangered primate, the Red shouldered Squirrel Monkey. Dave often locates or is given injured or orphaned monkeys, iguanas, opossums, and other animals which he cares for.

Although he protects his area of forest, other adjacent landowners have cleared their land for pasture and poachers of monkeys and turtles have become much bolder. Dave's property offers the last contiguous forest in this area and the last refuge for troops of white-faced capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys. His margay, who once roamed freely on the property, must now remain caged for most of the day to protect her from hunters who frequent his property boundaries.

Dave provides conservation education for local school children and has created a conservation corp with local adults and children. He has built a small eco hotel and jungle lodges for visiting scientists and volunteers and has been pursuing a concession for the beach and a small nearby island to create a protected refuge for these animals. After three years of government requested Impact Studies and turtle studies he has run out of funds to continue this endeavor. We visited to see firsthand his project and to then determine how we can best assist him in getting funds and government support. Time is short, but we do what we can.

Former Student of the SBT Ngobe School hired by STRI

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:03:00 +0000

Indigenous youth, Arsileo Gonzalez attended the SBT Ngobe school at Salt Creek for two years. He worked nights at the Playa Larga Turtle Research Station on Isla Bastimentos and attended school during the day. Today, he had an interview with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) on a recommendation from me. He was hired due to his exemplary work at the turtle station. He will be working with Dr. Cori Richards as an assistant for her poison dart frog (Dendrobates pumilio) speciation project. Congratulations to Arsileo!

SBT founder (Don King) to speak at the University of West Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Don King) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:43:00 +0000

On September 10, 2008 I received an email from Klaus J. Meyer-Arendt, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Dept. of Environmental Studies at the University of West Florida (my alma mater). He asked if I would consider being a Graduation Commencement Speaker in 2009? After the initial shock wore off, I realized that there were several other presentation options, which better suited my aims and the college's needs. So I will be presenting to the public (downtown Pensacola), to the
university community (at UWF), and to the Emerald Coast campus (UWF @ Ft. Walton). There will also be meetings with President Bense, the Biology, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies departments, plus the International Studies Program.

For myself personally and my organization (Soluciones Biotecnologicas Tropicales) I consider this a great honor and recognition for our hard work, if even on a small scale. As I have always believed, "individually we can make small beneficial changes, which can have larger overall impacts."