Author: Liz Larroquette

The recent crisis with the grounded container ship in the Suez Canal was something that made many Panamanians become instantly grateful and then reflective. Of course, a tragedy like the giant container ship getting stuck for six days is something that could happen here, but the bottom line is that it hasn’t and it certainly isn’t […]

The Panamanian economy retracted by as much as 14% in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately a year ago when the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global crisis, Panama went from being one of the strongest economies in Latin America to one with the largest contraction.   But, of course, that kind […]

It seems like everything has changed and much has stayed the same since the COVID-19 pandemic descended on us a year ago. When things first started closing and quarantines were enacted, it never occurred to me we would still be grappling with the pandemic a year later. Nonetheless, a year in and Panama continues to aggressively […]

The American financial journal Money. Inc., noted recently that Americans may never go back to a traditional office. Then, they took a deep dive to identify what people should look for in a work-from-home location. Some people are right where they should be, but not being tethered to a 40-hour-a-week office opens the possibilities!   The […]

Last week, a big yellow DHL plane landed at Tocumen International Airport and rapidly began unloading 12,840 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer. Four of the deep-cold freezers had been installed across Panama, ensuring the supply was kept safe, potent and readily available. By the end of that first day, 641 doses had been […]

People often send me links to “Best Places To Retire” or “Top Places to Live Abroad” articles. Panama is routinely among the countries and cities listed and if Panama is not listed, I dig deeper to judge the factors used to create such a list. In my mind, Panama should be on every “Best Of” list! […]

I’m not sure if it’s just 2020 or if I’m permanently into wanting to make things really simple. If I can purchase a gift or dinner with a one-stop solution, I’m going to do it. Remember when we thought we all had to go into the office? Every morning we’d put on “professional” clothes and pour […]

Given the unique geography of connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as well as North and South America, Panama literally connects the world and is the gateway to some 700 million individuals in Latin America. As countries around the globe begin the arduous process of restarting their economies, the Panamanian government is positioned ahead of most […]

Panama opened its doors for international travelers on October 12th and it’s been wonderful to see visitors and business executives traveling through Tocumen International Airport. As the country that connects North and South America, opening air travel was essential to restart the global economy. It’s been an exciting time watching the reappearance of tail flags such […]

Everyone is highly anticipating the arrival of October 12th! Next Monday, Panama will officially lift the ban on international travelers and we will, once again, be welcoming people from all over the globe. The government of Panama ordered the airport and country closed on March 22 so it’s been a long wait, but one that was […]

When I speak with people in the States, they often tell me they aren’t sure what day it is as days tend to blur together given the current pandemic restrictions. I have to laugh because here in Panama, everyone absolutely can tell you exactly what day it is. For the last few months, women could only […]