Monthly Archives: January 2010

What is a “cuara” in Panama?

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I’ve heard this word thrown around at markets and food stalls—what does it mean?

A “cuara” is the butchering of the English word “quarter”. Because Panama recognizes the US dollar as its currency, a cuara equals $0.25. It’s hard to believe, but in some places, like the food stands of Caledonia, you can still get a typical dish of food in Panama for a “cuara”. Or, maybe you heard this word in context with the Panamanian project “Dona tu cuara”? This is an organization which raises funds by asking businesses to “Donate your Quarter”.

How close was Panama’s last Presidential race?

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I heard it was by a landslide, does anyone know how close it actually was?

President Martinelli easily beat out Balbina Herrera in the 2009 elections, getting more than 60% of the votes cast, compared to her 36%—it was the biggest margin since the late ‘80s.  It is estimated President Martinelli’s presidential campaign cost about $35 million.  After winning the election, President Martinelli said he would defend an “economía libre” (free economy), including trade agreements with the United States, making Panama “el mejor lugar de Latinoamérica para hacer negocios” (the best Latin American country in which to do business).

How was the economical situation in Latin America and Central America in 2009 compare to 2008?

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This is a tough question to answer briefly, but here goes:  Latin America (including Central America) fared better in 2008 than in 2009 in terms of economic growth, since LA countries were not directly embroiled in the problems that took down the US economy.  However, because Latin America depends so much on trade with the countries that WERE affected, the global fallout from the crisis did catch up with LA economies in 2009, with exports falling 24% on the whole (though Central America did much better than the rest of Latin America).  The last quarter of 2009 showed strong recovery, and projections for 2010 indicate growth of 4.1%.  This is attributed to fiscal and social policies to support businesses and households, and reduce the effect of global economic turbulence.

Are there any direct flights from Panama City to Pedasí?

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I know there is an airport there, are there regular flights running to the big city?

Starting February 5th 2010, Aeroperlas Regional will begin operating two flights a week from Panama City’s Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Albrook airport)  to Pedasí.  The flight is 55 minutes long, and departs at 11:15 Mondays and Fridays.

How was the economical situation in Latin America and Central America in 2009 compare to 2008?

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This is a tough question to answer briefly, but here goes:  Latin America (including Central America) fared better in 2008 than in 2009 in terms of economic growth, since LA countries were not directly embroiled in the problems that took down the US economy.  However, because Latin America depends so much on trade with the countries that WERE affected, the global fallout from the crisis did catch up with LA economies in 2009, with exports falling 24% on the whole (though Central America did much better than the rest of Latin America).  The last quarter of 2009 showed strong recovery, and projections for 2010 indicate growth of 4.1%.  This is attributed to fiscal and social policies to support businesses and households, and reduce the effect of global economic turbulence.