November 12, 2011

A job fair was held last week in Panama City. The country is in great need of skilled workers for tourism, technology, communications, construction and financial institutions. Panamanian companies representing the need for 15,000 jobs were there, but only 5000 people showed up for the fair. Meanwhile, the government had to relax immigration rules to allow over 700 people to come into Panama to work on the canal expansion. Generally, no company is allowed to hire more than 10 percent foreign hires. So, it is practically impossible to get a job here if you are a foreigner (usually). Now, they need over 11,000 new workers just for the hotel industry next year and there are not near enough workers. It is said that any Panamanian who “wants” to work, can work. Salaries are low (compared to U.S. standards), but adequate for Panama. One man who writes daily editorials here in Panama suggested that everyone running for an election in the states should be required to make a road trip to this country and see what they are doing “right” to keep the economy booming. Granted, this still is a Third World country with many problems that are unresolved. But, unemployment doesn’t seem to be one of them.

One more opportunity for workers is the new metro transit system they are building in Panama City. Goodness, the traffic, which is already terrible, is even worse with the streets torn up. Lots of road and bridge construction is happening. Just hope it gets done soon and solves some of the congestion problems. One of our friends who lives downtown mentioned that an apartment building (65 stories) that is close to her remains unoccupied. It is leaning!!! Several attempts have been made to straighten it up, but to no avail. Developers are also building an island in the bay in front of Panama City with a bridge for access. Then, a residential area will be created on the island. Can’t imagine how much those houses will be.
Last year, I posted some pictures of the flags around here. During the month of November, there are flags everyplace. November has a number of patriotic Panamanian holidays. It is really cool. This picture is in front of a Social Security building in our neighborhood. Originally, it was the hospital for Fort Clayton during the 50’s when the Army was stationed here. Actually, it was where Wayne was born. Another strange thing about these national holidays is that practically everything is closed - businesses, stores and restaurants. Not only for the holiday itself, but for the weekend after, as well. Not like the malls in the US, where there are always tons of sales and it is business as usual. Here, pretty much everything is closed.