Any news on the riots in the Colon area?

I suggest you join CASA (Coronado & Area Social Association) very successfully
organized and run by expat Louise Belize, who now lives here full time in Coronado.
If you join the CASA organization, she sends out updates often on the state of
road blocks, etc. and on many other topics of general interest, plus social
and charitable events.

The cost from now until Feb. is $2.50 to join and then it is $5.00 for the year
and you can write Louise to join up at: csa2008p@gmail.com

From Louise today:
SUNTRACs the Construction Union has announced a 48 hour strike and street closure for Panama and surrounding areas beginning tomorrow through Saturday. This strike is in support of the Colon Riots and was threatened if the legislature did not overturn the lay 72 allowing for the sale of the Colon Free Zone.

It is expected to worsen because the President is due from his Far East Trip today or tomorrow and the legislature closes shop beginning on October 31 with no announcement as to when the next session begins.

Today is quite because there is a construction holiday and no construction work is in progress.

So, is it safe to say that it wouldn't be wise to drive to Costa Rica tomorrow?

The Colon riots are taking a life of it's own.

As for driving to Costa Rica, the only issue would be if any other group decides to support them by closing roads which could happen at any time anywhere. Usually they have a time limit, but still the inconvenience of waiting in an overheating car is terrible. Not really sure how to answer the question, best to follow the media to see what is happening. Sorry, could not be more helpful.

I was copied on a message received from Charlie Garcia - I think the comments are applicable to everyone, as it is one's responsibility to be aware of one's surroundings.

Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens:Ongoing protests in Panama with possible violence

This Emergency message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Panama that throughout the morning of October 26th, various groups have held protests at multiple locations throughout Panama City. While earlier in the day the protests were generally nonviolent, news media are reporting that they have turned violent in several locations in Panama City and Colon, including at the National Assembly and Electoral Tribunal. There are reports of spreading vandalism including in Plaza 5 de Mayo and Calidonia. Accordingly, the Embassy’s security office is urging all U.S. government personnel to avoid the area around Plaza 5 de Mayo/National Assembly/Calidonia.

The city of Colon also continues to experience violent protest activity and should be avoided as well. U.S. citizens in Colon should remain indoors, monitor local media, and avoid protests and demonstrations if they must move about the city.

Please monitor media reporting for news of continued road closures and disruptions, and particularly for incidents of violence.

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama.

The Embassy web site is panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at travel.state.gov.

Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.