World Briefs

PANAMA. The National Assembly approved on Thursday bill No. 459, which provides land titles to people living on coastlines and islands of more than 22,000 hectares, currently considered under “possessory right” by law.

The project declares coastlines and islands areas of special development, and dictates the legislation for its use through a massive campaign of land titles for those who have lived on the lands for over 10 years.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance’s National Directive of Cadaster and Assets in conjunction with the National Program of Land Titling (PRONAT) will be in charge of the program. Fixed prices have been set at: $50 for 0 -20 hectares, $10 for 21 - 50 hectares and $150 for 51 and up.

PANAMA. According to Health Ministry authorities, in Panama two out of 10 children have more fat in their bodies than they should, and more than half of adults are overweight.

For Flavia Fondes, nutritionist at the Health Ministry, the country is suffering a major fat epidemic, and we need to profoundly reflect on this.

According to statistics, close to 1.5 million Panamanians are overweight, 18.3 percent (over 250,000) of which are obese.

The nutritionist pinpoints bad eating habits as the root of this problem, saying Panamanians eat too much fatty foods, candies, and junk food.

PANAMA. Panama City has benefited from 264 security cameras installed in strategic points across the country since October 2007, according to the National Police.

Since the program was started, there have been 181 requests for surveillance videos, of which 131 have helped investigation officials in their endeavors to press charges against gang members, thieves, and murderers.

The video surveillance program started in Bella Vista, Calidonia, San Felipe, Chorrillo, Rio Abajo, Parque Lefevre, San Francisco, Pueblo Nuevo and Betania, and will be implemented in the following weeks in Juan Diaz, Chilibre and several areas in Colon.

PANAMA. The First Vice President of Panama Samuel Lewis Navarro and the vice president of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies, Raymond Forde met Thursday to discuss the extension of the agreement that allows the entity to keep the headquarters for its humanitarian operations in Latin America here in Panama.

Lewis Navarro said he was pleased with the Red Cross’ interest of remaining in Panama, given the admirable work they carry out.