March 2020 Bocas Breeze

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GR ATIS

M ARCH 2020 . V OLUME 16 . I SSUE 3

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@thebocasbreeze

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“¡Yo Puedo!”

2nd Annual Regatta makes a splash superWATERWOMAN

Ed uc a C ió n, N o ex t r a c c ione s

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Wild Nutz Wins the Bronze At indie beer cup 2020

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Find out how you can win bocas brewery beer & a Tour of the BREWERY

INFORMACIÓN EDITORIAL

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LIST OF ADVERTISERS

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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NOTA DEL EDITOR

THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

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M A RC H ’ S T H I N G S T O D O I N B O C A S D E L T O RO THE NEW, THE CLASSIC, THE HIDDEN GEMS & THE JUST PLAIN COOL

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

◈ Ban on the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) March 1 - June 30. Lobster fishing is prohibited during the species’ reproductive season. Fisherman and restaurants still may lawfully sell lobster during this time, as long as it was part of their inventory prior to March 1st, which is regulated through inspections by ARAP (Panama’s Aquatic Resources Authority). ◈ Dog House Pizza is moving locations . Bocas del Toro’s favorite pizza truck will soon inflate it’s tires and wheel about 105 meters to the northeast where it will operate in a new location on 1st street, next to Selina Hostel and La Mar Dental & Medical. This is the former location of Captain Caribe. ◈ Ferry Bocas has a new schedule starting on March 15th. The Ferry will make two trips everyday leaving from Almirante to Isla Colón 7am and 12pm and Isla Colon to Almirante 10am and 3pm. Ferry Bocas is now offering a 20% discount for all car transfers on round trip tickets bought in Isla Colón. This discount applies to sedans and SUVs only (no trucks, vans, buses, pick-ups, and commerical vehicles.) ◈ Healthcare Alliance (HCA) in the Republic of Panama, has provided U.S. Military Retirees, Veterans and their dependents with quality medical care and medications for more than a decade. They will be coming to Bocas del Toro for a meeting on March 14th to access the needs of the community. The location of the meeting has yet to be determined.

Check @thebocasbreeze on Facebook for updates. For more information on HCA, visit: HTTP://mebvecs.000webhostapp.com ◈ Sunanda Mehra is the new Bocas del Toro warden for Canada. She is the local contact with the Canadian embassy and able to helpwith passports issues and citizenship applications. For emergencies, Canadian citizens can call 24/7 at 294-2500. Canadians are encouraged to register at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration. ◈ Tutty ‘N’ Fish is back in the saddle again!

Tutty has the best selection of fish, seafood, beef, pork, chicken and coconut oil. Pay her a visit from Mon-Fri 11-5pm and Sat 11-3pm (see map for location). Place your order +507 6519-6121, tuttyfishbocas@gmail.com

EVENTS

◈ March 7 Smoke on the Water at Lost Boys Blues Bar 8pm. Andy Egert is coming all the way from Switzerland making his annual visit for a Blues-Rock show to be remembered. At 10pm, the LostBoys Blues will premier “The Blues Brothers & Friends of Motown Experience.” Free entrance. Doors open at 7pm.

Happy hour 7-8pm (2 for 1 Balboas and rum drinks). Free boat service leaving from the Bocas Brewery/Barco Hundido dock every half hour from 7-9:30pm. ◈ March 29 Project Aware -- Bocas Dive Center hosts clean-up dives every last Sunday of the month in the citizen-science program, Dive Against Debris® part of Project Aware ◈ April 2 & 3 Cosmic Crab Resort Mosaic Worksop Registration: 6399-2330 ◈ April 5-12 Semana Santa -- Bocas del Toro is a very popular destination during the THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

Holy Week/Easter, receiving many visitors from Costa Rica, Panama City and the rest of Panama. The island will be full of fun parties during this time. Please note that April 10th is Viernes Santo (Good Friday) which is observed as a “dry day,” meaning that the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Traditionally bars and nightclubs close for the day (at least until midnight) and stores will not be selling alcohol.

NATURE

PARTY

◈ April 11 Filthy Friday Semana Santa Party Get your tickets and VIP area passes before they sell out (and they will sell out!) www. filthyfridaybocas.com

GASTRO

◈ April 12 The Darklands Foundation fundraising event at LostBoys Blues Bar on Isla Carenero as part of an awareness campaign for Bocas cacao producers. Check Facebook for more details on the event: @thedarklandsfoundation.

VOLUNTEER

◈ April 24 Filthy Friday 3rd Year Anniversary Party. Birthdays always call for a celebration; and with Filthy Friday, it’s a guaranteed blow-out bash. Get your tickets early so you don’t miss out!

WEEKLY

◈ AA meetings Saturday 9am at the school to the right of Iglesia Catedral Nuestra Señora Carmen, Classroom 4; Wednesday 12:30pm at the Give and Surf Community Center located in the Cabañas.

ART CLASS

◈ Black Magic Bocas -- Panama’s only pirate boat party experience is bringing the best local and international DJs every Wednesday & Saturday from 4pm - 12am. ◈ Bocas Brewery pairs its locally crafted beer with live music performances on Thursdays at 7:30pm. ◈ El Ultimo Refugio -- Waterfront happy hour 4-6pm and live music during dinner most nights of the week Mon-Sat ◈ Filthy Friday -- Every Friday, hundreds of travelers from all over the world arrive in Bocas for what has become the most legendary gathering these islands have ever seen. More info at filthyfridaybocas.com ◈ La Buguita Ocean Lounge -- Happy hour every day 5-7pm. Live music Thursday-Sunday at 7:30-9:30pm. ◈ MK at Calypso Cantina -- Live music BBQ every Friday with music starting at 6pm. Free boat leaving at 5pm and 6pm from the dock next to Boteros Unidos, in front of the Gran Hotel Bahia. To arrange free transportation and make reservations: 6616-6000. ◈ Pier 19 Restaurant & Bar -- Live music on the water! Jazz on Thursdays and Latin vibes on Saturdays. 7:30pm start. ◈ Super Gourmet Tuesdays & Friday organic farm deliveries (except holidays) of fruits & veggies. Daily fresh salads, sandwiches, and flower bouquets. ◈ Toro Loco has live music 4 nights a week.

Check their Facebook page for updated band schedules: “Toro Loco - Bocas del Toro Panama.” Watch the NCAA March Madness at Bocas del Toro’s favorite sports bar!

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THE BOCAS BREEZE â—ˆ MARCH 2020

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MOST AMOUNT EVER RAISED AT ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL FUNDRAISER! H T T P : // T H E B O C A S B R E E Z E . C O M / M A R 2 0/ G I V E A N D S U R F

On February 9 Give and Surf raised $13,191 -- the highest amount ever -- at the 7th Annual Backto-School Fundraiser held at El Ultimo Refugio’s new location on Ave G and Calle 4. Over 300 people came out for the event; anticipating auction and raffle donations from 100+ businesses and individuals. The evening delivered a fun time with three local bands who donated their time: Paul Shumway & the Mangrooves, Tony Velasquez & Ritmo Bombolaye, and Meivis & The Mushroom People (ft. members of Juicy Cake).

100% of funds raised go toward providing free educational programs and services to youth and teens in the community.

Emily Talentino, Executive Director of Give and Surf says,”What I love the most about this event is the support from the local community to make it bigger and better each year! Give & Surf has been able to continue growing and reaching more children because

de Give and Surf dice: “¡Lo que más me gusta de este evento es el apoyo de la comunidad local para hacerlo más grande y mejor cada año! ¡Give and Surf ha podido seguir creciendo y llegando a más niños gracias a la generosidad de todos los que asistieron, los que donaron y los que se ofrecieron como voluntarios. Estamos verdaderamente bendecidos de vivir en un lugar que se une para hacer una mejor comunidad para todos .”

of the generosity of all those who attended, those who donated, and those who volunteered. We are truly blessed to live in a place that rallies together to make their community better for all.”

Since 2011, Give and Surf has operated in the archipelago with the mission of empowering local communities through education and community development. They now serve 10 communities on six islands and over 1,000 children weekly through our programs and services.

Desde el 2011, Give and Surf ha operado en el archipiélago con la misión de empoderar a las comunidades locales a través de la educación y el desarrollo comunitario. Ahora ayudan a 10 comunidades en seis islas y más de 1,000 niños semanalmente a través de programas y servicios.

Some of Give and Surf’s Key Programs for the 2020 School Year ◈ Three community centers offering afterschool programs, summer camp, English classes and more El Ultimo Refugio had a smashing event at their new chic location

◈ Two early childhood learning centers ◈ Extracurricular activities including English classes, sports, computer literacy, teen mentorship and more.

para Recaudar Fondos para el regreso a clases, en la nueva locación de El Último Refugio en Ave G y Calle 4.

◈ School lunch program providing healthy meals in 10 public schools

Más de 300 personas fueron al evento, anticipando las donaciones de la licitación y la tómbola de más de 100 negocios e individuos. La tarde ofreció una estadía divertida con tres bandas locales que donaron su tiempo: Paul Shumway & the Mangrooves, Tony Velazquez & Ritmo Bombolaye y Meivis & The Mushroom People (Miembros de Juicy Cake).

◈ Higher education scholarship and transportation assistance for 100 high school and university students

◈ EN ESPAÑOL ◈ ¡El 7tmo Evento Anual para Recaudar Fondos de Give and Surf logró la Mayor Cantidad de Todos los Tiempos!

100% de los fondos recaudados serán para proveer programas educacionales gratis y servicios a la juventud y a los adolescentes de la comunidad.

El 9 de febrero Give and Surf recaudó $13,191 -- la mayor cantidad de todos los tiempos -- en el 7tmo Evento Anual

THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

Algunos de los Programas Principales del Año Escolar de Give and Surf 2020 ◈ Tres centros comunitarios que ofrecen programas para después de clases, el campamento de verano, clases de inglés y más. ◈ Dos centros de aprendizaje para edades tempranas. ◈ Actividades extracurriculares que incluyen clases de inglés, deportes, conocimientos informáticos, mentores para adolescentes y más. ◈ Un programa de almuerzo escolar que les ofrece comidas saludables a 10 escuelas públicas. ◈ Becas para la educación superior y asistencia de transporte para 100 estudiantes universitarios y de secundaria.

Emily Talentino, Directora Ejecutiva

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2ND ANNUAL CRUISING REGATTA MAKES

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On February 15, Parlay Revival y justo 2020, 27 boats particidespués de experipated in the 2nd Anmentar la energía del nual Bocas del Toro área, él tuvo la idea de Cruising Regatta. This una regata. Él se asoció regatta has been the con Courtney Parks, first of its kind in Panama and has quickly dueño de la Marina de gained popularity throughout the CaribBocas y usaron gananbean, especially here in the lively Bocas cias donadas de parte del Toro boating community. The regatta de Give and Surf. Fue was the birth child of Colin MacRae of H T T P : / / T H E B O C A S B R E E Z E . C O M / M A R 2 0 / R E G A T T A un gran éxito, dejando New Zealand. MacRae came down here a los participantes anwith his crew and boat, Parlay Revival and siosos y esperando el soon after experiencing the energy of the siguiente evento. Las area, he had the idea for a regatta. He partpersonas estaban felinered with Courtney Parks, owner of Boces de verlo presente cas Marina, and the proceeds of the first y de poder demostrarregatta were donated to Give and Surf. It les su gratitud por su Don Juan scooting by Chagi photo credit: SuzanneTuck was a big success, leaving participants eacontribución al crecigerly anticipating the next one. This year miento positivo aquí en el MacRae brought his crew down here once nm (nautical miles). The starting point archipiélago. again for the event. People loved to see was between the pirate flag on the Black him present and to show their gratitude Magic Pirate Ship and the APS inflatable La carrera dividió a los 27 particifor his contribution to positive growth mark. Entries ranged from a Hobie 16 to pantes en las divisiones monocasco y the Don Juan, the carbon fiber Soto 73. here in the archipelago. multicasco. Ambas divisiones se programaron para arrancar basado en su RenThe picture-perfect day ended with dimiento Handicap Racing Fleet ( PHRF The race split the 27 participants between monohull & multihull divisions. festivities at the Bocas Marina’s MK at )- los botes lentos empezaron a las 12:00 Both divisions were set for the start by Calypso Cantina restaurant. There were pm y los botes más rápidos empezaron a way of their PHRF handicaps -- slow boats awards, heartfelt speeches, live music las 12:45pm. La carrera consistía de dos starting at 12:00pm with the fast boats from the Island Time Drifters, good vibes vueltas alrededor de un trayecto trianstarting at 12:45pm. The race consisted and a great time with proceeds going to gular con un total de distancia de carrera of two loops around a triangular-shaped the elderly residents of Casa de Asilo. We de 10.3 mn (millas náuticas). El punto course with a total race distance of 10.3 are excited to see what next year’s regatta brings. With all the time and care that has gone into the last two, we know next year Th e Re su l ts will not disappoint.

MONOHULL 1–CIRQUE -- Beneteau 42s7 2–KUMULANI -- Custom 54 3–DON JUAN -- Soto 73 MULTIHULL 1–UNKNOWN PLEASURES Custom 38’ trimaran 2–PARLAY -- Lagoon 450 3–DEL MAR -- Leopard 380 PARLAY REVIVAL AWARD (for spirit of the regatta) HALOS -- Dufour 43’ PERSISTENCE AWARD MAIZURU -- Transpac 51’

BIG SPLASH de comienzo fue entre la bandera pirata en el barco pirata Black Magic y el marcador inflable de la APS. . Las entradas oscilaban desde Hobie 16 al Don Juan, la fibra de carbón Soto 73. Ese día fue como de una foto de revista y terminó con una celebración en restarante MK at Calypso Cantina ubicado en la Marina de Bocas.

Hubo premios, charlas emotivas, música en vivo y un buen rato con ganancias recolectadas para los residentes ancianos de la Casa de Asilo. Estamos emocionados de ver que trae la regata del año que viene.

Con todo el tiempo y el cuidado que fue requerido en la las primeras dos, sabemos que el siguiente año quedará bien.

L os Re s ult a d os

MONOCASCO 1–CIRQUE -- Beneteau 42s7 2–KUMULANI -- Custom 54 3–DON JUAN -- Soto 73 MULTICASCO 1–UNKNOWN PLEASURES -Custom 38’ Trimaran 2–PARLAY -- Lagoon 450 3–DEL MAR -- Leopard 380 PREMIO “PARLAY REVIVAL” (por el espíritu de la regata) HALOS -- Dufour 43’ PREMIO DE PERSISTENCIA MAIZURU -- Transpac 51’

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◈ EN ESPAÑOL ◈ LA SEGUNDA REGATA ANUAL DE CRUCEROS HACE UNA GRAN SALPICADURA El 15 de febrero del 2020, 27 botes participaron en la 2nda regata de cruceros anual de Bocas del Toro. Esta regata fue la primera de su clase en Panamá y se ha vuelto más popular en el caribe, especialmente aquí en la animada comunidad botera de Bocas del Toro. La regata fue iniciado por Colin MacRae de Nueva Zelanda. El vino aquí con su equipo y el bote

AMARANTO

COFFEE & TEA HOUSE COLD PRESS JUICES VEGAN OPTIONS HEALTHY FOOD Calle 1ra. Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro @amaranto.bocas

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EDUCATION, NOT EXTRACTIONS ◈ TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO KEEP THEIR TEETH H T T P :// T H E B O C A S B R E E Z E . C O M / M A R 20/ D I E N T E S hazards of excessive sugar consumption, and which foods and drinks are high in sugar and should be avoided or consumed only in moderation.

by Jenn Parker

What do you drink when you don’t have regular access to clean drinking water?

Students also kept a “brushing calendar” and, together with their classmates and under the guidance of Dr. Philippa, brushed their teeth for two minutes in class every day. A favorite activity among

You drink sodas and juices which often have anywhere from 9 to 15 teaspoons of sugar in one can, box, or bottle. Children between the ages of 2 and 18 should not consume more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, according to the American Heart Association.

How do you properly brush your teeth without potable water?

You don’t.

Last year, Steve Bender, president of the Newport Beach Rotary Club, international hands-on philanthropist, and creator of Help in a Box, came to Bocas del Toro as part of a 40 Days of Service in Panama trip with volunteer dentists from the University of Southern California.

They quickly realized that many of the children who live in some of the more remote communities on the archipelago were greatly suffering from infections, abscesses, and cavities.

The culprit?

“US companies are exporting diabetes, tooth decay, and child obesity without providing any solutions.”

-Steve Bender The children loved the fun and educational activity with Dr. Philippa wherein they used a purple dye to highlight the bacteria on their teeth

A daily diet rich in sugary drinks, an inconsistent supply of drinkable water, and lack of oral health education and care.

Bender states that “US companies are exporting diabetes, tooth decay, and child obesity without providing any solutions.”

One of his Oral Hygiene Initiative (OHI) goals is to teach children how much sugar is actually in their juices and sodas.

The mouth is the main gateway to our internal selves. Tooth decay, gum disease, oral infection, and chronic inflammation can lead to a whole slew of other health issues. Not to mention, a diet high in sugar is linked to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and increased risk of developing heart disease and cancer. By providing children with the know-how and resources to take care of their teeth and make better food and drink choices when possible, we are subsequently helping them to lead overall healthier lives.

Bender approached Dr. Philippa, the lead medical provider at Floating Doctors, to head a five-week Dental in a Box program at both the schools on San Cristobal and Carenero, where approximately 500 local children attend. The Dental in a Box program is rooted in both education and active participation.

The program included lessons and activities related to the importance of oral healthcare, how to brush one’s teeth properly, how cavities are formed, the dangers of spreading oral infection, the health

THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

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the students was when they got to use purple dye to highlight the bacteria on their teeth. Using their toothbrushes, they tried to brush away all the purple, which provided a fun and clear indication that their teeth were clean.

Aside from the Dental in a Box program, Bender launched a pilot program in the fall of 2019 with Give and Surf, local NGO, to provide donated toothbrushes, toothpaste, water filters, and educational materials for 500 children. With the leadership of Dr. Philippa and support of the Rotary Club, a full dental clinic is scheduled for this April at the Lost Boys Blues Bar on Isla Carenero.

The immediate solution for many children during the last clinic included tooth extractions. Bender and Dr. Philippa hope that through education, donated resources and opportunities to receive proper dental care, the extraction rates will drop. The same elementary-aged kids that participated in last year’s Dental in a Box program will be invited to the clinics being held in April. Children will be able to have their teeth professionally cleaned, sealants applied, and cavities filled.

You know what they say about raising children — it takes a village — and between Steve Bender, the Rotary Club, Dr. Philippa, Floating Doctors, Give and Surf, the Lost Boys Blues Bar, and various volunteers and donors, the children of Bocas del Toro will surely be smiling just a little bit brighter, and their futures will also hopefully carry that same light.

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EDUCACIÓN, NO EXTRACCIONES◈ ENSEÑÁNDOLE A LOS NIÑOS CÓMO CUIDAR DE SUS DIENTES H T T P :// T H E B O C A S B R E E Z E . C O M / M A R 20/ D I E N T E S por Jenn Parker

ero.

¿Qué puedes beber cuando no tienes acceso regular al agua potable?

La solución inmediata para muchos niños durante la última clínica incluía extracciones dentales. Bender y la Dra. Philippa esperan que, con más educación, donaciones de recursos y oportunidades de recibir un cuidado dental apropiado, las cifras de extracciones dentales puedan bajar. Los mismos niños de edades de escuela primaria que participaron el año pasado en el programa Dental en una Caja serán invitados a las clínicas que se darán en abril. Los niños tendrán una limpieza profesional, se les aplicará selladores y se calzaran las caries.

Tomas soda y jugos azucarados, los cuales pueden contener de 9 a 15 cucharaditas de azúcar en una lata, cartón o botella. Los niños entre las edades de 2 a 18 no deben consumir más de seis cucharaditas de azúcar añadida en un día, según la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

¿Como se pueden cepillar los dientes apropiadamente sin agua potable?

No se puede.

El año pasado, Steve Bender, presidente del Club Rotario de Newport Beach, un filántropo internacional muy activo y creador de Ayuda en una Caja vino a Bocas del Toro como parte de un viaje de servicio en Panamá de 40 días con dentistas voluntarios de la Universidad de Carolina del Sur. Ellos pudieron observar rápidamente que muchos de los niños que viven en algunas de las comunidades más remotas del archipiélago están sufriendo un gran número de infecciones, abscesos y caries.

¿La causa?

Una dieta diaria rica en bebidas azucaradas, un suministro inconsistente de agua potable y una falta de cuidado y educación oral. Bender nos indica que “Los Estados Unidos están exportando la diabetes, el deterioro dental y la obesidad infantil sin proveer solución alguna.”

Una de sus metas de iniciativa de higiene oral es enseñarle a los niños cuánta azúcar contienen sus jugos y sodas.

La boca es la entrada principal a nuestro cuerpo. El deterioro dental, las enfermedades de las encías, las infecciones orales y la inflamación crónica pueden dar lugar a muchas otras condiciones de salud. Sin mencionar que una dieta elevada en azúcar puede estar vinculada a la diabetes, la obesidad, la presión sanguínea elevada, un incremento en riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades de corazón y el cáncer. Al enséñarles a los niños cómo pueden cuidar de sus dientes, darles los recursos que necesitan para lograrlo y educarlos sobre cómo hacer mejores elecciones de comidas y bebidas cuando sea posible, estamos subsecuentemente ayudándolos a tener vidas generalmente más saludables.

“Los Estados Unidos están exportando la diabetes, el deterioro dental y la obesidad infantil sin proveer solución alguna.”

-Steve Bender que desapareciera el color morado, lo cual proveía una indicación divertida y clara de que sus dientes estaban limpios.

Además del programa Dental en un Caja, Bender lanzó un programa piloto en el otoño del 2019 con Give and Surf para proveer donaciones de cepilEl Dr. Philippa guía a los estudiantes sobre cómo registrar su cepillos dentales, pasta de dientes, lado con un calendario dental filtros de agua y materiales eduaproximadamente 500 niños locales. El programa Dental en una Caja se basa en cacionales a 500 niños. Con el liderazgo de la Dra. Philippa y el apoyo del Club la educación y la participación activa.

Rotario, se logró programar una clínica El programa incluía lecciones y activi- dental completa para este mes de abril dades relacionadas a la importancia de en el Lost Boys Blues Bar de Isla Caren-

Usted sabe lo que dicen sobre criar a un niño — es necesario un pueblo entero — y con la unión de Steve Bender, el Club Rotario, la Dra. Philippa, los Floating Doctors, Give and Surf, el Lost Boys Blues Bar y varios voluntarios y donadores, los niños de Bocas del Toro podrán tener una sonrisa un poco más hermosa y tendrán la esperanza de tener un mejor futuro.

la salud oral, cómo cepillarse apropiadamente, cómo se forman las caries, los peligros de transmitir infecciones orales, los riesgos de salud por el consumo excesivo de azúcar y cuáles bebidas y comidas tienen mucha azúcar y se deben evitar o consumir con moderación.

Los estudiantes también tenían un “calendario de cepillado” y, junto con sus compañeros y bajo la guía de la Dra, Philippa, se cepillaron sus dientes en clase por dos minutos cada día. Una ac-

tividad favorita para los estudiantes fue cuando pudieron usar un tinte morado que resaltaba las bacterias que estaba en sus dientes. Utilizando sus cepillos dentales, ellos intentaron cepillarse hasta

Bender habló con la Dra. Philippa, la proveedora médica encargada en los Floating Doctors, para hacer un programa Dental en una Caja por cinco semanas en ambas escuelas de San Cristóbal y Carenero, en donde asisten THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

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IF THEY CAN... “YO A camp designed to empower the spirits of local youth and promote their healthy development, reminding them of their value within society both now and in the future as adults.

PUEDO”

H T T P :// T H E B O C A S B R E E Z E . C O M / M A R 20/ Y O P U E D O

by Estefanía Darias Salas “In order to have healthy self-esteem you need to have a healthy personal identity. Before that however, you must form a cultural identity by getting to know your roots.” Kelly Berube de DeCaro aka “Aunt Kelly” The most important things in life are self-esteem, knowing yourself, and determining your aptitudes and abilities. With these, we can develop our lives today and in the future. This is where the project Cultivando Futuros comes into play. The project is part of the Casi Cielo social responsibility program, a hotel group here in Bocas del Toro.

Cultivando Futuros conducts a camp every year for at-risk children specifically from four communities in the Bocas del Toro province: Boca del Drago on Isla Colon, Almirante, Finca 64 in Changuinola and Bonyic, the last three located on the

mainland. The name of this camp is Yo Puedo. It is comprised of four 3 - 4 day sessions from January 30th to February 15th. Each day has activities wherein the children of the four aforementioned communities are taken to the Nasi-Tjër Di community; popularly known as the Naso-Teribe of Bonyic.

Yo Puedo is, in many ways, unique within the world of youth summer camps. The activities are focused on personal recognition and self-esteem, taking care of the environment, the total comprehension of the human condition beyond economics, civics, and manners. Also -- something that I have personally never observed in any camp before -- there are activities to stimulate and develop emotional intelligence and kinesthesia. They talk about profound topics as they play and eat; topics such as as ethical empowerment, gender equality, personal hygiene, the rupture of paradigms related to social stratification and their goals.

The Yo Puedo camp has, among the activities that I could observe during my visit, typical educational games and activities but are carried out with more of a social impact; focusing on the environment and the ethnic groups that take part

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of the camp -- the Ngöbe, the Buglé, the Naso Tjër Di and the Afro-Panamanians.

Some of the games, such as carrying water from one place to another, have significant socio-cultural backgrounds. These games were merged with artistic dramatizations of rain dances. They also played a game representing the process of cultivating and harvesting the land. At meal times, they would sit together and help serve each other, picked up the plates after eating and gave thanks for each meal. Among these activities, the children were asked to write down what they would like to be when they grew up -- police officers, teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, veterinarians.

There were 38 children and almost 25 different professions mentioned during the activity.

I also observed that the connection that they share is more than a friendship. It is a family that was created in this group, from both sides, instructors and the children present. In last year’s camp, they made a bracelet with colored strings that they wrapped around the wrists of the children without cutting it. The children and instructors sat together in a big circle and before passing the end of the string to the next person, they would say words of support or positive reinforcements such as, “you are a great person,” or “ you play cards well.” “Uncle Saul is very good to me.” This was not only an exercise in order to value your brother but it was also a gesture of a union. It reminded me of the string of life in Japanese culture. It is the idea that we are all connected together. Both the children and instructors from last year’s camp still had their bracelets from the year before. This was a very emotional moment of the day. For the new members of the group, a connection was established and for the returning campers, the connection was further strengthened.

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SI ELLOS PUEDEN... “YO Un campamento diseñado para empoderarles el espíritu a los jóvenes y promover su desarrollo sano, recordándoles el valor que tienen dentro la sociedad actualmente y como los adultos del futuro.

PUEDO”

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por Estefanía Darias Salas “Para lograr una autoestima saludable primero tienes que tener una sana identidad personal, pero antes, tienes que tener una identidad cultural, conociendo tus raíces” “tía Kelly”. Kelly Berube de DeCaro.

Lo más importante en la vida es la autoestima, el conocerse a sí mismo, saber y determinar tus capacidades y habilidades con las cuales desarrollar nuestras vidas en el hoy y el mañana, es allí donde entra la organización Cultivando Futuros que en estos momentos es parte de la responsabilidad social empresarial del grupo Casi Cielo, que es un proyecto Hotelero en Bocas del Toro.

Cultivando Futuros, realiza cada año un campamento para niños y niñas en situación de riesgo social, específicamente de 4 comunidades de la Provincia de Bocas del Toro: Bocas del Drago en Isla Colón, Almirante, Finca 64 en Changuinola y en Bonyic, las últimas 3 en tierra firme.

El campamento que menciono es Yo Puedo, se compone de 4 fechas y este año comenzó el 30 de enero y culminó el 15 de febrero, cada fecha se compone de 3-4 días de actividades donde los niños de las comunidades mencionadas se trasladan hasta la comunidad Naso-Tjër Di; que se conoce popularmente como Naso-Teribe de Bonyic.

Yo Puedo, es por mucho único dentro del mundo de los campamentos para niños, acá las actividades se enfocan en el reconocimiento personal y en la autoestima, pasando por el cui-

THE BOCAS BREEZE ◈ MARCH 2020

dado del entorno, la comprensión total de su condición humana por sobre la económica, el civilismo, la cordialidad y algo que nunca había observado en campamento alguno; actividades para estimular y desarrollar la inteligencia emocional y la quinestesia. Mientras, van tocando temas más profundos entre juegos y comidas como el Empoderamiento Étnico, la igualdad de géneros, la higiene personal, ruptura de paradigmas en cuanto a la estratificación social y las metas que pueden o no alcanzar.

cinta adhesiva que resultaba ser un proceso de cultivar y cosechar la tierra, así como al momento de comer se sentaban unos con otros ayudando a servirse entre ellos, a recoger los platos después de comer, a dar gracias por los alimentos.

Dentro de estos “juegos” se les pedía a los niños que escribieran qué querían ser de grandes, “policías, docentes, médicos, enfermeros, ingenieros, vet-

erinarios” 38 niños y casi 25 profesiones diferentes surgieron durante ese juego.

También observé un vínculo más que de amistad es familiar que se creó en el grupo, de ambas partes, instructores y niños asistentes, en el campamento del año pasado se elaboró una pulsera con cordones de lana de colores entretejida en las muñecas de los niños sin cortarse desde su inicio hasta su fin, estando sentados todos en un gran círculo y juntos unos con otros incluidos los instructores y antes de continuar la tira al siguiente se decían palabras de apoyo o reforzamientos positivos tales como, “es muy linda persona”, “es bueno jugando cartas” “tío Saúl es muy bueno conmigo”; esto a fin de no solo como ejercicio de valoración del hermano sino como un gesto de unión, me hizo remembranza de la cultura japonesa sobre el hilo de la vida, esa idea que dice que todos estamos conectados unos con otros. Los niños que fueron parte del campamento pasado aún conservaban su pulsera al igual que los instructores, siendo un momento muy emotivo de la jornada, para los nuevos un nuevo lazo construido, para los recurrentes un lazo consolidado.

El campamento, Yo Puedo tiene dentro de las actividades que pude apreciar en mi visita, juegos didácticos típicos de estas actividades a un nivel más social, enfocándose en el entorno y en los grupos étnicos que hacen vida dentro del campamento, los ngöbe, los buglé, los naso tjër di, los afro-panameños, los juegos como llevar agua de un lado al otro tenían una carga sociocultural, intercalados con preparaciones artísticas “dramatizaciones” de la danza de la lluvia, juegos de crear en el menor tiempo posible unas bolitas de papel y

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Julie Lanouette has been breaking records year after year while representing Bocas del Toro and Panama in paddling.

Hailing from Canada where she began competing at the age of 8, she continued her career locally on the Bocas del Toro Cayuco Paunch team. Only Panama races in cayuco - a canoe built in the style of boats traditionally dugout from a hollowed tree trunk. She has since gained much experience which has led her into V1 racing in the last few years. She is loving it and it is showing in her times as she enters into her second world race representing Panama. Lanouette raced at the 2019 IVF World Distance Championships last year in Mooloolaba, Australia in the Open Women V1 category and is racing once again in the 2020 IVF World Elite & Club Sprints, Hilo, Hawaii in the same category. The course in 2019 was a 16km long distance race. This year it has changed to a 500m sprint, making her training program much different than it was last year. There are three classification races for the championships. Lanouette competed in the first one this past January -- she placed first! -- and the next race is coming up in April.

The beginning of February kick-started her next intense three-month training program. The beginning of the train-

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“You need to have knowledge of the water in Bocas.

I believe it should be taught in school.”

Killin’it in the 2019 World Championships in Mooloolaba Bay, Australia

ing is gym-heavy. The idea is to build up strength and endurance and then segue into much more time in the water at the end. Her goal is 2min:20sec and she is well on her way to achieving it.

Lanouette explains to us how much she wants to pass on her knowledge and

capabilities of paddling and of the water in general. She will be holding bi-monthly paddling clinics at the Divers Paradise Hotel on Isla Colon, to anyone interested.

She tells us that the way she will begin a clinic is to explain the momentum of paddling and teach how the water reacts with the motion. Students will go in cayuco or

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stand-up paddleboards -- depending on group size -- to demonstrate that, in relation to water, paddling is the same in any vessel. She’ll hold first and second level clinics. Get in touch with her at juliebocas@gmail.com for more information.

Divers Paradise, the boutique diver-centric hotel with their finger on the pulse of current ocean issues and always doing their part to contribute, has been a devoted and supportive sponsor to Lanouette through her career here. She says that they are 100% there for her for anything she needs.

In addition to the clinic, she is currently looking to connect with the local schools to teach a once-weekly after-school program for young girls ages 11-14. She wants to pass on her expansive knowledge of the ocean especially to young women. The girls will be supervised and learn everything about the water. She says, “You need to have knowledge of the water in Bocas. I believe it should be taught in school.” She welcomes anyone who would like to help with this program.

Lanouette’s success in the water is big talk among the sailboat community crew.

They are always showing their support for her and she would especially like to thank them. We’re all cheering for you Julie!

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Julie Lanouette, ha estado rompiendo récords año tras año al representar a Bocas del Toro y a Panamá en el deporte de remo. Originalmente de Canadá, donde ella empezó a competir a las 8 años y siguió su carrera de remo con en el equipo Cayuco Paunch. Solo Panamá hace carreras en un cayuco – una canoa hecha de manera tradicional al tallar un tronco de madera para darle la forma deseada.

Ella adquirió mucha experiencia que la ha llevado a las carreras V1 en años recientes. Ella ama hacerlo, lo demuestra y se le nota cuando la vemos entrar a su segunda carrera mundial representando a Panamá. Lanouette compitió en el Campeonato de Distancia Mundial IVF 2019 el año pasado en Mooloolaba, Australia en la categoría V1 Abierta de Mujeres y está compitiendo una vez más en el 2020 IVF World Elite & Club Sprints, en Hilo, Hawaii en la misma categoría. El curso del 2019 fue una carrera de 16km de distancia. Este año ha cambiado para ser una carrera corta de 500m, haciendo que su programa de entrenamiento sea muy diferente al del año pasado.

Hay tres carreras clasificatorias para los Campeonatos. Lanouette compitió en la primera este enero pasado--- ¡quedó de primera! -- y la siguiente carrera será en abril.

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“Necesitan conocer las aguas de Bocas. Yo pienso que deberían enseñarlo en la escuela.” escuela ” Julie entrena en el los mares del archipiélago de Bocas del Toro.

A principios de febrero ella arrancó con su programa de entrenamiento intenso de tres-meses. El comienzo del entrenamiento incluye mucho gimnasio.

La idea es desarrollar fuerza y poder adquirir resistencia, y después habrá una transición a estar mucho más tiempo en el agua hacia el final. Su objetivo es 2min:20sec y está en camino de lograrlo.

Lanouette nos explica lo mucho que ella desea compartir sus conocimientos y capacidades de remo y del agua en

general. Ella estará ofreciendo talleres de remo bimensuales en el hotel Divers Paradise, Isla Colón, a cualquiera que esté interesado. Nos indica que la forma en que empezará los talleres será al explicar el impulso que da el remo y enseñar cómo reacciona el mar al movimiento. Los estudiantes irán en cayucos o en SUP—dependiendo del tamaño del grupo – para demostrar que, en relación al agua, se puede remar igual sin importar en que se esté montado en el momento.

Hará talleres de primer y segundo nivel.

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Póngase en contacto con ella en el correo juliebocas@gmail.com para más información. El Divers Paradise, una boutique y hotel para buzos que está al día sobre las actuales situaciones del océano y que hacen su parte para contribuir, ha sido un patrocinador devoto y un gran apoyo para Lanouette durante su carrera aquí.

Ella indica que están al 100% para cualquiera cosa que necesite.

Además de dar los talleres, está actualmente buscando poder conectarse con las escuelas locales para poder enseñar en un programa extracurricular para niñas de las edades de 11-14. Ella desea compartir su expansivo conocimiento del océano especialmente con mujeres jóvenes. Las chicas estarán supervisadas y aprenderán todo sobre el agua. Ella dice, “Necesitan conocer las aguas de Bocas. Yo pienso que deberían enseñarlo en la escuela.” Ella le da la bienvenida a cualquiera que le quisiera ayudar con este programa.

El éxito que ha tenido Lanouette en el agua es un gran tema entre la comunidad de yates. Ellos siempre le demuestran su apoyo y ella especialmente le gustaría agradecerles. ¡Todos te estamos apoyando Julie!

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LOST BOYS BLUES BAR S U P P O RT S M U S I C E D U C AT I O N

“W ILD N UTZ ” FOR THE W IN !

2020 PANAMA MICROBREW FESTVAL

AT THE

Owner-operator Walter Wild (left) and brewmaster Daniel Obando (right) pose at the Bocas Brewery bar with their recently awarded bronze medal for Wild Nutz - a toasted coconut porter -- placing 3rd out of 150+ entries in the spiced beer category at the Indie Beer Cup, as part of the Panama Microbrew Festival in February 2020. Congratulations to Wally, Dani and the whole Bocas Brewery crew for representing Bocas del Toro in victorious fashion! Read the whole ar-

ticle on our website: http://thebocasbreeze.com/ mar20/wildnutz

If you’re an internet using beer-lover, go ahead and follow @thebocasbreeze & @bocasbrewery on instagram. On March 31st, two lucky readers will win a The LostBoys Blues Bar held its 2nd Annual Rock- case of Bocas Brewery beer and a tour of the brewery toberfest in 2019 and for the second year in a row, the itself. Check the Bocas Breeze and Bocas Brewery insRoc raised $1,000 in support of the music program of the tagram feeds to find the rules of the contest. local high school, Colegio Rogelio Josué Ibarra. In a collaboration between Tequila Republic, Bocas Brewery and LostBoys, every Bocas Brewery beer sold at Rocktoberfest went to benefit the school music program. The beer sales were matched by the LostBoys Blues Bar and rounded up to an even $1,000. The money goes toward new instruments, instrument repairs, marching band uniforms and travel expenses when performing off island. LostBoys is currently working on preparing an afterschool program where music students can learn about music technology and sound recording at their recording studio at The PirateArts Experience Resort. Pictured left to right is owner and creative director of the LostBoys Blues Bar Eric Veenstra, school musical director Arturo Boyes and principal Dora Reina. Read the whole story online: http://thebo-

casbreeze.com/dec19/bandademusica/

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SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES WORKS TO C O N S E RV E O U R D E L I C AT E E C O S Y S T E M

The School for Field Studies Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies welcomes university students from all over the world to study the importance, conservation and management of the extremely fragile ecosystem of Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, the students quickly transform from the role of being tourists to becoming concerned residents as they immerse themselves in learning about the ecological issues that face the Bocas del Toro of today. Most students are pursuing careers in environmental, biological, ecological, economic or anthropological studies. They receive university credit and engage in a variety of projects and assignments that deal with environmental conservation issues locally. Recently the students of SFS researched the impacts of tourism on sea stars (Oreaster reticulatus) at Starfish Beach, collected information from Bocatoreños on their perceptions of party tourism, investigated Indigenous-led tourism, studied substrate complexity in mangrove habitats and monitored leaf cutter ant behavior in disturbed and undisturbed forests.

Learn more about the academic organization on the SFS website in an article entitled “Conservation through Education” by Dr. Cinda P. Scott, Center Director, SFS Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies: http://thebocasbreeze.com/mar20/sfs

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GET IN AND AROUND BOCAS!!! ...and visit our friends over in Boquete & Costa Rica

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THE BOCAS BREEZE NEWSPAPER

THE BOCAS BREEZE â—ˆ MARCH 2020

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