It has been a VERY busy & productive year.  We knew that 2010 was going to be exciting, but WOW!!!

We have grown tremendously & it is being measured with accomplishments not $ signs.  We have stuck to our business plan of proving ourselves, not selling ourselves.

GHA – PANAMA Progress Report:

Boquete Red Cross Chapter – We have seen increased growth & support from the local community for the Comite de Boquete, Cruz Roja Panamena.  We recently received support & a partnership from the President of the Commission for Public Health, a partnership that will help provide more efficient health solutions for local residents.  This partnership is in coordination with a new & already approved 24hr. hospital for Boquete & surrounding areas.  The land proposed will allow for a localized Red Cross facility & training area for K-SAR (K-9 Search & rescue).  With numerous missing hikers last year, the need is growing for greater search & rescue operations for the dense mountain jungles that make up the area surrounding Boquete.

Trisker Red Cross Support -  Because of our volunteer recruitment & National lobbying for support of the local children’s home, Casa Hogar Herbert & Selma Trisker, the home is now receiving Red Cross volunteer support, CPR/First Aid training for ALL staff & donated medical resources.  We recently had the request & opportunity to design an evacuation plan for the children & staff.  We will soon finalize & present the plan, train the staff & children &  implement critical safety measures ( such as removing locks that are out of reach of children, therefore preventing an evacuation if needed).  There is so much needed, that we are constantly having to prioritize & juggle all the needs.

Trisker Medical Station – One of our GREATEST accomplishments at the time of this newsletter is the newly proposed Red Cross Medical Station for Casa Hogar Trisker.  More than 60 children make up the residency of this orphanage & many times there is only “1″ staff member.  The new administration is wonderful, they just need more support.  As you can imagine, the health issues & emergencies that can & do arise in a home of this nature can be devastating.  General hygiene at times is not an option due to water outages.  Thanks to Dead Wheat Intl. those issues are being addressed & solutions are being implemented.  The new medical station will provide daily medical support & overnight emergency assistance.  Imagine chicken pocks for 67 children, lice control, scabies… Well, we don’t have to imagine because we are witnessing it… The new center will come include Policies & Procedures to help prevent these outbreaks.  Preparedness, then Response.

Thanks to Prestige Builders of Boquete, the labor is already donated, now we just have to raise the funds for materials & setting up operations – $5,000

DONATE NOW to help us reach our goal.

March Madness – We learned A LOT in the first couple of weeks of March.  We learned how quickly & easily tasks/projects can be accomplished when you mobilize nearly 50 volunteers & staff members in just 2 weeks.  We also learned that GHA’s impact was not just felt by volunteers or those in need, but also by local economies.  The first 2 weeks of March resulted in @ $30,000 of economic stimulus for local business.  Booking dinner for 30 can be challenging & rewarding… Special Thanks to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington & Columbia University!

Aids/HIV Education – With manpower from Columbia University students, we were able to organize one of the LARGEST distribution campaigns for Health Education materials for the Panamanian Red Cross.

Village walkway Phase I -  One of my favorite moments!  On one of our group expeditions we had all intentions of teaching English on Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama.  There was alread

y an education program in place & we were just going to support it with volunteers.  BUT, when the only village grandmother was presented with the opportunity, she spoke up!  “We NEED a walkway.”

Not only do they have to run across an active runway, because of their location on the island (pinned between the water & the airport), but they have to negotiate their way through muck & mire.  Children going to school, parents going to work or mothers going to market, ALL in need.    So with our team of volunteers from University of North Carolina at Wilmington, we had a scavenger hunt!

While I picked up supplies for the day, volunteers scavenged the island & found an old dock that had been recently dismantled.  The materials were graciously donated & in no time at all they were loaded into the back of a pick-up & on the way to the runway.  Then came the fun part… With the sun beating down mid-day, we began making trips carrying the materials by hand across the runway.  “Be careful, Look both ways & UP! Please, don’t drop anything.”  Before long, we had successfully moved the materials into place without incident & decided it was time for lunch.  After lunch we returned to the village to find the most amazing sight!  The men from the village organized by a local volunteer, Mark, had taken the used materials, pulled all the nails, straightened them & constructed nearly 50′ of their new walkway! (while we were having  lunch).  They didn’t need us, they needed the supplies!  So, we used the walkway with great pride & entered the village to carry on with the English classes that we had previously planned on.

Village Walkway Phase II – During our “think-tank” to figure out materials that could be used for the walkway, one of staff members, Esteban Fox, suggested using old tires.  The more we thought about it, the more it made sense.  Materials would be expensive to complete the entire walkway & the environment would be harsh on most items that could be used.  So, with the help of local business owners Christian (Aqua Lounge) & Christopher (Barnes & Dixon’s Smoked Fish House), we were able to locate 70 old tires.  Our project just became 2-fold.  Not only were we providing the village with the needed walkway, but we were also using recycled materials.

The tires were put in place by local volunteers, Mark, Bernadette & Veronica with help from James & students from Spanish by the Sea.  Gravel was purchased (courtesy of the BESOS Foundation) & used to fill the tires, which produced large stepping stones.

$350 is still needed to cover previous & upcoming expenses – to help with part or all of this DONATE HERE!

Comedor Infantil Library – Susan Aldrich of Charlotte, NC completed her partnership of support & donations for the Infantil Comedor Feeding Center’s Library/Learning Center in David, Panama.  With her first library project in Panama complete, she has already begun her next in the Bocas del Toro Islands in partnership with Isla Solarte’s English Teacher, Candy.

Solarte – Home Sweet Home – This is the story of getting what you ask for.  On one of our first visits to Isla Solarte, I had the pleasure of meeting an elderly woman.  She had been kissed by the sun for many years & had a pleasant island energy to her.  I had been told of her previously by the folks at the Solarte Inn.  She cares for an injured son who can no longer work & she has developed emphysema.  Certain folks on the island buy propane for her so that she can cook on a simple gas burner instead of using the open fires that are traditionally used by the indigenous throughout Panama & the rain forest belt around the globe.  Open fires account for MANY health issues here in Panama as well as globally.  From burns to respiratory problems to deforestation, our partner Dead Wheat Intl. addresses this & has developed a solution – smokeless stoves.  Well on this early visit when we met, we also witness the dilapidation of her home & the steep stairs that she has to climb.  We began discussing her needs & our desire to help make her life a little simpler… then GHA Board Member, Randy Robinson (of  Robinson Construction Co. Hillsboro, OR) stepped up & sponsored the costs of the entire project, THANK YOU Robinson Family!

Smokeless Stoves – WOW!  I hardly know where to start with this one…  It has been a true pleasure to partner & support the work of Dead Wheat Foundation, Intl.  We started by bringing their technology to the Red Cross in response to “respiratory issues & deforestation in the indigenous regions”.  Dead Wheat has developed an appropriate solution, they designed a mold for a stove that burns cleaner & more efficiently.  (You have probably ready about this in previous newsletters.)  Well, the molds are here & our first expedition out to train locals on how to use them is next week!  We will be back in the Bocas del Toro Islands with the band, “Ugly Kid Joe”.  This is a very exciting time for all of us here as we continue to network & figure out the logistics of sharing this solution with the millions globally that need it.  READ MORE

GHA/Red Cross Internships – At GHA we are constantly trying to design programs & procedures that are efficient & easy to duplicate.  Well, with the response that we’ve been getting, we needed to find a way to handle more volunteers.  So, we are launching what we anticipate to be a huge opportunity for our growth, extended volunteer opportunities & extensive volunteer/financial support for the Panamanian Red Cross – GHA/Red Cross Internships.  This program is for volunteers who are ready to develop & implement solutions.  Volunteers will be placed with Red Cross Chapters throughout the country based on their experience & areas of interest.  Volunteers must be self-motivated & willing to help out with administration, project development, field time & lots of variables.  “Patience & Flexibility”

VolunteerBoquete.org – Has been on the “to do” list for quite some time… We were able to complete this project with the help of Natalie, volunteer from Australia.  We launched the site “under construction”, she found it online, contacted us immediately & was here the next day.  So, naturally we put her to work on the site that brought her to us.  Her motivation & work ethic were incredible.  She coordinated the site, which is a virtual community center & online bulletin board for local organizations, volunteers & residents.  The sites goal is to coordinate efforts & organizations for more efficient & effective re

sults.  Thanks Natalie, the site has already proven a BIG success for the community & has truly networked a large number or resources for good.  Thanks again Natalie!

www.VolunteerBoquete.org

Beans with Benefits – We have known for a while that people want to help & want to be a part of our programs & it is quite clear that the more accessible they are, the more people we can involve.  So, we are working to “blend social responsibility into our daily lives” & one our latest ways to do this is through our “Beans with Benefits”.  It’s a premium blend of coffee, grown right here in Panama at over 4,000′ & roasted especially for GHA.  Place your order today, “Wake up & change the world.” Our exquisite coffee is available in whole bean 12oz bags for $10 & makes GREAT gifts.

To order simply email your order to rpickett@gogha.org
“Enjoy your Social Responsibility”

Humanitarian Happy Hour – Another “fun-raising” event!  We launched the first one last month to celebrate the completion of VolunteerBoquete.org  The idea, bring people, organizations & businesses together in a relaxed environment without having to spend a lot time & money organizing a HUGE fundraiser.  (Make it simple, low-cost & easy to duplicate.)  Well, it worked!  Volunteers came together, Organizations networked with each other & the community.  We raised $ with a simple raffle & that is just the beginning of its success… Businesses began contacting us the same night to sponsor the next event.  Organizations, residents & the media thanked us for being able to provide such a valuable resource for the community & that is how Prestige Builders came about to donate the labor for the new proposed medical station for Casa Hogar Trisker!  Additionally our “Humanitarian Happy Hour” will be held in just the 2nd month of launch in 10 different cities on 4 continents!!!  These events are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month & June’s will be on the 24th, coincidentally the 151st Anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies.

If you are interested in seeing how you can participate, send an email to rpickett@gogha.org

“Enjoy your Social Responsibility”

We have been able to accomplish GREAT things in short periods of time, that is due to our supporters, volunteers & donors.  Without you, we can’t continue.  So, Thank You to everyone who has already supported us, to those of you who continue to support & to those of you supporting us now!

Photo Galleries & Slide-shows for the many projects will be live soon!

To ensure our continued progress, DONATE HERE

Cheers,
robb

If you’re not making a Difference, Do something Different”

Partnership between Red Cross & Trisker Children's Home

traditional open fire cooking stove

smokeless stove produced by Dead Wheat Intl.

For 2010, GHA will have an even greater impact.  Volunteers are already signing up for the year & we are strategizing with various partners to implement much-needed programming & support.  In partnership with Dead Wheat Foundation Intl. we will be extending GHA volunteer expeditions throughout Costa Rica & Nicaragua.

We recently launched our “Spring Break Panama” Expeditions.  Leading off these trips for 2010 is Columbia University’s Global Health Organization & Susan Aldrich, Dir. of Bibliotecas 4 Ben.  Columbia U. has organized 25 students to assist with the Red Cross’ Aids/HIV Awareness & Education Campaign.  Susan Aldrich, following up her recent visit, already has a group coming to help furnish a much-needed library & learning center in an impoverished neighborhood in David, Panama.  We greatly look forward to working with these groups & many more.

As you can already see, we are well on our way for 2010, but we NEED your help NOW to finish 2009.  With all the work that has been accomplished, we still have a little fundraising to do.  GHA needs a little push to the New Year.  If you are able, please consider GHA for a tax-deductible donation this year.  There are a couple of ways that you can help:  MONTHLY SUPPORT   SINGLE DONATION  

(GHA is a non-profit organization that relies on your financial kindness.)

Our main points of focus for 2010 will be high impact:

Volunteer Recruitment - GHA volunteer recruitment has been greatly increased for 2010.  Our global recruitment focus is being implemented through – Web Marketing, Social Networking, Civic Groups, Religious Organizations, Corporate Human Resource Departments & University Marketing Campaigns.  GHA’s mission is to provide its volunteers with the most empowering experience.  We accomplish this by focusing on the volunteer experience & by partnering with service agencies to implement programs.

Dead Wheat Foundation Intl. - We have prepared an aggressive Logistical & Volunteer Support Plan to distribute molds for building cleaner burning cooking stoves throughout indigenous regions in Central America.  GHA volunteers will be heading into the highlands of Panama or across the border to Costa Rica & Nicaragua.  “Smoke inhalation and burns from cooking over 3-rock open stoves in enclosed huts is reported to account for 90% of all health issues for women and children in Panama’s Comarca. Along with Dr. Maria Ruiz (Ruiz Coffee) we have been researching and developing a high-efficiency wood burning stove that releases no smoke and uses approximately 10-15% of the current wood fuel consumption.”  Source:  www.deadwheat.com

GHA’s partnership with the Panama Red Cross will allow for much broader distribution here in Panama & we are working to present the program to the International Federation for the rest of Latin America.  When you combine Dead Wheat Foundation Intl. with GHA’s volunteers & donors, 2010 will see dramatic changes in air & life quality for the indigenous people of Panama, Costa Rica & Nicaragua.

$30 = cost of a single mold

150 = # of molds to be distributed through Panama, Costa Rica & Nicaragua in 2010

250 = # of stoves produced from a single mold

1,500 = # of persons benefitting from a single mold (conservatively based on an average indigenous family size of 6)

225,000 = # of persons benefitting from cleaner air in 2010 because of this GHA+Dead Wheat+Red Cross Partnership.

For more on how you can join one of our expeditions in 2010 email us today at  info@goGHA.org

Casa Hogar Trisker - Nutrition has been a long-standing problem for this local orphanage.  With a sparse budget there is little room for much more that rice & beans.  GHA is introducing a long-term solution to this basic necessity.  Again, we will utilize technology from our partnership with Dead Wheat Intl. Foundation.  We will fill the nutritional void these children face every day through an aquaponics system managed by GHA & dedicated to Casa Hogar Trisker.  We will be able to provide the nutrition that these 40+ children need with fresh produce, eggs, poultry & fish.  For more about aquaponics, CLICK HERE   (GHA is in the process of seeking a grant for this Nutritional Program.)

Bibliotecas 4 Ben – This is an initiative started by Susan Aldrich.  With GHA’s coordination, Susan has already supported multiple education programs here in Panama.  Her current focus for 2010 is a feeding center in David, Panama that provides approximately 170 children with a daily meal.  Susan has joined with Father David to further provide these children with a much-needed Library & Learning Center.  In this area, most homes are without electricity not to mention a suitable space to study.  Susan’s passion for books & Father David’s passion for providing a future for these children is an excellent opportunity for ALL.  Susan has honored the Pickett Family by memorializing her initiative for Benjamin Seth Pickett.

Red Cross, Disaster Management - We have all seen how planning can drastically change the outcome of a natural disaster, how simple things can be the difference between life & death.  GHA is working both locally in the Boquete area, as well as nationally with the Panama Red Cross to create & implement Disaster Preparedness Plans.  We have already started training classes for the local community & are working with numerous organizations to create the most effective plan possible.  We will continue to work with the National Red Cross Headquarters to provide the country of Panama with appropriate & effective solutions.  Our focus is on communications, planning & logistics.

Search & Rescue - Panama, as beautiful as it is, still poses countless dangers.  From the mountains to the rivers, Panama’s untamed jungles are nothing to be taken for granted.  This past year, we have experienced this all too often with missing hikers.  (Including ill-fated outcomes.)  GHA has been involved with a number of these incidents.  We have celebrated some outcomes, while others have left us searching for answers. 

We are working with the Red Cross, SINEPROC & local communities to ensure that “Search & Rescue” operations are as effective as possible.  We are in the process of designing a hiker safety campaign, “The Adventure Begins Here, Don’t Let It End Here”, that our volunteers will implement in the areas surrounding the Baru Volcano (where the majority of these instances take place).

Monthly Pledges - monthly support from donors like yourselves ensures that GHA is able to continue providing these critical programs.  GHA is founded on the basis that if you take the big picture & break it into parts, then we will all have our piece of the puzzle.  Goal for 2010 = 250 supporters to give on average $25/month. – generating $75,000 in life-changing donations.

We are ALL stronger TOGETHER!  Join & support GHA today!

In addition to building our monthly pledges, we will raise funding through:  GENERAL DONATIONS, GRANTS, FUNDRAISERS & CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS.  For more on how you can support GHA, feel free to email us at  donations@gogha.org

At the close of 2010, GHA’s partnership initiatives will have provided food, water, safety, shelter, & education  for over 250,000 people throughout Panama, Costa Rica & Nicaragua… and, these are just the bi-products of our mission!  (Not to mention our impact on Panama’s National Disaster Preparedness) 

GHA will have coordinated nearly 250 volunteers from around the globe, giving a combined total of approximately 2,500 days of service.  The long-term impact of GHA, our donors & our volunteers will be nothing less than life changing for everyone.  The ripple effects will never be fully realized, for that we are grateful & confident that we changed the world for more than a few.

GHA encourages & provides incentives for volunteers to continue their service as they return home.  Our goal for 2010 is that our volunteers will duplicate their time in the field when they return home, providing a minimum of 2,500 more days of service in their own communities for 2010.  (Not to mention the years following!)

To sum things up, a few words from a recent song by Nickelback, “If Today Was Your Last Day”.

“…against the grain should be a way of life

What’s worth the price is always worth the fight,

Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try…

So do whatever it takes

’cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life,

Let nothing stand in your way…

If tomorrow was your last day

Would you live each moment like your last?”

PLEASE join with us today as we change our perspectives, the lives of thousands & the world for many more.  

Why GHA?  Because…“we are leaving things better than the way that we found them”.

Thank you for supporting GHA this Holiday Season & throughout 2010.

We NEED your HELP today, CLICK HERE

With great appreciation,

D. Robb Pickett

“If you’re not making a difference, Do Something Different”

The Captain in action

PANAMA CITY , PANAMA.

As floods ravage the Darien and parts of Colon, not all is devastation and despair, good things and beutiful places are also to be found in Panama a little bit of Paradise on earth. And just to prove my point ,take a look at ” The Rest of the Story “, of the food drop and assessment to Rio Luis in Veraguas province ,:

the easy part

The mountain we had to go over

Map of the Santa Fe area, above.

The official delegation and vehicles:

VOLUNTEER VEHICLE...RIDE IN STYLE.

SCENERY

As we went uphill the scenery and road changes,………………………..

And of course while we had this………………………………………….

The Minister and Govt. bigshots  had this…………………………………………

Get Dirty ? ....me

anyways it was fun so enjoy…….

We did this aboutseven times

The halfway point ….Guabal 

and than more mud

We’ll leave it  at that for now, just remember lifes fun , enjoy and come on down , and stomp some mud with GHA and partners……………………………………………………….www.gogha.org

STORM SYSTEM 23 NOV

Darien, Panama,

A severe storm system that is stationary over and around the Rep, of  Panama, since the 19 of Nov. has caused severe flooding in the eastern province of Darien that borders with Colombia, also along the Atlantic coast of Colon. In Darien more than 26 communities are incommunicado by swollen rivers that have washed away the banana harvest which is the mainstay of the local economy, In Colon 13 communities along the Rio Gatun and Costa Arriba, have been affected by raging rivers and landslides.

Panama Red Cross have responded to the emergency with Response Teams and initial support of water and sanitary supplies. This year the rainy season has been exceptionally active and rainfall is above average for this time of year. Experts agree that this is a result of Climate Change and the way mankind is handling the enviroment.

Panama Red Cross Disaster Management Teams are on the scene with ongoing assessments and assistance to the more than 4500 persons that have been affected by the floods, at posting 10 tons of relief supplies are being prepared for delivery and distribution to the affected areas in Colon and Darien.

The Province of Darien with more than 11.800.00 squre km of territorial extension  is located to the east of Panama City and has an estimated 44.000 inhabitants of latin, afro, and indigenous population, the mainstay of the local economy is  banana,and agricultural products, but also lumber and mining are economic activities.

In some areas the floodwaters reached over a meter in-depth ,as reported by inhabitants of Yaviza, El Real and other villages along the Chuqunaque river. The Tuira river the largest in Panama broke its own flood level records.

The republic of Panama

For more information on The Humanitarian Adventure to these and other areas ,please contact GHA at  www.gogha.org

 Also more info at  ifrc.org/cruzrojapanameña   or http//panama.cruzroja.org  

VERAGUAS,PANAMA

SANTA FE ,VERAGUAS ,PANAMA.

It started out as an escort duty for an evaluation of a small village on the Caribbean side of Veraguas, but how wrong I was. It all began with a call from my boss at Ops center telling me I had been assigned as lead person to the PRC /MIDES delegation that was going to Rio Luis in the mountains of Veraguas ,so I thought another boring trip with the bureaucrats, come ,go,its finished and thats that. But as my grandpa used to say : ” One proposes , God disposes. ” or in spanish: ” Uno propone, Dios dispone.”

We were supposed to leave Panama City at 1800 hrs Wednesday, but didn’t get out until almost 2300 hrs,arriving at Santiago the provincial capital at 0230 hrs Thursday, checked in at the hotel and tried to get some rest. At 0500 it was time to get ready and go , meeting with the rest of the group at 0600 and leaving after a quick review of the days plans,which were basically to go up the mountain ,over it and on the other side get to Rio Luis, evaluate the area for a nutritional assistance program and be back in the early evening,Ha Ha you bet.

From Santiago to Santa Fe its 57 km.of paved road, narrow , winding ,but paved at Santa Fe you turn off and change to gravel and start climbing,up down thru some of the most amazing territory of the country.

Than it really got good and the road turned to mush, I really mean liquid reddish-brown mud, perfect for four  wheeling ,which is what happened next  

What was supposed to be an 8 hr trip just turned into a 2 day odyssey, but you know what ,I had the time of my life.  Look at some of the pics of the road and what we did to get to Rio Luis.

 I can say it was very educational and fun,where else can you work and have fun at the same time? Only with your local Red Cross chapter and GHA.

The thing is we made it to Rio Luis at about 0400 in the morning Friday so all wasn’t lost, we had breakfast with the locals , did our thing and got back on the road by 1000 AM . On the way back we linked up with some guys from Panama 4×4 club who were coming back from Calovebora , which was about 37 kms further up the road and on the coast.

It still was an adventure to get back to Santa Fe, but with the extra help it was a bit faster . See for yourself.

Well at least we got to enjoy a refreshing shower towards the end of the trip, and get the mud out of our eyes.

Well long story short, we hit Santiago about 2100hrs , tired, happy and  exhausted but satisfied that another mission had been accomplished,now were working on the numbers for the project and hope to be back  to Rio Luis in about 2 weeks with the first food drop.

Now folks if you want to be a part of this type of Humanitarian adventure just write or navigate to :  www. gogha.org  or google ” Global Humanitarian Adventure”  and join us for the next trip, or something else, we have a bit of everything for you.

Tomorrow I’ll be back with more pics and news from Panama, Good Night to all.

Weather Sattelite Image 08/11/09

Panama City, Panama.

Today, after all the flooding , landslides, destruction,etc.etc., I think its time for a break,so we’ll have a brief update , and on to other things.

Boquete 03 Nov.

Panama Red Cross has delivered to affected areas around 25 tons of aid of different types , food, blankets, cots etc. the bulk of the aid effort has been through government agencies. The weather situation remains the same with rains forecast for the next few days. Meanwhile Ida at this time again a Cat. 1  hurricane is expected to gain strength as it pushes northward through the Gulf of Mexico. Nicaragua,El Salvador and Honduras have already been drenched by the storm with the resulting side effects.

Estimated Path of IDA

Meanwhile back in Panama residents return to affected areas,and their homes,to rebuild and those that lost everything,to start from scratch and hope for better.

Food security is the issue at hand,because of the losses suffered the local farm industry is reeling from the blows of first: drought and then excess of rain. An estimated 8500 hectares of food and cattle production have been destroyed,including half of the rice production.Panama consumes an estimated 500.000 quintales of rice a month, so the loss is going to be felt mostly by the poorer segment of the population whose daily diet is based on the grain.For that reason Panama Red Cross is starting to develop contingency plans with the local authorities, in preparation of any emergencies that may arise.

Rice Field

The Panamanian Govt. signed Friday an agreement with the UN Foundation for Habitat for the construction of more than 20.000 low income homes.

Did you know that:

More than two billion people  live on less than 2 USD a day.

More than one billion people live in urban slums.

More than one billion people in developing countries don’t have adequate access to potable water.

Over 960 million people around the world are hungry

More than 250 million people are affected annually by weather related disasters-98% are in the developing world.

Nearly 200 million people are migrants-half are estimated to be woman, and 20 % of them have no legal status.

Around 42 million are living with HIV,while 8000 die from the disease every day.

Over 30.000 children die every day from preventable diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea- one every three seconds.

Did you know that 200 million people are supported annually through Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes, and that the largest volunteer based humanitarian organization in the world is the Red Cross Red Crescent movement. 186 National Societies form the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent ( IFRC) along with the International committee of Red Cross (ICRC) together form the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The movement represents tens of millions of volunteers worldwide.

GHA is partnered with the Panama Red Cross Society and is part of this movement indirectly and participates in any one of the PRC’s local assistance programmes. You to can be part of this exciting network thru GHA , all you have to do is visit our website and learn about our programmes and joint projects,and at the same time live and explore the Republic of Panama . www.gogha.org

Make a difference, do something different……………………………….

Lets leave it like this ….but think about it …and let us know……..

Good Night and God Bless………………………..

Waters are slowly going down in Sona

Panama City, Panama / Boquete:

Well  finally after more than three days, waters are slowly getting back to level,after massive flooding that affected seven of nine provinces in Panama since the beginning of the month,product of a tropical depression ,that converted to a tropical storm , bringing generous amounts of rainfall to the area.

Red Cross personel in Boquete

Panama Red Cross OPSCENTER reports at least 1040 people affected by last weeks foul weather,many are now returning to their homes today ,to a not to happy reunion with pets and families, mud filled homes, wrecked furniture and appliances,destroyed crops and lost livestock. The Panama government through the First ladies Office, Ministry of Social Development, and Panama Red Cross have been distributing water and food rations to inhabitants of the affected areas.

One of the main concerns, is the possible loss of the rice harvest in Cocle and parts of Chiriqui, due to the fact that the variety of rice grown here is the dry soil type ,opposed to other varieties which are grown in water-soaked soils.

As normality returns to Sona ,also other areas are coming back to normal , such is the case of Nata , a colonial town in the middle of Cocle province that after 4 days without potable water today happily had its service restored.In other news Chiriqui and Bocas del toro are still facing heavy rains due to collateral effects of tropical storm Ida that after passing through Panama, causing floods ,destruction and at least two confirmed deaths,Swept Costa Rica causing an estimated 3000 persons affected,going on to Nicaragua as a Cat 1 hurricane causing over 40.000 affectations and major damage to infrastructure . At posting Ida is currently a tropical storm over Honduras .

GHA wishes to thank all those who generously have donated their time and expertise, to help us help others , people like Jim , Steve, ,and countless others who took the step and made a difference.We also would like to thank our partners of the Panama Red Cross and Deadwheat Foundation for helping the volunteer revolution make a difference.

Boquete Outdoor Adventures became the local Command Center for PRC

After a long night some R*R

A special thank you to Boquete Outdoor Adventures, Jim who opened his office as an  Emergency Ops Command Post for the Panama Red Cross teams that came in from David ;Boquete, and Bugaba.

At posting time evaluations are still being made as to what proceeds with the Valle Escondido area that is still presenting landslides and debris , threatening many homes in that area.

Weather forecasts for Saturday indicate more rain for Chiriqui, Bocas and CR.Civil Defense Maintains an alert for all the occidental region of the country.

Landslide Damage In Valle Escondido

Well folks , thats the latest in news and updates, remember if you want to be a part of the solution and not the problem, volunteer and make a difference. Remember GHA depends on your financial kindness, for more info : gogha.org or rpickett@gogha.org

Good Night and God Bless……………….

Hurricane IDA

Panama City, Panama.

As expected rains let up a bit in most of the Republic of Panama today although it is the rainy season so you can never tell what’s going to happen.

 The latest numbers as to affected persons and homes during the last few days are as follows:

Provinces of Chiriqui , Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, Cocle , Los Santos, Herrera, and Panama, that makes seven out of nine, so its been a little hectic out there.

The Panama Red Cross reports that a total of 716 people have been affected directly on account of the floods and hundreds more indirectly.The ” Green Alert ” that was instated nationwide by Civil Defense, SINAPROC, has been reduced to Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro as of this morning.

Water levels are starting to come down in Sona today which has 430 persons displaced and 84 homes destroyed. In Santa Maria, Herrera prov. 30 families were affected, 15 homes in La Villa,75 in Tonosi, 5 in Panama City, 10 in Chorrera, 6 in Puerto Armuelles, 47 homes in Boquete along with 280 displaced persons in that area.

But besides the normal problems associated to floods , this time we have major damage to crops and rice harvest.In Los Santos and Herrera all along the banks of the Santa Maria river 120 farms were washed out , losing almost all of their crops,in Cocle rice plantations worth over a million dollars in harvest were practically destroyed,an estimated 300 hectares of rice have been lost. Not to mention the production of the Chiriqui highlands which is considered the countries breadbasket, and has been widely affected.

Rice Crop Damge

Tropical Depression 97 L that turned into Tropical Storm Ida And later this morning into Cat 1 Hurricane Ida,  is stationary off the carribean coast of Bluefields , Nicaragua, pulling in moisture that will keep causing heavy rains for Panama. Costa Rica , and the rest of Central america.

Weather sat Image 06/11/09

Panama Red Cross rapid response teams worked hard and heavy with their counterparts from Civil Defense, Fire depts., and government agencies to alleviate  suffering and destruction all over Panama.

Red Cross in action

The first official victim of the storm system has been identified as Florentino Santos who was swept by floodwaters at Rio Vigui ,in Chiriqui province,search is still underway for three fisherman who were reported missing yesterday at the San Pablo river in Veraguas and in Colon a search is underway for another group of fishermen who left the artisan port of Maria Chiquita.

The government water company is restoring potable water to the communities that had been without the service for the last three days.

Reports indicate that the most damage was to the water plant at Sona and Nata .Government officials have said that the situation should normalize by the end of the week.

Boquete Damage

In Boquete, residents are  gearing up for more landslides and rain as the forecast indicates more of the same until at least Sunday. Costa Rica has also been heavily affected by this storm system ,with at least 3000 people displaced in the areas of Limon, Siquirres, Talamanca and Guapiles. The Costa Rica Red Cross have mobilized rescue personnel with specialized equipment to the area , as reported by Major Guillermo Arroyo, of the CRC National Disaster Office. 36 local CRC committees are involved in the operation.

And if nature isn’t giving us a hard enough time ; gasoline and fuel prices are going up as of Saturday with a hike of 0.14 cents a USG. for 91 octane, which will be about $2.73 in Panama city and 0.13 cents  for 95 octane,which will cost $3.13 a gallon. Diesel fuel goes up 0.11 cents a gallon, Texas crude that is used as our local reference closed tonite at $79.74 a bbl. and next price change will be the 20 of November.

Tides on the Pacific side will be averaging 16.9 ft for the rest of the week , so we can expect more high water levels, an alert has been issued for the Pacific seaboard to that effect.

GHA has been in constant contact with the PRC liaison and closely coordinated with Boquete RC chapter to continue to  offer support in this time of emergency. For more info please contact Robb Pickett at  rpickett@gogha.org or pfinlay@gogha.org

Evacuations in Panama

So that will be all for today , until tomorrow, God Bless you all.