Frequently Asked Questions
Paradise Haven’s Location: Republic of Panama, Pacific slope of the continental divide, 1 hour 30 min to Pacific Ocean 40 minutes from Costa Rica border, Chiriqui Providence (state), Bugaba District (County), Located 5 miles west of the town of Volcan, 4 miles west of the town of Cerra Puenta, north of Los Posos town forest (a 17 acre natural preserve with healing hot springs), bordered on the south by the Rio Colorado (river), and the east by Cabrel Norte (creek)
PROPERTY FACTS
1) Altitude: 6,000 ft. – 7,500 ft. above sea level
2) Topography description
The beauty of the land comes from the unique topographical variations, offering a naturist setting throughout the whole property. Green mountains, tropical and semi-tropical forests, old growth trees, flat grassy pasture land, (ideal for building), hills and slopes (good for tree and crop farming), streams, rivers, springs and creeks with waterfalls meander through the landscape, (perfect for hydro systems throughout) Valleys that could be used for hydro dams and lake activities for community enjoyment.
3) Water availability
Year round streams and rivers, reliable enough for hydro-electric energy systems.
Details: In Spanish a totuma is a water pitcher, or that from which water flows.
Mt. Totumas is named for it’s abundant waters.
Many creeks, rivers and beautiful clear springs flow throughout the property.
Water for hydro is tubed from the nearby mountain spring. Water could also be drilled into a nearby spring or below streambeds at various locations.
Water Purity: The spring water on the property is the purest available.
Waterfalls: run throughout Rio Colorado, many with high altitude drops, enough to guarantee year round good hydro efficiency. Endless waterfalls run throughout the borders of a good portion of the property, as well as smaller ones that meander throughout the many creeks, rivers and streams.
Hot springs: There is a beautiful natural hot spring pool on the way to the property, containing mild sulfur healing waters at perfect temperature in exquisite natural surroundings, which are next to a cold running stream in the mountain forest.
There also is a VERY hot sulfur healing spring right near the property line that can be piped in and mixed with the stream water that runs through the property. An indoor/outdoor Grecian spa (with cascading water falls into the pools) could be created with the warm healing water falling into multiple pools. Hot springs could also be drilled down into the earth at various sites that already have the sulfur springs bubbling up to create our own original hot healing pools.
< back >
4) Old forest growthThe first property is dotted with ancient old growth trees having astonishing 30-40 ft. diameter bases and are as tall as redwoods. The second tract is original, undisturbed ancient cloud forest with a riding trail that passes through the entire length of the farm.
Details: Many varieties of hardwoods and various ancient tree groves and multiple springs and small streams on the property that empty into the Rio Colorado, which flows along the easternmost boundary of the property.
Percentage of raw undeveloped land approximately 85 to 90% of the first farm is currently cleared for pastures and crops. The remainder is trees located along the creeks and streams and sporadically about the farm to avoid the look of a clean cut opened forestlands.
Potential for Biological Research: As over 90 percent of all medicines have their basis in the rain forest, there are endless opportunities to study and develop the flora and fauna into healing natural medicines. The Smithsonian Institute made their research headquarters on this property in the 1980’s, studying and documenting the endless species of insects, animals, molds, funguses and living things located here. There are a rare varieties of bees and a rare species of golden frogs as well as the tapir which is also nearly extinct and many other valuable troves. People come to this area of Panama from all European countries as well as the US to work on specialized degrees that deal with the studies of these life forms. A barracks and minimal amount of conveniences for students would generate a substantial income for the farm, as most persons working on such degrees are doing so with a substantial grant from the US Government.
< back >
Various wildlife:
Various wildlife include Tapir, 5 varieties of monkeys, deer, wild boar, wild turkey, wild pheasants, panthers, marquee tiger, several small cats, quenhaju, armadillo, quetzal, mock mock birds, bell birds, quails, and many other varieties of birds and wildlife. Annual Audubon Bird count is held here every year on December 24th. The farm is also a popular migratory route for many birds, butterflies and moths.
5) Natural catastrophic potentials
There is no danger of hurricanes, tsunamis, or flooding here in the mountains. Old dormant volcano tectonic plates are moving apart instead of colliding, keeping the volcanic activity dormant. The lava tubes form the extinct volcano, now flow into a large active volcano many miles into Costa Rica. (The volcano is dormant not extinct. Volcanoes must have had no eruptions for 20,000 years to be extinct).
6) Weather conditions: seasonal details, rainfall & temperatures
Panama has two 6 month long seasons:
Winter, June - October; with morning sunshine and afternoon rain showers almost daily
Summer, November – May; with temps averaging 78 to 80 degrees, lowest 58 degrees in December. Bajareke is a unique mist that appears for a few minutes or a couple of hours on each of the summer days on the farm, which keeps the pastures green all year. It is a mist that occurs due to the weather phenomena caused by the colder winter air in the Gulf blowing across Mt. Totumas. During periods of the mist, the mist can be floating sideways, moving up and them drifting back down or in multiple directions. Usually the sun is shining during the mist and the droplets act as a prism causing multiple double rainbows to appear about the landscape. The bands of these rainbows expand and connect over a period of several minutes and you have the effect of two rainbows…one on top of the other appearing daily in the mist.
< back >
7) Pest conditions: e.g. mosquitoes, termites, etc
The high altitude climate is void of termites and other wood eating bugs, or mosquitoes.
8) Soil conditions: extremely fertile and non-polluted, perfect for growing unlimited crops and trees.
9) Air quality? Our remote location provides perfect air quality with clear blue skies during the day and bright stars at night. Stars are so much brighter than in the US it is hard to tell where stars stop and fireflies begin. There are millions of visible starts that one in the US has never known were there.
10) What government agencies are needed for approvals and permits for an Eco-community tourist-producing project like this?
ANAM-Oversees natural parks and woodcutting
ANAM & IDIAN-oversees water rights ($200 per year usage fee if over 2 rental rooms)
MITA-oversees the ownership rights of land
IPAT-oversees tourist approval and registration
CORREGIDURIA-issues building permits
BOMBEROS-issues electrical approval and plans
Processes, procedures and approximate timelines
Details: Environmental studies take at least two months and could take up to one year depending on who you know and what level they are requiring of you. The IPAT approval does not hold up the project. The building permits and fireman documents are quick and easy if all is in order.
< back >
11) Are there any restrictions, zoning laws, licenses or permits needed for the building & development of an Eco- Community, Biological Research Center, Reforestation Project, and Organic Agriculture Farm, Health Center?
Compliance with ANAM rules regarding preservation of cloud forest. There are no zoning laws. Licenses and permits for building are needed, and qualified developers and general contractors handle these matters. A Health Center would need to be approved by the Ministry of Health and would require health inspection. There are no restrictions, permits or certifications for organic farms.
Concessions: The government will pay us, offer benefits and give 20 year tax exemptions for concessions for projects such as tourism, reforestation and many other projects we are planning.
12) Are there any laws, rulings, restrictions, zoning laws, licenses or permits needed for development of Tribal workers supportive projects located in remote and separate reservation on the land? No, only Social Security oversees all employee wages. Employees are entitled to one month per year vacation and certain holidays. The government charges a fee of approximately $64 on the fourth month of employment. The employee pays a percentage of the monthly Social Security contribution, the balance is paid by the employer. One employee costs about $45 per month of which the employee pays a small percentage (approximately $4 per week).
Supportive Tribal Concessions
Many government concessions are offered including receiving your pensionado by hiring 3 employees full time.
< back >
13) What infrastructure is presently in place?
A working $24,000 10Kw hydro-electric generator is presently in use and is capable of putting out enough power to support four 2,500 sq. foot American style homes, plus farm and shop electrical needs.
A hand built private rock road entranceway of 2 kilometers runs up through the property and to the 3 bedroom home site. This road is presently being upgraded and the foundation is being laid for a two- tread lane cement paved road.
An old cart path goes from one end of the second part of the property to the other for hiking and trail rides.
14) What infrastructure presently is needed for the property?
Roads should be added after design layout is finalized for total project based upon needs for each area and then paved cement roads added.
Costs: cement calculations x 2 kilometers for 2 x 24” wide paths including materials and labor = $3500-$5000 to pave the two cement strips of the present driveway through property.
Additional Hydro systems will be needed to handle the developing building and housing electrical loads. There presently is enough for 4 more 2,500 sq. ft homes. There are now available very inexpensive and compact systems available, such as the hydro Pelton Wheel 24 V. generators from the US.
It is suggested that professional supervisors overseeing tribal workers would be the most optimal and cost effective way for development of the infrastructure and building.
< back >
15) Once building and developmental permits and approvals are given, what are the approximate timelines for actual building time, from start to finish?
Building of homes and other structures should be complete within 6 to 18 months. If development is previously coordinated, normal residence construction takes 6 to 9 months similar to in the US.
Eco-building using natural materials available from the land, and with $7 per day laborers the building time should be much shorter than with normal construction.
16) What local plans & timelines are in process that will have a direct or indirect impact on the property?Roads: It is anticipated that a five kilometer road to Los Posos will be paved in the near future.
Hydro-plants: Are presently under construction that will provide electricity to the whole canyon. Our property will be off the grid and self-sufficient.
Lake: This hydro plant would naturally require substantial damming of water that would create a lake six kilometers in length. The lake would be about a kilometer and a half from the entrance of the McDaniel property.
< back >
17) Are lands for sale that border J. B. M. property and that could be available for expansion? What is the approximate acreage or hectares of each?
We are seeking the adjacent property of 220 acres with similar topography is for sale and to be used for expansion. Additional neighboring properties would also be for sale at the right price. There is approximately 1400 acres available bordering our site for sale if needed for expansion in the future. Approximately 2000 acres could be acquired if so desired.
18) Specifics on the buildings and structures presently existing.Description: Main ranch home
Details: Approximately 1800 sq. feet, masonry and hardwood construction from cut wood taken from the property in 1999.
Electricity: Hydro-electric system
Type of construction: Hardwoods such as Sedro Rojo, Sequo Canells, Teak and Bambito. Floors are ceramic tile, except for 18.5 x 26 living room and 16 x 16 new master suite. These floors are bambito hardwood.
Gardens? Various flowering bulbs and tropical gardens frame the house and roadways.
A greenhouse is presently underway for ongoing plant propagation.
Other dwellings: Workers quarters
Details: Old milk house used for housing of employees. A horse corral with fencing and a Chicken Coup with 100 brooder chickens
< back >
19) How much cleared acreage (grassland) presently exists? Eighty five percent of the property.
20) How many acres are presently being farmed? One percent is currently being farmed.
21) What crops are being grown currently? Four acres of organic potatoes, coffee, black berries, a small garden of Collards, Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Chayote, Green Beans, String Beans, Carrots, Butter Beans, Turnips, Mustard, Green Peas, Squash, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Beets, Celery, Onions, Narajilla, Watercress, Strawberries and various flowering bulbs.
22) Soil conditions? Soil conditions are excellent. The land has never been farmed before and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers have ever been used.
23) How much useable timber and other natural resources such as gravel, stones and cement ingredients are available on the land?
Lots of hardwoods are available such as: cedro, roble, bambito, amarillo, maria, caobi, guaba de mountain, as well as pine. Beautiful rock for masonry is also available.
There would be design restrictions in order to maintain the ambiance of the property. We have been in contact with environmentalists, permaculturalists, architects and contractors for that purpose. Eco friendly and self-sufficient housing units using natural materials are also presently being researched.
< back >
24) Any plans for other kinds of livestock or farming?
There are plans for a trout farm by damming up one of the many springs on the property.
A large chicken coup already exists and is presently expanding. Grazing land is presently leased out for 80 cows. Six horses are used as work horses and for breeding.
The initial investment would be for infrastructure. The balance would be subdivided and the individual investors would be responsible for building their own dwellings. If the property were leased by interested parties for a term of say 50 years, as the parent company we would incur the expenses to maintain the infrastructure and landscaping. There would be design restrictions in order to maintain the ambiance of the property. We have been in contact with environmentalists, permaculturalists, architects and contractors for that purpose. Eco friendly and self-sufficient housing units using natural materials would be optimal.
< back >
REGARDING PANAMANIAN WAGES & COST OF LIVING
26) What is the work force dollar compensation or wage per hour for local labor?
Minimum wage is $7.12 per day
Examples:
Housekeeping help $0.51 per hour
For construction laborers $7.12 per day for non skilled to appx. $1.00 per hour semi-skilled
Skilled carpenters $1.50-$2.50 per hour, to run project is usually $l5.00 per day plus lodging
Bank employees $200.00 per month
27) Cost of living in Panama?
Food is VERY CHEAP in stores or in restaurants. Dinner out is on an average of $3-4 for a nice chicken dinner with veges and potatoes and salad. Breakfast out is about $1.50. Remember most of the local Panamanians and tribal people are only making $7 per day wages so everything is based around that income scale.
28) Price of Accommodations? A huge2 bedroom cabin with a terrace on a private lake, surrounded by an unbelievable vista of tropical forest outside the town of Volcan sleeps 7 to 10 people and rents for $550 per month, utilities included and for an extra $25 per month phone and internet. This is typical. A normal nice smaller 2 bedroom home rents for a about $200 per month including utilities. Nightly rentals range from $20 to $50 per night. The ones for $50 are on a lake or a beautiful furnished 1 bedroom apt per night. The same apt will rent for $300-$350 per month including utilities in a quiet and lovely setting near town.
< back >
PANAMANIAN GOVERNMENT
TAXES, VISAS, WORK & RESIDENCY PERMITS, IMPORTS
For Panama State Department information:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2030.htm
For Visa requirements, labor laws, etc. http://www.panamalaw.org/index.html
29) What is the tax structure for foreigners and Panama residents? The tax structure is the same for all foreigners as well as Panamanian residents.
30) What is involved in getting work permits for non-residents?
Most foreigners do not get work permits but rather start their own consulting companies. As long as you are not taking a job from a Panamanian resident there doesn't seem
to be any problem with "working".
31) What is the current status on visas? A tourist visa is good for 30 days with 60 day extensions available. U.S. tourist visas are expected to change to 90 days in the near future. Tourist visas can be obtained in the nearby town of David.
32) What is involved in becoming a Panamanian resident?
Through proper channels affordable residency visas are available within one month.
The normal residency application takes a year and a half to be approved.
< back >
33) What is a “pensionado”? A pensionado is a person with a pension of $500 plus $100 per dependent. This gives discount concessions for hotel accommodations, airline travel, and some restaurants throughout Panama for approved seniors, women 57 yrs or older and men of 60yrs.
34) Under what circumstances are immediate normal government residencies granted? With proper papers, pensionado, persons of means $200,000 on deposit for 5 years in a bank in Panama, and investors visa with 3 Panamanian employees.
35) Are vehicles taxed if imported? Imported vehicles are taxed heavily. There are concessions and ways around this. But it is recommended that local vehicles are purchased.
36) Where is the closest free Port? The closest free port is Colon.
37) Should I purchase items like the following, in Panama or the USA?
Quality vitamins and supplements? Most supplements are best imported. Only a small number of brands and items are governmentally approved.
Other products, Name brand goods: Best if imported.
< back >
Less costly but quality off-brand goods? These can be found through main department and specialty stores.
Discount Products Local products from China are predominant throughout Panama.
Medical equipment? Imports are best.
Are these items imported tax free? It depends on who you and if approved tax concessions through the government for resort projects are available.
Furniture: The furniture available in Panama is good quality hardwood and is reasonably
priced. Colon, Panama is the 2nd largest free port in the world. Everything from all over the
world is available: name brands and quality items, discounted items in cargo lots and wholesale items in the Free Zone. For electronics it is generally better if they are imported.
38) Does Panama have a health care system in place for residents? There are public clinics
in every town that are open to everyone. Public hospitals are in larger towns and cities.
They have good doctors but hospitals are very poorly stocked with supplies, medical equipment
and medications. Then there are social security hospitals for those who have been paying into
the system. They are a little better. The country has many private clinics and hospitals that
are closer to what we are used to in the U.S.
39) Is it necessary to create a holistic Board of Health with in the country for approval
of holistic practitioners?
Normal allopathic doctors must be licensed through the medical board, as well as
Acupuncturists. Natural health practitioners do not need to be licensed. They can be
categorized under the heading of life coaches, health consultants, nutritionists, etc.
The Medical board and government doesn’t have a problem with this as long as there are no
surgical procedures or invasive treatments performed. Actually, Panama is becoming a protected haven for alternative practitioners.
< back >
40) What kind of government is in control in Panama?
The government is Democratic with President of Ministries of each governmental department.
The currency used in Panama is U.S dollars.
41) Is there extradition for x-patriots?
Only for serious crimes like murder, etc. They protect alternative health care practitioners.
http://www.panamalaw.org/guide_to_extradition.html
42) Who manages the Panama Canal? The Panamanians leased the canal to the Chinese. They had to build the infrastructure of hospitals, roads and hydro plants, but the American government still monitors and regulates its use through surveillance. The canal is controlled by the Panama Canal Commission, which is a panel of five Americans and four Panamanians. The Panama Canal Commission spokesman said the treaty gives the United States the right to intervene militarily to protect access to the canal. For more information: www.youdebate.com/DEBATES/panama_china.HTM
< back >
43) Does the Panamanian government have an army?
No. Prior to the U.S. giving up their military bases in 1989, Panama made a pact to be
protected by the U.S. as well as the Chinese that now have a pact as well.
Panama does have a National Police force that looks much like an army in dress and gear. They patrol the boarders and are involved in all regions of the country. They man two check points on the Inter-Americana Highway, one near the Costa Rican boarder and another midway between David and Panama City. There is now a tourist police force being formed to assist tourists.
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
44) What is the technological platform that is used in Panama for communications? Internet platform is supported by fiber optics?
Internet access, cell phones, public phones and house phones are all available.
High-speed wireless Internet in available in much of the country as well as service through the phone company for those that have access to landlines. Cell phones are so widely used that the telephone company does not consider it profitable to install landlines in many parts of the country. Television consists of regular broadcast TV, Cable TV and satellite TV. Direct TV is offering Internet and telephone service through their satellite system for the property site.
< back >
45) Can Panamanian citizens export goods? Yes
Is a broker involved? Yes
Details of the process.
Normally most goods are imported not exported.
46) Do the weather conditions interrupt the communication of cell phones, cable TV, satellite or internet? Weather does not affect cell phones, cable TV or Internet but sometimes it does interrupt satellite TV.
47) Does the government allow installation of antenna for any kind of communication? Permits and explanation of use are required.
For further information; http://www.qsl.net/oh2mcn/hp.htm
< back >
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
48) Is there an international community around this area?
Yes there is a very large x pat community here in Volcan. Matter of fact the "Highlander" meetings got so overcrowded they have temporarily had to interrupt the monthly gatherings because they can't find a meeting place big enough.
49) What type of people live in the area?
Neighboring farms along the 7 kilometers consist of: The Bank President of Banco Nacional from Panama City. An attorney from Panama City, A corporation owned by the attorney from Panama City and President Torrelios, an alternative energy gentleman from Berkley California, and a retired dentist from Florida, and a large farm owned by a Latino lady who married a gringo and has duel citizenship. The Latino lady operates a quarter horse and champion-breeding program for black and red angus. There are various houses in the woods along the road where the local Indians live, and work on these farms. The site property is the only farm occupied year around by Americans.
50) How would you compare the spiritual energy to Bali? In Bali the local people are Hindu and carry the high spiritual energy there. In Panama the religion of the local people is Catholic.
Here in Paradise Haven’s property site it’s the property itself that carries the high vibration and sacred energy. With 380 degree panoramic views everywhere you look on all 660 acres, sitting on a rock by the waterfalls, or standing next to a tree with a 40 foot diameter base that's as tall as redwoods, or sitting in a natural hot spring surrounded by tropical wildflowers next to a cascading coldwater creek of pure volcanic waters is truly a spiritual experience. And once we come together to create our community we shall bring the spirit with us!
For more information on Panama please visit the following website: http://www.panamainsider.com
< back >
top ~ home ~ contact
Copyright 2007 Paradise Haven. All rights reserved. Website by PureSynchronicity