Mark Heyer's Report From the Potrerillos Security meeting-Oct 9

[The Zapadora]

This brief article is provided as an early report   prepared in consultation with Rodny Direct.

by Mark Heyer.

      One thing that I would add is the Cap.Arauz said that one minor ( 14 years old ) had been released and one older suspect (17 years old) was still being detained.

It is a good time for Boquete residents to get a similar and even bigger and better meeting together...while all this is still in the spotlight.

Thanks to all who came, it was amazing given that it all came together in 24hrs. Shows the level of commitment the community has to this issue.

[Safe Home Security of Panama]

Thanks, well done!

[Val]

Where is Mark's report? Not seen now. However, I personally have ZERO credibility in what he writes anyway- he took advantage of a major crime in my area -

Mark - here's your chance to back up how and why you "weaved" a tale that was totally incorrect. The date of the crime was 19-Jul-15 in case I need to "remind " you.

Your honest reply here would be appreciated.

Regards

[Jim Tosch]

If actions were better than ideas, monkeys would rule the world instead of humans.

[The Zapadora]

Yes Thanks Jim, predictable as always. I will close the discussion now. I am sure you can start your own fascinating thread of more things 'we' should do. Why not actually get out there and do something yourself? Start the group you suggest.

[Mark Heyer]

Val,

I appreciate your questions.

If you have specific questions about the Joe Potrebenko murder, I would be happy to answer them, either here or directly.

Let me say this: I spent most of the day (with some other people) after the murder getting a detailed reconstruction from Betsy and observing how the punks were able to enter the property and house undetected. 

The why of the murder is much less clear and will probably have to wait until the perps are captured. 

[The Zapadora]

Mark and Val, please see my last reply and let's start a new thread for that if necessary. Thanks dlh

[The Zapadora]

This thread was to report what happened at the meeting in Potrerillos. If anyone wishes to start a bashing or pissing contest, please take responsibility for that and start your own thread.

Also, thank you for all the "ideas" posted here. Ideas are great, actions are better.Many people have demonstrated their commitment by their actions over this past week, Don Ray ( for helping update us all on Marion's condition and for hosting her daughter Deborah at his house),Rodeny Moreno ( for coming to the meeting and translating), Martine H,(for getting up a petition re law changes), Mark H and Phil McG ( for being at the meeting and photographing/reporting etc), Lyn Mckee ( for getting the word out), Fran Hogan ( for posting to the FB page Boquete News), Lori C ( for constantly for working with the community on vigilance and security strategy), Elizabeth Worley ( for getting together the Vecinos Vig group in Alto jaramillo..TBA), The Potrerillos Arriba neighbors ( for getting their vecinos vigilante group together with the Representante), Sanet Negri in Poterrillos Abajo ( for being so very vocal about the needs of the new police puesto  at the Police intersection in Potrerillos and not letting the Mayor or the Representante off the hook) Frank Steg & Jose ( for continually screaming about the environmental insecurity).. all the people who actually took the time to drive over from Boquete and beyond, to actually show to the authorities that they care...the list goes on and on...real people, real actions..not just words.

Thanks all...and to Lee ( who started ning and who would have been totally out there with us). oh and thank you Roger B for being a supportive and balanced Panamanian voice here.

[Jim Tosch]

Roger, is it possible that Chiriqui lacks political clout and the focus must be on Panama as an entirety. Who is the leader in Chiriqui that can move Varela. Is this juvenile problem local or nationwide?

[Jim Tosch]

I have to mention in defense of Panama that no country has found a solution for this problem.

[Roger Bellido]

Jim

My point of view and I could be wrong.  But with the fallacy that we are becoming a more "civilized society" around the world, lawyers, lawmakers, politicians, human rights organization have softened some measures against criminals that good, hard working, law respectful people is being attacked by criminals.  

Sometimes I think that laws are made to protect criminals and not the victims.  Not only in Panama but in other part of the world too.  Criminals has more guarantees than the victims.  Nobody fight for the human rights of the victims and their families.