I am posting this without comment today so the community is aware of an issue. The petition is available at Amigos in Boquete. I will post more information about what is going on after I speak to the parties to the dispute.
PETITION
“LEAVE AMIGOS ALONE!”
We are under attack & we need your help! Restaurante Amigos is owned & operated by a Panamanian corporation that employs over 20 Panamanians & conducts business with dozens of local vendors. We have been molested, harassed, & threatened for the last 6 months, for personal reasons, by an expat from the United States whose sole goal in life is to close Amigos down. His claim has been echoed throughout Boquete: “I am going to be the one who closes Amigos down”. Restaurante Amigos is an important part of the community, culture, & tourism of Boquete, Chiriqui providing food & drink services with a variety of music & live entertainment for the entire community to learn & enjoy. Now after months of being harassed themselves, the Municipal is considering limiting Amigos operating hours & entertainment with the threat of closure. Restaurante Amigos has NOT broken any laws & complies with & will continue to operate under the guidelines of our operating permit & obey Panamanian law. We have not violated time or sound restrictions. Our entertainment stops an average of 2 to 4 hours before our allowed closing time & music is played within the regulated units of relative loudness of sound. Please sign this petition to “LEAVE AMIGOS ALONE!” & help stop the harassment.
Saludos & gracias,
Restaurante Amigos
PETICION
“DEJA A AMIGOS EN PAZ”
! Estamos bajo ataque y necesitamos su apoyo! El Restaurante Amigos es la propiedad de Panameños operados por los mismos la cual emplea más de veinte panameños y lleva acabo negocios fructíferas con un sin número de vendedores locales. Hemos sido molestados, atacados, y amenazados por los últimos seis meses, por razones personales, por un expatriado de los Estados Unidos, quien tiene la meta de cerrar el restaurante “Amigos”. Sus proclamaciones han hecho eco por medio de todo Boquete: “Cierra el negocio “Amigos”.
El Restaurante “Amigos” es una parte importante de la comunidad, su cultura, y el turismo de Boquete, proveyendo servicios, comidas y bebidas, con variedad de música, y entretenimiento en vivo para nuestra comunidad—un servicio divertido y educativo. Ahora, después de meses de ser molestado sin razón, el municipio está considerando la limitación de horas de operación y entretenimiento de “Amigos” con amenaza de cierre. El restaurante “Amigos” no ha violado ninguna Ley y seguirá sus operaciones regido por las reglas de nuestro permiso de operación. ¡No hemos cometido ninguna infracción, cumpliendo con todas las restricciones de volumen y horario de operación. Nuestro entretenimiento termina un promedio de dos a cuatro horas antes de la hora de cierre la cual se nos permite y la música se toca dentro de las especificaciones y reglas, referente a la medición de decibeles de nuestras actividades artísticas. Por favor firma esta petición para “Dejar a Amigos en paz” y ayudar terminar dichos ataques.
Sin nada más en particular, quedo de ustedes,
Restaurante Amigos
Replies
What on earth is the purpose of reposting this year-old thread? Hasn't this issue stirred up enough enmity in the community?
The writing was on the wall a long time ago...
Not so much off targtet as to a diversion and necessary at this point in this discussion.
I only am following because my other least favorite restaurant is so close to closing I am curious to where I will come to have some relaxing meals when I visit Boquete.
Understand that for 3 years previous to the lawsuit McDonalds had been warned by their own internal safety people that this could and would probably become a litigation. And, that the corporate "pinchers" made a determination to maintain the temperature of the coffee at unreasonably high temperatures after many warnings.
The jurors had information that indicated that for over 3 years and with many previous complaints of the high temperatures, that they sent a message, that was everntually reversed by the judge in the case.
The point being, if you know you have a problem face up to it and do something otherwise you look like a fool.
TS
Thank you, Michael
I had the same reaction as you and nearly posted a rebuttal myself. Many people, including me in the past, believed that this case was frivolous. It seems to be mostly supported by right-leaning people in my universe these days as part of the push by the trans-national corporations to radically limit their liability in lawsuits in the U.S.
Since this discussion may be headed for the Guinness Book of World Records, I figure I'll add my humble view.
Disclaimer: I did not and will not sign my name and provide my passport number for any type of petition outside of my registered voting district in the U.S. Let alone in a country that can, at their discretion, request me to vacate said country...Think about it.
Back on topic.
Having spent several years of my misguided youth in a "rock band" I feel I can speak with some limited knowledge and authority.
We were with a group at last Sundays gathering and were seated next to the stage. Don't get me wrong, the band was great! However, once the music started, two wine glasses on our table shattered, three months of ear wax build-up flew out my right ear,(sorry Harry) and Sharon lost a filling, (but I'm not willing to blame that entirely on the concussion from the sound). So, for safety reason we relocated to the furthest table from the stage. Although we felt more secure that we were in no danger of being injured by shattering glass, unintended bodily functions or tooth loss, we were still unable to carry on a conversation without the aid of a megaphone.
The experience nostalgically carried me back to all the requests to "Turn down the damn volume" of years past, only from the opposite side of the conversation.
Seriously, the volume was well beyond the decibel level required for listening enjoyment...well beyond.
In closing:
From the bands point of view and experience...I know, "Crank it up!!!"
From the younger set's point of view..."If the musics too loud, you're too old."
And, from an old farts point of view..."50% less volume would have still been loud enough for all to enjoy" and possibly a little less prone to outside complaint.
So in the spirit of "Can't we all just get along"...
I hope everything works out.
Sincerely, Jim
P.S.Jim's helpful hint # 73 to the complainant... Next time, before you commit to buy or rent, do your homework.
P.S.S. Does anyone know a good dentist?
Note to self..Cancel appointment with ear doctor for cleaning.
By the way, the Ministerio Publico opened an office in Centro Comercial Alto Dorado yesterday.
Well,
At least no one has complained about live insects or worms in the food.
Hope it doesn't come down to the food.
Last time I was in for a quick dinner, the food was good, the service slow, and the waitstaff had personalities and no one was obviously so overcome with drugs or alcohol they forgot food,.
I am hoping the owners and the neighbors can work out some compromise, and soon.
TS
Yes. Panama have some Arbitration entities. They are a new practice in Panama and have had good results solving CIVIL matters. The two big ones I know are from the Panama Chamber of Commerce and from the Panama Construction Chamber.
For arbitrations both parties must be willing to solve the problem this way. In business problems and litigations arbitration have proved its value by saving a lot of money and time in Panama. A frontal confrontation will never give the best results for both parties.
According to my experience and knowledge lawsuits and litigations with "frivolous" charges dont proceed in our courts. They are easily dismissed and dropped. Some judges have given strong reprimand to attorneys that bring those frivolous cases into court.
In Panama a private attorney can bring criminal charges and that part of this entire matter is what makes this much uglier than just resolving a noise dispute.
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