Parking bandits return to city streets

A HIGHLY  promoted program to rid Panama of its bien-cuidaos, (“well guarded”) street parkers   seems to have died in its tracks with the  Marauders back in force to pounce on motorists and demand payment for guiding them to “guarded ” parking spaces on city streets,  before disappearing in search of new prey

On February 12, 2016,  Panama Mayor José Isabel Blandón said that the days were numbered for those who were dedicated to the pestering trade.

He said that a training program would be introduced and the activity would end on March 1, and those who insisted on practicing it would be sanctioned; those who did not take the opportunity to be part of the program, would have to look for another activity, said Blandón.

The authorities had explained that the program would facilitate formal work in a private or government enterprise. In Casco Viejo where the plan began, and the bien-cuidaos are back in action some residents have described the situation as “unbearable” reports  TVN.