Maybe this is a case of a truly dedicated worker wanting to do a good job. Glad you paid him. Wonder how many gringos would have handled this in a similar way.

We informed our gardener about the possibility of a quarantine last week.  We said that we would continue to pay him because it wasn't his fault and he still needed to provide for his family.  He was most grateful ... especially when we gave him a little "extra".

Bill and I are taking credit on yard care.  Two Ngobe families.  Sort of a form of Cooperativa.  We loan...they return service down the road when they are free.

Just talked to my gardener, told him not to come for a couple of weeks.  He produced a "hall pass" showing that he was allowed to continue working.  Good for him in taking the initiative.  He'll be here as usual.

1 hour ago, JohnF13 said:

"hall pass" s

Does anybody out there know if there IS in fact this hall pass?  I have not seen that...maybe I missed it

Reason I asked is ...well everybody wants to work.  Nobody is working.  I used to write my own excuse notes in school so my mind goes to that....

We told our 2 employees ( married) who work inside and outside for us for 15 years to "Stay home" and they will be paid. I am concerned for their family as well as Dave and me. They whatsapped me this week that they miss working .. and us.

I am very impressed with how very seriously our local community is taking all the rules.Palante, Palante, Keep on Keeping on. Salud our dear Boquete.

Yes Erin...I'm impressed.  I mean I handed a doorman at the bank a $ gift for his family and he would not take it...."against the rules he said with a sorta sad look after he asked his boss through the window of the bank...".    Everybody is so sweet and you know they are suffering big time.  

John 13...  Can you secure a copy of the “hall pass” from your gardener?

Marcelyn, it is on my whatsapp, if you pm me your phone number I will forward it.  I only used the term “hall pass” ‘cause I didn’t know what else to call it.

+507-6533-4656

My gardener got a pass a couple of days ago. It's essentially a "Safe Conduct" certificate. SALVO CONDUCTO DE CIRCULACION DE PRODUCTOR.

It was issued by the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and is valid for 60 days.

This is a google translation of the notice the mayor has posted on his facebook page:

As of the date, the safe-conducts and circulation permits granted in the Boquete district 
that do not specify the date, time and reason for their circulation, are suspended. 
In the same way, as of the date, new safe-conduct requests will not be accepted 
both in the Mayor's department and in the Houses of Community Justice and Peace. 
Only those given by MIDA and municipal officials may circulate.

I saw a LOT of cars outside MIDAS yesterday.  Just a theory I have...but I suspect the "pass" is for Ag workers out in fields that need to plant and harvest the country's produce.  I seriously doubt it's for yard work.  But I'll have to say...I am impressed by his ingenuity.   (something I'd do when I was young and full of mischief...now I'm just old and full of sh**)  

Today, Sunday, May 24, my gardener appeared at my gate. He hasn't been here for about 3 months so lots of work for him to do. I don't know if he got special permission or if the government has just loosened up the restrictions for gardeners. In any case, I'm happy.