The government needs to support the anti litter movement by providing adequate trash pick up, disposal container and re-eduation, If they are sincere about their tourist movement this is essential. Panamanians, who are very nationalistic and proud of their small country seem to lose that pride when it comes to disposal of their garbage. To the much more sophisticated first world visitors from North America and Europe, this puts a very bad foot forward and they look at the garbage strewn every where as a real negative. I have often heard mention of Panama as a "real garbage hole" . It may seem inocuous and not important to some, but in terms of image it is totally distructive for this country and the image it is trying to build for itself and its people. Where is your pride Panama ?

I was born and lived forever in Panama. Had not traveled much. But, my parents teached me that littering was not socially good. I learned that to teach others, no matter what, I must be an example. So I have done with my childs, that now, all three are adults. So we are a panamanian family of five that do not litter out of a garbage can. We keep garbage inside the car until we reach destiny.
I agree with you and hate that authorities do not enforce law and education to correct this anomaly.

My husband and I had the same expectations as Matt. Our 9 months invested in research about considering to move here have pretty much come to a screeching halt because of the trash issue. It's everywhere and I just can't live in a place where the people and government literally have no respect for themselves, their neighbors, or the beauty of their country. Unless the western region holds more promise in the coming week, Panama is no longer on my list for places to retire or even revisit at this point.