Author: Manuel Antonio Espinosa

S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed Panama’s sovereign credit rating at BBB- rating Panama with a stable outlook, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) announced Tuesday. The decision covers long-term foreign and local currency debt, with short-term ratings held at A-3. The agency also maintained Panama’s transfer and convertibility assessment at AAA, signaling continued confidence in the country’s ability to service obligations. The announcement comes as Panama projects one of Latin America’s highest growth rates for 2026. Growth Projections Behind the BBB- Rating Panama Decision S&P expects Panama’s economy to expand by approximately 4.5 percent in 2026, outpacing most regional…

Panama’s Attorney General Luis Gómez reported Tuesday that sexual offense complaints rose 13 percent during the first eight months of 2026, underscoring an urgent need to expand victim support Panama services and institutional prevention mechanisms. The data emerged during a presentation assessing the Archdiocese of Panama’s response to abuse allegations involving minors and vulnerable persons. Between January and August 2026, authorities registered 4,599 complaints for crimes against sexual freedom and integrity, compared to 4,072 during the same period in 2025. Gómez cautioned against reading the increase as a straightforward spike in criminal activity, suggesting it may reflect growing public trust…

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reported that accumulated rainfall during the first 21 days of September surpassed historical averages, marking the first favorable month of the 2026 rainy season after four consecutive months of deficits. The September rains Panama basin recovery comes as a welcome development for operations, though officials maintain a cautious outlook given persistent El Niño conditions. Ayax Murillo Burgos, hydrology manager at the ACP, confirmed the shift during a broadcast interview on September 22, describing the institution’s position as one of “prudent optimism” rather than declaring the water crisis resolved. September Rains Panama Reservoir Levels Show Mixed…

Panama City will host the National Tourism Convention (Conatur) on October 8 at Albrook Mall, drawing more than 100 entrepreneurs and industry leaders to examine how the new tourism incentives law can redirect visitor spending beyond the capital. Organizers from the National Chamber of Tourism confirmed the agenda will focus on financing access, infrastructure gaps, and the recently launched country brand. The one-day gathering arrives as Panama City hotels report high occupancy rates, a trend that has yet to translate into broader economic gains for provinces. Industry representatives argue that without targeted incentives and improved connectivity, the current tourism boom…

A 25-year-old construction worker died Monday night while working inside the tunnel of the Panama Metro Line 3 project in the Farfán area. The Panama metro accident was preliminarily linked to a suspected electrical discharge, according to a statement released Tuesday by the HPH Joint Venture consortium. The victim was employed by a subcontractor participating in the massive infrastructure project. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on September 21. Second Fatal Panama Metro Accident in Five Weeks This marks the second reported death on the Line 3 construction site in just…

A student-built AI archaeology robot named Cloe Aurora 2.0 is changing how museum visitors in Coclé province experience Panama’s ancient history. The prototype, unveiled this week, uses sensors, a camera, and artificial intelligence to identify archaeological artifacts and project recreated images of how pre-Columbian communities lived and crafted their objects. The six-month project involved students and their families working collaboratively to design a tool that goes beyond static displays. Instead of simply reading plaques, visitors can now see visual recreations tied directly to specific pieces, offering a more immersive understanding of the region’s indigenous heritage. How the AI Archaeology Robot…

Panama fire investigators confirmed that the Bijao apartment explosion in Coclé occurred after a pressure integrity test had been completed and during the subsequent gasification process. Cirilo Castillo, who leads the National Directorate of Security, Prevention and Fire Investigation (Dinasepi), said no one was inside the Pacific Blue building when the blast happened on September 22. The explosion left two apartments severely damaged and rendered the entire structure uninhabitable, according to the latest inspection. Fire personnel responded to a support call and deployed both the national gas chief and the national investigation chief to the scene, where they encountered what…

Panama City, Panama , The National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) confirmed that electrical distribution companies must pay double the assessed value for any damaged appliance if they fail to meet mandated compensation deadlines. The regulatory body urged customers to file formal complaints within 15 business days of any incident causing damage to refrigerators, televisions, computers, or other household electronics. Zelmar Rodríguez, ASEP administrator, said the penalty applies automatically when a utility misses the 30-calendar-day payment window established after a favorable ruling. The regulator’s message targets a persistent problem: electrical damage claims rank as the second most common complaint category,…

A vessel caught fire Monday night approximately two nautical miles off Isla Perico in Panama’s Pacific sector, prompting an immediate coordinated response from the National Aeronaval Service (Senan), the Panama Fire Department, and the Panama Canal Authority. The boat fire Panama emergency was reported during evening hours, though authorities have not yet confirmed injuries, the cause of ignition, or the extent of damage to the vessel. Senan deployed two maritime patrol boats to the scene while firefighting units worked to contain the flames. Officials continue monitoring the situation and expect to release additional details as the investigation progresses. Yacht Fire…

Criminal complaints tied to financial scams Panama authorities tracked rose 14 percent in the first eight months of 2026, according to preliminary data from the Public Ministry. The agency recorded 4,547 fraud-reports between January and August, up from 3,987 during the same stretch in 2025. The figures reflect cases brought to prosecutors, not convictions. Common fraud drove most of the increase, while computer program manipulation posted the steepest relative jump among all categories tracked. Common Fraud Dominates Reported Cases Simple fraud accounted for 4,196 complaints, or more than nine of every ten records in the broader category. That figure climbed…