Author: michaelm

Panama and Costa Rica are charting distinctly different courses in their competition for foreign residents, according to official immigration data from 2020 through 2026. While both Central American nations remain premier destinations, their approaches and outcomes reveal a widening gap in administrative efficiency and target demographics. Panama’s streamlined processes are attracting investors and professionals seeking speed, while Costa Rica’s enduring lifestyle appeal contends with a significant bureaucratic backlog.The numbers from each country’s migration authorities tell the story of this divergence. Panama’s National Migration Service (Panama) has processed applications with high consistency. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, the…

The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) has officially ended the special tax benefits for Decameron Hotels in Rio Hato. A resolution issued in January 2026 declared the fiscal incentives, granted under a 1994 law, expired as of December 31, 2025.This action concludes a 26-year period of state support for the all-inclusive beach resort located in Farallon, Cocle province. The project was originally developed on a concession basis with an option to purchase, utilizing specific land parcels for the public tourism lodging development.Legal Basis and Timeline of BenefitsThe incentives were initially provided under Article 17 of Law 8 of 1994 (Panama). This…

Ariel Rodriguez, a senior leader of Panama’s powerful construction union, remains in prison as prosecutors investigate alleged financial crimes linked to a failed tourism project. The case, known as “Red Frog,” has escalated from a local labor dispute into a sprawling legal proceeding that has ensnared multiple union officials and drawn international attention. Rodriguez is the only union leader currently behind bars, detained at La Nueva Joya prison since May 2025.The investigation centers on the alleged money laundering of assets intended to compensate workers from the Red Frog Beach Club project in Bocas del Toro. The Public Ministry argues there…

The Ministry of Education of Panama is making a third attempt to purchase over half a million laptops for public school students. Officials launched a new public tender on February 12, 2026, seeking bids for 531,250 computers valued at $273.1 million after a previous attempt failed to attract proposals.This latest effort follows a complex and stalled procurement process that began in 2024. The goal is to equip students from seventh to twelfth grade with modern technology, a key part of the government’s strategy to reduce the digital divide in Panamanian classrooms.”The strategy is not limited to delivering equipment, but includes…

The governments of the United States and Panama formalized a new health partnership this Wednesday, February 25. Officials signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at combating HIV/AIDS and improving infectious disease response through 2028. Panamanian Minister of Health Fernando Boyd Galindo and United States Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera executed the agreement in Panama City. The deal allocates $33.5 million in funding and represents the first such Central American pact under the current U.S. global health strategy. Focus on HIV and Infectious Disease Threats This new framework seeks to strengthen existing collaboration, particularly under the President’s Emergency Plan for…

The government of Venezuela has formally accused Panamanian authorities of forcibly opening a Venezuelan diplomatic bag at Tocumen International Airport. The incident occurred on February 24, 2026, and has sparked a diplomatic dispute centered on the interpretation of international treaties.Venezuela’s foreign ministry issued an official statement calling the action a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The statement, shared by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, demands guarantees from Panama that such an event will not happen again.A Direct Challenge to Diplomatic ImmunityVenezuela’s complaint hinges on Article 27 of the 1961 Vienna Convention. This article establishes the absolute…

Panama’s International Banking Center concluded 2025 with robust growth in deposits and credit, according to official year-end data released this week. The Superintendency of Banks of Panama presented the financial results on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, highlighting a system that continues to expand despite global economic headwinds.Total deposits within the banking system reached $116.81 billion by December 2025. This figure represents a significant increase of 5.72 percent, or an additional $6.32 billion, compared to the previous year. The credit portfolio, a key indicator of economic activity, grew by a solid 5 percent, aligning closely with the nation’s overall Gross Domestic…

An inspection tour of schools in Panama’s San Miguelito District has revealed an urgent need for the removal of bulky waste and debris. The findings come just days before the 2026 academic year is scheduled to begin on March 2. Circuit 8-2 Deputy Luis Duke conducted the oversight visit to assess pre-school maintenance efforts across multiple institutions.Duke identified significant health and safety hazards at several schools. He reported that discarded items, including old cars, toilets, sinks, chairs, desks, and shelves, remain abandoned on school grounds. The deputy also noted overgrown grass, damaged bathroom doors, and deteriorating roofs and insulation at…

Panama’s property landscape is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026, moving from broad growth to targeted opportunities. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census and the Panamanian Chamber of Construction shows a market splitting into distinct segments. High-yield rental zones in urban cores now compete with high-appreciation suburbs for investor attention.This shift is driven by strong economic fundamentals. The International Monetary Fund projects Panama’s Gross Domestic Product will grow 4.5 percent this year. A steady stream of Foreign Direct Investment, including over $4.5 billion from U.S. sources alone, continues to support overall economic stability. This environment prevents the…

District representatives on the Panama City Municipal Council confronted police officials over a surge in violent crime during a tense session on Monday. Councilors from multiple districts described neighborhoods under siege, demanding immediate coordination and more resources from the National Police of Panama. The meeting highlighted a growing crisis of public safety in the capital, with officials warning that tourism and daily life are under threat.The eighth session of the council became a forum for urgent appeals. Representatives from central districts like Santa Ana, San Felipe, and El Chorrillo presented detailed accounts of shootings, robberies, and homicides that have left…