Author: Michael Meuret
A 74 year old man was killed in Panama City last week after a Carnival traffic diversion led him into a neighborhood controlled by criminal gangs. The death of Rafael Parada has reignited a difficult public debate about so called “red zones,” territorial control by gangs, and the invisible boundaries that divide the capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Patio Pinel area of the Santa Ana district.Authorities confirmed that Parada was using a digital navigation app to reach the Casco Antiguo historic district when road closures for Carnival festivities rerouted his…
A new wave of expatriate entrepreneurs is reshaping Panama’s commercial landscape, moving the economy beyond its famous canal and large multinationals. Data from the nation’s official Public Registry of Panama reveals a significant pivot toward sustainable, niche-focused small businesses. This trend is creating a network of specialized “micro-hubs” across the country.The business formation numbers tell a story of quality over quantity. Panama recorded 7,697 new business registrations in 2024. That figure represents a slight 3.8 percent adjustment from the prior year. Analysts see it as a sign of maturation, moving past a previous “gold rush” era focused on company volume.…
Panama City’s social landscape is being reshaped by a booming craft beer movement. New market data from early 2026 reveals a significant shift in consumer habits, with nearly one in ten Panamanian adults now regularly choosing artisanal brews. This surge is centered on neighborhood brew pubs that have become essential community hubs.While traditional mass-market beer production saw a slight decline recently, the craft segment is experiencing steady annual growth. The “on-trade” sector, where beer is consumed at the brewery, dominates this expansion. Drinkers are actively trading quantity for quality, often selecting a five-dollar craft pint over cheaper commercial alternatives.Brew Pubs…
The National Bar Association of Panama has publicly endorsed a controversial Supreme Court ruling to seal its internal records. This move places the nation’s largest lawyers’ guild directly at odds with civil society groups who are calling the decision a major setback for judicial transparency and public accountability.Maritza Cedeño Vásquez, president of the bar association, defended the court’s position this week. She argued the primary focus should remain on judicial efficiency, not public access to internal deliberations. The court’s plenary session recently approved two agreements classifying the minutes of its discussions and visitor logs to judicial offices as confidential documents.”In…
Panama’s National Migration Service approved 33,262 residency applications last year, achieving a 95 percent approval rate. The agency processed a total of 35,017 applications from individuals seeking to live legally in the Central American nation, according to official 2025 statistics released this week.The data reveals a consistent and efficient system for legal migration. Only 1,755 applications, representing five percent of the total, faced denial. This high success rate underscores the accessible pathways available for qualified applicants. Administrative activity remained strong throughout all twelve months.”These numbers reflect a transparent and standardized process that welcomes individuals who contribute to our society,” said…
Panama’s Ministry of Public Security unveiled a new fleet of 91 vehicles this week. The 3.1 million dollar investment aims to boost the operational capacity of the nation’s police and border forces. Minister Frank Ábrego presented the mixed fleet of trucks, motorcycles, sedans, and vans at a ceremony in Amador.This acquisition forms part of a broader initiative to modernize Panama’s security infrastructure. The vehicles will be distributed across eight provinces and key metropolitan areas to enhance patrols and reduce response times. Officials stated the purchase adds to a similar initiative from the previous year, with plans to acquire 70 more…
A major corruption trial in Panama City has been delayed until March 2. The case involves a former public works minister and eight others accused of embezzlement linked to the controversial renovation of the city’s historic district.The First Liquidated Criminal Court ordered the suspension because several defense lawyers and prosecutors are currently involved in the separate, sprawling Odebrecht bribery trials. This trial, focused on alleged cost overruns in the Panama City’s Casco Antiguo rehabilitation, was originally scheduled for March 2024. A last-minute legal challenge forced the earlier postponement.Audit Reveals Millions in Alleged OverchargesCentral to the prosecution’s case is a damning…
British authorities arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, at his home in Norfolk, England on Thursday. The arrest, part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, has cast new scrutiny on his official overseas visits, including a 2010 trade mission to Panama. During that trip, he met with then-President Ricardo Martinelli and top business leaders while maintaining a close, and now infamous, private friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Andrew visited Panama in February 2010 in his then-official capacity as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. His schedule included high-level government meetings…
Panama’s Supreme Court of Justice stands as the final arbiter of law and constitutionality in the nation. Its nine magistrates possess the unique authority to nullify laws passed by the legislature and decrees signed by the president, a power that places the judicial body at the center of the country’s political and economic life. For international investors and the resident expat community, understanding this court is critical for safeguarding assets and legal status.The court’s structure and function are defined by Panama’s Civil law (legal system). Unlike common law systems, Panama’s Supreme Court often serves as the first and final stop…
The Panama City Fish Market on Balboa Avenue opened for the Lent season with notably low customer turnout this Ash Wednesday. Vendors reported sluggish sales throughout the morning of February 18, 2026, a stark contrast to the traditionally busy start of the religious observance. Accessible pricing failed to draw the expected crowds, with merchants pointing to recent traffic pattern changes and extended carnival celebrations as potential causes.Official price lists from the Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition Authority (Panama) showed a wide range of affordable seafood options. Shoppers could find titi shrimp for $3.00 per pound, red shrimp at $5.00,…