Author: michaelm
Foreign nationals seeking legal help in Panama operate within a strictly regulated pricing system. The country’s National Bar Association of Panama enforces a mandatory Official Fee Schedule for legal services, dismantling the common expat fear of an arbitrary “Gringo Tax.” This framework legally binds all practicing attorneys to set minimum fees, aiming to standardize costs and maintain professional integrity. For expats navigating residency ( immigration ), real estate, or business formation, understanding this tariff is crucial. The schedule prevents attorneys from charging wildly different amounts for the same service. It transforms legal fee discussions from open negotiation into a matter…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino met with executives from 22 major multinational corporations this week. The business leaders expressed strong interest in expanding operations and finalizing new investments in the Central American nation. The meeting occurred as Panama hosts a major regional economic forum, positioning the country as a hub for international business.Executives from companies including Pfizer, Google, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, AES Corporation, Siemens, and Cisco Systems attended the gathering. These executives are members of the Americas Society Council of the Americas (AS/COA), a leading international business organization based in New York. The meeting was timed with the International Economic Forum…
Residents across Panama and San Miguelito districts must prepare for an 18-hour water service suspension this Saturday. The National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDANN) announced the planned outage for critical maintenance at the Federico Guardia Conte water treatment facility in Chilibre.Service will halt from 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, until 11:30 p.m. that evening. Officials stated the work is essential for long-term system reliability and involves connecting new infrastructure. The agency urged the public to store sufficient water for domestic needs during the interruption period.Major Infrastructure Upgrade Drives ShutdownIDANN Director Rutilio Villarreal explained the primary task involves integrating…
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, issued a stark warning about the global economy during a major regional forum in Panama City. Speaking at the 2026 Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum, she described a world at a crossroads defined by anxiety and accelerating geopolitical shifts.The event was organized by the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Grynspan argued that international dialogue has transformed from a mere formality into a strategic necessity. This change comes amid rising tariff pressures and a noticeable increase in global Protectionism.Resilience Amidst Rising ProtectionismDespite…
Panama’s top Catholic leader has issued a public plea for a national recommitment to human values. Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta spoke out this week following a series of violent incidents that have shaken the country. His statement directly addresses a recent attempted Femicide and rising homicide statistics.The call comes amid growing public concern over crime. A brutal attack in western Panama on January 24 intensified the national conversation. In that incident, a 25-year-old man stabbed his mother and attempted to set their home on fire with her inside. The victim suffered burns over 20 percent of her body and…
Panama’s Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro issued a stark warning about a growing continental threat this week. He stated that illegal mining and deforestation, now largely funded by drug trafficking profits, pose a severe risk to the nation’s water and economic security. Navarro made these comments during his opening address at the 2026 International Economic Forum in Panama City on January 28, organized by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.The minister framed environmental protection as an absolute prerequisite for genuine economic progress. He argued that the two concepts cannot be separated, dismissing the idea of development without…
Copa Airlines will execute a capital investment exceeding $500 million in 2026 as part of a major fleet expansion. The Panamanian carrier plans to add more than 33 new aircraft between 2025 and 2027, according to an exclusive interview with its CEO. Pedro Heilbron revealed the details during the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 in Panama City.The investment supports a projected capacity growth of over 12 percent next year. This follows an 8 percent increase in 2025 achieved through the addition of 12 new planes. The airline expects to receive eight new aircraft this year…
Panama City is hosting the second Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum this week, drawing regional presidents and global business leaders. The event, organized by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) in partnership with Panama, aims to become a premier platform for regional dialogue. It commenced on Wednesday with a focus on economic integration and navigating a complex global landscape.Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino opened the gathering. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to deliver a keynote address, underscoring the forum’s high-level political engagement. The attendance list includes the presidents of Bolivia…
The Cunard Line flagship Queen Mary 2 made its inaugural transit of the Panama Canal on January 24 and 25, 2026. This historic passage marked the first time an operational ocean liner has traversed the waterway using the larger Neopanamax locks.Officials from the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) confirmed the transit occurred as part of the vessel’s 2026 World Voyage. The operation began on the Pacific side, with the ship spending a night in the Cocoli area before proceeding under the Bridge of the Americas.A Milestone for Maritime and Cruise IndustriesThis event represents a significant moment for global shipping and tourism.…
The Archdiocese of Panama has initiated a comprehensive, independent investigation into its handling of child and vulnerable person abuse cases spanning a 25-year period. Church officials announced the formation of a special Transparency Commission on January 28, 2026, a move aimed at scrutinizing institutional responses from 2001 through the present. This external review represents a significant step in the church’s stated policy of zero tolerance and transparency regarding abuse allegations.The commission will conduct a holistic assessment, examining past cases through legal, clinical, psychological, sociocultural, and pastoral lenses. Its mandate is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and critical opportunities for improving how…