Author: spieper

Panama’s Social Security Fund has exposed several organized corruption schemes operating within its walls. The institution’s director, Dino Mon, revealed details this week about networks involving fraudulent pensions, stolen medicines, and manipulated computer systems. These revelations come amid a sweeping administrative overhaul of the nation’s public health and pension provider.Mon presented findings to the National Assembly’s Health Commission on March 11, outlining criminal operations that siphoned millions from public coffers. The schemes compromised patient care and undermined the financial stability of the crucial Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social). Investigators with the nation’s Public Ministry (Ministerio Público) are now…

Panama’s consumer protection agency has ordered a provisional freeze on all mobile phone plan price increases. The Panamanian Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) announced the measure while it advances an administrative investigation into two major telecom companies. The probe centers on allegations of absolute monopolistic practices within the sector.This action directly involves the country’s leading telecommunications providers, Cable & Wireless Panama (Más Móvil) and Grupo de Comunicaciones Digitales, S.A. (Tigo). Officials invoked specific articles of Panama’s competition law to justify the immediate suspension. The freeze applies to any price hikes announced or implemented for the year…

The city of La Chorrera, Panama will host the 26th Festival of Tambourines and Kites on Sunday, March 22. Organized by the Chinese Panamanian Professional Association (Aprochipa), this year’s event moves to the Costa Verde area near San Agustín College for a full day of family focused cultural activities. Gates open at 10 a.m. with festivities continuing until 6 p.m. The festival aims to promote the traditional pastime of kite flying while strengthening community bonds. Attendees can expect competitions, stage performances, and a dedicated food corridor. International Experts Join Local Celebrations A significant new feature this year involves international participation.…

The Catholic Church is finalizing plans for an International Holy Week celebration based in Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo district. The event, scheduled from March 27 to April 5, will feature activities across more than five historic churches and a special program designed to attract religious tourists from around the world. Organizers view it as a major cultural and tourism promotion for the nation.A recent fundraising event at the City Hall building supported the logistics. Attendees enjoyed an evening of wine and cheese while contributing to the operational needs of the large-scale celebrations. Preparations have involved extensive coordination among church…

Panama’s Ministry of Health confirmed 1,093 new cases of dengue fever during the seventh epidemiological week of 2026. The data, collected from February 15 to 21, signals a significant public health challenge as the nation enters a period of heightened viral transmission.The Ministry’s Department of Epidemiology released the national statistics. Officials documented 965 cases without warning signs, 124 cases with warning signs, and four severe cases. Three cumulative deaths have been recorded so far this year with 127 patients currently hospitalized.Metropolitan Region Tops Infection ListGeographic distribution shows the Metropolitan Health Region as the current epicenter with 291 infections. It is…

Panama’s Ministry of Environment is conducting an administrative investigation after a rescued spider monkey died from tuberculosis in state care. The female Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps) passed away in November 2025, prompting a public complaint from the individual who had kept the wild animal at their residence. Officials aim to determine the origin of the infection and review all handling procedures.The ministry, known locally as MiAmbiente, confirmed the cause of death as a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This case has intensified scrutiny of protocols within the government’s wildlife rehabilitation system. It also highlights the persistent public health dangers of keeping wild…

The USNS Mercy, a U.S. Navy hospital ship, is sailing north off Mexico’s Pacific coast. This movement follows its transit of the Panama Canal last week and confirms a Pacific repositioning. The ship’s destination appears to be a scheduled maintenance shipyard in Portland, Oregon, not Greenland as previously suggested by President Donald Trump. Recent automatic identification system data tracks the vessel making steady progress. Its current course aligns with a planned industrial overhaul at Vigor Industrial, a contract valued at approximately $90 million. This northbound track stands in contrast to the speculation generated by Trump’s late February social media post.…

The Chinese state-owned shipping giant China COSCO Shipping has suspended all services at the Balboa port in Panama. The company announced the decision to customers on March 10, according to a report by the Panamanian newspaper La Prensa. This move follows escalating diplomatic and trade tensions between China and Panama after the Panamanian government forcibly took over port terminals from a Hong Kong-based operator last month.All future confirmed bookings with COSCO at the balboa port are now canceled. The company stated that cargo which has already arrived will still be processed normally. The suspension directly impacts one of the two…

CK Hutchison Holdings is pursuing a massive $2 billion claim against Panama through international arbitration. The Hong Kong-based conglomerate alleges the state illegally seized control of two critical ports adjacent to the Panama Canal. Its subsidiary, Panama Ports Company (PPC), filed the claim following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled its operating contract. The legal action challenges an executive decree used by the panamanian government to occupy the Balboa and Cristóbal port facilities in late February. Authorities confiscated property including cranes, vehicles, and computer systems during raids that also removed over 100 boxes of company records. The dispute now moves…

Business owners in Panama City’s historic district are calling for urgent security reinforcements following a noticeable increase in petty theft and pickpocketing. A meeting between merchants, residents, and local authorities was held this Tuesday to address growing concerns that crime could deter tourism in one of the capital’s most iconic areas. The historic Casco Antiguo, Panama district remains a primary attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Merchants now report that minor crimes have become increasingly frequent, directly damaging the area’s perception of safety. They argue that without immediate action, the vibrant local economy supported by Tourism in Panama could…