Author: Sebastian Pieper
The rural community of Barrigon in Panama’s Coclé province inaugurated its first Tourist and Folkloric Agro-Artisan Fair this weekend. Residents organized the event to showcase local agricultural products and crafts, creating a new economic opportunity for area farmers and artisans. The fair is being held beside the Las Yayas stream in the La Pintada District. Community members spent several days cleaning and preparing the land to host the event, which continues through Sunday, March 15. Farmers and artisans collaborated to construct small traditional stalls, known locally as “ranchitos,” for displaying their goods. Community Effort Drives Local Commerce Organizers say the…
The Panamanian government has begun executing a national plan to guarantee drinking water supply in the Azuero region. This urgent action addresses a severe contamination crisis affecting the area’s primary rivers for nearly ten months. Officials from the presidency and sustainable development council confirmed the deployment of specialized equipment to the region this week. The immediate strategy involves activating over thirty new wells to reinforce the water supply system. This stopgap measure will operate alongside ongoing modernization projects at two key water treatment plants. Authorities describe the situation as a critical priority requiring both short-term relief and long-term infrastructure solutions.…
Panamanian officials and private sector leaders gathered in Panama City this week for a strategic session focused on measuring the economic impact of digital threats. The event, titled “Technological Risk and Cybersecurity: Quantifying Digital Risk for Business Decisions,” highlighted a growing need to translate technical cyber threats into clear financial terms for corporate leadership.Organized by the firm Sisap in alliance with the United States Embassy in Panama, the meeting brought together experts from technology, finance, and cybersecurity fields. Attendees exchanged experiences on using analytical tools to model how digital exposure could affect an organization’s bottom line.”Cybersecurity stops being seen only…
Ukraine inaugurated its first embassy in Panama on Friday, marking a strategic diplomatic push in a region critical to global trade. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha presided over the opening, framing Panama as a vital partner for supporting Ukraine’s future reconstruction and its current defense of international law. The event in Panama City coincided with the signing of new bilateral cooperation agreements. Panama, currently serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a longstanding U.S. ally, has repeatedly condemned Russia’s invasion. The new diplomatic mission represents Ukraine’s effort to solidify relationships with nations that hold influence…
The Panama Canal is experiencing a notable rise in shipping traffic. Global trade disruptions from conflict in the Middle East are pushing more vessels toward this critical Central American shortcut. Deputy Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta confirmed the trend this week, linking it directly to soaring fuel costs and regional instability.This uptick arrives as a stark reversal from the severe restrictions imposed just two years prior. A punishing drought had forced the canal to slash daily transits. Now, improved water levels and geopolitical shifts are driving a sudden, unexpected surge in demand for its services.Canal Officials Confirm Rising Transit NumbersIlya…
Maritime and logistics leaders in Panama have downplayed the impact of a major Chinese shipping line’s decision to halt operations at a key port. Representatives from the sector stated this week that Cosco Shipping’s move away from Balboa Port is a commercial decision that will not harm the country’s overall logistics platform. The company did not publicly disclose its reasons for the change.Industry officials emphasized that such shifts between terminals are a normal part of global shipping logistics. They confirmed that Cosco’s operations will continue at other ports within Panama, ensuring cargo volumes through the isthmus remain stable.Industry Leaders Frame…
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…