Author: spieper
The 69th David International Fair officially opens this evening in the city of David, Chiriquí. This major commercial and cultural event, one of the most anticipated in the region, will feature artisans and producers from multiple countries across the Americas. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the multi-day fair, which showcases local agriculture, crafts, and cuisine. Activity at the fairgrounds has been building for days. National and international exhibitors have been arriving to set up their stalls, finalizing displays of handicrafts, farm products, and various curiosities. The early influx signals a robust return for the annual gathering, which serves…
The National Bank of Panama will stop importing one cent coins, its manager announced this week. The state-owned financial institution expects its reserve inventory of the coins to be depleted by June as it adapts to their gradual disappearance from the national commerce system. Javier Carrizo Esquivel, general manager of the National Bank of Panama, confirmed the policy shift. He explained that coins already in public circulation will remain legal tender for years, even as the bank ends its role in supplying new ones. Their physical lifespan ranges between two and three decades. “We are not going to bring in…
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino will travel to Santiago, Chile on Tuesday, March 10. His official visit centers on attending the inauguration ceremony of Chile’s President-elect, José Antonio Kast, scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at the National Congress in Valparaíso. The trip underscores the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Chile stands as the primary Latin American user of the Panama Canal and ranks among the waterway’s top five global clients. Mulino’s presence at the event signals Panama’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships. Accompanied by First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, the president’s itinerary includes a bilateral…
Officials in Panama West Province are confronting a sharp rise in violence against women, with more than 487 cases reported since January. New statistics from Panama’s Ministry of Women reveal the districts of La Chorrera and Arraiján as the primary hotspots, accounting for the vast majority of incidents. Authorities now process up to 50 official documents related to abuse daily, signaling a deepening crisis in communities just outside the capital.The data, compiled by the Ministry of Women (Panama), shows La Chorrera district recorded over 252 complaints from its main city and surrounding areas like Capira and Chame. Neighboring Arraiján district…
Panama’s government has sent a formal letter of apology to Brazil following the controversial detention and deportation of a prominent Brazilian journalist at Tocumen International Airport. The incident, involving former Communications Minister Franklin de Souza Martins, escalated to the diplomatic level after protests from Brazilian press associations.Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez addressed the letter to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira. In it, he explained the event resulted from the automatic application of migration procedures based on alert systems used by Panamanian authorities. The government emphasized the action did not reflect its regard for Martins or his public career.The letter…
The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) in Panama has issued a detailed procedure for legal entities dissolved due to tax non-compliance to seek reactivation and how to fix it. This guidance specifically applies to companies that were dissolved after February 27, 2026, despite being current on payments filed under an incorrect Taxpayer Registry (RUC) number. The process aims to rectify administrative errors and restore a company’s active status.Officials from the Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) confirmed that affected entities must initiate a formal request. The directive provides a clear, step-by-step path for these dissolved companies to return to good standing,…
The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a new advisory ordering vessels flying its flag to implement enhanced security measures when operating near the Middle East. The directive, released on March 6, 2026, responds directly to escalating regional geopolitical tensions that threaten international shipping lanes.Official notice MMN-05/2026 specifically applies to Panamanian-flagged ships navigating waters near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The world’s largest ship registry is taking proactive steps to safeguard both vessels and crew. This strategic region handles a significant portion of global energy supplies and commercial cargo traffic.Precautionary Measures for…
National Assembly President Jorge Herrera and Congressman Didiano Pinilla convened emergency talks this week to address a severe, decades-long water shortage in the Atalaya district. The meeting brought together officials from the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), the governor of Veraguas Province, local mayors, and frustrated residents. Held at the Padre Juan José Cánovas Educational Center, the session aimed to forge immediate solutions for thousands of families who have endured unreliable or nonexistent water service. The crisis in Atalaya, part of Veraguas, has intensified recently. Community representatives stated the complete absence of water in recent weeks marks a…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino attended the final summit of heads of state in Miami on Saturday, culminating in the signing of a new regional alliance. The “Americas Shield” agreement, a United States-led initiative, was formalized during a meeting convened by former President Donald Trump. Organizers claim the pact aims to bolster economic and security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. The signing ceremony was led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s specially appointed program coordinator, Governor Kristi Noem. Alongside Panama, the multilateral agreement is backed by Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Guyana,…
The comprehensive environmental audit of the Cobre Panama copper mine has reached 66.37 percent completion. Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) released the fourth monthly progress report from the independent auditing firm this week, confirming the review is on schedule. The ongoing audit examines the mine’s operational procedures and environmental management controls following its court-ordered closure in late 2023. International firm SGS Panama Control Services Inc. is conducting the detailed review. Its latest findings move the process from an initial documentation phase into more granular technical analysis and field verification. The audit represents a critical step for the government to assess…