Author: Sebastian Pieper

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino endorsed a major trade pact between South America’s Mercosur bloc and the European Union during a signing ceremony in Paraguay this week. He framed the long-negotiated agreement as a vital counterweight to rising global protectionist trends that he argued harm the world economy.The president attended the event as an honorary witness, using his platform to praise the complex two-decade negotiation process. He contrasted the swift implementation of harsh regulations with the painstaking effort needed to build consensus for open trade. Mulino’s presence underscored Panama’s strategic interest in the deal despite not being a Mercosur member…

Residents near Monagre Beach in Panama’s Los Santos Province discovered a deceased leatherback sea turtle last week. Officials from the Ministry of Environment (Panama) confirmed the incident after responding to a community report on January 17, 2026.The massive turtle, a species classified as vulnerable, was found stranded with no signs of life. A technical team from the ministry’s Coasts and Seas section and the Protected Areas and Biodiversity unit traveled to the remote location in the Santa Ana district to investigate.Officials Document and Safely Bury SpecimenUpon arrival, the team found the reptile in an advanced state of decomposition. They still…

A 35 year old woman was shot and killed in her home in Burunga, Arraiján, early Saturday morning. The incident, which police are investigating as the first femicide of the year in Panama West Province, also left the alleged perpetrator dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound.Authorities identified the victim as Katherine Hernández, a Dominican national and local business owner. The suspect was named as 45 year old Alexander Santamaría, a heavy equipment operator originally from Tolé, Chiriquí. The couple’s three year old daughter and Hernández’s 17 year old daughter from a previous relationship are now orphaned.Violent Altercation Follows Night…

American congressmen met with Panamanian deputies at the National Assembly on January 16 to analyze legislative initiatives benefiting both nations. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore legal harmonization to spur economic growth, according to Assembly President Jorge Herrera.The delegation included approximately 14 members of the United States Congress. Herrera stated the talks focused on creating a framework for increased investment and job creation through coordinated policy. This diplomatic engagement is part of a broader effort to deepen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.Planning a Reciprocal Legislative VisitHerrera revealed plans for a reciprocal visit from the U.S.…

The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) has activated a nationwide weather vigilance alert. The warning is in effect from 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2026, due to significant rainfall and storm risks across most of the country.Officials said the alert covers specific regions including Bocas del Toro, the Highlands of Chiriqui, northern Veraguas, Darien, northern Panama Oeste, Colon, the Ngäbe-Buglé and Guna Yala comarcas, the Emberá districts, and northern Cocle and Panama Este. A complex interaction of atmospheric systems is driving the forecast for potentially dangerous conditions.”These conditions…

Panama’s Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, declared a historic victory for global ocean conservation this week. The international High Seas Treaty, formally known as the BBNJ agreement, entered into force, establishing the first legal framework to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.Navarro made the announcement through an official social media statement. He emphasized that the treaty covers the vast majority of the world’s ocean surface, areas that have lacked specific regulation for decades. The minister described the moment as a turning point for planetary stewardship.”The BBNJ allows us to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.…

A farm in the highlands of Boquete, Panama is working to reconnect Panamanians with the land. La Granjerita, an agrotourism farm, combines sustainable production with educational experiences to address a national crisis in the agricultural sector.The farm operates entirely without pesticides or chemicals. Its founder, Lourdes Guerra Suárez, stated that one of her primary challenges involves motivating young people to return to rural work and revitalize the country’s primary economic sector.She explained the farm’s philosophy of conservation and respect for natural cycles.”These little plants we have here, look, they only have bees pollinating them. This is the Mexican husk tomato…

The city of Las Tablas, Panama is buzzing with anticipation for the traditional Desfile de las Mil Polleras, or Thousand Polleras Parade. This major cultural event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, with organizers confirming participation from more than one hundred delegations. The parade represents one of the country’s most significant displays of national folklore and costume. Increased commercial and vehicular traffic was noted from early morning hours as visitors and residents gathered. The procession will begin at the Paseo Carlos L. López, located in the heart of the city. Local authorities have mobilized extensive operations to ensure safety and…

A delegation of 14 United States congressmembers held a private, closed-door meeting with Panamanian legislators on Friday, January 16. The unannounced gathering took place in the Blue Room of Panama’s legislative headquarters and focused on bilateral relations and governance issues.The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was not listed on any official public agenda. Security personnel cordoned off the area surrounding the Blue Room, and no media were invited or present during the discussions. The visit underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations’ governing bodies.According to internal sources, the US delegation included both Democratic and Republican representatives from states…

A significant fire erupted in a luxury Panama City high-rise on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response. Firefighters from the Panama Fire Department successfully contained the blaze to a single apartment on the 17th floor of the Bayfront Towers building located on Balboa Avenue. Officials reported no injuries, though the affected unit suffered total damage. The first social media reports of smoke appeared around 5:00 p.m. The formal alarm reached fire stations approximately thirty minutes later. Lieutenant Colonel Ángel Delgado provided the preliminary details, confirming that units from the Calidonia, Balboa, and Plaza Amador stations responded to the scene.…