Author: Sebastian Pieper

Organizers in Santiago, Veraguas confirmed the giant “Rosca de Reyes” celebration will proceed this January 6. They plan to break their own national record by constructing an 850-meter-long sweet bread for the community to share. This event marks the 21st anniversary of a local tradition that draws thousands to a Santiago park for Three Kings’ Day.The massive communal bread serves as the centerpiece for a day of cultural activities and family gatherings. Project leaders say the event’s sustained growth over two decades highlights its importance as a regional tradition. Its ultimate length each year depends directly on community participation and…

Panama’s agricultural export sector recorded a year of strong growth in 2025, driven by a streamlined digital certification process. Official data shows a 22 percent increase in the issuance of export phytosanitary certificates compared to the previous year, a key indicator of rising international trade for Panamanian farm products.The National Plant Health Directorate, part of the country’s Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama), processed a total of 18,850 certifications. This volume reflects both high domestic productivity and more efficient inspection protocols that meet stringent international standards. These documents are mandatory for shipping plant-based goods across borders, verifying they are free from…

The West Panama Regional Prosecutor’s Office is conducting multiple investigative procedures following a formal complaint by Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo against Arraiján District Mayor Stefany Peñalba. Officials confirmed the investigation, which involves alleged arbitrary actions related to the municipal management of local justice of the peace centers, began on December 31 and continued through January 3.Investigators carried out inspections at several municipal facilities this week. These locations included the main Arraiján District municipality building, the Municipal Council offices, and several community justice centers known as “Casas de Paz.” Other district administration premises were also examined as part of the ongoing…

Venezuelan human rights activist Andreína Chacín has called for strict adherence to the electoral will of the Venezuelan people as the nation navigates a potential Democratic transition. Her statements come amid significant international attention following recent comments by former U.S. President donald trump regarding Venezuela’s political future. Chacín emphasized that the results of the July 28 presidential election are clear. She stated that Venezuelans chose Edmundo González Urrutia as president, following the disqualification of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Any transitional government, she insisted, must be led by these elected authorities and their chosen ministerial team. “There can be no…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has formally appointed Hector De Sedas Cedeño as the new Deputy Director General of the National Border Service (Senafront). The appointment was made official through Executive Decree No. 31, signed on December 31, 2025, and published in the nation’s official record. The decree appeared in the Official Gazette of Panama under number 30436. It cites the legal authority granted to the President of Panama by Decree Law 8 of 2008. Articles 13 and 14 of that law state that the positions of Director and Deputy Director General of the border agency are filled at the…

Residents of Panama’s San Miguelito District are pleading for a permanent solution to a severe garbage collection crisis. Mountains of uncollected waste are blocking streets and posing a significant public health threat. The Urban and Household Sanitation Authority (AAUD) has launched a special cleanup operation, but officials warn underlying contract disputes must be resolved.The crisis impacts multiple communities, with some roads completely obstructed by trash. This impedes traffic and creates hazardous conditions near schools. Residents report the problem is exacerbated by outsiders who illegally dump garbage in the district, overwhelming local capacity.AAUD Administrator Ovil Moreno confirmed the intensive cleanup effort…

Panama’s Ministry of Culture will lead the reconstruction of a monument commemorating 150 years of Chinese presence in the country. The original structure was demolished last week in Arraiján, west of Panama City. Government officials moved quickly to distance the national executive from the demolition and assure China the bilateral relationship remains strong. Secretary of Goals José Ramón Icaza confirmed the directive from President Laurentino Cortizo. He stated the monument will be rebuilt on the exact same site. The decision follows a formal presidential communication ordering its restoration. “The president has been very clear. The monument will be rebuilt on…

Copa Airlines has been recognized as the most punctual airline in Latin America for 2025. The Panamanian carrier achieved this top regional ranking in the annual On-Time Performance report published by aviation analytics firm Cirium.The airline recorded an on-time performance rate of 90.75 percent. This figure represents the highest score among all airlines in the Americas and the second-best performance globally for the year. This marks the eleventh time Copa has received this specific distinction from Cirium, solidifying its reputation for operational reliability.”Being recognized by Cirium as the most punctual airline in Latin America for the eleventh time is an…

More than 22,000 migrants have sailed from a remote Panamanian port this year attempting to return to South America. The continuous flow of people is using the port of Miramar in Colon Province as a departure point for a maritime journey to Colombia.Authorities from Panama’s National Migration Service (Panama) confirmed the figure this week. They stated the migrants are primarily from Costa Rica and are trying to reach their countries of origin. This movement represents a significant and sustained migratory route along Panama’s Caribbean coast.Interagency Operation Monitors DeparturesA multi-agency presence remains active in Miramar to monitor and regulate the departures.…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino addresses the nation from the legislative chamber on Friday, January 2. His speech formally opens the new ordinary session of the National Assembly of Panama and sets the governing priorities for the coming year. The event serves as a critical barometer for the relationship between the executive and legislative branches amid a politically fragmented environment. Mulino previewed his address in a social media post on Thursday, promising significant announcements. He framed the upcoming year as one focused on continued work for national improvement. “We begin a new year with the same drive and desire to…