Author: Sebastian Pieper
Most residential electricity customers in Panama will see no increase on their power bills during the first half of 2026. The Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica S.A. (ENSA) made this announcement while detailing a new tariff schedule set to take effect in January. The company serves over half a million clients across the country, primarily in Panama province.ENSA confirmed that 71.5 percent of its customers will be shielded from price hikes. This group consists mainly of residential users on the BTS rate who maintain monthly consumption between 0 and 300 kilowatt-hours. These clients will continue receiving support from the ordinary Tariff…
Panama’s government has established a new specialized task force to combat environmental offenses. The Multidisciplinary Team Specialized in Environmental Offenses and Crimes, known as EME-AMBIENTAL, began operations this week following its official publication in the state gazette.This technical-operational body will coordinate actions between the Ministry of Environment (Panama) and multiple public security agencies. Its creation represents a significant step in strengthening the country’s environmental protection framework.Legal Framework and MandateThe task force finds its legal basis in Panama’s Constitution, which mandates state regulation of natural resources. It also draws authority from the General Environmental Law of 1998 and the 2015 legislation…
Panama’s tourism sector posted significant gains throughout 2025, solidifying the country’s position as a regional destination for both leisure and business travel. Official data released this year shows historic performance from the flagship Panama Stopover program alongside strong growth in international meetings and conventions.The Panama Stopover initiative surpassed its goal of attracting 200,000 visitors, marking an all-time high since its launch. During the first half of the year alone, the program saw an 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This result sets a new record for the promotional campaign started in 2019.Developed jointly by the Panama…
Panama City’s municipal government has declared its flagship casco peatonal program a resounding success for 2025. The initiative, which transforms the historic casco antiguo district into a recurring pedestrian zone, attracted an estimated 700,000 participants over ten monthly editions from March through December.Officials from the Municipality of Panama released year-end data showing the program generated approximately 14 million balboas in local economic activity. This figure was calculated based on average attendee spending across transportation, food, local commerce, entrepreneurial ventures, and cultural services.”The constant programming attracted residents, visitors, and tourists, turning the Casco Antiguo into an active, safe, and community-oriented space,”…
Hundreds of families in the Ernesto Córdoba Campos district of Panama City are enduring a severe and persistent potable water shortage. Residents report receiving water only in the middle of the night, a crisis that has drastically degraded their quality of life and health standards over recent months.The issue is concentrated in four specific neighborhoods: Jardines de Sevilla, Casa Real, Posada del Roble, and Altos de Sevilla. People living there must wake between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. to collect water in tanks, bottles, and any available containers. The water that does arrive is often murky and unfit for consumption, forcing…
The Ministry of Environment (Panama) has issued a renewed call for visitors to comply with safety and conservation rules in the nation’s protected zones. This warning comes as authorities increase patrols in popular adventure tourism destinations like Volcán Barú National Park following a recent wildfire scare.Officials from the ministry, known as MiAmbiente, are focusing their efforts in the western province of Chiriquí. They specifically highlighted Volcán Barú National Park and La Amistad International Park as areas of concern. The push for compliance is part of a broader national plan to safeguard both ecosystems and visitor safety.In a formal statement, the…
The national government of Panama has ordered the immediate restoration of a monument honoring the Chinese community after its controversial demolition. Officials issued the directive late Tuesday, rejecting both the destruction of the cultural landmark and the clandestine manner of its removal from a popular viewpoint near the Bridge of the Americas.Authorities clarified they do not support destroying an ancestral cultural element representing a community with 171 years of historical presence. They also condemned the procedure, which occurred at night without prior dialogue, warning, or communication with involved sectors. No coordination or notification was given to the central government, officials…
Local officials in Panama have publicly distanced themselves from the controversial demolition of a monument honoring the nation’s Chinese community. The majority of councilors in the Municipal Council of Arraiján issued a formal statement expressing regret over the incident while clarifying they played no part in the decision. The structure, located near the iconic Bridge of the Americas, was torn down last week, sparking immediate political and social backlash.The council’s statement aims to quell growing anger by formally recognizing the historical and cultural value of the demolished tribute. Officials emphasized the deep contributions made by Panamanians of Chinese descent over…
A new technological improvement program for coconut cultivation is now underway in Panama’s Costa Abajo region of Colon. The Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama) initiated the project to boost productivity, sustainability, and resilience for this traditional local crop. Officials aim to revitalize the coconut sector by introducing modern, sustainable farming practices.The program establishes three demonstration plots using an agroforestry model. This approach integrates rigorous seed selection, proper nursery preparation, and associated crops to diversify production and optimize land use. A specialized fertilization system incorporating boron, essential for healthy coconut palm development, is also a core component.Carlos Salcedo, the regional director…
Municipal authorities in Arraiján, Panama demolished a prominent monument honoring the Chinese community on Saturday night. The structure, located at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint, was removed after officials declared it a public safety hazard, sparking immediate controversy and diplomatic reaction. Crews used heavy machinery to tear down the landmark on December 27. Videos of the demolition circulated widely on social media, drawing swift criticism from community leaders and politicians who accused the municipality of acting without proper notice or respect for cultural heritage. Municipality Cites Structural Danger The Arraiján mayor’s office defended the action in a formal statement.…