Author: Sebastian Pieper

The Ministry of Public Works (Panama) has confirmed that major road expansion projects on two critical arteries will include new, paid express lanes. Minister José Luis Andrade announced the plan this week, detailing a $382 million investment aimed at alleviating chronic congestion in the metropolitan area and western Panama.These projects will widen the Centenario road from four to six lanes and expand the Arraiján–La Chorrera highway from six to eight lanes. The newly constructed lanes on both corridors will operate as tolled express lanes, similar to systems used in the United States. The projects will be developed under a Public-Private…

Panama’s National Assembly will begin debating a landmark biofuels bill in January 2026. The proposed law, a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition strategy, aims to mandate a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline nationwide.Approved by the Cabinet Council and formally presented to the legislature, the initiative seeks to reduce fossil fuel dependence and cut transportation emissions. The legislative process will start in the Commerce and Economic Affairs Commission, setting the stage for a major policy shift.Establishing a Legal Framework for Energy SecurityOfficials from the National Energy Secretariat (SNE) emphasized the bill’s primary goal is to create a clear and secure…

Panama’s Supreme Court has upheld a one million dollar fine against the consortium building the country’s Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal. The Third Chamber of the court ruled this week that the penalty, issued by the Ministry of Public Works (Panama) in 2019 for project delays, was legally applied. This decision represents a significant legal victory for the state as it pushes forward on the massive $2.1 billion infrastructure project.The ruling, detailed in Edict No. 3,182, was signed by magistrates María Cristina Chen Stanziola and Carlos Vásquez Reyes. It specifically validates a 2019 note from the Ministry’s Special Projects…

Giovani Estrada, the treasurer for the David Cabecera community board, surrendered to judicial authorities in Panama on Friday. The Public Ministry had issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a major embezzlement investigation. Estrada now faces formal charges for allegedly misusing public funds alongside the district’s elected representative.Officials from the Public Ministry (Panama) state the case involves an estimated economic loss exceeding $4.4 million to the state. That specific figure remains under detailed analysis as prosecutors gather evidence. The investigation centers on the management of money allocated to the local junta comunal, a community administrative council.”The investigations continue…

Health authorities in Panama’s Colon Province have issued urgent safety recommendations for New Year’s celebrations. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) aims to prevent injuries from fireworks and illnesses from spoiled food during the holiday period.The warnings come as families across the province prepare for traditional festivities. Officials are focusing on two primary areas of risk that see annual increases in emergency room visits.Fireworks Pose Severe Risks, Especially for ChildrenMargarita de Villarreal, coordinator of the Childhood and Adolescence program for Minsa in Colon, emphasized the extreme dangers of fireworks. She stated that parents and caregivers must understand the potential for life-altering…

Panama’s consumer protection agency has launched an investigation into a company that promoted an artificial snow park experience, an event canceled just days after opening following widespread public complaints. The Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) initiated an on-site verification at the Snowland Panama venue in Casco Antiguo, Panama on December 24 after customers alleged the reality did not match the highly-produced online advertisements.Snowland Panama officially canceled its event in a statement posted to its Instagram account on Friday, December 26. The attraction had opened on December 23 and was scheduled to run until January 7, 2026. It…

Panamanian authorities arrested a Belgian citizen in Panama City on Friday, December 26, following an international manhunt. The arrest was executed on an active Interpol Red Notice issued by Belgian judicial officials.The suspect is wanted by the French-speaking Tribunal of First Instance in Brussels. He faces serious allegations of involvement in transnational criminal activities.International Cooperation Leads to ArrestNational Police officers captured the individual in the San Francisco district. The operation resulted from coordinated intelligence work and international police cooperation managed by Interpol Panama. Agents from the National Anti-Narcotics Directorate and the Linces Motorized Service provided tactical support during the apprehension.Official…

Three swimmers were pulled from powerful ocean currents at La Barqueta Beach in Panama on Wednesday. A joint rescue operation by the country’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) saved the individuals from a potentially fatal situation. Officials confirmed the successful mission prevented serious injury or loss of life during a period of heightened coastal danger.The incident occurred as strong seasonal waves battered the popular Pacific coast beach. Authorities reported the three citizens were actively being dragged out to sea by the forceful water when the emergency call was received. Response teams mobilized immediately, coordinating…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino formally congratulated Nasry Asfura on his election as Honduras’s next leader this week. Mulino’s public message signals Panama’s official recognition of the controversial election results and a desire for continued regional cooperation. The congratulation came via Mulino’s official account on the social media platform X. It aligns Panama with several other Latin American nations that have acknowledged Asfura’s victory. This regional endorsement unfolds against a backdrop of significant political tension within Honduras following one of its most contentious electoral processes in recent history. “I congratulate the president elect of Honduras, Nasry Asfura, and I hope…

Panama’s national airline, Air Panama, has introduced a new, larger aircraft to its fleet to strengthen connectivity between the capital and western provinces. The company unveiled its new De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 at a ceremony at Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport in Albrook on December 15. This strategic move aims to boost tourism, commerce, and regional integration by adding capacity on key domestic routes.The newly acquired turboprop aircraft seats 78 passengers, a significant increase over the airline’s existing models. With a list price of approximately $27 million, the Dash 8 Q400 will initially operate on the busy Panama…