Author: Sebastian Pieper

Councilors in San Miguelito, Panama, confronted the district’s waste collection contractor this week over persistent service failures. With the company’s contract set to expire in less than a month, local representatives demanded Revisalud meet its obligations despite a surge in resident complaints about uncollected garbage.The public session on Tuesday became a platform for airing widespread grievances from across the district. Officials reported that trash accumulation remains a visible problem in numerous communities. They accused Revisalud of neglecting its duties even as its long-term service agreement enters its final weeks.”A direct call to the current company, Revisalud. Your contract ends on…

The National Institute of Vocational Training and Human Development (INADEH) announced a major expansion of its educational programs this week. The Panamanian state agency plans to offer 8,600 courses nationwide by 2026, a strategic move designed to boost technical skills and improve employment rates across the country.This ambitious plan begins with an initial rollout of 3,000 courses starting January 12. Institute officials framed the expansion as a direct response to the evolving demands of Panama’s key economic sectors.Focus on High-Demand IndustriesThe course expansion will target industries with significant labor shortages. According to Asdruval Ulloa, INADEH’s Director of Professional Training, the…

Panama is creating its first national Gender Action Plan through a collaborative public process. The Ministry of Environment launched the co-creation effort this month, aiming to integrate gender equality into all national climate, biodiversity, and land restoration policies.More than 100 people from public institutions, civil society, youth groups, the private sector, academia, and community organizations have participated in technical working sessions. Officials say the plan will address how environmental and climate impacts differ for people based on age, location, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.The plan forms a core part of Panama’s Nature Pledge, which seeks to unify the country’s environmental priorities.…

Residents in several Panamanian neighborhoods are actively reviving the traditional Las Posadas celebration this December. These community-led events, which reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, aim to reclaim the holiday’s spiritual meaning and strengthen local bonds, particularly among younger generations.In the Brisas del Golf area of the San Miguelito District, one street celebration just marked its sixth consecutive year. Planning often centers on children, who invite friends and take leading roles in organizing the festivities. Parents provide support, but the initiative frequently comes from the kids themselves.Organizers say the goal is to look beyond commercial gift-giving and…

Panama’s Ministry of Health will start distributing medical cannabis products in authorized pharmacies within days. Uriel Pérez, the Director of Pharmacy and Drugs for the Ministry of Health (Minsa), confirmed the rollout this week, marking a major shift in patient access following the country’s 2021 legalization law.The initial phase focuses on non-controlled products containing therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD). These items, including creams, ointments, gummies, syrups, and oils, will be available without a medical prescription. Officials are finalizing the last import procedures to get the products onto shelves.”In the coming days you will have products, mainly those that are not controlled, which…

Panama City’s main bus terminal was already bustling with activity by 6 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of residents began their journeys to reunite with family for the Christmas holiday. The Albrook National Transportation Terminal witnessed long lines forming for popular routes, with a significant early morning crowd heading to provinces across the country. This mass exodus from the capital marks the start of one of Panama’s most deeply rooted annual traditions.Travelers of all ages, many with suitcases in hand, filled the concourse. Some passengers, having secured their tickets in advance, used their waiting time to grab a coffee before…

Panamanian authorities have confiscated 44,795 packages of illegal drugs since the start of 2025. The National Police of Panama reported the massive seizure this week, detailing a nationwide effort involving nearly 20,000 raids.Officers conducted 19,324 search operations across the country in coordination with prosecutors. These coordinated actions form a central part of the government’s ongoing strategy to disrupt narcotics trafficking routes that utilize Panama’s strategic geographic position.Concealed Compartments and Port InterceptionsThe official report states that traffickers employed sophisticated concealment methods. A significant portion of the illicit cargo was discovered hidden in vehicles with specially constructed false compartments. Other major interceptions…

Portobelo National Park in Panama’s Colon province celebrated its 49th anniversary this week. The protected area, spanning approximately 35,900 hectares, uniquely safeguards a blend of rich historical monuments and vital neotropical ecosystems. Its management model, which combines cultural and natural preservation, remains a pioneering example in Central America. Roughly twenty percent of the park’s territory consists of marine areas. This diverse landscape encompasses tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches that are fundamental to Caribbean biodiversity and local community livelihoods. The park’s core includes the famous Bay of Portobelo, historically celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and strategic…

The Social Security Fund of Panama has issued a renewed and urgent call for medical specialists to fill critical vacancies in the country’s interior regions. The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) made the announcement this week, aiming to ensure timely care for patients and equitable access to health services nationwide.Officials described the hiring of specialists as one of the most pressing immediate challenges facing the public health system. Historical limitations in accessing specialized care continue to plague several provinces, creating significant backlogs in patient treatment.Recruitment Efforts Meet Low ResponseDespite opening formal recruitment processes in compliance with all legal procedures, the…

The Embassy of the United States in Panama has announced two open calls for its 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. These initiatives target Panamanian secondary school teachers and university students, offering fully-funded academic training in the United States for five weeks next summer. The announcements were made public this week, with application deadlines set for early January 2026.These competitive exchanges are designed to strengthen educational capacity and foster mutual understanding. They represent a continued investment in people-to-people ties between the two nations. The programs will be administered by accredited U.S. universities and cover all participant expenses, including…