Author: spieper
President Donald Trump declared the United States intends to govern Venezuela for an indefinite period following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The unprecedented statement, made from his Mar-a-Lago estate on January 3rd, outlines a plan for direct political control over the South American nation and the exploitation of its vast oil reserves. This move marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America, invoking a modern reinterpretation of historical hemispheric doctrine. The announcement came roughly eight hours after U.S. forces detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, creating a power vacuum in a country of nearly 30…
The Panamanian Chamber of Construction (Capac) has signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with a coalition of seven construction unions. The deal was formally registered on January 2, 2026, following direct negotiations mediated by government labor officials.This agreement covers the vast majority of formal construction workers in Panama and establishes wage and benefit terms through January 2029. It replaces a previous pact that expired at the end of 2025, providing immediate stability for a sector critical to the nation’s infrastructure development.Negotiation Process and Union CoalitionAccording to the Panamanian Chamber of Construction, the new contract resulted from a petition presented…
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…