Author: spieper

Israel’s ambassador to Panama, Mattanya Cohen, publicly defended a major joint military operation by Israel and the United States against Iran. Speaking from Panama City, Cohen framed the late February strikes as a necessary response to what he called a decades-long existential threat from Tehran.The operation, which triggered explosions in Tehran and other Iranian cities, targeted high-level Iranian leadership. According to Israeli public broadcasting, objectives included the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The attack comes amid a sharp escalation in regional tensions and failed diplomatic efforts.Ambassador Cites Nuclear Program as Core JustificationIn his remarks,…

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Panama in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3. The celestial event, often called a “blood moon,” will see Earth’s shadow completely cover the moon, transforming its color to a deep reddish hue for nearly an hour.This astronomical alignment occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon line up perfectly. Our planet blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon’s surface, casting it into shadow. Instead of disappearing, the moon takes on a coppery red tone due to a process called Rayleigh scattering. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere gets filtered, with blue light…

The Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture issued a stark warning on the eve of the 2026 school year. The nation’s leading business group demanded a complete overhaul of the country’s education system to address a growing skills gap.In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, March 1, the Chamber argued Panama’s economic future depends on immediate and decisive action. Their call for reform comes as 876,605 students nationwide prepare to return to classrooms on March 2.A Framework for Evolution, Not a StraitjacketThe Chamber’s proposal centers on creating a flexible, modern legal framework for education. This framework would allow for…

Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals says it would need between $300 million and $500 million to process the massive stockpile of mineral reserves sitting at its idled Cobre Panama mine. The company’s executives outlined the cost estimate during a recent quarterly earnings call, framing the potential limited operation as an environmental and asset preservation measure, not a full mine restart. The proposal remains entirely contingent on receiving formal authorization from the Panamanian government, which has not yet been granted.This financial projection covers what the company calls a “limited activation” of the processing plant to treat approximately 38 million tons…

Panama’s National Border Service has deployed over 60 agents to its border with Costa Rica. The major security operation, called “Falange 6,” is a direct response to a spike in criminal activity reported by residents in the Bocas del Toro Province. Authorities launched the initiative after receiving numerous complaints from communities like Las Tablas and Las Delicias. Residents there have expressed growing fear over increasing crime rates in recent weeks. The operation will focus on both residential and commercial sectors throughout the area. Focus on Community Security and Checkpoint Vigilance The senior National Border Service (Panama) officer in Guabito outlined…

Panama’s ambassador to the United Nations, Eloy Alfaro, called for urgent diplomacy during an emergency Security Council session this Saturday. The meeting addressed escalating Middle East tensions following coordinated Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent response. The session unfolded under intense diplomatic pressure, complicated by the United States holding a permanent, veto-wielding seat on the council. Ambassador Alfaro warned the current cycle of violence risks a dangerous and unpredictable regional expansion. “We must ask ourselves if the repetition of these actions can really lead to different results and a sustainable solution,” stated Ambassador Eloy Alfaro. [Translated…

Hundreds of residents in the Chitré District took to the streets on Friday, February 27, demanding immediate government action to resolve a severe and prolonged drinking water crisis. Protesters directed their frustration at Panama’s national government and the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), the state utility they accuse of failing to provide a reliable supply for nearly nine months. Organizers said the demonstration aimed to secure concrete solutions, not just temporary fixes. While IDAAN has publicly stated that water service in the district has recently improved, community leaders and families directly contradict that assessment. They describe a daily…

The Social Security Fund of Panama (CSS) has announced a significant reorganization of its senior leadership team. The changes are part of a broader institutional strengthening effort aimed at optimizing administrative management within the critical public health entity.Officials confirmed the appointments this week in an official statement from the fund’s headquarters in Panama City. The restructuring focuses on two key positions overseeing special projects and national procurement operations.New Advisors and Directors Take Key RolesRegina Donelson has been designated as the new advisor to the General Directorate. She will be responsible for driving and monitoring special projects for the senior office.…

Schools across Panama’s Herrera Province are fully prepared to welcome students for the start of the 2026 academic year this coming Monday, March 2. Regional Education Director Deysi Atencio confirmed that 171 educational centers and more than 1,800 teachers stand ready to receive nearly 21,000 students. Extensive preparations and coordination with various government institutions over recent months have ensured all facilities meet operational standards. Officials conducted final verification tours of multiple schools this past Saturday, February 28, to confirm optimal conditions for the return of students and staff. “A series of adjustments have been made in recent months in partnership…

Panamanian transit authorities will activate a special lane reversal plan this Monday, March 2, to manage the expected surge in traffic for the new school year. The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (Panama) designed the operation to ease congestion on key routes connecting Panama City with its western suburbs.Officials anticipate a significant increase in vehicle flow as students and staff return to classrooms. The plan focuses on reversing traffic lanes during peak morning and evening commutes to maximize road capacity.Targeted Operations in Panama West ProvinceLieutenant José Sánchez outlined the specific measures for the Panama West Province corridor. Morning operations directing…