Author: spieper
More than 22,000 migrants have sailed from a remote Panamanian port this year attempting to return to South America. The continuous flow of people is using the port of Miramar in Colon Province as a departure point for a maritime journey to Colombia.Authorities from Panama’s National Migration Service (Panama) confirmed the figure this week. They stated the migrants are primarily from Costa Rica and are trying to reach their countries of origin. This movement represents a significant and sustained migratory route along Panama’s Caribbean coast.Interagency Operation Monitors DeparturesA multi-agency presence remains active in Miramar to monitor and regulate the departures.…
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino addresses the nation from the legislative chamber on Friday, January 2. His speech formally opens the new ordinary session of the National Assembly of Panama and sets the governing priorities for the coming year. The event serves as a critical barometer for the relationship between the executive and legislative branches amid a politically fragmented environment. Mulino previewed his address in a social media post on Thursday, promising significant announcements. He framed the upcoming year as one focused on continued work for national improvement. “We begin a new year with the same drive and desire to…
Panama is advancing two of its most critical infrastructure projects, the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal and Metro Line 3, with both aiming for completion in 2028. These multi-billion dollar efforts are designed to alleviate severe traffic congestion for over 650,000 residents in Panama Oeste and represent a significant technical and logistical challenge for the nation.Combined, the projects represent a public investment exceeding $6.6 billion. Officials from Metro de Panamá and the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) provided exclusive updates on the current construction status and the major milestones planned for 2026.”Panama maintains as a challenge in 2026 the…
The historic rivalry between Panama’s top carnival factions erupted in Las Tablas this week, offering a vibrant preview of the 2026 festivities. Hundreds of residents packed Porras Park on December 31 and January 1 for the traditional pre-carnival “tuna” competitions. The event officially launched the long buildup to the Carnival in Panama spectacle scheduled for February 2026.Representatives from the competing “Calle Arriba” (Upper Street) and “Calle Abajo” (Lower Street) groups performed with music, satirical murga bands, and elaborate floats. This early showdown sets the tone for months of artistic preparation and friendly rivalry in Los Santos Province. The province is…
Panamanian security forces confiscated 112 tons of narcotics and arrested 92 individuals during 2025. A series of thirteen major operations throughout the year exposed the sophisticated and adaptable methods used by criminal networks operating within the country’s borders.The seized drugs were primarily found hidden inside shipping containers, fast boats, and clandestine storage sites on islands in the Pearl Archipelago and in Pacific coast estuaries. Authorities highlighted a troubling trend of traffickers exploiting official ports and the nation’s main airport, while also adopting low-tech methods like backpackers and drones.”The security forces are making great efforts to seize drugs and capture members…
Forbes magazines in Central America and Mexico have named two Panamanian women to their 2025 rankings of the region’s most creative talent. The dual recognition highlights Panama’s rising influence in global music production and digital content creation. María Laura Castillero, a Grammy-winning sound engineer, and Susy Mouriz, a top social media creator, earned spots on the prestigious annual lists.The announcements came in late December, capping a year of significant achievement for both women. Their inclusion places Panama alongside larger creative markets, signaling a shift in how regional talent is identified and celebrated. Forbes editors specifically sought individuals reshaping their industries…
The Municipality of Arraiján in Panama spent $9,998.62 of public funds to demolish a monument honoring the Chinese community in late December. Official documents verified by the country’s Comptroller General show the contract was approved in October, fueling a growing controversy over the structure’s removal from the Bridge of the Americas lookout point. Revelations about the contract’s cost and official approval emerged this week as public criticism intensified. The documents confirm the demolition was a planned municipal action, not an emergency measure, despite occurring at night and sparking immediate public outcry. Deputy Patsy Lee published the procurement document on her…
Panama celebrates a major national anniversary today as the Panama Canal completes 26 years under full Panamanian control. The historic handover occurred at noon on December 31, 1999, ending nearly a century of United States administration over the critical global waterway. This transfer stands as a defining moment of sovereignty and national pride for the Central American nation.The transition was not abrupt but the final step in a process set in motion decades earlier. It culminated a 22-year timetable established by pivotal international treaties. For Panama, the date represents the realization of a long-held national aspiration.”December 31, 1999, wrote another…
Panama’s primary international airport will soon enforce stricter security protocols for connecting passengers arriving from certain countries. The Tocumen International Airport administration is finalizing a contract for specialized screening services to conduct secondary inspections on transit travelers from airports not validated by Panamanian authorities. This move aims to address long-standing aviation security concerns and comply with international standards before these passengers mix with others in the terminal.The decision stems directly from recommendations made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following a critical audit over a decade ago. Airport officials confirmed the new measures this week, outlining a targeted approach…
Stranded migrants are giving up on reaching the United States and now seek only to return home from a remote Panamanian port. In the community of Miramar, located in the Colón Province, dozens of people wait for passage after abandoning their northbound journeys through the treacherous Darien Gap. Local residents, overwhelmed by the humanitarian need, are pleading for permanent government assistance and increased security. The migrants’ presence has become a semi-permanent feature at the Miramar dock on the Costa Arriba coastline. Many have waited for weeks without a clear way forward. Their immediate goal is no longer the American Dream…