Author: spieper

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) confirmed on Saturday, October 18, 2025, that it is investigating the separate deaths of two crew members. One fatality occurred on a Panamanian-flagged coastal vessel and the other on a UK-registered international merchant ship. The incidents, both attended to by authorities on Friday, October 17, are under formal investigation by the AMP’s Department of Maritime Accident Investigation and the Panamanian Public Ministry.The AMP issued an official statement expressing its profound regret over the deaths and extending sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased seafarers. The authority reiterated its…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panama is confronting a systemic failure in its protection mechanisms for women after a series of femicides involving victims who had active restraining orders against their aggressors. The recent brutal murder of a young woman in Pocrí de Aguadulce, which followed a pattern of other recorded killings, has triggered national alarm and urgent calls from officials and advocates for a complete overhaul of the country’s response to gender-based violence.The case in Pocrí de Aguadulce is the latest in a string of shocking crimes that have laid bare the fatal gaps in Panama’s legal and institutional frameworks…

**Panama President Mulino Denounces US Diplomat Over Visa Threat Allegations**PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino publicly confirmed and condemned alleged threats made by a United States embassy official against Panamanian business figures on Thursday, October 17, 2025. The accusations, which involve warnings to revoke U.S. visas over commercial dealings with Chinese companies, have prompted a cautious but firm response from the Panamanian government, signaling a potential strain in bilateral relations.Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha responded to the President’s statements later the same day, affirming the government’s position. He emphasized that while Panama would act with discretion, it was…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Ministry of Health (Minsa) has officially published the regulatory requirements for the import and distribution of medicinal cannabis products in Panama. The new rules, detailed in Resolution No. 213, were released in the Official Gazette on Friday, October 17, 2025, establishing a clear pathway for companies to bring these products to patients.The resolution outlines the specific documentation needed to obtain an exception to the standard sanitary registry for finished products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). This regulatory action follows the recent update to the “Official List of Controlled Substances,” which authorized cannabis for medical…

In a significant move to bolster specialized higher education in Panama, the Universidad Especializada de las Américas (UDELAS) has announced a major expansion of its graduate program offerings and the implementation of a cutting-edge digital platform for faculty registration. Spearheaded by Rector Nicolasa Terreros Barrios, these strategic initiatives are central to the university’s 2025 Annual Operational Plan. This expansion is designed to meet the growing demand for highly specialized professionals by introducing new, relevant master’s and postgraduate degrees. The newly launched UDELAS graduate programs are meticulously aligned with both contemporary professional environment needs and the broader objectives of Panama’s National…

Poverty in Central America remains a persistent and complex challenge, affecting millions and demanding urgent, coordinated solutions. Despite notable progress in certain nations, the region as a whole continues to grapple with deep-seated issues of inequality, informal labor markets, and vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this poverty in Central America is the first step toward crafting effective, long-term strategies for sustainable development and social mobility. This comprehensive analysis delves into the current statistics, underlying causes, success stories, and the essential policies needed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.The Stark Reality: Poverty Statistics and Regional…

The Rueda de Negocios Panamá Exporta 2025 has concluded as a resounding triumph, projecting over $9 million in future sales and solidifying Panama’s growing stature on the global trade stage. This two-day business forum, orchestrated by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), successfully connected nearly 80 Panamanian export companies with international buyers, generating 540 one-on-one business meetings. The event’s success is a powerful testament to the competitive strength and diversification of the Panamán export sector, highlighting a strategic push towards sustainable economic growth and international market penetration.Unpacking the Success: Key Figures from Panamá Exporta 2025The recently concluded business roundtable…

Planning a dream vacation should be exciting, but for some travelers in Panama, the experience turns into a frustrating battle over broken promises and lost money. From January to September 2025, the Panamanian Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) received a staggering 59 formal complaints against hotels and vacation plans, totaling a massive $316,875.91 in disputed funds. This comprehensive guide delves into the most common issues faced by consumers, provides actionable advice to protect your hard-earned money, and explains how to leverage your rights under Panamanian law. Understanding your consumer rights for hotels and travel plans is…

Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s primary aviation hub, has reported a significant 8% increase in passenger traffic for the first nine months of 2025. Handling a staggering 15.49 million passengers from January to September, the airport welcomed an additional 1.1 million travelers compared to the same period in 2024. This robust growth underscores the airport’s pivotal role as a central connector in the Americas and a key driver of the nation’s econom. The data, released by the airport’s administration, highlights a consistent upward trend, with September 2025 alone seeing 1.72 million passengers—a 9% jump from the previous year, fueled in part…

Panama City Christmas Parade 2025: Your Complete Guide to the “City of Stars” FestivalThe magic of Christmas is set to transform Panama City once again with the highly anticipated Panama City Christmas Parade 2025. This spectacular event is the centerpiece of the “City of Stars” International Christmas Festival, a grand initiative by the Mayor’s Office of Panama (Alcaldía de Panamá) in partnership with the private sector. With a combined investment projected to exceed $6 million, the 2025 festival promises to be the most dazzling and extensive celebration to date, solidifying Panama’s capital as a premier holiday destination. This guide provides…