Author: spieper
Organizers in the highland town of Boquete, Chiriquí have finalized preparations for the International Flower and Coffee Fair. The event, a cornerstone of Panama’s cultural and agricultural calendar, opens to the public on January 7 and runs through January 18. Fair executives confirmed all attractions and logistical plans are ready for an expected influx of national and international tourists. This year’s edition promises significant enhancements, including new mechanical rides and redesigned structures within the fairgrounds. A central focus remains the elaborate exhibition of flowers and ornamental gardens, which received a substantial investment. The characteristic cool climate of Boquete, Chiriquí is…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has ordered an urgent intervention to address a severe garbage collection crisis in the San Miguelito District. He warned the accumulating solid waste could trigger a public health emergency. The Urban and Household Sanitation Authority (AAUD) will lead the effort with extraordinary decentralized funds.The announcement came directly via social media platform X. It followed a formal request for assistance from San Miguelito Mayor Irma Hernandez to the Secretary of Goals, Jose Icaza, who will now oversee inter-agency coordination. The national government also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Luis Eduardo Camacho in pushing for solutions.”The government…
Most residential electricity customers in Panama will see no increase on their power bills during the first half of 2026. The Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica S.A. (ENSA) made this announcement while detailing a new tariff schedule set to take effect in January. The company serves over half a million clients across the country, primarily in Panama province.ENSA confirmed that 71.5 percent of its customers will be shielded from price hikes. This group consists mainly of residential users on the BTS rate who maintain monthly consumption between 0 and 300 kilowatt-hours. These clients will continue receiving support from the ordinary Tariff…
Panama’s government has established a new specialized task force to combat environmental offenses. The Multidisciplinary Team Specialized in Environmental Offenses and Crimes, known as EME-AMBIENTAL, began operations this week following its official publication in the state gazette.This technical-operational body will coordinate actions between the Ministry of Environment (Panama) and multiple public security agencies. Its creation represents a significant step in strengthening the country’s environmental protection framework.Legal Framework and MandateThe task force finds its legal basis in Panama’s Constitution, which mandates state regulation of natural resources. It also draws authority from the General Environmental Law of 1998 and the 2015 legislation…
Panama’s tourism sector posted significant gains throughout 2025, solidifying the country’s position as a regional destination for both leisure and business travel. Official data released this year shows historic performance from the flagship Panama Stopover program alongside strong growth in international meetings and conventions.The Panama Stopover initiative surpassed its goal of attracting 200,000 visitors, marking an all-time high since its launch. During the first half of the year alone, the program saw an 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This result sets a new record for the promotional campaign started in 2019.Developed jointly by the Panama…
Panama City’s municipal government has declared its flagship casco peatonal program a resounding success for 2025. The initiative, which transforms the historic casco antiguo district into a recurring pedestrian zone, attracted an estimated 700,000 participants over ten monthly editions from March through December.Officials from the Municipality of Panama released year-end data showing the program generated approximately 14 million balboas in local economic activity. This figure was calculated based on average attendee spending across transportation, food, local commerce, entrepreneurial ventures, and cultural services.”The constant programming attracted residents, visitors, and tourists, turning the Casco Antiguo into an active, safe, and community-oriented space,”…
Hundreds of families in the Ernesto Córdoba Campos district of Panama City are enduring a severe and persistent potable water shortage. Residents report receiving water only in the middle of the night, a crisis that has drastically degraded their quality of life and health standards over recent months.The issue is concentrated in four specific neighborhoods: Jardines de Sevilla, Casa Real, Posada del Roble, and Altos de Sevilla. People living there must wake between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. to collect water in tanks, bottles, and any available containers. The water that does arrive is often murky and unfit for consumption, forcing…
The Ministry of Environment (Panama) has issued a renewed call for visitors to comply with safety and conservation rules in the nation’s protected zones. This warning comes as authorities increase patrols in popular adventure tourism destinations like Volcán Barú National Park following a recent wildfire scare.Officials from the ministry, known as MiAmbiente, are focusing their efforts in the western province of Chiriquí. They specifically highlighted Volcán Barú National Park and La Amistad International Park as areas of concern. The push for compliance is part of a broader national plan to safeguard both ecosystems and visitor safety.In a formal statement, the…
The national government of Panama has ordered the immediate restoration of a monument honoring the Chinese community after its controversial demolition. Officials issued the directive late Tuesday, rejecting both the destruction of the cultural landmark and the clandestine manner of its removal from a popular viewpoint near the Bridge of the Americas.Authorities clarified they do not support destroying an ancestral cultural element representing a community with 171 years of historical presence. They also condemned the procedure, which occurred at night without prior dialogue, warning, or communication with involved sectors. No coordination or notification was given to the central government, officials…
Local officials in Panama have publicly distanced themselves from the controversial demolition of a monument honoring the nation’s Chinese community. The majority of councilors in the Municipal Council of Arraiján issued a formal statement expressing regret over the incident while clarifying they played no part in the decision. The structure, located near the iconic Bridge of the Americas, was torn down last week, sparking immediate political and social backlash.The council’s statement aims to quell growing anger by formally recognizing the historical and cultural value of the demolished tribute. Officials emphasized the deep contributions made by Panamanians of Chinese descent over…