Author: spieper

A new technological improvement program for coconut cultivation is now underway in Panama’s Costa Abajo region of Colon. The Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama) initiated the project to boost productivity, sustainability, and resilience for this traditional local crop. Officials aim to revitalize the coconut sector by introducing modern, sustainable farming practices.The program establishes three demonstration plots using an agroforestry model. This approach integrates rigorous seed selection, proper nursery preparation, and associated crops to diversify production and optimize land use. A specialized fertilization system incorporating boron, essential for healthy coconut palm development, is also a core component.Carlos Salcedo, the regional director…

Municipal authorities in Arraiján, Panama demolished a prominent monument honoring the Chinese community on Saturday night. The structure, located at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint, was removed after officials declared it a public safety hazard, sparking immediate controversy and diplomatic reaction. Crews used heavy machinery to tear down the landmark on December 27. Videos of the demolition circulated widely on social media, drawing swift criticism from community leaders and politicians who accused the municipality of acting without proper notice or respect for cultural heritage. Municipality Cites Structural Danger The Arraiján mayor’s office defended the action in a formal statement.…

The Ministry of Public Works (Panama) has confirmed that major road expansion projects on two critical arteries will include new, paid express lanes. Minister José Luis Andrade announced the plan this week, detailing a $382 million investment aimed at alleviating chronic congestion in the metropolitan area and western Panama.These projects will widen the Centenario road from four to six lanes and expand the Arraiján–La Chorrera highway from six to eight lanes. The newly constructed lanes on both corridors will operate as tolled express lanes, similar to systems used in the United States. The projects will be developed under a Public-Private…

Panama’s National Assembly will begin debating a landmark biofuels bill in January 2026. The proposed law, a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition strategy, aims to mandate a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline nationwide.Approved by the Cabinet Council and formally presented to the legislature, the initiative seeks to reduce fossil fuel dependence and cut transportation emissions. The legislative process will start in the Commerce and Economic Affairs Commission, setting the stage for a major policy shift.Establishing a Legal Framework for Energy SecurityOfficials from the National Energy Secretariat (SNE) emphasized the bill’s primary goal is to create a clear and secure…

Panama’s Supreme Court has upheld a one million dollar fine against the consortium building the country’s Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal. The Third Chamber of the court ruled this week that the penalty, issued by the Ministry of Public Works (Panama) in 2019 for project delays, was legally applied. This decision represents a significant legal victory for the state as it pushes forward on the massive $2.1 billion infrastructure project.The ruling, detailed in Edict No. 3,182, was signed by magistrates María Cristina Chen Stanziola and Carlos Vásquez Reyes. It specifically validates a 2019 note from the Ministry’s Special Projects…

Giovani Estrada, the treasurer for the David Cabecera community board, surrendered to judicial authorities in Panama on Friday. The Public Ministry had issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a major embezzlement investigation. Estrada now faces formal charges for allegedly misusing public funds alongside the district’s elected representative.Officials from the Public Ministry (Panama) state the case involves an estimated economic loss exceeding $4.4 million to the state. That specific figure remains under detailed analysis as prosecutors gather evidence. The investigation centers on the management of money allocated to the local junta comunal, a community administrative council.”The investigations continue…

Health authorities in Panama’s Colon Province have issued urgent safety recommendations for New Year’s celebrations. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) aims to prevent injuries from fireworks and illnesses from spoiled food during the holiday period.The warnings come as families across the province prepare for traditional festivities. Officials are focusing on two primary areas of risk that see annual increases in emergency room visits.Fireworks Pose Severe Risks, Especially for ChildrenMargarita de Villarreal, coordinator of the Childhood and Adolescence program for Minsa in Colon, emphasized the extreme dangers of fireworks. She stated that parents and caregivers must understand the potential for life-altering…

Panama’s consumer protection agency has launched an investigation into a company that promoted an artificial snow park experience, an event canceled just days after opening following widespread public complaints. The Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) initiated an on-site verification at the Snowland Panama venue in Casco Antiguo, Panama on December 24 after customers alleged the reality did not match the highly-produced online advertisements.Snowland Panama officially canceled its event in a statement posted to its Instagram account on Friday, December 26. The attraction had opened on December 23 and was scheduled to run until January 7, 2026. It…

Panamanian authorities arrested a Belgian citizen in Panama City on Friday, December 26, following an international manhunt. The arrest was executed on an active Interpol Red Notice issued by Belgian judicial officials.The suspect is wanted by the French-speaking Tribunal of First Instance in Brussels. He faces serious allegations of involvement in transnational criminal activities.International Cooperation Leads to ArrestNational Police officers captured the individual in the San Francisco district. The operation resulted from coordinated intelligence work and international police cooperation managed by Interpol Panama. Agents from the National Anti-Narcotics Directorate and the Linces Motorized Service provided tactical support during the apprehension.Official…

Three swimmers were pulled from powerful ocean currents at La Barqueta Beach in Panama on Wednesday. A joint rescue operation by the country’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) saved the individuals from a potentially fatal situation. Officials confirmed the successful mission prevented serious injury or loss of life during a period of heightened coastal danger.The incident occurred as strong seasonal waves battered the popular Pacific coast beach. Authorities reported the three citizens were actively being dragged out to sea by the forceful water when the emergency call was received. Response teams mobilized immediately, coordinating…