Author: spieper

Panamanian authorities seized a significant cache of prohibited items during security operations at the Panama City Carnival festival this week. The confiscations occurred at the entrance points to the Cinta Costera venue, where large crowds gathered for the final celebrations on Tuesday. Officials stated the goal was to prevent potential weapons from entering the crowded event space. National Police Commissioner Luis García detailed the seized objects. The list included metal cups, ballpoint pens, nail clippers, pliers, and even lipstick tubes with metallic tips. While some items appear mundane, police emphasized they could be repurposed as dangerous weapons in a crowd.…

The Panamanian government has completed a major debt management operation that will cut its public debt balance by at least 204 million dollars. The transaction, executed this week, is projected to generate annual structural savings of approximately 30 million dollars in interest payments, according to an official statement.This liability management exercise involved a bond buyback offer and a new bond issuance. It aims to improve the nation’s fiscal sustainability over the medium and long term. Officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama confirmed the successful results, which attracted overwhelming investor demand.The public buyback offer received proposals totaling…

A video showing a dog being transported on the roof of a passenger bus has ignited widespread public anger in Panama. The footage, which circulated rapidly on social media this week, depicts the animal perched alongside passenger luggage during a journey through the country’s interior. In the video, the dog appears calm. Its safety during the trip remains unclear, as it is not visible whether the animal was secured to the vehicle’s roof rail. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of domestic animals during transport in some regions. Animal Advocates Condemn Dangerous Practice Local animal welfare organizations…

U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera joined Panama’s First Lady and health officials on February 11 to mark the end of a major medical mission. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) ophthalmology team performed 50 sight-restoring surgeries at Santo Tomás Hospital in Panama City. This mission forms a key part of the expanded “Juntos por la Salud” or “Together for Health” initiative. It represents a direct channel for U.S.-Panama security cooperation focused on humanitarian aid. Medical Mission Delivers Life Changing Surgeries Operating from February 3 to 11, the joint U.S. and Panamanian medical teams achieved significant results. Their work included eight complex…

A federal order has abruptly ended passport application services at hundreds of public libraries across the United States. The U.S. State Department mandated that all nonprofit libraries cease operating as Passport Acceptance Facilities effective February 13, 2026. Officials cite a long-standing federal regulation that prohibits nongovernmental organizations from handling application fees. This enforcement disrupts a service many libraries have provided for nearly twenty years, creating immediate concerns over public access and library funding. Policy Enforcement Disrupts Longstanding Community Service Libraries received formal cease-and-desist notices from the State Department. The directive specifically targets facilities operating under 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Government-run libraries,…

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Panama has officially welcomed the Lunar New Year 2026, known as the Year of the Horse. Ambassador Xu Xueyuan extended festive greetings to the Panamanian people on Monday, February 17, marking the start of a new lunar cycle celebrated for its symbolism of progress and vitality. The occasion highlights deep historical ties between the two nations dating back over a century and a half. This specific year is designated as the Bingwu Fire Horse, a combination that occurs once every sixty years within the Chinese Zodiac system. In a detailed message,…

The Panama Canal Authority is advancing major new infrastructure projects while competing interoceanic routes across Latin America face delays, accidents, and financial paralysis. This strategic push comes as regional alternatives fail to materialize, reinforcing Panama’s century-old grip on global maritime trade. Officials confirmed the launch of prequalification processes for two key initiatives last month.These projects include new port terminals on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and a dedicated energy pipeline corridor across the isthmus. The developments aim to significantly expand capacity and services without increasing freshwater consumption from the canal’s vital watershed. This move effectively widens Panama’s competitive moat…

Panama’s government confirmed on February 16, 2026, that the country will stay on the European Union’s list of non cooperative tax jurisdictions. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (Panama) stated this outcome was anticipated following the bloc’s latest review.National authorities emphasized their ongoing dialogue with both domestic stakeholders and European officials. They argue Panama is actively strengthening its fiscal transparency framework and international cooperation standards.”The Government of Panama has taken note of the announcement, indicating that this permanence on the list was as anticipated and is part of the regular review process carried out by the European Union in accordance…

The National Police of Panama has established a special traffic plan for next week. Officers will implement reversible lanes on two key highways to manage the expected surge of travelers returning to the capital after the 2026 Carnival holiday. This operational plan is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The temporary lane reversals aim to increase road capacity on the Pan-American Highway, directing additional lanes toward Panama City as thousands of vehicles flow back from holiday destinations. Detailed Schedule for Reversible Lanes Authorities have released a precise timetable to guide motorists. The first phase on Tuesday…

Public health experts in Panama are issuing urgent warnings about the potential for a spike in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission during the country’s massive Carnival festivities. The annual celebration, which draws hundreds of thousands of revelers for days of parades, music, and parties, creates a unique environment where reduced inhibitions and high alcohol consumption can lead to risky sexual behavior. Officials stress that the goal is not to curb the celebration but to promote a culture of prevention and awareness among participants.Dr. Orlando Quintero, executive director of the Pro-Vida Foundation, confirmed that his organization intensifies its public…