Author: Editorial Team

A dozen companies have stepped forward to bid on a major prison construction project in Panama. The new facility will be built in Las Garzas, directly across from the existing La Joyita, La Joya and La Nueva Joya penitentiary centers. The reference price for the project stands at $85 million. During the homologation hearing, representatives from each company raised questions about the technical specifications. They examined the required capacity for the new prison, the years of experience demanded from bidders and the suitability of personnel requirements. The Panama prison system currently faces severe overcrowding and infrastructure challenges. The companies that…

Real estate companies continue to dominate consumer complaints in Panama. The Acodeco, or Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition, recorded 170 formal claims between January and May 2026. These complaints total a staggering $7,894,141.10. Money refunds represent the biggest headache for buyers. The agency’s Conciliation and Complaint Decision Department documented 93 refund cases worth $1,970,646.44. Warranty breaches follow closely with 24 claims totaling $1,635,719.91. Hidden defects account for 20 cases at $1,028,076.33. Contract breaches add 11 more cases reaching $1,048,726.82. Consumer Protection Agency Reports Top Violations The Consumer protection in Panama landscape reveals troubling patterns. Acodeco also received complaints about…

Panama must guarantee transparency in public bidding processes and pay suppliers on time to maintain investor confidence. United States Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera delivered this message during a high-level panel on logistics and trade. The event took place at the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Panama City. Cabrera spoke alongside government officials and business leaders at the Atlantic Council panel titled “Trade and Logistics: The Opportunity to Attract Investments in Panama.” The discussion focused on keeping the country competitive as a regional business hub. Panama currently ranks as one of Latin America’s top…

Panamanian drivers will see lower prices at the pump starting Friday June 26. The National Energy Secretariat announced a new reduction in fuel costs as international crude markets continue their sharp decline. This marks the fourth consecutive decrease for consumers in the Central American nation. The trigger came from a steep drop in West Texas Intermediate crude oil, which lost 3.9 percent on Wednesday June 24. The benchmark closed at $70.34 per barrel, its lowest level since the Middle East conflict began. During trading it even dipped below the $70 threshold. Markets are responding to easing tensions between the United…

United States Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera has accused China of retaliating against Panama. He claims Beijing is punishing the country for a Supreme Court ruling that voided a port concession. The ambassador made these statements Thursday in a television interview. Cabrera pointed to a sharp increase in ship inspections at Chinese ports. So far this year, 461 vessels flying the Panamanian flag have been detained in China. That number stood at 256 for all of 2025. The ambassador called the 400 percent spike no coincidence. “It is not a coincidence and it is not on purpose,” Cabrera said…

Panama City, Panama. President José Raúl Mulino joined cabinet members for the first passenger development tests on the Panama Metro Line 3 Tuesday. The test run covered a six-kilometer stretch between the Ciudad del Futuro and Vista Alegre stations in Arraiján. This marks a critical step toward operational validation for the massive transit project. The train traveled through four stations during the trial. Officials confirmed the global construction progress has reached 77 percent. The elevated section of the line is now 85 percent complete. The underground portion stands at 66 percent. The tunnel boring machine, named Panama, has excavated 90…

The Organization of American States concluded its 56th General Assembly on Wednesday in Panama City. The meeting carried the theme “America united in the bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama.” Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez assumed the presidency of the gathering. Haiti’s Foreign Minister Raina Forbin took the vice presidency. Member states adopted the Declaration of Panama as the central outcome. The document carries the title “Firm multilateralism in defense of democracy, hemispheric security and stability in the American States.” Nations reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, human rights and multilateralism. These tools strengthen cooperation across…

Copa Airlines has canceled flights between Panama and Caracas following severe damage to Maiquetia Airport. The cancellations affect services scheduled for Wednesday evening and Thursday, June 25. The airline confirmed the decision late Wednesday. The Copa Airlines announcement comes after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The tremors caused structural damage at the main airport serving Caracas. Officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage. “Due to the effects suffered by Maiquetia Airport as a result of the earthquakes recorded in Venezuela, flights between Panama and Caracas scheduled for the night of Wednesday the 24th and Thursday, June 25 have…

Panama City became the center of hemispheric diplomacy this week. The 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States opened its plenary sessions on Tuesday, June 23. Delegates from member nations approved a sweeping package of declarations and resolutions that will guide the body’s work for the coming year. The meeting marks Panama’s return as a host for major regional dialogue. Foreign ministers and diplomats gathered at the Atlantic Pacific Convention Center in Panama City. The sessions ran from Tuesday through Thursday, covering democracy, social inclusion, and institutional budgets. Democracy and Human Rights Take Center Stage One issue dominated…

The Panama City Municipal Council has approved a new pilot project to combat illegal parking. The measure targets vehicles that block sidewalks, green areas, and other public spaces across the capital district. Officials announced the plan this week after a formal vote. Drivers who park in restricted zones will face immediate consequences under the new rules. Municipal inspectors will carry mobile vehicle immobilization devices, commonly known as boots. These devices attach directly to the tires of offending cars on the spot. How the Parking Enforcement Pilot Will Work Ruth González, treasurer of the Panama City Mayor’s Office, provided details about…