Author: spieper

San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, a global event celebrating the newly opened Panama Canal and the city’s remarkable recovery from a devastating earthquake. Over 18 million visitors attended the fair during its 288-day run, which showcased technological marvels and architectural wonders on a scale never before seen. The exposition’s timing was deeply symbolic. It opened just nine years after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a catastrophe that killed an estimated 3,000 people and leveled much of the city. Organizers conceived the fair as a bold statement to the world that San Francisco had not only rebuilt…

Improper electrical and gas installations by uncertified workers are creating growing safety hazards in Panama’s condominium buildings. Priscilla Cooban, president of the Panamanian Association of Condominium Professionals, issued the warning this week, citing a rise in fires, leaks, and neighbor conflicts linked to unqualified work. The problem is compounded by new threats like electric vehicle chargers and lithium-ion battery storage, alongside chronic issues of delinquency and poor maintenance. Official data from 2025 recorded 958 emergency responses for gas leaks across the country, a figure that underscores the scale of the challenge. In the dense vertical living environment of modern Panama,…

Author James Kennedy brought a dynamic literary experience to students in Chautauqua County this week. The novelist visited fifth and sixth graders at Panama Central Schools and Southwestern middle school, transforming assemblies into interactive celebrations of reading and creativity. His visit was coordinated by Bob Lingle of the local good neighbor Bookstore in Lakewood, New York. Kennedy, known for his energetic style, did more than just lecture. He performed, sharing personal anecdotes and reading aloud from his work to captivate the young audiences. He connected his own life adventures directly to the stories he writes, making the craft of writing…

A significant portion of Panama’s public ambulance fleet sits idle in a parking lot, complicating patient transfers for the nation’s social security agency. The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) currently has 59 operational ambulances serving the entire country. Another 32 vehicles, however, are out of service and parked at a facility on the Transisthmian Highway, a situation locals have dubbed the “ambulance cemetery.”Officials attribute long patient wait times to high demand, traffic congestion, and driver behavior. The agency’s ambulances handle an average of 161 patient transfers daily across Panama. These transfers move people from primary care centers to major hospitals…

The Panama National Assembly increased its 2025 budget by 67 percent over its original allocation, according to official finance reports. This substantial mid-year expansion, approved internally, contradicts repeated public promises from legislative leadership to curb government spending.Documents from the Budget Directorate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) show the legislature’s funding jumped from an initial $98.7 million to $164.8 million by year’s end. The $66.1 million increase covers both operational and investment expenses, though the reports lack specific details on which programs received the bulk of the additional funds.”We are requesting the documentation to verify how these decisions…

A marine engineer from South Africa has drawn global attention to one of the world’s most critical waterways. Sotas Makgae documented his ship’s transit through the Panama Canal in a detailed TikTok video posted on February 12 (video at end of article). His footage provides a rare real-time look at the engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Makgae filmed the entire process as his vessel traveled from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. He explained the intricate lock operations to his audience. The video quickly resonated, offering a masterclass in civil engineering to viewers far from the…

The Panama Canal Authority has established the compensation framework for families displaced by the massive Rio Indio reservoir project. Officials confirmed this week that land will be valued at market rates and homes will be appraised as if newly built, without depreciation deductions. The formal valuation process is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of this year.This policy marks a critical step forward for the $1.6 billion infrastructure project designed to bolster water security for the vital interoceanic waterway. The reservoir will cover 4,600 hectares, roughly eight percent of the total Rio Indio basin, and requires the relocation of…

In Panama’s Province of Colon, the vibrant “Dirty Devils” tradition transforms streets during Carnival. This cultural practice, known locally as “Tiempo de Nosotros” or “Tempe de Soto,” represents far more than festive performance. It serves as a living act of historical memory for Afro-descendant communities.The elaborate costumes and masked performances captivate tourists and locals each year. Historians and community leaders emphasize the tradition’s roots in the colonial era of slavery. Its preservation is a powerful testament to cultural resistance and identity.Symbolism in Costume and PerformanceEvery element of the Dirty Devils’ attire holds specific meaning. Francisco Mayri, a community voice, explained…

A Panamanian judge has ordered pretrial detention for former Arraiján Mayor Rollyns Rodríguez and three other ex-officials. The ruling, issued on Friday, February 13, stems from their alleged involvement in aggravated misappropriation of public funds.The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Público) confirmed the judicial decision. Authorities allege the four individuals caused a patrimonial loss exceeding 815,000 dollars to the Arraiján Municipality.”The precautionary measure of pretrial detention was ordered against the former mayor and three others,” a statement from the prosecutor’s office read. [Translated from Spanish]During the hearing in La Chorrera, the judge set a 100,000 dollar bail…

Thousands of revelers, including tourists from Europe and the Americas, packed Panama City’s coastal boulevard for the opening day of the 2026 Carnival festival. The event, known for its massive “culecos” water trucks and music, proceeded under tight security and health inspections on Monday, officials confirmed.Visitors from Costa Rica, Austria, and France joined local Panamanians along the Cinta Costera for the traditional soaking. Many attendees arrived early to secure spots near the water-dousing stations. Authorities reported a controlled, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the first day of celebrations.Organizers focused heavily on public safety and health protocols. A key component involved inspecting every…