Author: spieper

Panama’s national government has officially updated the boundaries of the Darién National Park. The Ministry of Environment confirmed the action this month following a public consultation process that spanned over ten years.The change was formalized by Executive Decree No. 3, dated December 31, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette on January 13, 2026. President José Raúl Mulino and Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro oversaw the final administrative step. Officials stated the entire initiative adhered to current environmental regulations.The process included technical analyses, legal reviews, and multiple citizen consultations within the protected area. Dialogue sessions with local communities and authorities…

Panama’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Guevara Mann, began an official visit to Turkey on Thursday. His mission aims to strengthen bilateral ties and advance cooperation in technology, culture, and trade between the two nations.The visit commenced with a diplomatic gesture at the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey’s founder. Guevara Mann placed a wreath on behalf of President José Raúl Mulino, honoring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The deputy minister then toured the adjacent museum dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence.Strategic Dialogue and Economic PartnershipsHigh-level talks formed the core of the visit. Deputy Minister Guevara Mann met…

Panamanian environmental authorities have ordered an immediate stop to illegal construction work on El Palmar beach in San Carlos. The Ministry of Environment, known as MiAmbiente, acted on a municipal report about unauthorized activity within a protected coastal zone this week. Inspectors from the Chame-San Carlos Agency, working with local municipal engineers and National Police units, confirmed the violation during a site visit. They found a foreign national using an excavator to remove stones from the beach area. The individual was attempting to reinforce an existing wall without any of the required permits. Violation of Protected Coastal Zone The illegal…

Heineken NV has realized over 140 million US dollars in cost savings through a global digital transformation, with its breweries in Jamaica and Panama serving as key launch sites. The Dutch brewing giant disclosed the financial impact in its latest annual report, highlighting the rollout of a unified digital system across its worldwide operations. This strategic shift aims to boost efficiency and profitability amid a challenging global market for brewers.The program, known internally as the Digital Backbone, now processes transactions for more than 600,000 business customers. Company financials show the platform generated over 5.4 billion dollars in gross merchandise value.…

Panama’s Social Development Minister, Beatriz Carles, and UNICEF Regional Director Sandie Blanchet conducted a surprise inspection of the Tocumen Integral Care Center (CAI) on Thursday, February 12. The visit responds to a criminal investigation into alleged child abuse and sexual assault within the state-run shelter for vulnerable children. Minister Carles stated the government is taking immediate action to address any failures in the child protection system.The inspection follows public denunciations made one week prior by Deputy Alexandra Brenes and the shelter’s former administrator, César Pérez. The Government of Panama has now launched a direct supervision strategy. Officials aim to strengthen…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has officially accepted an invitation to meet with United States President Donald Trump and other regional leaders. The meeting is scheduled for March 7 in Miami, Florida, according to a statement released by the Panamanian presidency.Diplomatic channels delivered the formal notification this week. The gathering will mark President Trump’s first major regional summit since taking office over a year ago. It will include leaders from several Central and South American nations perceived as politically aligned with the U.S. administration.Summit Details and Attendee ListAn anonymous White House official confirmed the March 7 date to the AFP…

Panama’s Ministry of Environment confirmed that Coiba National Park has become a vital research and feeding ground for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Over twelve years of continuous monitoring on the island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now providing the scientific data desperately needed for regional conservation. The program has registered 887 individual turtles, with 106 processed during a major field operation this February. The long-term study positions the protected marine area as a strategic sanctuary for the Eastern Tropical Pacific population. Historically, a severe lack of information hampered effective protection efforts for Eretmochelys imbricata across its range.…

Health workers in Panama City administered more than 100 free rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C in a public square this week. The Metropolitan Health Region organized the preventive campaign ahead of the capital’s Carnival festivities to curb potential increases in sexually transmitted infections. Officials focused on public education and reducing barriers to diagnostic services during a period of heightened social activity.The testing drive took place at the historic Plaza 5 de Mayo, a central location chosen for its high public visibility. Teams from the Regional Laboratory and the ITS/HIV/AIDS Program led the effort, offering confidential counseling alongside…

Panama’s main air gateway is bracing for a massive influx of travelers. Tocumen International Airport officials project over 154,000 local passengers will move through its international terminals during the upcoming Carnival holiday period.The extraordinary operational window runs from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 22, 2026. An increase in arriving passengers was already noticeable this Thursday as travelers began landing for the pre-festival buildup.Projected Passenger Peaks for Carnival TravelAirport analytics forecast 84,061 international arrivals between February 13 and 15. The single busiest day for returns, however, is expected to be Wednesday, February 18. More than 10,920 passengers are projected to…

Panama’s National Institute of Professional Training and Human Development, known as INADEH, will receive 10,000 specialized software licenses to boost digital skills across the country. The institute announced the acquisition this week as part of a regional program aimed at closing the technology skills gap. This initiative seeks to improve workforce competitiveness and meet the demands of a rapidly digitizing economy.The licenses are a core component of the regional Talent Up – America in the Center program, promoted by the Inter-American Development Bank. Officials state the program directly addresses the disconnect between technological advancement and workforce readiness. It fosters public-private…