Author: spieper
Panama’s Ministry of Culture has launched a new mobile application designed to serve as a central hub for the country’s cultural events. The MiCultura app, introduced on February 11, 2026, aims to connect both residents and international tourists with a comprehensive calendar of activities. Officials stated the digital platform addresses a critical need for organized information to boost cultural participation and support the creative sector’s economic impact. The free application aggregates listings for exhibitions, cinema, workshops, competitions, festivals, forums, creative markets, and folkloric events. Arianne Benedetti, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture of Panama (MiCultura), led the presentation. She…
Panama has again scored poorly in an influential global corruption index, reflecting a persistent lack of progress in tackling graft within its public sector. The country earned 33 out of 100 points in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, a score unchanged from the previous year and well below regional averages. The 2023 index, presented locally by the Fundación Libertad Ciudadana, evaluates 180 countries and territories. Panama’s stagnant position places it alongside nations that have seen no meaningful improvement in how experts and business leaders perceive the integrity of their institutions. Analysts interpret the flatlining score as a clear signal…
Cybersecurity specialists in Panama emphasized the critical need for public education on online risks this week. Their warnings came during global observations for Safer Internet Day, an international campaign now in its third decade. Experts specifically highlighted the dual-edged nature of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence tools.The initiative, active for over 22 years and uniting more than 100 countries, focuses on guiding populations toward safer online habits. Felipe Ruiz, Vice President of IT Security for Liberty Latin America, framed the current digital moment as one of both significant opportunity and profound challenge. He argued that new technologies demand understanding and critical…
A 22 year old tourist was rescued from a popular hiking trail in Panama’s Veraguas Province this week after suffering a leg injury. The incident on the La Silampa trail near Calobre has reignited urgent safety warnings from local emergency services about the risks of the remote route. Firefighters from the Veraguas Fire Department performed the rescue, stating the young woman could not continue her hike due to the injury. Officials confirmed this is not an isolated case. They describe the trail as a high risk area where visitor injuries occur frequently, often because people attempt the difficult trek without…
The landmark Odebrecht corruption trial in Panama enters its final phase this week. After five weeks of dramatic testimony, a judge will soon deliberate on a case involving tens of millions in alleged bribes and illicit payments.Prosecutors presented a complex case centered on money laundering and corruption linked to the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. The trial, which remained stalled for four years before proceeding, heard from nearly twenty witnesses. Their statements painted a picture of a vast network designed to funnel money through offshore accounts.Testimony Reveals Andorran Banking LinksA key revelation during the proceedings involved European private banking. Witnesses and…
The Urban and Household Sanitation Authority (AAUD) has confirmed its new trash collection schedule for Panama’s San Miguelito District will become permanent. Officials announced the decision after a two week evaluation period, citing improved coverage across all district neighborhoods despite ongoing resident compliance issues.Collection times will remain between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily without a fixed hourly schedule for each zone. The frequency varies by area, with some neighborhoods receiving daily pickups due to higher waste generation. Enrique Martinez, the AAUD spokesperson for the San Miguelito District, said the adjusted system has now reached every corner of the municipality.”We…
The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), Panama’s social security fund, has initiated a green alert operation for the upcoming Carnival holidays. The emergency health plan will run from Friday, February 13 at noon through Wednesday, February 18 at 7 a.m., covering the entire festive period.Approximately six thousand CSS employees are preparing to work during the celebrations. This dedicated workforce includes doctors, health technicians, laboratory staff, and administrative personnel. Officials expect a significant surge in patient demand, particularly within hospital emergency rooms across the country.Carlos Cerrud, head of the National Department of Emergency Management, outlined the operation’s core objective. He emphasized…
Production crews are putting the final touches on the main venue for Panama City’s official Carnival celebrations, which begin in just four days. The Municipality of Panama is transforming the Cinta Costera into a massive festival ground expected to draw thousands of local and international visitors.Event organizers confirmed the coastal strip will feature three strategically placed main stages. A luxury lineup blending top national talent with renowned international artists is set to perform across five days of festivities. This municipal-led event aims to restore the capital’s reputation for hosting spectacular large-scale public celebrations.Aramis Cornejo, the event’s lead organizer, provided exclusive…
Thousands of families are flocking to a new outdoor attraction in Panama this holiday season. Jurassic Earth Park, located in the Panama North district, has welcomed over 8,000 visitors since opening with its central draw, a life-sized dinosaur exhibition. The park offers a blend of recreation and paleontology education. Its collection of prehistoric creature replicas, including models inspired by raptors, has become a major destination for local tourism. Specialized guides at the park provide educational talks, explaining the differences between carnivorous and herbivore dinosaurs. They detail the animals’ characteristics, habits, and the science behind the models. “Is that a real…
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino publicly condemned judicial decisions that grant non-custodial measures to high-profile criminals. He made the remarks during a graduation ceremony for over 1,300 new security force agents in Panama City this week. The president argued that such measures undermine public safety and embolden criminal networks.Mulino specifically criticized the normalization of releasing individuals arrested for serious crimes, often involving weapons and drugs, to house arrest shortly after their apprehension. He stated these practices treat major felonies as minor infractions, creating a cycle of impunity.A System of “Extreme Flexibility”The president framed the issue as a regional failure in…