Author: spieper

Panama is creating its first national Gender Action Plan through a collaborative public process. The Ministry of Environment launched the co-creation effort this month, aiming to integrate gender equality into all national climate, biodiversity, and land restoration policies.More than 100 people from public institutions, civil society, youth groups, the private sector, academia, and community organizations have participated in technical working sessions. Officials say the plan will address how environmental and climate impacts differ for people based on age, location, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.The plan forms a core part of Panama’s Nature Pledge, which seeks to unify the country’s environmental priorities.…

Residents in several Panamanian neighborhoods are actively reviving the traditional Las Posadas celebration this December. These community-led events, which reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, aim to reclaim the holiday’s spiritual meaning and strengthen local bonds, particularly among younger generations.In the Brisas del Golf area of the San Miguelito District, one street celebration just marked its sixth consecutive year. Planning often centers on children, who invite friends and take leading roles in organizing the festivities. Parents provide support, but the initiative frequently comes from the kids themselves.Organizers say the goal is to look beyond commercial gift-giving and…

Panama’s Ministry of Health will start distributing medical cannabis products in authorized pharmacies within days. Uriel Pérez, the Director of Pharmacy and Drugs for the Ministry of Health (Minsa), confirmed the rollout this week, marking a major shift in patient access following the country’s 2021 legalization law.The initial phase focuses on non-controlled products containing therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD). These items, including creams, ointments, gummies, syrups, and oils, will be available without a medical prescription. Officials are finalizing the last import procedures to get the products onto shelves.”In the coming days you will have products, mainly those that are not controlled, which…

Panama City’s main bus terminal was already bustling with activity by 6 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of residents began their journeys to reunite with family for the Christmas holiday. The Albrook National Transportation Terminal witnessed long lines forming for popular routes, with a significant early morning crowd heading to provinces across the country. This mass exodus from the capital marks the start of one of Panama’s most deeply rooted annual traditions.Travelers of all ages, many with suitcases in hand, filled the concourse. Some passengers, having secured their tickets in advance, used their waiting time to grab a coffee before…

Panamanian authorities have confiscated 44,795 packages of illegal drugs since the start of 2025. The National Police of Panama reported the massive seizure this week, detailing a nationwide effort involving nearly 20,000 raids.Officers conducted 19,324 search operations across the country in coordination with prosecutors. These coordinated actions form a central part of the government’s ongoing strategy to disrupt narcotics trafficking routes that utilize Panama’s strategic geographic position.Concealed Compartments and Port InterceptionsThe official report states that traffickers employed sophisticated concealment methods. A significant portion of the illicit cargo was discovered hidden in vehicles with specially constructed false compartments. Other major interceptions…

Portobelo National Park in Panama’s Colon province celebrated its 49th anniversary this week. The protected area, spanning approximately 35,900 hectares, uniquely safeguards a blend of rich historical monuments and vital neotropical ecosystems. Its management model, which combines cultural and natural preservation, remains a pioneering example in Central America. Roughly twenty percent of the park’s territory consists of marine areas. This diverse landscape encompasses tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches that are fundamental to Caribbean biodiversity and local community livelihoods. The park’s core includes the famous Bay of Portobelo, historically celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and strategic…

The Social Security Fund of Panama has issued a renewed and urgent call for medical specialists to fill critical vacancies in the country’s interior regions. The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) made the announcement this week, aiming to ensure timely care for patients and equitable access to health services nationwide.Officials described the hiring of specialists as one of the most pressing immediate challenges facing the public health system. Historical limitations in accessing specialized care continue to plague several provinces, creating significant backlogs in patient treatment.Recruitment Efforts Meet Low ResponseDespite opening formal recruitment processes in compliance with all legal procedures, the…

The Embassy of the United States in Panama has announced two open calls for its 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. These initiatives target Panamanian secondary school teachers and university students, offering fully-funded academic training in the United States for five weeks next summer. The announcements were made public this week, with application deadlines set for early January 2026.These competitive exchanges are designed to strengthen educational capacity and foster mutual understanding. They represent a continued investment in people-to-people ties between the two nations. The programs will be administered by accredited U.S. universities and cover all participant expenses, including…

The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) has declared unemployment, labor informality, and corruption the nation’s most pressing issues heading into 2026. APEDE President Giulia De Sanctis delivered the stark assessment in her year-end review, framing 2025 as a period of intense social tension and complex decisions for Panama.De Sanctis described the past year as feeling like a condensed decade. She argued the country accumulated conflicts, social fractures, and hard lessons within a few short months, a situation she warned must not become normalized.”If something 2025 leaves us with is a shared feeling, we did not live a year, we…

Weekend afternoons in Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo now pulse with a new rhythm. The Plaza de la Catedral, facing the iconic Panama City Cathedral, has become a spontaneous stage for street performers. Musicians from Panama and beyond are drawing crowds of locals and international tourists, creating an impromptu cultural exchange funded by appreciative listeners.This organic transformation of the public square highlights a growing trend of artistic activation in the UNESCO World Heritage site. The music provides a soundtrack for visitors exploring the area’s colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It also offers a vital source of income for the performers…