Author: Editorial Team
Panama’s government has enacted a new executive decree to attract international scientists and researchers through a specialized immigration pathway. The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) announced the policy this week, aiming to bring between 25 and 50 foreign experts to the country. Officials framed the move as a critical step to accelerate Panama’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy by addressing a significant shortage of specialized human capital. Executive Decree No. 6, dated March 20, 2026, establishes a new permanent residency subcategory specifically for scientists and technologists. Published in the Official Gazette, the decree creates a formal framework…
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works (MOP) will completely close the Bridge of the Americas for four hours this Thursday night. The full vehicular shutdown is for a critical structural load testing procedure following a recent fire incident near the bridge’s foundations. The closure is scheduled from 10:00 p.m. on April 23 until 2:00 a.m. on April 24. Officials stated the controlled test will apply weight to the structure to collect technical data and verify its safety for all users. This action comes just weeks after a dramatic fire erupted dangerously close to the bridge’s support bases. Precautionary Measures After Nearby…
Global temperatures continue to climb, with 2024 confirmed as the warmest year on record, followed by 2025. This stark reality underscores the critical message of Earth Day 2026, observed on April 22, as scientists and international bodies call for accelerated action against climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) states the planet’s climate is increasingly “unbalanced.” Its forecasts indicate a 70 percent likelihood that temperatures will temporarily exceed the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels in some periods. This threshold represents the recommended limit set by the international Paris Agreement to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming.…
Jaime Alemán, a Panamanian lawyer and diplomat, has become the first person in history to visit all United Nations member states, reach both poles, and travel to space. He completed this unprecedented feat, dubbed the “Travel Grand Slam,” with a suborbital flight on May 31, 2025. Alemán has now chronicled his six-decade journey in a free digital book titled “The Grand Slam of Travel,” available on his website. The book details a lifetime of exploration that began with childhood curiosity about distant lands. His quest officially concluded with the Blue Origin NS-32 mission, cementing a record that blends extreme tourism…
Panama’s legislative committee on governance unanimously approved a bill targeting public sector “no show jobs” in its first debate this week. The proposed law, known as the Anti Botella Law, would impose stiff prison sentences for officials who accept salaries for work they do not perform. Deputy Janine Prado from the Vamos bloc confirmed the progress of Bill 408. The legislation seeks to amend Article 349 of Panama’s Criminal Code. It would establish non-commutable prison terms of six to eight years for public servants who accept appointments without providing the corresponding service. An aggravated penalty of eight to ten years…
More than 40,000 transport operators have now registered for Panama’s new digital platform to access subsidized fuel. The National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG) reported the sustained increase in registrations, with expectations for the number to keep climbing in the coming days. Authorities launched the system last week to directly mitigate the impact of global fuel price spikes on key economic sectors. The program aims to prevent fare increases for public passengers and maintain national competitiveness by supporting transport operators. System Processes Over One Million Dollars in Transactions Adolfo Fábrega, the administrator of the National Authority for Government Innovation (Panama),…
Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez concluded a series of high-level meetings in London this week. His official visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties with the United Kingdom across infrastructure, air connectivity, and international security. The talks aimed to position Panama as a stable investment hub and a key strategic partner for Britain in Latin America. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed the minister’s packed agenda, which included discussions with British government officials and private sector leaders. Central themes were Panama’s major infrastructure projects, enhanced cooperation against transnational crime, and the pursuit of a direct flight route between the capitals.…
The Ministry of Environment trained educators from four schools in Panama East this week. This second workshop for the Ecological Flag Program aims to embed sustainable practices directly into school communities. The initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Held on April 20, 2026, the session involved representatives from the Superación Campesina, Platanares, Río Piedra, and Santa Isabel schools. Officials stated the goal is to certify schools that demonstrate a concrete commitment to environmental stewardship. The program provides a structured framework for schools to improve their resource management and ecological education. University students also joined the training, adding…
Work crews in Panama City began demolishing a security structure on Monday that had blocked public access to a coastal park for over two decades. The action, taken in the Coco del Mar sector of San Francisco, follows a formal resolution by Mayor Mayer Mizrachi and aims to reclaim a community green space. Local officials described the demolition as a critical step in resolving a protracted urban dispute. The structure, a guardhouse for the Belvedere Park residential building, was built directly on a public easement (servidumbre) leading to the 1.3-hectare Coco Parque. The building’s concession for that portion of public…
The Panama Canal Authority has awarded a major construction contract for new roads in the Rio Indio river basin. This $17.5 million project is a foundational step in creating a new reservoir to secure water for the Panama Canal and millions of Panamanians. Officials confirmed the contract this week. The work involves designing and building two key road segments near the future reservoir site in central Panama. This infrastructure is essential for later construction phases and community access. Contract Details and Road Construction Scope Consorcio Rutas Rio Indio, a consortium formed by companies MACASA and RETRANEQ, won the contract. Their…