Author: spieper

New data from the United Nations reveals a contrasting economic picture for Latin America in 2024. While regional poverty rates have fallen significantly, Panama stands out as one of the few nations where income inequality has actually worsened over the past decade. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published its annual social panorama report this week, highlighting these persistent structural challenges.Monetary poverty across the region dropped to 25.5 percent of the population this year. That figure represents a 2.2 percentage point decrease from 2023 and a more than seven point decline from the pandemic’s peak impact…

The Panamanian government has formally created a special development zone for the new San Miguelito cable car system. Officials published Executive Decree No. 13 in the Official Gazette of Panama on November 24, 2025, establishing land use rules for the project aimed at solving severe mobility issues. This decree from the Ministry of Housing and Land Management (Panama) designates the cable car as a public utility and social interest project. It specifically addresses the transportation crisis affecting the districts of Panama and San Miguelito. The legal framework sets the stage for accelerated development by coordinating all state institutions. Addressing a…

The Mayor’s Office of Panama has officially created a permanent pedestrian-only zone in the city’s historic Casco Antiguo district. Officials enacted the new regulation through Municipal Decree 13-2025, which was formally published on November 26, 2025. This landmark decision aims to enhance safety, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable tourism in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.The decree establishes specific boundaries for the “Casco Peatonal,” restricting vehicular access to authorized residents, emergency services, and delivery vehicles during designated hours. This move represents the city’s most significant effort to date in managing the growing congestion and preserving the fragile colonial-era infrastructure. The…

Panama marked a significant step in its energy transition this week with the inauguration of its first public electric vehicle charging station. The facility, operated by Petróleos Delta, officially opened at the Delta station within the City of Knowledge (Panama). This project represents a foundational shift for the nation’s fuel retailers, directly integrating clean energy solutions into the traditional transportation network.The new station was designed from the ground up to serve the growing number of electric cars in the country. Its initial operational phase features three fast chargers, each with a 50 kW capacity. The underlying infrastructure has been built…

Panama’s National Assembly is advancing a comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic cigarettes and vaping products. The Commission on Work, Health, and Social Development approved draft bill No. 227 in late October, aiming to establish specific controls for a market that currently operates without formal oversight. This legislative effort directly addresses growing concerns about youth consumption and the expansion of an unregulated informal market.The proposed legislation creates strict age verification requirements and imposes significant financial penalties for violations. It represents a decisive shift from previous prohibition-based approaches toward a regulated market model that emphasizes consumer protection and tax collection. The initiative…

Copa Airlines and the Panamanian Football Federation have launched a national contest inviting citizens to design the exterior of the airplane that will carry the National Team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dubbed “El Avión de la Sele,” the initiative aims to transform local creativity into a flying symbol of national pride following Panama’s qualification for the tournament. The contest opens on November 24 and will run through December 10.This collaborative project seeks to channel the widespread excitement across the country into a unique artistic endeavor. The winning design will be applied to a Boeing aircraft in the Copa…

The Panama Maritime Authority has authorized two tourist transport companies to resume ferry service to Taboga Island starting Thursday. This decision follows a midday meeting between authorities and island residents that failed to resolve a contentious fare increase dispute. Five vessels will gradually join the maritime transport service for Taboga residents, offering accessible rates and comfortable conditions according to officials.One ferry is already operational, with two more scheduled to begin service next week. The remaining two boats are completing necessary procedures to enter the market. The resumption comes after heightened tensions between private operators and the local community over transportation…

A judge in Panama has ordered the provisional detention of a man accused of a serious sexual assault against two foreign women on Isla Colon. The Office of the Municipal Personero (Ombudsman) in Isla Colon, located within the popular tourist region of Bocas del Toro Province, successfully petitioned the court for the measure. This decision follows an incident reported on November 22 inside a commercial establishment.The ruling came after the Public Prosecutor’s Office presented compelling evidence gathered during initial investigative steps. These procedures were conducted in coordination with national security forces. The evidence reportedly substantiates the suspect’s alleged involvement in…

An independent audit of the controversial Donoso mine will conclude by the end of February 2025. Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries confirmed the timeline this week, marking a pivotal moment for a project that has sparked intense national debate over economic development and environmental protection.Alfredo Burgos, the National Director of Mineral Resources at the ministry, stated that the comprehensive review has entered its final phase. He emphasized that the process is adhering to its established technical schedule. The audit’s completion will provide the government with a complete diagnostic of the mine’s current situation, officials said.Burgos explained that the findings…

Panama’s Social Security Fund is conducting an internal investigation after more than 2,300 patients overwhelmed the City of Health facility on Monday, November 24, 2025. The unexpected crowd created long lines and tense scenes as people sought medical appointments for 2026. CSS Director Dino Mon personally intervened to manage the logistics, calling the situation a potential internal sabotage while acknowledging systemic healthcare challenges.The chaos began early Monday morning when patients arrived at the facility after hearing through informal channels that 2026 appointments were opening. Director Mon confirmed the institution never authorized this specific date for scheduling. He attributed the massive…