Author: spieper
Panama’s Caribbean coast welcomed high-profile visitors this week as actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones toured the Bocas del Toro Province. The Panama Tourism Authority celebrated the celebrity visit on its official social media channels, highlighting the region’s growing appeal to an international audience. The couple’s trip represents a significant promotional moment for Panamanian tourism officials. Their presence underscores a strategic push to position the country as a premier destination for luxury travel and natural beauty. The Panama Tourism Authority shared images of the stars’ visit with a caption stating the province had the honor of receiving them. “An experience…
The Panama City Mayor’s Office and the Canal Sentinel Association held a commemorative ceremony this week at the Avenue of the Martyrs. The event honored the patriotic struggle of January 9, 1964, a pivotal moment in Panama’s history. Officials also detailed ongoing restoration work at the site’s central monument and pedestrian bridge. This annual ceremony consistently draws attention to the condition of monuments dedicated to the students who led the historic protests. The 1964 clashes, which extended over several days beginning on January 9, were a critical catalyst for Panama’s eventual sovereignty over the Panama Canal. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi explained…
The Panamanian government has set new retail fuel prices for a two-week period starting Friday, January 9. The country’s Secretariat of Energy released the updated pricing structure, which shows a mixed adjustment for consumers at the pump.According to the official announcement, premium 95-octane gasoline will see a slight increase. Its price will rise by one cent, reaching 84 cents per liter. Regular 91-octane gasoline will hold steady at 78 cents per liter. In a move that will benefit commercial and industrial users, the price of low-sulfur diesel will decrease by one cent to 76 cents per liter. These government-mandated prices…
The Panamanian government has committed to building 100 new pedestrian bridges in remote indigenous territories. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works (Panama) announced the plan this week, targeting communities with severe access limitations.Minister of Public Works José Luis Andrade confirmed the cabinet approved the first phase of 50 bridges. This initial stage involves an investment of $18.1 million. The project focuses primarily on the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, Panama’s largest indigenous region.”The first 50 bridges of a total of 100 to be built in the comarca are by instruction of the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino,” Andrade stated. [Translated…
Panama’s Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, addressed a serious case involving a teacher at the Instituto Nacional de Panamá accused of sexual crimes against a student. Speaking on Tuesday, Molinar reiterated the firm stance of the Ministry of Education (Panama) against any form of abuse targeting minors within the school system.The minister avoided specific case details due to potential legal restrictions but emphasized the alleged conduct was completely unacceptable. She confirmed the ministry followed established protocols immediately after the initial complaint was filed with the institution.Legal and Administrative Actions TakenA guarantee judge recently ordered the detention of the accused teacher.…
The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) has ordered a nationwide suspension of road construction and lane closures. The order is in effect for the extended Martyrs’ Day holiday weekend to facilitate public travel.All work occupying traffic lanes must cease from 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12. Officials anticipate a significant increase in vehicle movement during this period. The directive was issued in coordination with the Traffic Operations Directorate of the National Police of Panama.The suspension covers a vast network of the country’s most critical roads. It applies along the entire stretch of…
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has publicly advised Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado against negotiating the results of her country’s 2024 presidential election. Mulino revealed the private conversation during a press briefing in Panama City on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, framing his counsel as a lesson from Panama’s own democratic history. The president’s statement represents a significant and public alignment of Panama’s foreign policy with the Venezuelan opposition’s claim to power. It comes amid an ongoing regional crisis following the political collapse of Nicolás Maduro’s government earlier this month. Mulino emphasized that his advice was given as a friend…
The Municipality of Panama is summoning residents to a public hearing next week. Officials aim to establish formal rules governing all events at the sprawling Municipal North Park (Parque Norte).Scheduled for Monday, January 19, the session will present a draft municipal agreement. This proposed legislation seeks to create a legal framework for the cultural, sports, and family activities hosted at the 20-hectare complex. The hearing will be held at the park’s own auditorium in the San Vicente de Chilibre area starting at 6:00 p.m.Establishing Order for a Major Public AssetPanama City authorities describe the regulatory project as a necessary step.…
Panama’s Ministry of Environment has enacted a sweeping ban on single-use plastics and other contaminants across the nation’s protected areas. The new regulation, effective immediately, applies to all visitors, tour operators, and personnel within more than 100 designated conservation zones. Officials designed the rule to combat escalating solid waste pollution in the country’s forests, rivers, and coastal ecosystems.The directive prohibits items like plastic bottles, foam containers, plastic cutlery, plates, and bags. Only reusable or fully biodegradable alternatives will be permitted for entry. Javier Vazquez, head of Ecotourism for the ministry, stated the policy aims to preemptively tackle waste management challenges…
Panama’s electoral authority processed more than 112,000 voter residency changes last year. The National Directorate of Electoral Organization released the official figures this week, revealing significant population movement ahead of future elections.Data shows exactly 112,408 citizens updated their registered voting address in 2025. Women initiated 57,301 of these administrative procedures, while men accounted for 55,107. The Electoral Tribunal of Panama mandates the process so citizens vote where they actually live.Officials emphasized the procedure’s legal foundation. “This procedure is contemplated in the Electoral Code and aims for voters to cast their ballot in the jurisdiction where they truly reside,” the Tribunal…