Author: spieper

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has formally appointed Hector De Sedas Cedeño as the new Deputy Director General of the National Border Service (Senafront). The appointment was made official through Executive Decree No. 31, signed on December 31, 2025, and published in the nation’s official record. The decree appeared in the Official Gazette of Panama under number 30436. It cites the legal authority granted to the President of Panama by Decree Law 8 of 2008. Articles 13 and 14 of that law state that the positions of Director and Deputy Director General of the border agency are filled at the…

Residents of Panama’s San Miguelito District are pleading for a permanent solution to a severe garbage collection crisis. Mountains of uncollected waste are blocking streets and posing a significant public health threat. The Urban and Household Sanitation Authority (AAUD) has launched a special cleanup operation, but officials warn underlying contract disputes must be resolved.The crisis impacts multiple communities, with some roads completely obstructed by trash. This impedes traffic and creates hazardous conditions near schools. Residents report the problem is exacerbated by outsiders who illegally dump garbage in the district, overwhelming local capacity.AAUD Administrator Ovil Moreno confirmed the intensive cleanup effort…

Panama’s Ministry of Culture will lead the reconstruction of a monument commemorating 150 years of Chinese presence in the country. The original structure was demolished last week in Arraiján, west of Panama City. Government officials moved quickly to distance the national executive from the demolition and assure China the bilateral relationship remains strong. Secretary of Goals José Ramón Icaza confirmed the directive from President Laurentino Cortizo. He stated the monument will be rebuilt on the exact same site. The decision follows a formal presidential communication ordering its restoration. “The president has been very clear. The monument will be rebuilt on…

Copa Airlines has been recognized as the most punctual airline in Latin America for 2025. The Panamanian carrier achieved this top regional ranking in the annual On-Time Performance report published by aviation analytics firm Cirium.The airline recorded an on-time performance rate of 90.75 percent. This figure represents the highest score among all airlines in the Americas and the second-best performance globally for the year. This marks the eleventh time Copa has received this specific distinction from Cirium, solidifying its reputation for operational reliability.”Being recognized by Cirium as the most punctual airline in Latin America for the eleventh time is an…

More than 22,000 migrants have sailed from a remote Panamanian port this year attempting to return to South America. The continuous flow of people is using the port of Miramar in Colon Province as a departure point for a maritime journey to Colombia.Authorities from Panama’s National Migration Service (Panama) confirmed the figure this week. They stated the migrants are primarily from Costa Rica and are trying to reach their countries of origin. This movement represents a significant and sustained migratory route along Panama’s Caribbean coast.Interagency Operation Monitors DeparturesA multi-agency presence remains active in Miramar to monitor and regulate the departures.…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino addresses the nation from the legislative chamber on Friday, January 2. His speech formally opens the new ordinary session of the National Assembly of Panama and sets the governing priorities for the coming year. The event serves as a critical barometer for the relationship between the executive and legislative branches amid a politically fragmented environment. Mulino previewed his address in a social media post on Thursday, promising significant announcements. He framed the upcoming year as one focused on continued work for national improvement. “We begin a new year with the same drive and desire to…

Panama is advancing two of its most critical infrastructure projects, the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal and Metro Line 3, with both aiming for completion in 2028. These multi-billion dollar efforts are designed to alleviate severe traffic congestion for over 650,000 residents in Panama Oeste and represent a significant technical and logistical challenge for the nation.Combined, the projects represent a public investment exceeding $6.6 billion. Officials from Metro de Panamá and the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) provided exclusive updates on the current construction status and the major milestones planned for 2026.”Panama maintains as a challenge in 2026 the…

The historic rivalry between Panama’s top carnival factions erupted in Las Tablas this week, offering a vibrant preview of the 2026 festivities. Hundreds of residents packed Porras Park on December 31 and January 1 for the traditional pre-carnival “tuna” competitions. The event officially launched the long buildup to the Carnival in Panama spectacle scheduled for February 2026.Representatives from the competing “Calle Arriba” (Upper Street) and “Calle Abajo” (Lower Street) groups performed with music, satirical murga bands, and elaborate floats. This early showdown sets the tone for months of artistic preparation and friendly rivalry in Los Santos Province. The province is…

Panamanian security forces confiscated 112 tons of narcotics and arrested 92 individuals during 2025. A series of thirteen major operations throughout the year exposed the sophisticated and adaptable methods used by criminal networks operating within the country’s borders.The seized drugs were primarily found hidden inside shipping containers, fast boats, and clandestine storage sites on islands in the Pearl Archipelago and in Pacific coast estuaries. Authorities highlighted a troubling trend of traffickers exploiting official ports and the nation’s main airport, while also adopting low-tech methods like backpackers and drones.”The security forces are making great efforts to seize drugs and capture members…

Forbes magazines in Central America and Mexico have named two Panamanian women to their 2025 rankings of the region’s most creative talent. The dual recognition highlights Panama’s rising influence in global music production and digital content creation. María Laura Castillero, a Grammy-winning sound engineer, and Susy Mouriz, a top social media creator, earned spots on the prestigious annual lists.The announcements came in late December, capping a year of significant achievement for both women. Their inclusion places Panama alongside larger creative markets, signaling a shift in how regional talent is identified and celebrated. Forbes editors specifically sought individuals reshaping their industries…