Author: spieper

The Mayor’s Office of Panama City has issued a formal decree restricting noise-generating activities for November 2, 2025, to respect the national observance of the Day of the Dead. The municipal order aims to ensure a peaceful environment for families visiting cemeteries and participating in remembrance traditions throughout the district.According to the official decree published on October 20, 2025, the restrictions will be in effect for the entire 24-hour period of Sunday, November 2. The measure specifically targets activities that produce excessive noise, including but not limited to the use of loudspeakers, construction work, and large-scale public events that could…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panamanian government spent over $400 million per month on public sector salaries through the first eight months of 2025, with August reaching a yearly high of $450 million in wage payments alone. According to official data from the Comptroller General of the Republic, total salary expenditures from January to August 2025 reached $3.4 billion, showing a net increase of $21.1 million despite some monthly fluctuations.The comprehensive payroll report covering 95 public institutions reveals a steadily growing public sector workforce that reached 264,774 employees by August 2025. This figure represents a 1.5% increase compared to August…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Governments of Panama and Canada have launched a new technical cooperation program to strengthen Panama’s export capacity, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) targeting the Canadian market. The initiative, announced this week by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), is being implemented under the trade cooperation chapter of the Panama-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA).The project receives technical backing from the Government of Canada through its Trade and Development Expert Deployment Mechanism. It is designed to provide comprehensive training to public officials, business associations, academic institutions, and key export sectors with high potential, including…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios committed to strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating Panama’s full integration into the Mercosur trade bloc during an official state visit on Monday. The leaders outlined a concrete plan, announcing that Panama will formally present its accession letter on December 2 in Brasilia.The strategic meetings, held at the Palacio de las Garzas, focused on leveraging Panama’s logistical platform to create new commercial gateways for Mercosur nations. President Peña pledged his country’s full support to fast-track Panama’s admission process, aiming for finalization at the next bloc summit…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The Panamanian government, through the National Decentralization Authority (AND), has invested over $6.27 million in 472 water and sanitation projects between 2024 and 2025. This strategic investment is part of a national decentralization effort designed to empower municipalities to address historical infrastructure gaps in vulnerable communities using local resources.The funding, primarily derived from the Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles (IBI), or Property Tax, allows local governments to execute priority projects identified in conjunction with their communities. This local approach is central to Panama’s strategy for achieving equitable access to safe drinking water and fulfilling its commitments under…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino has ordered the extraordinary expropriation of 41 properties on Margarita Island in Colón Province to facilitate state-led construction of a new port facility at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. The action, enacted through Executive Decree 90 on October 20, 2025, transfers all lands previously held by Panamá Colón Container Port Inc. (PCCP) to the Panamanian nation, citing urgent social interest. The decree, signed by President Mulino and Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac, was officially published in the Government Gazette. It effectively seizes control of the long-dormant port project…

PANAMA CITY and BOCAS DEL TORO, Panama – The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) has officially registered 1,655 employment contracts following the reactivation of Chiquita’s operations in Bocas del Toro province. Minister Jackeline Muñoz confirmed the figure this week, marking a significant milestone in the company’s return, which promises up to 5,000 direct jobs.The labor registration is a direct result of a memorandum of understanding signed between the administration of President José Raúl Mulino and the fruit company. This agreement facilitated Chiquita’s return to Panama and established a technical committee to oversee the fulfillment of its commitments, including…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The San Miguelito Health Region has recorded more than 500 cases of conjunctivitis so far in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years. Health officials confirmed the surge on Monday, attributing the spike to a potential lapse in basic biosecurity measures among the population, primarily frequent hand washing.Medical personnel across the region’s health centers are treating a steady stream of patients presenting with the highly contagious eye infection. The current caseload has raised concerns among public health experts who are now emphasizing preventative strategies to curb further transmission.Medical Experts Urge Preventative MeasuresDr. Alexander Bare, Medical…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – President José Raúl Mulino announced that the concession process for three regional airports in the provinces of Colón, Chiriquí, and Coclé is expected to be finalized before the end of this year. The president made the statement during his weekly press conference, directing relevant authorities to expedite the procedures to ensure completion by December 31.This initiative is a key part of the administration’s strategy to improve airport infrastructure and guarantee the profitability of these vital regional assets. Unlike initial proposals that considered a bundled concession, the government confirmed in February that each airport will be concessioned…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – Dozens of pet owners organized a protest walk through Andrés Bello Park and surrounding areas in the El Cangrejo district this week. They are demanding that local authorities finally approve a long-delayed project to expand the park’s designated dog area.The demonstration aimed to pressure the local Community Board (Junta Comunal) and the Panama Municipality to act on a pre-existing expansion plan. Organizers argue the current dog park is too small for the neighborhood’s growing pet population.Protest leaders confirmed the expansion project was formally presented to the Community Board during the previous administration. The proposal includes detailed…