Author: spieper

Panama’s Ministry of Environment has announced that the La Cruz trail in the Altos de Campana National Park and Biological Reserve will reopen to visitors in January 2026. The trail restoration is a central component of a $2.5 million rehabilitation project for one of the nation’s most iconic protected areas, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank. Authorities conducted an inspection tour this week to evaluate progress on the infrastructure upgrades. The project, managed by the firm Panamericana BC, Inc., aims to enhance the visitor experience while strengthening the park’s conservation capacity. Similar interventions are planned for other national parks including…

Three hundred sixty one inmates from Panama’s largest penitentiary complex have received their diplomas. They completed middle school and high school studies this month through a national education program operating inside prison walls. The graduation ceremony marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to use education for inmate rehabilitation. The event was held for students from the La Joya, La Joyita, and Nueva Joya penitentiary centers. Officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Government jointly organized the program. It specifically offered a high school diploma in Commerce with a focus on small and medium enterprise management.…

The Municipal Council (of Panama City) approved a major package of public works on Tuesday, committing over 25 million dollars to urban renewal across the capital. The nearly unanimous vote secures funding for strategic corridor renovations through the year 2028, locking future municipal budgets into a multi-year spending plan.Mayor Mayer Mizrachi’s administration pushed the four major projects under a framework of “notorious urgency,” citing Law 22 of 2006. The initiatives target some of the city’s busiest and most economically vital areas for comprehensive upgrades. These include Nicanor de Obarrio Avenue (Calle 50), the 5 de Mayo zone, Estudiante Street, and…

Panama has formally established a regional office for a key United Nations telecommunications agency. The country’s Foreign Minister signed the host country agreement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on December 23, 2025, solidifying Panama’s role as a regional hub for digital innovation.This strategic move positions Panama as a central point for technical cooperation in Central America and the Caribbean. The new office will facilitate access to training programs and development projects focused on connectivity and cybersecurity.”This agreement marks a milestone in international cooperation on telecommunications. It reaffirms the multilateral system’s trust in Panama as a strategic partner,” said Foreign…

A power supply failure at a key station disrupted operations for the Panama Metro on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The incident occurred during a morning of heightened holiday travel, affecting essential passenger services at the El Crisol station on Line 2.Metro authorities confirmed that while Lines 1 and 2 of the rail system continued to operate normally, a technical fault specifically impacted El Crisol. The station experienced a complete loss of several critical functions due to the electrical issue. This outage happened as passenger numbers swelled ahead of Christmas Eve celebrations, amplifying the inconvenience for commuters.Services Suspended Amid Holiday RushThe…

The National Library of Panama will launch its 2026 cultural program with a special exhibition of Japanese calendars. The free event, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, opens to the public on January 6, 2026, at the library’s main building in Panama City.This initiative marks the first major event on the institution’s cultural agenda for the new year. Titled “Travel to Japan Through Calendars!”, the exhibition will feature eighty distinct Japanese calendars for public viewing until January 30.A Cultural Journey Through Time and DesignOfficials describe the exhibition as more than a simple display of functional items. Each calendar…

The National Institute of Vocational Training and Human Development (INADEH) announced a major expansion of its educational programs this week. The Panamanian state agency plans to offer 8,600 courses nationwide by 2026, a strategic move designed to boost technical skills and improve employment rates across the country.This ambitious plan begins with an initial rollout of 3,000 courses starting January 12. Institute officials framed the expansion as a direct response to the evolving demands of Panama’s key economic sectors.Focus on High-Demand IndustriesThe course expansion will target industries with significant labor shortages. According to Asdruval Ulloa, INADEH’s Director of Professional Training, the…

Councilors in San Miguelito, Panama, confronted the district’s waste collection contractor this week over persistent service failures. With the company’s contract set to expire in less than a month, local representatives demanded Revisalud meet its obligations despite a surge in resident complaints about uncollected garbage.The public session on Tuesday became a platform for airing widespread grievances from across the district. Officials reported that trash accumulation remains a visible problem in numerous communities. They accused Revisalud of neglecting its duties even as its long-term service agreement enters its final weeks.”A direct call to the current company, Revisalud. Your contract ends on…

Panama is creating its first national Gender Action Plan through a collaborative public process. The Ministry of Environment launched the co-creation effort this month, aiming to integrate gender equality into all national climate, biodiversity, and land restoration policies.More than 100 people from public institutions, civil society, youth groups, the private sector, academia, and community organizations have participated in technical working sessions. Officials say the plan will address how environmental and climate impacts differ for people based on age, location, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.The plan forms a core part of Panama’s Nature Pledge, which seeks to unify the country’s environmental priorities.…

Residents in several Panamanian neighborhoods are actively reviving the traditional Las Posadas celebration this December. These community-led events, which reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, aim to reclaim the holiday’s spiritual meaning and strengthen local bonds, particularly among younger generations.In the Brisas del Golf area of the San Miguelito District, one street celebration just marked its sixth consecutive year. Planning often centers on children, who invite friends and take leading roles in organizing the festivities. Parents provide support, but the initiative frequently comes from the kids themselves.Organizers say the goal is to look beyond commercial gift-giving and…