Author: spieper
Weekend afternoons in Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo now pulse with a new rhythm. The Plaza de la Catedral, facing the iconic Panama City Cathedral, has become a spontaneous stage for street performers. Musicians from Panama and beyond are drawing crowds of locals and international tourists, creating an impromptu cultural exchange funded by appreciative listeners.This organic transformation of the public square highlights a growing trend of artistic activation in the UNESCO World Heritage site. The music provides a soundtrack for visitors exploring the area’s colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It also offers a vital source of income for the performers…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino led a national tribute on Thursday for a police captain killed in the line of duty. The ceremony honored Captain Jose Isaza Melo, who died on December 12 while serving in the Caimitillo district.The solemn event took place at the headquarters of the National Police of Panama. Captain Isaza Melo had dedicated 25 years of service to the force before his death. Officials reported his passing occurred during active duty operations, though specific details were not immediately released.President Mulino offered condolences directly to the officer’s parents, Jose Isaza and Mireya Melo. The President of Panama…
The National Ballet of Panama concluded its 2025 performance season this week with a celebrated run of the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Every performance sold out, the Ministry of Culture confirmed, cementing the production as a major cultural event. The season’s finale, held in Panama City and Colon, doubled its planned number of shows due to overwhelming public demand.Artistic Director Sasha Adamovic and international choreographer David Makhateli led the production. Makhateli, a former principal dancer with London’s Royal Ballet, created a new staging exclusively for the Panamanian company. His involvement brought a fresh and theatrical vision to the beloved…
Panama Metro, S.A. will begin installing the structural beams for its new underground monorail line on Monday, December 22. This crucial step advances the construction of Line 3, a major infrastructure project designed to transform transportation in Panama West. The work marks a decisive phase for the tunnel, which currently shows 46 percent overall progress. Crews will transport and assemble the massive running beams that will form the track bed inside the subterranean portion of the line. Operations are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Officials confirmed no beam transfers will occur on December 24, 25, 30,…
The flow of migrants through Panama’s treacherous Darién Gap has collapsed this year, falling by over 99 percent according to official figures. Panamanian authorities directly attribute this unprecedented drop to new border control measures enacted by United States President Donald Trump and reinforced security operations in neighboring countries. In a parallel shift, the nation is now witnessing a significant reverse migration of people returning south from the U.S.Only 3,086 migrants crossed the jungle region in 2025, a staggering decline from the 302,203 people who made the journey in 2024. This represents a 99.1 percent reduction in one of the Western…
The Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama) has initiated a comprehensive national agenda to develop organic farming across the country. Minister Roberto Linares announced the strategy, which aims to transform Panama’s agricultural model toward greater sustainability and competitiveness. The plan focuses on creating a more sustainable and healthy production system. It aligns the national agricultural sector with global trends in responsible consumption and environmental protection. The ministry views this shift as a core component of improving national food security. Building Institutional Capacity for National Rollout As a first step, the MIDA conducted a specialized training program for its technical staff from…
Argentina, Paraguay, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru issued a joint declaration on Friday expressing profound concern over Venezuela’s severe migration, humanitarian, and social crisis. The statement, released after a high-level meeting on December 20, also condemned the ongoing human rights situation within the troubled South American nation. The collective pronouncement marks a significant diplomatic move by the six countries, which span South and Central America. It directly calls on Venezuelan authorities to adhere to international human rights standards. This action aligns with repeated warnings from global bodies about persistent arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances in Venezuela. Reaffirming Democratic Principles In…
Two Panamanian fishermen were rescued from their sinking vessel in the Pacific Ocean early Saturday morning. The Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (National Aeronaval Service) executed the successful operation south of Otoque Island.The national agency’s rescue teams located the distressed boat around dawn on December 20. Officials reported the small yellow and white vessel was taking on water in rough seas, creating a high-risk situation for its two occupants.Coordinated Search and Rescue EffortThe rescue mission unfolded through coordinated efforts between two key operational centers. The National Directorate of Aeronaval Operations (Dinoa) and the Regional Center of Aeronaval Operations (Croan) managed the response.…
Work crews have started emergency maintenance on the raw water intake for the Penonomé district treatment plant in Panama’s Coclé Province. The Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) launched the project this weekend to safeguard drinking water supplies ahead of the annual dry season. These urgent measures aim to prevent the recurrent water shortages that typically affect the region when river levels drop.The operations focus on the Zaratí River, the primary water source for the local Potabilizadora (Water Treatment Plant). Teams are restructuring an existing weir in the riverbed to ensure adequate water levels for the plant’s effective operation.…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino arrived in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil on Friday to participate in the 67th Summit of the Southern Common Market. The summit, held on Saturday, December 20, marks Panama’s second official intervention as an associate state of the regional bloc. Mulino’s central mission is to formally present the law ratifying a key economic agreement to the gathered heads of state, a critical step for Panama’s deeper integration.This move represents a strategic effort to solidify Panama’s economic and political positioning within South America. The government views the ratification as an essential requirement to consolidate its associate state…