Author: spieper

The iconic canal has officially inaugurated its 2025-2026 cruise season with the northbound transit of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship. This event marks the beginning of a bustling period for the interoceanic waterway, which is set to host more than 195 scheduled cruise transits. Despite a projected slight decrease in total transits due to industry-wide cost-optimization, this season is poised for excitement with the debut of five new ships and the arrival of record-breaking Neopanamax vessels, underscoring the enduring allure of this engineering marvel for global travelers and the cruise industry. A Strategic Shift in the Panama Canal Cruise Landscape…

The construction of the new vehicular bridge with a pedestrian walkway in the community of La Primavera, Chepo, has reached an impressive 90% completion, marking a significant milestone for regional infrastructure in Panamá. According to the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), this vital project will replace an old, demolished bridge that had developed dangerous structural faults, directly addressing long-standing safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians. This new modular bridge, a key piece of public infrastructure, represents the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and safety for its citizens, ensuring smoother commercial and daily transit in the region.Project Overview: Replacing a…

In a significant move for environmental governance and corporate accountability, Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has officially commenced a comprehensive audit of the massive Cobre Panamá copper mine. The formal “orden de proceder” was granted to SGS Panamá Control Services Inc., initiating an intensive, six-month evaluation of the mining project located in Donoso, Colón. This landmark audit aims to conduct a thorough technical, environmental, social, legal, and fiscal review to verify the mine’s compliance with national and international regulations. This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and responsible natural resource management, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s…

In a decisive move that underscores his administration’s priorities, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing debate over teachers’ strike legislation. The president’s firm position on the teachers’ strike and his broader policy announcements signal a focused approach to governance, emphasizing constitutional integrity, economic stability, and educational reform. This article delves into the key statements from President Mulino’s recent address, analyzing their implications for the nation’s future and its citizens.A Constitutional Veto on the Horizon: The Teachers’ Strike DebatePresident Mulino directly confronted a legislative proposal that has sparked significant controversy. The initiative, put forward…

The Panamanian Ministry of Public Works (MOP), in collaboration with the construction firm TRANSEQ S.A., has initiated urgent road stabilization and slope reinforcement projects following the collapse of a critical highway section in the Chame district. This vital artery provides access for over 10,000 residents across four towns—Sorá, Altos del María, Filipinas, and El Picacho—and serves as a key route for tourists visiting the region’s popular waterfalls, trails, and scenic viewpoints. The situation underscores the critical need for resilient infrastructure in areas with challenging geography. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the road stabilization efforts, the geological challenges faced,…

In a landmark move for the nation’s financial sector, IDB Invest has acted as the anchor investor for the first sustainable bond issuance by Banistmo S.A., one of Panama’s leading banks. This pivotal transaction, aiming to mobilize up to $100 million in the local capital market, represents a significant step forward for sustainable finance and economic resilience in the country. It also marks IDB Invest’s inaugural participation in Panama’s public securities market, signaling strong confidence in the nation’s financial future and its commitment to green and social initiatives. What is a Sustainable Bond and Why Does It Matter? Before diving…

In the remote indigenous territories of Panama, a transformative initiative is challenging deep-seated patriarchal norms. The “My Health, My Body, My Right” campaign, launched in October 2025, is a crucial effort to educate and empower Emberá-Wounaan women and adolescents about their fundamental health rights. Spearheaded by the humanitarian organization HIAS with the support of the Spanish Cooperation (Cooperación Española), this program tackles systemic barriers to healthcare, focusing on sexual and reproductive rights, menstrual hygiene, and mental health support within communities where women have historically been denied a voice.Bridging the Gap: The Core Mission of the Health InitiativeThe campaign operates on…

In a significant show of international support, the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, publicly congratulated Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious recognition shines a global spotlight on the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, drawing supportive reactions from world leaders and dignitaries. The award underscores the power of peaceful, persistent advocacy in the face of authoritarian regimes.Panamanian Leadership Applauds a Champion for DemocracyPresident Mulino’s endorsement was swift and unequivocal. Taking to his social media accounts, the Panamanian leader expressed the collective sentiment of the nation. He…

Keeping track of the cost of living is a primary concern for families and individuals across Panama. A key indicator for this is the Canasta Básica Familiar de Alimentos (CBFa), or the Basic Family Food Basket, which measures the minimum cost of essential food items. In a recent report for September, Panama’s consumer protection agency, Acodeco, revealed a slight decrease in the CBFa’s lowest cost within the districts of Panama and San Miguelito. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Panama basic food basket, exploring price trends, the methodology behind the data, and what these figures mean for your…

In a landmark move that could reshape Panama’s criminal justice landscape, Deputy Ariana Coba has presented a bold proposal to the National Assembly to introduce life imprisonment for homicides committed with extreme cruelty. This initiative to reform the Panamanian Penal Code directly addresses growing public concern over violent crime and seeks to establish the most severe punishment in the country’s legal history. The proposed life imprisonment law targets acts deemed “particularly inhuman, atrocious, or degrading” by the courts, marking a significant departure from the current maximum 35-year sentence. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the proposal, its legal context,…