Author: Sebastian Pieper
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has confirmed he employs 16 advisors at a total annual cost of $705,000. The disclosure came in response to a formal information request from citizen Freddy Pittí. Five advisors work directly in the mayor’s senior office while 11 others serve across various departments of the Municipality of Panama. Their monthly salaries range from $2,000 to $6,000. The revelation has sparked fresh debate about municipal spending and administrative priorities in the capital. Comparing Advisor Numbers Across Administrations Mayor Mizrachi defended the current staffing levels in his written response to Pittí. He argued that his administration has…
Thousands of faithful are gathering in the district of Las Tablas, located in the province of Los Santos, to honor their patron saint. The festivities for Santa Librada have officially begun with a pilgrim image traveling through various communities. Organizers confirm they are working closely with local authorities and security agencies to manage the large crowds expected. The religious celebration runs alongside the National Pollera Festival, a cultural event established by Law 50 on November 24, 1961. This dual event draws even more visitors to the district each year. The combination of faith and tradition creates a unique atmosphere in…
A devastating fire tore through a large colonial building in Panama City’s historic San Felipe district Casco Viejo early Sunday morning. The blaze completely destroyed the structure located between Avenida B and Calle 12. Officials confirmed that 22 families have lost everything. The The National Government is now coordinating emergency assistance for all affected households. A detailed census conducted by the Panama Ministry of Housing and Land Management reveals the full scope of the tragedy. The victims include 32 adults, with 13 being elderly. Seven teenagers, 23 children, and six infants under three months old are also among those displaced.…
Thousands of people took over the historic streets of Panama City on Saturday for the annual Pride March. The event carried the theme “We Are All Panama”, pushing a message of national unity and respect for diversity. Activists used the gathering to highlight ongoing legal battles for LGBT rights in Panama. The march snaked through the cobblestone paths of Casco Antiguo Panama, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Colorful flags and banners turned the colonial district into a sea of rainbow colors. Participants chanted for equality while tourists and locals watched from balconies and sidewalks. Franklin Robinson, a long-time LGBT activist,…
Panama has launched a major relief operation for Venezuela following a devastating earthquake. The first shipments of Humanitarian aid to Venezuela arrived Saturday at Maiquetia Simon Bolivar Airport outside Caracas. A team of 50 rescuers and two canine units departed Panama City on June 27 to join the search for survivors trapped in collapsed structures. The operation marks one of the largest international rescue missions coordinated by Panama in recent years. Officials confirmed that 17 tons of food and essential supplies have already been shipped by sea. A separate airlift is being organized for additional provisions collected at donation centers…
Community leaders from three Panama City neighborhoods are raising alarms about a new urban policy. They say it could trigger a construction boom in areas already struggling with aging infrastructure and strained public services. The controversy centers on Agreement No. 128, passed on May 12, 2026, by the Panama Municipal Council. This measure creates what officials call the Urban Compensation Agreement. It allows developers to build taller and denser than current zoning laws permit. In exchange, they pay a one-time surcharge to the city. The money goes into a municipal investment fund meant for community projects and infrastructure upgrades in…
The criminal trial of businessman Aaron Mizrachi concluded in Panama City on Wednesday. Prosecutors from the Anti-Corruption Office demanded a conviction for alleged money laundering tied to the vast Odebrecht bribery network. This case stands as one of the most significant anti-corruption prosecutions in Central America this decade. Judge Baloisa Marquínez presided over the final hearing. She announced she would not issue a separate ruling for Mizrachi alone. Instead, his fate will be decided when she releases the complete sentence for the main case involving 21 defendants. Prosecutors have requested convictions for 16 of those individuals and acquittals for the…
The Panama Canal Museum opened its doors this week to mark a decade since the waterway’s historic expansion. Visitors of all ages explored interactive exhibits showcasing the engineering marvel that transformed global trade. The celebration highlights both human stories and prehistoric discoveries from the project. Keyla Rodriguez, a museum guide, explained that one exhibit draws particular attention from children and adults alike. A massive Megalodon tooth sits on display, unearthed during excavation work for the expansion at the Cocoli area. The tooth offers a tangible connection to Panama’s ancient past, millions of years before the canal existed. ‘We are commemorating…
Panama City, Panama – Strokes are no longer just a disease of the elderly. Young people in Panama are suffering from cerebrovascular accidents at alarming rates. Dr. Gabriel Frago, head of the Cardiology Service at Santo Tomas Hospital, issued the warning this week. He pointed to soaring obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and vaping as the primary drivers. A Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked. This blockage can destroy speech, movement, and coordination. Dr. Frago stressed that time is the most critical factor. Recognizing symptoms immediately can mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability.…
Spanish energy company Naturgy has started building a new electrical substation in Panama’s Pacifico Special Economic Zone. The project aims to strengthen power supply for the rapidly growing industrial and commercial hub near Panama City. Company officials confirmed the construction is in an advanced stage this week. The substation will feature cutting-edge equipment designed to handle increasing electricity demand. It will serve businesses, schools, and residential communities in the area. Naturgy is investing in this infrastructure to support the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone, which has attracted dozens of multinational companies in recent years. The zone was built on a…