Author: spieper

The financial landscape in Panama has been permanently altered following the full absorption of Scotiabank’s local operations by Banco Davivienda. Officials from Davivienda Group confirmed the completion of the historic integration this week, marking the end of the Scotiabank brand in the country and creating a significantly larger regional financial player. The move triples Davivienda’s physical presence in Panama and expands its customer base dramatically.This strategic consolidation comes after Davivienda Group received all necessary regulatory approvals to assume control of Scotiabank’s operations in Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The transaction fundamentally reshapes the group’s regional structure and asset distribution. Clients…

Former Panamanian President Ernesto Perez Balladares has publicly dismissed calls for a sweeping constitutional overhaul, arguing the country lacks the necessary conditions. In a wide-ranging interview, the ex-leader also commented on internal crises within his political party and recent controversial statements by the current president. Perez Balladares served as Panama’s head of state from 1994 to 1999.The political veteran shared his views during a conversation with La Estrella de Panamá’s Polígrafo this week. He provided a stark assessment of the nation’s political landscape while offering support for embattled party figures. His comments arrive during a period of significant political debate…

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) in Panama issued a nationwide epidemiological alert on Friday, December 12, 2025. The action follows a formal report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warning of increased influenza activity across the northern hemisphere as the 2025–2026 season begins.While a specific variant circulating in the United Kingdom has not been detected locally, health authorities are concerned about the co-circulation of multiple respiratory viruses within Panama. Current surveillance data shows influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) positivity rates are already above seasonal alert thresholds.Officials emphasized the alert is a preventive measure. “Although no cases of the…

The Spanish Association of Friends of the Great Spanish Navigators and Explorers (AGNYEE) announced Friday it will restart a global sailing expedition honoring Juan Sebastián Elcano’s historic voyage. The new journey begins December 15 from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain, and will include a transit through the Panama Canal. This attempt follows the loss of the expedition’s original vessel to a typhoon in 2023.Organizers plan to complete the ambitious tribute voyage in approximately fifteen months. The route will retrace key ports from the original Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation, including San Juan in Puerto Rico and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia.Association president and expedition…

Panama Fire Department Director Victor Alvarez filed a formal criminal complaint on Saturday, December 13, alleging the fraudulent use of his identity. The complaint, submitted to the specialized Intellectual Property prosecutor’s office, centers on unauthorized messages sent from a mobile phone impersonating him. Officials stated the incident appears connected to internal resistance against ongoing institutional reforms.The fire service confirmed the legal action in an official statement released over the weekend. According to the institution, Alvarez framed the identity theft as a malicious attempt to undermine his leadership and discredit recent administrative actions taken within the department. The case is now…

A civilian vessel registered under the Panamanian flag was struck by a military drone while docked at a Ukrainian port. The Panamanian Maritime Authority confirmed the attack occurred in Odesa, with no injuries reported among the crew or passengers.In a brief statement released Saturday, the authority said it was monitoring the situation involving the roll-on/roll-off passenger ship. Preliminary reports indicate the attack happened while the ship was berthed, though an exact timeline was not provided.The maritime authority activated its standard response protocols immediately after being notified. Officials emphasized their ongoing oversight of the incident through relevant offices.”The Panamanian Maritime Authority,…

Chevron Panama has reached a historic milestone for its Texaco brand, opening its 100th service station in the country. This expansion solidifies the company’s position in Panama’s competitive fuel retail market after nearly nine decades of continuous operation. The achievement underscores a period of strategic investment and network modernization aimed at meeting evolving consumer expectations.The new station represents the latest point in a comprehensive national refurbishment program. Texaco is updating its corporate image at all locations under the concept “We Evolve to Keep Shining.” This involves installing safer facilities, completely renovated infrastructure, and optimized lighting systems. Company officials state the…

The government of Panama’s largest province will host three new events for its long running gun exchange initiative this month. For the first time, participants can trade firearms for vouchers redeemable not just for food and medicine, but also for new household appliances.Panama Province Governor Mayín Correa announced the expanded program on Tuesday. She framed the move as a critical effort to get illegal weapons off the streets while providing tangible economic relief to families. The events are scheduled for mid-December in three separate districts, including the often tense Colón Province.Broadening Incentives for a Persistent ProblemKnown locally as “Armas por…

Panama’s tax authority has levied $3.4 million in fines against businesses for failing to issue proper receipts. Camilo Valdes, director of the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI), disclosed the penalties this week during a legislative hearing focused on economic sustainability.The fines resulted from inspections conducted between July 2024 and November 2025. Agency officials examined 5,523 businesses during that period and found a troubling 69 percent non-compliance rate related to billing and collecting the 7 percent ITBMS (Transfer Tax on Movable Property and Services). Valdes confirmed the enforcement push aims to boost state revenue and curb widespread tax evasion.”We have converted…

U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera delivered a major shipment of medical aid to Panama’s Ministry of Health on December 12. The donation, valued at 75,000 dollars, included 4,000 pounds of medications and supplies transported directly by a U.S. Air Force C-5 aircraft to Panama Pacifico Airport.This direct aid forms a key part of the bilateral Juntos por la Salud medical initiative. Officials said the shipment exemplifies a strategy focused on delivering tangible results through efficient, government-to-government cooperation.Ambassador Cabrera emphasized the direct nature of the support during the handover ceremony. He was joined by Panama’s Minister of Health, Dr. Fernando Boyd…