Author: spieper

Tocumen International Airport has initiated a critical $56.9 million project to rehabilitate its two main runways, which have deteriorated to the point of requiring safety inspections every thirty minutes. The airport’s manager, Jose Antonio Ruiz Blanco, confirmed the four-year contract was signed on October 20 with the consortium PYCRAT to address advanced wear that includes cracks and asphalt detachment on surfaces originally built in 1978. This extensive work will be conducted exclusively during overnight hours to avoid disrupting the airport’s growing passenger traffic, which is projected to exceed 21 million travelers this year.The urgency of the rehabilitation stems from the…

The general manager of the Colon Free Zone, Luisa Napolitano, has unveiled a comprehensive development plan to strengthen the position of the Americas’ premier commercial hub. This strategic initiative, announced this week, includes new development areas, infrastructure upgrades, water projects, and a technological modernization of the entire facility. The overarching goals are boosting competitiveness and generating more employment for the Atlantic region of Panama.Napolitano confirmed that commercial activity remains stable compared to last year’s figures. The reexport segment continues to be the primary driver moving user inventories. She expressed optimism for a positive year-end result, highlighting a particularly strong performance…

Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) has uncovered a significant illegal logging operation inside the protected boundaries of Baru Volcano National Park. The discovery was made during a nationwide holiday patrol targeting environmental crimes in protected zones. Officials identified a deforested area showing signs of unauthorized agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in the Bajo Grande sector of the park.The joint operation involved park rangers from the National System of Protected Areas and the Environmental Police. It took place over the recent patriotic holidays, a period when authorities say pressure on vulnerable ecosystems often intensifies. A formal report was filed to halt…

National Police in Panama located a minor with an active international AMBER Alert during coordinated security operations in Chiriquí province. Authorities confirmed the discovery on Monday following a cross-border investigation initiated by Costa Rican officials. The child was found in the Chorchita sector of the Las Lomas district, though police have not disclosed the minor’s condition or the specific circumstances of the recovery.This successful location resulted from international police cooperation, according to an official statement from the National Police. The operation forms part of a broader security initiative targeting criminal activity across multiple Panamanian provinces. Police departments from both nations…

The Regional Logistic Center for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH) in Panama is dispatching critical supplies to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. This emergency response, coordinated by Panama’s Ministry of Government, addresses widespread damage from Hurricane Melissa. The center activated its protocols this week to support regional neighbors grappling with the storm’s impact.Authorities confirmed the first shipments will contain vital water and food resources. They plan subsequent aid deliveries as damage assessments provide clearer pictures of the specific needs in each affected country. The center’s strategic location in Panama Pacifico allows for rapid logistical deployment across the Caribbean basin.Coordinated Relief Effort UnderwayAn inter-institutional…

Surgeons at Panama’s City of Health complex have successfully completed a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction for a 31-year-old patient diagnosed with breast cancer. The multidisciplinary team performed the highly complex procedure this week, marking a significant advancement in the country’s approach to oncological surgery for younger patients. This case represents a growing trend toward immediate reconstruction following cancer removal, offering both medical and psychological benefits.The patient presented with a malignant lesion in her right breast. Medical teams determined she was an ideal candidate for the combined procedure due to her age, lack of co-existing health conditions, and overall optimal…

A Panamanian financial technology company has successfully launched its national flag to the edge of space. KrediYA executed the high-altitude balloon mission, which saw the Panamanian flag and the company’s logo ascend over 30,000 meters above the Earth. The launch, accompanied by the national anthem, created a moment of intense patriotism and excitement for those present. The project required a specialized technical team to build and monitor the balloon, which was equipped with cameras and a GPS tracking system. This equipment documented the entire journey from ascent to its return to Earth. The capsule carrying the symbols reached an altitude…

Panamanian officials have described the planned relocation of Indigenous families from Caribbean islands threatened by sea level rise as a difficult process. Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro made the statement to Agence France-Presse, acknowledging the profound cultural challenges involved. The government is prioritizing this issue under direct instructions from President Jose Raul Mulino.The situation affects several populated islands within the Guna Yala archipelago. Scientific studies indicate these islands will be submerged before the end of this century due to global warming. This region, also known as San Blas, consists of numerous small islands sitting just half a meter to one…

Mercantil Seguros Panama has earned a Gold Award for its outstanding Customer Experience. The company’s general manager, Enrique Rondón, confirmed the achievement this week, linking it directly to the successful launch of a new digital insurance platform. This strategic initiative has fundamentally transformed how the insurer interacts with its clients and operates in the market.The award recognizes the successful implementation of a proprietary technological system designed to make insurance more accessible. This platform serves as the foundation for the company’s entire service model, enabling greater efficiency and scalability. It represents a significant investment in digital infrastructure aimed at meeting evolving…

A massive emergence of Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings occurred this week at the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge in Panama’s Los Santos province. The event saw 3,878 newborn turtles successfully reach the Pacific Ocean under the watchful protection of environmental authorities. This coordinated effort highlights a significant conservation victory for one of the world’s most endangered sea turtle species. The technical team for the protected area, led by refuge chief Rogelio Cedeño, supervised the hatching from 53 nests that had been incubated in an artificial nursery. The team meticulously monitored the conditions to ensure a successful emergence. Park rangers and…