Author: spieper

Panama’s Customs Authority formalized a major international cooperation pact with three European Union member states on Tuesday, December 9. The agreement with Belgium, France, and the Netherlands aims to intensify the fight against global drug trafficking networks by enhancing intelligence sharing and operational coordination.This joint declaration represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the administration of President Jose Raul Mulino. It signals growing international confidence in Panama’s strategic role in securing global maritime trade routes against illicit commerce.Customs directors from all three European nations traveled to Panama City for the historic signing. The delegation included Nanette van Schelven from the Netherlands,…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo on Wednesday, December 10. Their discussion centered on strengthening maritime cooperation and investment links between the two nations. The bilateral meeting occurred during Mulino’s official visit to attend the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony.Prime Minister Store explicitly noted the strong existing connection in the maritime sector. He expressed a clear interest from his government in deepening this partnership through new business and investment opportunities. The leaders agreed that shared interests could unlock significant potential for both economies.Focus on Maritime and Global CooperationThe talks extended…

Seven historic churches in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, Panama district are showcasing intricate nativity scenes this holiday season. These displays, known locally as “nacimientos,” have become a major cultural and tourist attraction, blending religious tradition with detailed artistic craftsmanship.The annual Christmas route includes the churches of Nuestra Señora de la Merced, San José, the Santa María la Antigua Cathedral, the Oratorio San Felipe Neri, and the San Francisco de Asís Church. Each institution presents a unique nativity, featuring large figurines, miniature houses, waterfalls, animals, and angels. For many Panamanian families, visiting these scenes is a cherished December ritual that draws…

Abdiel Abel Rentería Ramos officially assumed leadership of Panama’s Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Imelcf) on Wednesday, December 10. His appointment, which extends through 2030, follows a competitive selection process and the resolution of a legal appeal that had delayed the position’s finalization.The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the nation’s Attorney General, Luis Gómez Rudy, who presides over the institute’s board. Supreme Court Magistrate María Eugenia López Arias, representing Panama’s judicial branch, attended the event. Rentería Ramos takes the helm of the critical state agency for a five-year term, pledging to address long-standing operational challenges.New Leadership After a…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino held a high-level meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday. The encounter marked Machado’s first public diplomatic engagement in nearly a year and occurred just before she received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has lived clandestinely due to security concerns, expressed profound gratitude for Panama’s support during Venezuela’s prolonged political crisis. She specifically highlighted Panama’s role in safeguarding critical electoral documents for Venezuela’s opposition movement. “The support has been extraordinary for all Venezuelans. It began with our records being safeguarded in Panama. That has been for us…

The Panamanian government has officially approved a new minimum wage structure following negotiations between labor, business, and state representatives. The Ministry of Labor (Panama) announced the agreement on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after the final session of the National Minimum Wage Commission. The increases will apply to over 400,000 workers across dozens of economic sectors starting January 16, 2026.Labor Minister Jackeline Muñoz detailed the specific adjustments, which vary by region and occupation. The agreement ensures every covered worker will receive a raise of at least 9.50 balboas per month. Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, with the…

Gasoline and diesel prices in Panama will fall starting Friday, December 12. The country’s energy authority confirmed the two-week price adjustment, which offers modest relief at the pump during the holiday season.The new rates, set by the Panama Secretariat of Energy, will remain in effect until 5:59 a.m. on December 25. Officials cited fluctuations in the international oil market as the primary reason for the reduction.Specific Price Adjustments for ConsumersPremium 95-octane gasoline will see a decrease of three cents per liter. Its new price will be 86 cents per liter. The lower 91-octane gasoline, a common choice for many vehicles,…

Residents of two large apartment buildings in Colón, Panama, are pleading for immediate government action as their homes crumble around them. More than 35 families in buildings 11073 and 11077 on Calle 12, Avenida Meléndez say they live in constant fear of collapse. They accuse the housing ministry of ignoring their documented requests for relocation after being declared at risk.The structures suffer from severe structural damage including falling ceiling slabs, roof detachment, and deep cracks in load-bearing walls. A formal evacuation order for the buildings is already in place. Issued by the National Civil Protection System (Panama), the order has…

The Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information in Panama has issued a stark declaration. The group warns that press freedom, a cornerstone of democracy, faces escalating threats from disinformation and the commodification of news. The statement was released to coincide with global observations of International Human Rights Day.This professional association framed its message as a direct response to current challenges within Panama and other democracies worldwide. Their central argument holds that independent, ethical journalism is a non-negotiable requirement for a transparent and healthy society, not a secondary aspiration. The forum’s document insists a community’s ability to understand…

A groundbreaking study from Panama has established specific clinical recommendations to improve care for patients, especially children, following scorpion stings. The research analyzed the venom of five common local species to understand their toxic effects on the human body. Its findings are now guiding new emergency room protocols across the country. The work was led by toxicologist Maricruz Morán, a technical assistant at the University of Panama’s Center for Research and Information on Drugs and Toxins (CIIMET). Her team conducted a detailed analysis of venom from the Tityus atreus, Tityus championi, Tityus festae, Centruroides bicolor, and Centruroides limbatus scorpions. Researchers…