Author: Sebastian Pieper

The FIFA Countdown Concert arrives in Panama City on June 10. This musical spectacle officially begins the final countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup across Mexico, the United States and Canada. FIFA officials confirmed the event details this week. The concert will happen simultaneously in all three host nations. Panama fans can watch the show live through local broadcaster RPC Television starting at 7:00 p.m. local time. The event connects supporters through music and football spirit. Global Broadcast and Viewing Options in Panama FIFA will stream the Countdown Concert globally on its official TikTok channel. This marks the first…

Authorities in Panama have detained a former employee of the National Lottery of Beneficence. The arrest took place on Tuesday, June 9, in the Barrio Norte sector of Colón province. A joint operation involving the National Police and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office conducted the raid. The former cashier is under investigation for alleged embezzlement. Officials confirmed the woman is suspected of crimes against public administration. These charges fall under the country’s strict Panama embezzlement law, which targets misuse of public funds. Investigation Traces Back to 2021 Investigators say the alleged crimes occurred in 2021. The suspect worked as a cashier…

United States Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera has delivered a clear message to Panamanian citizens. He wants them to start their visa applications now, especially before major events like the FIFA World Cup. The diplomat spoke this week about the surprisingly low rejection rates for Panamanian applicants. Cabrera emphasized that the numbers work in Panama’s favor. He pointed to official statistics showing Panamanians face a relatively low United States visa refusal rate compared to other countries. This data should encourage more people to apply without fear, he said. “Many have applied and many have been approved,” Cabrera stated. “As I…

Powerful waves are battering the coastline of Playa Farallón in Panama’s Coclé province. The relentless ocean surge has severely damaged the only paved road connecting the coastal community to the rest of the region. Residents and local fishermen now fear they will be completely cut off. The situation escalated on Monday morning. Swells crashed against the shore with increasing force throughout the day. Locals watched as the sea chewed away at the asphalt, leaving cracks and debris in its wake. The community depends entirely on this single route for supplies, emergency services, and daily transport. View this post on Instagram…

Specialized rescue teams have recovered the body of a 26 year old man in western Panama. The discovery ended a four day search operation in the rugged terrain of Chiriqui Province. Officials confirmed the find on Monday afternoon. The victim had been missing since Friday in the Cañon Macho de Monte area. The Panama Fire Department led the complex operation through its specialized rescue directorate known as DOEXBURE. Multiple agencies under the Joint Task Force coordination structure participated in the mission. Difficult Conditions Faced by 105 Rescuers Colonel Nadia Samudio serves as the chief commander of the Bugaba Regional Zone…

The Panama Canal Authority announced a reduction in the maximum draft allowed for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks starting July 3. This measure comes as part of water conservation strategies implemented ahead of the potential El Niño climate phenomenon. The decision aims to safeguard operational safety and preserve water resources that feed the interoceanic waterway. Officials anticipate lower lake levels during the coming months. The draft represents the depth at which a vessel sits in the water. In practical terms, this restriction will force some ships to carry less cargo to navigate safely under the new conditions. Boris Moreno, vice…

Panama has taken a major step to strengthen air security across the region. Officials inaugurated the new Airport Security Academy at Tocumen International Airport on Wednesday. The facility was equipped through a $2 million donation from the United States government. The academy will operate under the Civil Aviation Authority. Training will focus on specialized personnel through advanced technology and technical instruction. The center aims to boost security standards for Panama and neighboring countries. Strategic Partnership with the United States U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera spoke at the inauguration ceremony. He highlighted the project’s strategic importance for both nations.…

The Municipal Police of Panama has received a donation of ten bicycles from Empresas Bern. The equipment will support daily patrol and surveillance operations across the city. Officials confirmed the donation on June 5, 2026. These bicycles will improve mobility for officers conducting inspections in various neighborhoods. The goal is faster response times for both the community and municipal facilities. The Municipal Police of Panama operates under the city’s mayor office and handles local security tasks. Donation Strengthens Community Safety Efforts The contribution directly supports ongoing efforts to enhance Panama City public safety. Bicycle patrols allow officers to access narrow…

Panama City transforms into a global ballet capital this week. The Aura B. Torrijos Theater at the City of Arts opens its doors Thursday for the Panama Ballet Festival 2026. The event runs from June 4 through June 7. More than 11 countries send dancers, companies and teachers to this unprecedented artistic celebration. The Ballet Nacional de Panama and the Panama Ministry of Culture jointly organize the festival. Organizers say the event honors Margot Fonteyn, the legendary ballerina with deep ties to Panama. [Translated from Spanish] The festival promises to become one of the year’s most important cultural events. Audiences…

The U.S. Embassy in Panama has announced a three-day outreach event for American citizens. Representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit Panama City to assist with U.S. Social Security benefits. The event runs from June 23 to June 25, 2026. Services will be available at the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. Officials will handle applications, card requests, and compliance forms. No appointment is needed, but embassy staff warned that services operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times could be significant. Hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.…