Author: Sebastian Pieper
The Panamanian government has launched a formal process to catalog every home, business, crop and tree that could be displaced by the massive Panama-David Railway project. The National Railway Secretariat published a tender worth more than 718,000 dollars on Tuesday. This contract will fund a detailed survey of structures and natural resources along the proposed route. The tender covers two distinct areas of work. First, crews will conduct a complete census of all buildings within the construction zone. This includes houses, sheds, businesses, fences and any other permanent structures. Each property will receive exact measurements, GPS coordinates and photographic documentation.…
Panama City, Panama. Gunfire shattered a quiet Saturday evening in Concepcion La Vieja. Two young people died after a shooter opened fire on a group gathered at a home. The attack happened around 10:00 p.m., leaving a 20-year-old and a 15-year-old dead. Emergency responders rushed both victims to a medical facility. They died before reaching the hospital. Witnesses told investigators the attacker approached a nearby point, fired multiple shots, and then fled the scene. The double homicide has shaken residents in the Concepcion La Vieja community. Many families were watching a soccer match when the shooting occurred. The match may…
A clandestine bar operating in Panama City’s Condado del Rey neighborhood has been shut down. The Panama City Mayor’s Office carried out the operation following multiple complaints from local residents. Officials confirmed the dismantling on Thursday. The establishment was located in the Betania Corregimiento and was run by individuals of Asian origin. Authorities from the Directorate of Permits and Compliance led the inspection. They found the business operating without any operational notice or proper licenses. Violations Discovered During Inspection Inspectors uncovered several serious infractions at the site. The bar lacked permits for illicit alcohol sales and had failed to meet…
The government of Panama has launched a massive push to improve drinking water production and supply. Officials confirmed simultaneous work is underway at 21 water treatment plant facilities across the country. The announcement came during a working visit to Colon province on Friday, May 15, 2026. Presidential Minister Juan Carlos Orillac made the statements during a tour of the Sabanita II and Sabanita I plants. Work at Sabanita II has been reactivated after years of paralysis. The Sabanita I facility is also undergoing rehabilitation and improvement. [Translated from Spanish] “The water issue that the government has been working on is…
Panama’s Ministry of Environment has officially reopened the iconic Cerro de la Cruz Trail in Altos de Campana National Park. The announcement came on Saturday, May 16, 2026, following eight months of intensive rehabilitation work. Officials confirmed the trail is now safer and more accessible for visitors. The project focused on strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Located in the Panama Oeste province, this trail is one of the park’s most popular attractions. The renovation is part of a larger initiative funded by the Inter-American Development Bank project Panama. That initiative, titled “Support for the Conservation and Management…
The Panama Association of Social Workers held a critical meeting on Saturday, May 16 to evaluate pressing social challenges affecting the nation. Professionals gathered in Panama City to discuss rising unemployment, population aging and barriers to healthcare access. The organization identified these issues as urgent priorities requiring immediate strategic responses. During the session, social workers expressed deep concern over increasing mental health problems across the country. Many cases stem directly from economic pressures and family breakdowns. The Panama Association of Social Workers noted that emotional exhaustion has reached alarming levels among vulnerable populations. “We are seeing families collapse under financial…
Panamanian authorities are evaluating whether to expand curfew restrictions to additional provinces. Security Minister Frank Alexis Ábrego made the announcement during a security meeting in the David district. The move comes as part of broader efforts to reduce violent crime across the country. The minister did not rule out implementing curfews in other regions. He said the strategy focuses on lowering high-profile crimes, particularly homicides. Many of these killings stem from disputes between rival gangs, officials explained. The government is now looking at targeted restrictions as a tool for crime prevention in Latin America. Targeted Curfew in David Market Area…
The suspension of the Cobre Panama copper mine has cost Panama an estimated 3.5 billion dollars in lost economic contributions over two years. First Quantum Minerals released these figures in its 2025 tax transparency report on Thursday. The Canadian miner said the financial toll of the prolonged shutdown continues to mount. The company stated the mine would have contributed at least 1.8 billion dollars to Panama’s economy in 2025 alone. This includes over 600 million dollars in government revenue, more than 250 million dollars in wages, and nearly 930 million dollars in local procurement. Combined with 2024 losses, First Quantum…
President Jose Raul Mulino has returned to the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in Colon to congratulate the medical team that performed the facility’s first-ever Craniotomy for a brain tumor. The historic surgery took place on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking a major milestone for healthcare in Colon Province. A 50-year-old female patient arrived at the emergency room suffering from seizures. Neurosurgeons Dr. Hector Lezcano and Dr. Francisco Medina acted quickly. They successfully removed the brain tumor. The patient now recovers in the intensive care unit under sedation and constant monitoring. Doctors are managing her post-surgical brain swelling. First Complex Neurosurgery…
Panamanian football supporters can now collect official digital stickers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The free Panini Collection app launched this week. It features 528 players from all 48 qualified nations. FIFA announced the application on Tuesday. The app was developed in partnership with Coca-Cola. Users can collect eleven players from each team. They can also grab logos, mascots, trophies and exclusive Coca-Cola items. Panama secured its spot in the expanded tournament. The national team will face world-class opponents. This digital collection lets fans engage with the squad before kickoff. Digital Stickers Bridge Physical and Virtual Worlds The app…