Author: Sebastian Pieper

The Panamanian government has launched a strategic roadmap to establish a national Pact for Nature. This initiative aims to unify the country’s response to its most pressing environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Officials from the Ministry of Environment (Panama) presented the plan this week in Panama City. They argued that historically isolated efforts by governments and organizations have limited the effectiveness of environmental solutions. The new pact seeks to align public institutions, the private sector, and civil society under a single, coordinated long-term strategy. “We must work together and unite in a single effort, which is the…

Panama City, April 12, 2026. The historic Panama Viejo ruins transformed into a vibrant celebration of global heritage this weekend. Moon Fest Mundial Culture 2026 filled the UNESCO World Heritage site with music, dance, and international cuisine for its second annual edition. Organizers designed the festival to create a genuine meeting point for traditions from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This year’s event specifically highlighted Mexico as the guest country of honor. A packed schedule featured traditional dances, international fashion parades, folkloric spectacles, and contemporary performances. Giselle González Villarrué, the festival’s director, emphasized its core mission. “Moon…

Panama’s National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) has opened formal investigations into at least ten municipalities for failing to publish any required data on the National Active Transparency Platform. The agency confirmed the investigations this week, revealing a complete lack of compliance with a foundational 2002 transparency law. This legal mandate is designed to ensure public access to information about how state funds are managed and spent.The investigations, known as “oficio” probes, were initiated after the agency’s monitoring found the municipalities had posted zero information to the public platform. This platform is a critical tool for transparency…

Panamanian maritime forces intercepted almost two tons of suspected cocaine hidden in shipping containers bound for Belgium. The National Aeronaval Service of Panama (SENAN) made the discovery during a routine inspection in the Central Caribbean. This major seizure underscores the ongoing use of Panama’s ports as a transit point for international drug trafficking organizations.Officials confiscated 1,897 packages of the illicit substance during an operation in the anchorage area of Bahía Limón, Colón Province. The inspection was part of standard maritime and port surveillance activities conducted in coordination with the Public Ministry. The drugs were concealed within two commercial shipping containers,…

A Panamanian student’s digital mapping tool is pinpointing where pets are most frequently abandoned across the country. The Mission Lulu platform, created by Alfredo Kinglow, has registered approximately 100 abandonment cases in its first year, representing an estimated 200 to 300 affected animals. The tool directly contributed to the rescue of at least 15 animals, providing data to assist volunteers and organizations. Kinglow developed the interactive system to visualize a growing social problem. It allows citizens and rescuers to report and track instances of animal abandonment in real time. Originally focused on dogs, the platform now also includes cats to…

Panama City will host a major three day public festival starting this Thursday, April 16. The City Fair, organized by the municipal government, aims to provide a grand finale to the summer season with live music, interactive zones, and diverse food options at the Figali Plaza convention center. Officials expect thousands of attendees over the event’s run, which concludes on Saturday, April 18. The fair represents a significant investment in public entertainment, offering a curated mix of activities designed to appeal to a broad audience. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Mayor’s Office of Panama City…

Residents of Villa Mireya in Panama are living in fear due to multiple swarms of aggressive Africanized bees (colloquially known as the “killer bee”). The insects have colonized at least four utility poles in this community within the Capira District of Panamá Oeste Province. Community members report that the dangerous hives are located near homes and common walking paths, creating an urgent public safety hazard. Local families say the situation has escalated with several attacks already documented. A six-month-old infant and multiple community dogs have been stung, raising fears of a more serious incident. The proximity to routes children use…

A labor dispute between delivery drivers and the PedidosYa platform has caused significant service delays across Panama this week. The disruption, which began on Monday, April 13, 2026, is affecting approximately 800 affiliated restaurants and thousands of customers who are experiencing extended wait times and limited availability.While the company states its service remains operational, users report that finding a driver to accept an order now takes over an hour, a stark increase from the typical 20-minute window. The platform was largely suspended on Monday, with some customers only offered a pick-up option directly from restaurants. Service showed slight signs of…

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama (MAC) has launched its April cultural program with a series of public workshops and events. The museum’s team aims to reposition the institution as an active space for connection and dialogue rather than a passive gallery. This initiative reflects a broader shift in how cultural centers engage with their communities in Panama City. Activities include a unique ceramics workshop and a forum for educators, alongside two major opportunities for emerging young artists. The programming is designed to make contemporary art more accessible and interactive for all visitors. Museum officials stress that these events…

Panama’s banking sector has formally rejected a legislative proposal seeking to impose new controls on interest rates. The Panama Banking Association (ABP) called for the complete overhaul of Bill 552 during a recent industry meeting in Panama City, arguing the plan would damage the country’s financial market.Executive Director Carlos Berguido stated the association submitted its request to the National Assembly’s Commerce Commission, which is currently reviewing the proposal. The bill, introduced by legislator Ernesto Cedeño on March 17, 2026, aims to establish regulatory frameworks for bank lending and deposit rates.Banking Sector Warns of Market InflexibilityBerguido explained the association’s core objection…