Author: Sebastian Pieper

Panama has fallen 12 positions in the latest global press freedom index. The country now ranks 65th worldwide, down from 53rd in 2024. Reporters Without Borders released the report on World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3. The ranking places Panama behind regional neighbors like Costa Rica at position 38 and the Dominican Republic at 44. This decline comes after the country showed improvement in 2024. The report paints a concerning picture for journalists working in the Central American nation. Journalists Face Judicial Pressure and Self-Censorship Panamanian reporters who investigate corruption cases face significant pressure. Those who maintain…

A specialized NASA aircraft has landed in Panama to begin a weeklong scientific mission. The flying laboratory will analyze tropical ecosystems until May 9. This marks a major collaboration between the U.S. space agency and local research institutions. The mission operates under the AVUELO experiment, a joint initiative with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The project combines airborne radar technology with field measurements in terrestrial and coastal environments. Scientists aim to generate critical data about Panama’s natural wealth, from forest canopies to coastal wetlands. Flying Laboratory Equipped With Advanced Sensors The aircraft functions as a high-tech laboratory in the sky.…

Panama’s National Assembly of Panama has approved a new law targeting the illegal closure of public roads and natural spaces. The legislation passed in a third debate on the final day of the legislative session. It aims to protect access to beaches, rivers, and recreational areas.For years, communities across multiple regions have watched traditional pathways disappear. Gates, fences, and even makeshift toll booths now block what was once free passage. The practice has sparked tensions and hurt local tourism. The new law modifies the Penal Code of Panama by adding Articles 229-A and 229-B. These sections specifically criminalize the arbitrary…

A Panamanian television crew left Tocumen International Airport on Monday. They are heading to Seattle, United States. Their mission involves covering the unveiling of a special Copa Airlines aircraft. This plane will carry Panama’s National Soccer Team to its second FIFA World Cup appearance. The aircraft’s design comes from a competition that attracted over 700 entries last November. Two young Panamanians created the winning concept. One of them, Ernesto De León, shared his excitement before boarding the flight to Seattle. “I feel very happy, very emotional. As a Panamanian, I feel proud to see the national team in the World…

Panama will offer free entry to most of its protected areas on Saturday, May 9. The initiative coincides with the Global Big Day, an international bird watching event. Participants can explore national parks and reserves for the entire day. The measure comes from Resolution DM-0175-2026. It applies for 24 hours across all sites within the National System of Protected Areas. Officials said the goal is to boost biodiversity conservation and encourage public participation. The Ministry of Environment confirmed the policy this week. Free Entry Rules for Bird Watchers Visitors must show proof of registration to get free access. That means…

The new United States Ambassador to Panama has delivered a stark warning about Chinese technology companies. Kevin Marino Cabrera, 35, made the comments in an exclusive interview. He specifically called out firms like Huawei as unreliable. Cabrera arrived in Panama on April 28, 2025, to assume his diplomatic post. Before this role, he served as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and a West Kendall Community Council member. He studied political science with a specialization in international relations. Cabrera is a Republican who worked on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The ambassador did not mince words when discussing cybersecurity concerns. “Companies like Huawei…

Panama has introduced a specific criminal offense for exhibitionism for the first time in its legal history. The National Assembly approved Law 521, which President José Raúl Mulino has now promulgated. The legislation amends the Penal Code of Panama to target lewd public behavior. Under the new law, individuals face one to two years in prison for exposing their genitals with lascivious intent. The penalty also applies to those who perform sexual acts in public spaces or areas accessible to the public. Officials confirmed the law took effect on April 28, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette. Penalties…

Panama’s El Caño archaeological site is rewriting history. Researchers have uncovered elite tombs and gold artifacts that disprove old assumptions about simple pre-Columbian societies. The findings point to complex social structures and extensive regional trade networks. The site sits on a seemingly innocent plain in Coclé province. But beneath the grass and dust lies an ancient order that still breathes in silence. Archaeologists have spent years digging into this ground, and what they found changes everything. Dr. Julia Mayo led the excavations. She remembers Tomb T7 from 2015 and the more recent T9 discovery not as scientific finds but as…

A torrential weekend has forced the opening of a retention barrier on the Juan Díaz River in Panama. The safety mechanism activated as floodwaters surged, sending accumulated trash streaming toward urban areas. Officials confirmed the situation on Sunday. The barrier, known locally as BoB, was designed to handle exactly this kind of pressure. Laura González, executive director of the environmental organization managing the system, explained the decision. Rising water levels and intense currents triggered the automatic safety release. This prevents structural damage to the equipment. But the result is painful to watch. Plastic bottles, discarded bags, and solid waste now…

The water currently distributed on Taboga Island is not safe for human consumption. Panama’s Ministry of Health confirmed the warning on Wednesday after identifying failures at the island’s water treatment plant. Residents and visitors must avoid drinking the water until further notice. The Ministry of Health Panama issued the alert in coordination with the National Institute of Water and Sewerage, known as IDAAN. Treatment Plant Failures Trigger Emergency Measures Technical problems at the existing purification facility forced authorities to act. IDAAN has implemented an alternative supply system using water from a new treatment plant. This temporary measure aims to keep…