Author: Sebastian Pieper

One in three children in Panama lives in poverty, a new joint report reveals. The stark findings show the nation’s economic recovery has failed to reverse a crisis disproportionately affecting its youngest citizens.The study, titled “Child Poverty in Panama: A Territorial Approach to Monetary Poverty in Childhood and Adolescence,” was produced by UNICEF, the World Bank, and Panama’s Ministry of Social Development. It analyzes data from 2005 to 2023. While national poverty rates have seen a modest decline over the past decade, progress has stalled for children and adolescents, creating a deep and persistent gap.A Stalled Recovery and Structural InequalityPanama’s…

A man died from gunshot wounds in Panama City’s Santa Cruz neighborhood on Tuesday, marking another violent incident in a recent surge of capital crime. The shooting occurred near the district of Curundú, a known high-crime area, according to preliminary reports from the National Police of Panama.Authorities responded to reports of an exchange of gunfire inside a local residence. The victim sustained multiple bullet wounds. Emergency services transported him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police cordoned off the scene to begin their investigation.”National Police units immediately implemented search operations in adjacent sectors to…

The Social Security Fund of Panama has uncovered a payroll fraud scheme involving several of its own employees. An internal investigation revealed public servants falsified court-ordered salary deductions to pay personal debts, the agency announced this week. Officials said the employees manipulated the system for processing alimony and child support garnishments. They created fake judicial orders to deduct money from their own salaries, channeling those funds to a furniture store that acted as a front to settle their private obligations. Serious Violation of Law and Trust The agency, known locally as the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), condemned the actions…

Fifty-seven students from Arizona State University will travel to Panama in May to provide free dental care. The trip represents the largest single mission organized by the Smiles Abroad student club in its history. The volunteers aim to treat hundreds of patients in underserved communities during their week-long brigade. The group, consisting of pre-dental and dental hygiene students, will set up temporary clinics in partnership with local health authorities. They plan to perform cleanings, extractions, and fillings while also offering preventative education. This initiative highlights a growing focus on dental public health within global service learning. View this post on…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino delivered a forceful anti-corruption message to the nation’s business leaders this week. Speaking at the inauguration of the new board for the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, Mulino positioned ethics as the cornerstone of his administration. The event marked the official start of Aurelio Barria Pino’s tenure as president of the influential business guild. Mulino used the platform to directly confront allegations of graft that have long plagued Panamanian politics. He framed his government in stark contrast to past administrations. “I am a president with no inner circle, no influence traffickers, and no…

The television program Jump, dedicated to showcasing business startups, premieres its second season this Saturday, April 11th at 10:00 p.m. on TVN Media. Eight entrepreneurs will compete for a one hundred thousand dollar investment prize. This initiative aims to strengthen the local business creation ecosystem by providing finalists with national visibility and strategic mentorship. More than two thousand applicants submitted projects for consideration this season. A selection committee chose only eight to advance to the televised competition. These participants will face a series of business challenges over several weeks, all leading to a final showdown in May. Yescenia Navarro, CEO…

A key legislative committee has advanced a major overhaul of Panama’s public administration decentralization framework. The National Assembly’s Municipal Affairs Committee approved bill 313 in a first debate this week, moving proposed reforms to the full legislative body.The vote followed negotiations with mayors and local district representatives from across the country. Eight committee members backed the initiative, which consolidates two earlier legislative proposals. The reforms aim to clarify and strengthen the flow of resources from the national government to Panama’s municipalities.The proposed legislation modifies 58 articles of the existing 2009 law and adds four new articles. It merges initiatives originally…

Traffic flow has largely returned to normal on Panama’s critical Bridge of the Americas. The vital crossing reopened to light vehicles only 24 hours after a reported explosion forced its temporary closure. Authorities continue to restrict heavy transport as structural assessments proceed.The bridge, which connects Panama City to the country’s western interior, resumed operations at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A technical inspection followed an incident involving an explosion under the structure. Officials immediately implemented a ban on trucks, large buses, and dump trucks to ensure safety while permitting cars, motorcycles, and microbuses to cross.”The lane reversal was implemented this…

The Municipality of Panama invites families to celebrate National Harpy Eagle Day this Sunday, April 12. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Summit Botanical Garden, marking both the national bird and the 17th anniversary of the FestiHarpía festival. Organizers designed the day to honor the iconic raptor while promoting broader environmental awareness. Activities for all ages include educational exhibits, face painting, inflatable games, and conservation talks. A central feature is a costume contest with categories for children ages 2-6 and 7-15. Judges will prioritize creativity and the use of recycled materials in the costumes.…

Panamanian fire investigators are probing a deadly tanker truck explosion under the Bridge of the Americas. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon, April 6, claiming one life and injuring two workers during a fuel transfer operation. Officials now suggest basic flammable liquid safety protocols may have been ignored. The incident involved three tanker vehicles parked beneath the critical crossing. Initial reports indicate the fire started around 4 p.m. local time in the La Boca sector. It quickly spread to the other trucks. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the area, raising immediate concerns about structural damage to the bridge itself.…