Author: Sebastian Pieper
Panama is preparing to make history again on May 9, 2026. The country will participate in the Global Big Day, the world’s largest bird counting event. Organizers expect thousands of citizens to fan out across the nation with binoculars in hand. The event is led globally by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University in the United States. Its purpose is to gather open data that supports bird protection and habitat conservation worldwide. Each country conducts a 24-hour count of all birds observed during that single day. Panama holds a strategic position along the migration routes of hundreds of…
Three finalists from Panama are vying for a chance to represent their nation in the third season of Beast Games. The high-stakes international competition, created by internet sensation MrBeast, offers prizes reaching up to 5 million dollars. Public voting will determine the winner. Journalist María Hernández reported that the selection process has narrowed to three candidates. Juan David Guardia, a magician and actor known for his stint on Calle 7 Panama, leads the group. Michelle Morales stands out as the only woman among the finalists in this decisive phase. A third participant, Arturo, completes the Panamanian trio seeking to advance.…
Panama City, Panama – A high-level delegation from Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) visited Panama on Friday. The team inspected operations at Tocumen International Airport to assess its readiness for long-haul flights from Tokyo. The visit marks a significant step toward establishing a direct air route between the two nations. Executives from ANA met with Panamanian aviation authorities, airport officials, and representatives from Copa Airlines. The delegation included technical experts from Boeing who evaluated runway capacity and infrastructure needs. Their goal was to determine if Tocumen can handle aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER, commonly known as the Triple Seven.…
The Ministry of Public Security of Panama has removed more than 600 firearms from circulation. Officials destroyed 604 guns and 8,870 rounds of ammunition in a coordinated operation this week. The weapons could have fueled violent crimes across the country. Authorities confirmed the disposal operation on Tuesday. The Ministry of Public Security of Panama led the effort alongside prosecutors. These weapons came from police seizures and criminal investigations. Many were linked to past or planned violent acts. Every firearm removed represents a direct reduction in street-level danger. The ministry stated that these weapons could have caused devastating harm to families…
A massive wildfire has consumed approximately 220 hectares of land in Panama’s Darien province. The blaze swept through tropical dry forest, scrubland, and pasture in the township of Garachine, located in the Chepigana district. Firefighting teams and environmental authorities managed to contain the flames after a joint operation. The fire broke out on Friday, April 29. Volunteer brigades from Guacamayo, Naipe, Cerro Sapo, and Jaguar led the extinction efforts. They worked in coordination with the Forest Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, known locally as MiAmbiente. The response mobilized both human and logistical resources in a difficult-to-access area. Difficult Terrain…
Panamanian authorities detained 38 adults and two teenagers during the first night of a new curfew in San Miguelito. The operation targeted two specific areas within the San Miguelito District known for high crime rates. The Curfew runs from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. each night. Police officials confirmed the arrests on Saturday morning. The detained group included 30 men and eight women, plus two minors aged 16 and 17. Officers made the apprehensions in the Belisario Frías and Arnulfo Arias areas of San Miguelito. This marks the second phase of a focused territorial intervention operation led by security forces.…
Panama’s National Assembly of Panama approved a controversial bill that significantly weakens protections for marine ecosystems. Law 571, championed by Deputy Benicio Robinson, passed its third debate on Wednesday, April 29. The legislation shifts authority away from a blanket ban on construction in sensitive areas. Instead, it grants the Ministry of Environment (Panama) discretion to permit interventions in seagrass beds and associated ecosystems. Panama holds a unique biological position. The country hosts coral reef systems on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. These formations cover roughly 800 square kilometers. They possess distinct oceanographic and biological characteristics. Environmentalists argue the new…
Panama City, Panama – The government has introduced a tax reform bill that would charge multinational companies a 15 percent rate if they cannot prove real economic operations in the country. Finance Minister Felipe Chapman presented the proposed changes to the National Assembly this week, targeting firms that use Panama to reduce or avoid taxes. The reform seeks to tighten controls on international corporate structures. It aims to convince the European Union to remove Panama from its tax haven blacklist. Officials say the new rules focus on the principle of Substance over form, meaning legal structures must match real business…
Thousands of workers from various labor unions gathered in Panama City on May 1, 2026, to commemorate International Workers’ Day. The demonstration started at Porras Park with a morning mass. Union leaders then delivered speeches about ongoing labor struggles. They called for dialogue with the government and an end to what they described as persecution of union activists. The event drew participants from multiple sectors including education and public services. Fernando Ábrego, secretary general of the Association of Public Officials of the Ministry of Education (Asoprof), spoke directly to the government. “We take into consideration that there cannot be a…
Residents of Llano del Medio in the Las Lomas township are demanding immediate action on a severe drinking water shortage. The crisis has lasted more than two months in the Chiriquí Province community. Local families say the lack of service has disrupted their daily routines and endangered vulnerable residents. The water shortage affects school children, elderly adults, and people with serious health conditions. Many families now collect rainwater just to bathe and clean their homes. The potable water supply from the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers has been unreliable since early 2025. Residents report that Idaan officials have not…