Author: spieper

Chevron Panama has reached a historic milestone for its Texaco brand, opening its 100th service station in the country. This expansion solidifies the company’s position in Panama’s competitive fuel retail market after nearly nine decades of continuous operation. The achievement underscores a period of strategic investment and network modernization aimed at meeting evolving consumer expectations.The new station represents the latest point in a comprehensive national refurbishment program. Texaco is updating its corporate image at all locations under the concept “We Evolve to Keep Shining.” This involves installing safer facilities, completely renovated infrastructure, and optimized lighting systems. Company officials state the…

The government of Panama’s largest province will host three new events for its long running gun exchange initiative this month. For the first time, participants can trade firearms for vouchers redeemable not just for food and medicine, but also for new household appliances.Panama Province Governor Mayín Correa announced the expanded program on Tuesday. She framed the move as a critical effort to get illegal weapons off the streets while providing tangible economic relief to families. The events are scheduled for mid-December in three separate districts, including the often tense Colón Province.Broadening Incentives for a Persistent ProblemKnown locally as “Armas por…

Panama’s tax authority has levied $3.4 million in fines against businesses for failing to issue proper receipts. Camilo Valdes, director of the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI), disclosed the penalties this week during a legislative hearing focused on economic sustainability.The fines resulted from inspections conducted between July 2024 and November 2025. Agency officials examined 5,523 businesses during that period and found a troubling 69 percent non-compliance rate related to billing and collecting the 7 percent ITBMS (Transfer Tax on Movable Property and Services). Valdes confirmed the enforcement push aims to boost state revenue and curb widespread tax evasion.”We have converted…

U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera delivered a major shipment of medical aid to Panama’s Ministry of Health on December 12. The donation, valued at 75,000 dollars, included 4,000 pounds of medications and supplies transported directly by a U.S. Air Force C-5 aircraft to Panama Pacifico Airport.This direct aid forms a key part of the bilateral Juntos por la Salud medical initiative. Officials said the shipment exemplifies a strategy focused on delivering tangible results through efficient, government-to-government cooperation.Ambassador Cabrera emphasized the direct nature of the support during the handover ceremony. He was joined by Panama’s Minister of Health, Dr. Fernando Boyd…

Panama’s Customs Authority formalized a major international cooperation pact with three European Union member states on Tuesday, December 9. The agreement with Belgium, France, and the Netherlands aims to intensify the fight against global drug trafficking networks by enhancing intelligence sharing and operational coordination.This joint declaration represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the administration of President Jose Raul Mulino. It signals growing international confidence in Panama’s strategic role in securing global maritime trade routes against illicit commerce.Customs directors from all three European nations traveled to Panama City for the historic signing. The delegation included Nanette van Schelven from the Netherlands,…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo on Wednesday, December 10. Their discussion centered on strengthening maritime cooperation and investment links between the two nations. The bilateral meeting occurred during Mulino’s official visit to attend the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony.Prime Minister Store explicitly noted the strong existing connection in the maritime sector. He expressed a clear interest from his government in deepening this partnership through new business and investment opportunities. The leaders agreed that shared interests could unlock significant potential for both economies.Focus on Maritime and Global CooperationThe talks extended…

Seven historic churches in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, Panama district are showcasing intricate nativity scenes this holiday season. These displays, known locally as “nacimientos,” have become a major cultural and tourist attraction, blending religious tradition with detailed artistic craftsmanship.The annual Christmas route includes the churches of Nuestra Señora de la Merced, San José, the Santa María la Antigua Cathedral, the Oratorio San Felipe Neri, and the San Francisco de Asís Church. Each institution presents a unique nativity, featuring large figurines, miniature houses, waterfalls, animals, and angels. For many Panamanian families, visiting these scenes is a cherished December ritual that draws…

Abdiel Abel Rentería Ramos officially assumed leadership of Panama’s Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Imelcf) on Wednesday, December 10. His appointment, which extends through 2030, follows a competitive selection process and the resolution of a legal appeal that had delayed the position’s finalization.The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the nation’s Attorney General, Luis Gómez Rudy, who presides over the institute’s board. Supreme Court Magistrate María Eugenia López Arias, representing Panama’s judicial branch, attended the event. Rentería Ramos takes the helm of the critical state agency for a five-year term, pledging to address long-standing operational challenges.New Leadership After a…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino held a high-level meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday. The encounter marked Machado’s first public diplomatic engagement in nearly a year and occurred just before she received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has lived clandestinely due to security concerns, expressed profound gratitude for Panama’s support during Venezuela’s prolonged political crisis. She specifically highlighted Panama’s role in safeguarding critical electoral documents for Venezuela’s opposition movement. “The support has been extraordinary for all Venezuelans. It began with our records being safeguarded in Panama. That has been for us…

The Panamanian government has officially approved a new minimum wage structure following negotiations between labor, business, and state representatives. The Ministry of Labor (Panama) announced the agreement on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after the final session of the National Minimum Wage Commission. The increases will apply to over 400,000 workers across dozens of economic sectors starting January 16, 2026.Labor Minister Jackeline Muñoz detailed the specific adjustments, which vary by region and occupation. The agreement ensures every covered worker will receive a raise of at least 9.50 balboas per month. Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, with the…