Panama will launch the official bicentennial celebration of the Congreso Anfictiónico on June 22, with several presidents expected to attend. The commemoration revives Bolívar’s dream of uniting the nations of the Americas.
Panama’s Labor Day observance began with a mass at Don Bosco Basilica, honoring the historic fight for workers’ rights. The May 1 commemoration remains a key date for labor identity and public reflection.
Panama’s OECD ambitions are being linked to a broader reform agenda focused on productivity, innovation and diversification. The push highlights informality, weak R&D and the need to modernize the state.
Nelva Reyes marked May Day with a forceful defense of labor rights, warning that informal work, weak wages, and union pressures are still hurting Panamanian workers. She also linked the holiday to the historical struggle that won the eight-hour day.
Panama will soon welcome a new apostolic nuncio after Monsignor Dagoberto Campos is transferred to Ecuador. He will remain in Panama for about six more weeks during the transition.
Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and took 22 vessels to Crete, deepening tensions over the blockade of the enclave. The incident is likely to intensify international debate over humanitarian access and maritime restrictions.
Residents in El Clavel, Arraiján, have spent more than a month without drinking water, forcing families to adjust daily life and rely on alternatives. The outage underscores long-standing infrastructure pressure in West Panama’s fast-growing suburbs.
Opposition to the proposed Río Indio dam is growing as rural communities raise concerns about land rights, identity, and the impact of canal-related development. The dispute has become a wider debate over infrastructure and the treatment of Panama’s countryside.
Students in Panama commemorated Labor Day with a civic display dressed as police officers. The event highlighted public service, labor traditions, and school-based civic education.
Former officials were arrested in Panama over an alleged embezzlement case tied to Don Bosco Technical Institute in Panama City. The probe is part of Operation “Pupitre,” which has put education spending under scrutiny.
Susan Elizabeth Castillo has left her role as director of Public Relations and Press at the Panama Fire Department after 15 months. In a parting statement, she said she came to work, not to occupy a seat.
Panama’s Social Security system says the cédula will be required for medical care, making the national ID central to access and eligibility checks. The move is meant to speed up verification and streamline service.
Three people were arrested in Panama City during Operation “Pupitre” in an embezzlement probe involving the Don Bosco Technical Institute. Prosecutors say the case centers on alleged misuse of school funds and a reported loss of about $130,000.
Panama’s National Assembly suspended a bill that would add a charge on shipping containers to help fund pension increases. President José Raúl Mulino distanced his government from the proposal, which now returns to a second debate.
Copa Airlines has ordered 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a major fleet expansion that reinforces Panama’s role as a regional aviation hub. The move supports the airline’s network growth across the Americas and strengthens connectivity through Panama City.
Students across Panama commemorated Labor Day by dressing as police officers in a tribute to the country’s law enforcement personnel. The event also gave children a chance to talk about future careers in public service.
Panama is under an unstable weather pattern that will bring showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures staying relatively steady across both coasts. Highs are expected to range from 26 to 28 degrees in the Caribbean and 28 to 32 degrees in the Pacific.
Residents in Río Indio, Colón province, are opposing a proposed reservoir tied to the Panama Canal over fears of losing fertile land and livelihoods. Communities are also disputing resettlement figures and calling for alternative water solutions.
The Panama Canal Authority has published a compensation plan for Río Indio families who must be resettled for the reservoir project. The package includes new housing, direct economic compensation, and an annual $1,085 payment for those in livelihood restoration programs.
Susan Elizabeth Castillo has resigned as director of the Panama Firefighters’ Public Relations and Press Office after 15 months, saying she is starting a new professional chapter. She said complaints against her were dismissed and thanked supporters while urging the public to trust official channels.