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The Panama-David Train Gets Closer to Reality
Posted 17/05/2024
Chinese Government Willing to Cooperate in the Construction of the Panama-David Train
The Chinese ambassador to Panama, Xu Xueyan, announced that the government of the Asian country is willing to resume the Panama-David train project, if the next administration of the elected president, José Raúl Mulino, decides so. “I want to highlight that the desire to build this railway is not a cry from this government, but rather a cry from the previous administrations of Panama… The president-elect says that he is going to organize a public tender… We hope that Chinese companies will also join in and be able to have an opportunity to compete equally,” said the ambassador during her first meeting with the media. In turn, Xueyan praised the seventh anniversary of diplomatic relations between Panama and China that were established on June 13, 2017 and the 66 cooperation agreements that have been achieved, on issues of trade, technology and culture.
“These agreements have not only laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation, but have also fostered unprecedented cultural and economic exchange,” he said. Likewise, the diplomat let it be known that the Chinese government would be available to resume negotiations for the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Panama, if the local authorities make the respective requests. “The experiences of other Latin American countries that have signed FTAs with China show significant benefits in terms of employment and economic growth.” Regarding imports, the ambassador stated that although national agricultural production does not completely meet the needs of the Chinese market, there is significant potential to diversify and increase exports of seafood, pineapple, beef and papaya.
José Ramón Icaza, Minister of the Canal and also appointed to head the Goals Secretariat, by the elected president José Raúl Mulino, will have among his priorities to follow up on the construction of the railway that connects the province of Panama with David, Chiriquí. This is one of the most important infrastructure projects for the Mulino administration, which begins July 1.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/the-panama-david-train-gets-closer-to-reality-1
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Mayor of Colón, Alex Lee, Arrested
Posted 17/05/2024
The judge of guarantees, Ángel Santos, decreed the measure of not being able to leave the country and periodic reporting on Mondays and Fridays, to the mayor of Colón, Alex Lee, who faces a process for the alleged crime of embezzlement. Alex was at the Tocumen Airport on his way to Medellin Colombia when he was arrested. The prosecution appealed the precautionary measures and the hearing was set for May 27 before the Superior Court of Appeals of the First Judicial District. Friday, May 17, the hearing was held behind closed doors at the request of Lee's defense, in the city of Colón, after his arrest on Thursday. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office of the Public Ministry is investigating Lee for the alleged commission of the crime of embezzlement, when he served as representative of Barrio Sur, province of Colón.
According to the investigation, Lee is attributed with the embezzlement of at least $214,000, which had been assigned to him by the Ministry of Economy and Finance to carry out social works. The investigations reveal that Lee was unable to provide documentation to support some disbursements made supposedly linked to construction works. Víctor Almengor, Lee's lawyer, explained that during the hearing of the guarantee judge he declared the illegal arrest of his client carried out at the Tocumen International Airport, when he was leaving for Colombia. Almengor, who is the father of Vice Minister of Finance Jorge Almengor, alleged that his client is not responsible for the acts of which he is accused. Lee's defense alleges that part of that documentation, which dates back to the years 2017-2018, was destroyed during a series of floods in that province. Lee was detained Thursday May 16 at the Tocumen International Airport when he tried to leave the country bound for Medellín, Colombia.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/mayor-of-colon-alex-lee-arrested
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Panama Canal Slowly Returning to Normal Operations
Posted 17/05/2024
The increase in water levels in the Panama Canal has sparked hopes of a potential return to normal operations for container shipping after over a year of restrictions due to a severe drought. However, experts warn that the situation, while improving, is far from returning to pre-restriction levels. The Panama Canal Authority has increased the daily number of ships allowed to transit the waterway from 24 to 31. The increase will provide limited relief for container shipping services, since the increase corresponds to additional slots in the smaller Panamax locks. However, a more meaningful change is anticipated on June 1, with an additional transit slot for larger Neopanamax ships (including containerships), which will raise the daily total to 32. Meanwhile, authorities also plan to increase the draft limits for Neopanamax ships from 44 feet to 45 feet on June 15, bringing it closer to the normal limit of 50 feet. The disruption caused by the water shortage in the Panama Canal has had a significant impact on scheduling reliability and spot rates. As the Panama Canal slowly transitions towards normal operations, businesses need to be prepared for a slow recovery that is dependent on unpredictable factors like rainfall. While hopes for a return to ‘normal’ are high, the reality may be a different. Some folks hold the position that the impact of drought in the Panama Canal will be felt for years rather than months. Most people in the know, are very optimistic about the future of the Panama Canal.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-canal-slowly-returning-to-normal-operations
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The Best Things to Do in Panama
Posted 16/05/2024
The Best Things to Do in Panama: Surfing, Coffee Tastings, and Private Island Stays. One visit barely scratches the surface of the isthmus nation that straddles Central and South America. Panama has long been a paradise for the backpacker crowd thanks to 1,800 miles of pristine coastline and an abundance of budget-friendly accommodations. But in recent years, the Central American country has won over a more varied mix of travelers, luring luxury-seekers, coffee snobs, serious conservationists, and everyone in between. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a Panamanian getaway—you can see three-toed pygmy sloths in Bocas del Toro, marvel at Spanish-colonial architecture in Panama City’s Casco Viejo, and learn about centuries-old Mola textile crafts by visiting Guna artisans in the San Blas Islands. To live out your private-island Robinson Crusoe fantasies, book a stay at Islas Secas or Nayara Bocas del Toro. You can’t go to Panama and not see its most famous attraction: the 50-mile Panama Canal waterway.
Here are ideas for how to spend your next Panamanian holiday. To wander through the cobblestoned streets of Casco Viejo, the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, is to traveling back in time. Panama’s capital has been called the skyscraper capital of Latin America; it has roughly the same number of high-rise towers as Doha, Qatar, and Beijing, China (and a Chinese cuisine scene to match). But vestiges of the city’s colonial past can still be found in its charming old quarter, called Casco Viejo: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. Wandering its cobblestoned streets is like traveling back in time, with colorful Spanish, French, and Caribbean architecture as your backdrop. The area is equally known for its historic sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the atmospheric Plaza de Francia square as much as its gastronomy and nightlife. If you only have time for one dinner, make it Fonda Lo Que Hay, chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas’s modern spin on a typical Panamanian roadside restaurant. Let's talk about more to see and do in Panama tomorrow.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/the-best-things-to-do-in-panama
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Fuel Prices Drop Starting Friday May 17
Posted 16/05/2024
Fuel prices drop starting Friday! These current prices will go into effect starting at 6:00 am on Friday, May 17. The Ministry of Energy announced good news for drivers and consumers in general: fuel prices will experience a decrease starting next Friday, May 17. According to the information provided by the Secretariat, 95 octane gasoline will register a drop of five cents per liter, reaching a total of one dollar and five cents. On the other hand, 91 octane gasoline will also see a decrease in price, this time by four cents, remaining at 96 cents per liter. In addition, low sulfur diesel is not far behind in this price adjustment, as it will experience a reduction of four cents per liter, reaching 86 cents. These current prices will go into effect at 6:00 am on Friday, May 17 and will remain in effect until 5:59 am next Friday, May 31. This news will undoubtedly be welcomed by drivers and those who depend on motorized transport, representing a relief in daily expenses.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/fuel-prices-drop-starting-friday-may-17
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Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg Celebrates 40th Birthday in Panama
Posted 16/05/2024
Like a true centibillionaire, Mark Zuckerberg celebrated his 40th birthday by flying to Panama on his private jet to board his $300 million superyacht, ‘Launchpad.’ The luxurious yacht and its support vessel had gathered in Panama for the grand festivities of the Facebook founder. First came the multi-million dollar gifts, and then came the bash for the centibillionaire Mark Zuckerberg, who made quite a splash as he turned 40! The Meta boss finally blew out the candles on his latest acquisition and stellar gift, the superyacht Launchpad—a $300 million Feadship luxury vessel he apparently had bought a few weeks earlier. Representatives for Zuckerberg had never responded to confirm his ownership, but there were several clues that added fuel to the rumors, which were rife as wildfire. Zuckerberg himself had posted a video aboard his private plane on Instagram with the caption, “Travel mode: on.”
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Tunnel boring machine arrives in Panama
Posted 21/09/2023
The tunnel boring machine, manufactured in Germany, and named "Panama" which will be used to excavate the tunnel of Line 3 of the Panama Metro, arrived Wednesday, September 20 at the port of Manzanillo in Colón.
Starting Thursday, the transfer of the 99 pieces that make up the boring machine will begin to the Farfán Industrial Complex, where the attack shaft is being built and where the excavation and lining route of 4.5 kilometers of tunnel under the Panama Canal will begin.
The established schedule for the transfer of the largest pieces of the boring machine is from 10:00 pm to 4:00 a.m. according to the Traffic Management Plan, approved by the Traffic and Land Transportation Authority, (ATTT) to carry out the transport in several phases in a period of two months.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/tunnel-boring-machine-arrives-in-panama
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Disaster Simulation
The Ministry of Government informs the public that the event called III Regional Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance Drill IS A PRACTICAL EXERCISE, NOT A REAL SITUATION. This DRILL will evaluate our country's capacity to respond to possible disaster events.
During it, evacuation drills will be carried out in previously selected locations starting at 12:05 noon; beginning on Tuesday, June 13 in schools, hospitals and governmental institutions, which have been previously selected and trained.
The evacuation processes will be under the supervision of members of the Joint Task Force, which will be responsible for guiding the participants in the exercises. Likewise, the communities that have been prepared and trained for six months in the provinces of Chiriqui, Cocle, Darien and Herrera will also participate.
June 13 to 16 will be regular work and school days, so there should be no disruption in the regular development of daily activities. The Joint Task Force has taken the corresponding measures so that the drill does not alter the development of the country's activities.
The event, which will simulate a 7.5 earthquake, a tropical wave, a cyber attack and a biological threat, will have several scenarios of collapsed structures, building fire, oil spill and water rescue. Therefore, we reiterate to all Panamanians that the event IS A PRACTICAL EXERCISE, IT WILL NOT BE REAL, and it will take place in several scenarios in the Republic of Panama.
We urge the population to remain calm and without alterations of any kind, in order to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the experts participating in the event, since the purpose of the DRILL is to test the mechanisms, tools and technical guidelines for emergency intervention in disasters.
The original announcement in Spanish can be found here
https://www.sinaproc.gob.pa/comunicado-iii-simulacro-regional-de-respuesta-a-desastre-y-asistencia-humanitaria/. -
BCP Tuesday Market in the Arco Iris Room
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Firefighters work through the night to control Free Zone fire
Posted 11/01/2023
Firefighters from Panama and Colon fought through the night to control the spread of a major blaze that began at 7 am on Tuesday, January 10, in several warehouses located in France Field, Colon Free Zone (ZLC).
The main problem in mitigating the fire is that the hydrants in the free zone did not have the proper water pressure to fight the blaze in 6 of the 10 ZLC warehouses. The firefighters received the collaboration of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and tankers from the National Aqueducts and Sewers Institute (Idaan).
Residents of the Arco Irise community evacuated their homes due to the toxic smoke emanating from the fire.
To quell this incident, the help of firefighters from Sabanitas, Alto de Los Lagos, Davis, the capital city
The road to enter the city of Colón through the corridor road had to be closed and drivers had to use the internal highway of the Arco Iris community or the Margarita road.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/firefighters-work-through-the-night-to-control-free-zone-fire
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Woman driver dies on Panama’s Cinta Costera
Posted 09/01/2023
The Public Ministry and the National Police are conducting investigations into a traffic accident at 11 pm Saturday night on the Cinta Costera that claimed the life of a woman.
The driver Kerenly Hernández, 19, was traveling in a white Toyota Fortuner van, which was destroyed as a result of the strong impact. "The Public Ministry is carrying out the corresponding investigations to determine what were the causes that caused the driver to lose control, crossing all the lanes of this road, colliding with the railing and column of the elevated bridge that is in the place," said a police spokesman.
The National Police reiterated the recommendation to drivers to respect speed limits, not use cell phones while driving, and be prudent.
The latest traffic report released in the morning hours of this Sunday revealed that in the last 24 hours, 73 accidents were attended to, leaving a balance of 18 people injured and 1 fatality.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/woman-driver-dies-on-panamas-cinta-costera
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State granted appeal in four-year Soho war
Posted 15/09/2022
The State has just scored a point in the battle declared by the merchant Abdul Waked Fares against the National Bank of Panama (BNP), from which it claims compensation of $1,268.7 billion, for alleged damages related to the transfer of what was once, was his Soho Mall reports La Prensa.
On September 7, the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court granted an appeal filed by the Attorney for the Administration, Rigoberto González, and the lawyer Nelson Rojas, on behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency, against the decision of that same chamber to admit Waked Fares' claim for compensation.
The case is four years old. On August 23, 2018, the Third Chamber admitted Waked's claim, in which he argues that he was pressured by the BNP when signing the trust to which he transferred Soho Mall in July 2016, after being included in a sanction list of the Department of the US Treasury, on activities linked to money laundering and drug trafficking. Waked, his son, and several of his partnerships are still on the so-called Clinton List.
Before, the merchant tried a similar maneuver, regarding the trust to which he transferred the Felix chain of stores. However, that claim was rejected on July 3, 2017, because then the Chamber considered that it did not have tenacious jurisdiction to settle this conflict, since it was a private and commercial transaction.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/state-granted-appeal-in-four-year-soho-war
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Motorcyclists protest draft law that may ban pillion riders
Posted 06/08/2022
A group of motorcycle riders carried out a protest caravan through the streets of the city of David on Saturday to ask the members of the Communication and Transportation Committee of the National Assembly to withdraw a draft bill that, they said, will harm them. Alerts were raised because it could be prohibited to carry passengers on motorcycles if the bill is approved. Participants in the caravan said they use this type of transport to get to their jobs and other points. It is estimated that around 60,000 motorcycles circulate in Panama. A group of motorcycle riders carried out a protest caravan through the streets of the city of David on Saturday to ask the members of the Communication and Transportation Committee of the National Assembly to withdraw a draft bill that, they said, will harm them. Alerts were raised because it could be prohibited to carry passengers on motorcycles if the bill is approved. Participants in the caravan said they use this type of transport to get to their jobs and other points. It is estimated that around 60,000 motorcycles circulate in Panama. A group of motorcycle riders carried out a protest caravan through the streets of the city of David on Saturday to ask the members of the Communication and Transportation Committee of the National Assembly to withdraw a draft bill that, they said, will harm them. Alerts were raised because it could be prohibited to carry passengers on motorcycles if the bill is approved. Participants in the caravan said they use this type of transport to get to their jobs and other points. It is estimated that around 60,000 motorcycles circulate in Panama.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/motorcyclists-protest-draft-law-that-may-ban-pillion-riders
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Corredor Sur closed as Suntracs returns to the streets
Posted 19/07/2022
The National Highway Company (ENA) announced Tuesday the closure of Corredor Sur “for reasons of user safety” and that the presence of National Police agents will continue.
The announcement follows the return to the streets of members of the Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers (Suntracs) to protest government failures and corruption as they close roads in the capital city and in West Panama.
Suntracs is part of the United People's Alliance that will negotiate Tuesday, along with other organizations, with the Government on various national issues such as the cost of living, corruption, and drug prices.
Closures were reported on Calle 50, Punta Pacifica, the Balboa sector, the Corredor Sur, the Centenario road in Merca Panamá, and Justa Arosemena avenue, among other areas.
Closures are also reported in the East Panama sector and the Mi Bus moved to change the route of some buses.
closures are recorded in other parts of West Panama such as Loma Cobá and in the district of Arraiján.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/corredor-sur-closed-as-suntracs-returns-to-the-streets
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Police clash with Santiago protestors and clear highway closed for 8 days
Posted 19/07/2022
Police Crowd Control Units and demonstrators who kept the Inter-American highway closed at the Santiago bridge in the province of Veraguas clashed in a strong confrontation that ended with the opening of the main road after more than eight days of closure. The National Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, and take control of the bridge leading to the city of Santiago.
They also reopened the road in the Atalaya sector, where the protesters kept the four sections of the highway closed. Some responded by throwing blunt objects at the police. A number of people were arrested.
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Indigenous leaders announce indefinite road closures
Posted 19/07/2022
The National Coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples of Panama called for a strike and indefinite closure of the main roads of the Pan-American highway, starting Wednesday, at 7:00 am
Leaders of Coonapip, made up of seven indigenous peoples and their 12 territories, said that the National Government authorities have not promptly addressed the issues that affect the original peoples, such as titling of indigenous territories, eviction of settlers, and invaders, environment, health, and education.
The National Coordinator decreed the measure after the Government failed to attend a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
They warned that the closures will continue until the Government calls a new meeting with concrete answers to their claims.
Although Coonapip announced that it will participate in the single national dialogue table between the government and various popular sectors, they also demand a separate table for the fulfillment of exclusive issues for indigenous peoples.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/indigenous-leaders-announce-indefinite-road-closures
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Suntracs-led protests continue
Posted 18/07/2022
Construction workers affiliated with the Suntracs union closed several points in the country on Monday. From early hours, they blocked the Inter-blockages on the coastal strip (in Costa del Este and Punta Pacifica), on the Ricardo J. Alfaro road, Vía España and Aquilino de la Guardia avenue and Avenida Balboa the South corridor, at Costa del Este. SuAmerican highway, at Arraiján and Howard. There were also closures and protests on Centenario road, in front of Merca Panamá. Users reported ntracs, which is part of the Alianza Pueblo Unidos por la Vida, had announced that it would intensify protest actions. Saúl Méndez, general secretary of Suntracs said: "The leaders in Veraguas have attempted to assume and usurp the representation of all organizations at the national level, which is totally unacceptable.” Sunday night, the National Alliance for the Rights of the Organized People (Anadepo), the organization that started the protests two weeks ago signed a pact with the Cortizo government establishing, the price of gasoline and diesel at $3.25. In exchange, the reopening of all streets was allowed.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/suntracs-led-protests-continue-2
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Road closure deal collapses but gas price drops
Posted 18/07/2022
Omar Montilla, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade and Industries announced Monday, that the government will comply with the agreement reached with Anadepo and everyone will be able to go to the fuel stations to fill the tank with gasoline at $3.25 a gallon.
He said that it was unfortunate that the National Alliance for the Rights of the Peoples (Anadepo) has not complied with what was agreed.
He indicated that the representatives of Anadepo were asked, before the signing of the agreement, if they had decision-making power and legitimate representation of the membership, and they said yes.
Hidden agenda
"We are seeing the double agenda, that there is a background that is not fighting for the real needs of the population. We are seeing that there is a hidden agenda to destabilize the Government," Montilla stressed.He assured that the delegation of the National Government will continue negotiating with those groups that wish to achieve alternatives and consensus regarding the issues of fuel, basic basket, and medicines.
Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo announced Sunday night an agreement with the Alliance to set the price of vehicle fuel at $3.25, but also to lift the roadblocks while the issues. related to medicines and the basic basket continue to be discussed at other tables.
Today, Monday, the Anadepo bases announced that they were breaking the agreement with the Government due to some irregularities.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/road-closure-deal-collapses-but-gas-price-drops-1
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This is a machine translation: Link to the original article is at the end.
QuoteMás Móvil and Claro to combine their networks in merger to offer better service
Mayela De Sedas |
Wed, 22/06/2022The acquisition of Claro Panama by Cable & Wireless is expected to be completed in the next few days, announced Betzalel Kenigsztein, executive president and general manager of +Móvil.
"We already have everything ready, we are just waiting for the seal of approval to acquire and take control of the company. In the future we are going to consolidate the networks, very close in the next few months. Next year we will migrate customers to a platform to provide a complete and unified service," said Keningsztein.
According to the general manager of +Móvil, "the most important part that Panamanians will feel is the combination of the two networks. Más Móvil's network is the best network in the country, but there are areas where Claro has connectivity and coverage that we do not have. In the next months we are going to combine the two networks and combine a situation where Más Móvil customers will have better coverage and Claro customers will have better coverage than before because the two networks will be combined".
Kenigsztein stated that the bet is "to continue investing in technology, infrastructure and platforms to improve the service".
The businessman reiterated that they will invest more than 500 million dollars. He explained that "the 500 million I mentioned are investments in the network and in technology in the coming years".
Likewise, during the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of +Móvil, of Cable & Wireless Panamá, S.A., Keningsztein added that the company has contributed at least US$9 million to the Panamanian economy in 25 years of operations.
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Panama earns UN award for covid vax program
Posted 24/06/2022
The Government Innovation Authority of Panama (AIG) was awarded by the UN for the innovative tools and solutions implemented for the vaccination process against covid-19, the Government said on Wednesday.
The 2022 United Nations Organization Public Service Award received by the AIG, in the category of "Institutional Resilience and Innovative Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic", distinguishes the "virtue of public service for the community and its contribution in the development process.
"The distinction given to the AIG for its Vaccination Information System against Covid-19, PanavaC-19, is given on the occasion of the United Nations (UN) Public Administration Day.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-earns-un-award-for-covid-vax-program
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After 9 years eight acquitted of premature baby deaths
The CSS hospital where the infant deaths occured.
Posted 24/06/2022
Eight people accused of the deaths of nine premature newborns in 2013 in the Neonatology Room of the Social Security Fund (CSS)were acquitted by The third liquidator judge, Fernando Basurto).
In an edict posted on June 23, the judge communicated his decision to acquit all those investigated on manslaughter charges.
The judge's decision was based on the fact that, in his opinion, there is no link between the defendants and the punishable act, since none of them had direct participation in the treatment received by the newborns.
In addition, it maintains that the evidence presented by the Public Ministry (MP intended to demonstrate the criminal responsibility of the defendants turned out to be insufficient.
The ruling explains that those investigated were accused of allegedly having failed in their duty of care, even though sodium heparin, applied in the treatment of neonates, was a drug duly approved by the Medicines Commission. of the Social Security Fund since 1969, without any warning being made about the content of benzyl alcohol in the medicine, which was updated on several occasions without any warning being made about its use.
During the trial held on April 28, the discharge prosecutor César Pereira requested the conviction of the defendants, alleging that scientific evidence was provided linking the defendants to the crime, who, he said, omitted or failed to comply with the standards of care of the newborns, which caused the death of nine of them and permanent injuries to another five.
In 2017, the then-fifth criminal judge Enrique Paniza called those under investigation to trial, considering that there were strong indications of their possible connection with the illicit investigation.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/after-9-years-eight-acquitted-of-premature-baby-deaths-1
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COVID-19: Panama “fairly stable” but authorities continue to worry
Posted 21/04/2022
Health Minister, Luis Francisco Sucre, declared on Thursday, April 21, that Panama is experiencing a “fairly stable” situation regarding Covid-19, but stressed that it is not time for the health authorities to stop worrying about the virus.
Sucre said on TVN that according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), after a country remains below 5% positivity, it indicates that the new coronavirus is under control.
Panama experienced this scenario for four or five weeks, however, the positivity rate has increased almost imperceptibly and on Wednesday, April 20, it was registered at 7.4%.
"That takes us out of the area that PAHO has stipulated, however, thank God, Panama continues to evolve," he told TVN News.
He reiterated that the current situation does not cease to worry them as health authorities, but said that in Panamanian health facilities "there are almost no patients."
Sucre stressed that the Panamanian population has continued to use the mask outdoors despite the fact that it is no longer mandatory. "Everyone has to learn to take care of themselves and reduce risks... and know where to use biosecurity measures."
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Panama economic activity up 12.8 % in the first two months
Posted 21/04/2022
The monthly index of economic activity increased of 12.8% in the accumulated period of January and February compared to the same period of the previous year, reports the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Inec).
February is the eleventh month in a row of increases in the monthly activity indicator compared to its similar figures from the previous year, a streak that contrasts with the 12 months in a row of falls registered between April 2020 and March 2021, in the midst of the pandemic.
The Inec reports growth in activities such as construction, commerce, hotels, and restaurants, transport, storage and communications, electricity and water, manufacturing industries, real estate, agricultural and financial intermediation activities, among others.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, José Ramón Icaza, said: "The Imae of 12.8% as of February is not surprising, but as the year progresses the rate of growth should slow down because more similar periods will be compared," he said. Regarding the reactivation, Icaza said that it has not been the same for all sectors, highlighting the lag that exists in activities such as tourism.
Economist Felipe Chapman pointed out that last year there was unprecedented growth in the economy that no one expected (15.3%), something he described as good news for the country. On the Imae of the first two months of the year, he said it registers good behavior, also acknowledging that it is compared to the months of 2021 with restrictions.
Shadow of Ukraine
The indicator, however, still does not reflect the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which translates into an increase in the prices of fuel, food, fertilizers, and inputs necessary for the economy. This will lead, according to the expert, to a decrease in consumption data and, consequently, a lower speed in the Imae and the gross domestic product.The economist Luis Alberto Morán pointed out that the data to February reflect signs of recovery, and warns that attention should be paid to the lagging and most vulnerable sectors. “At the economic level, the data should lead us to establish policies that also allow the improvement of the labor market, which is still slow.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/panama-economic-activity-up-128-in-the-first-two-months
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11 indicted in multi-million-dollar sports scam
Posted 21/04/2022
The anti-corruption prosecutor Leyda Saénz presented before the judicial office of the Accusatory Criminal System of the First Judicial District (SPA) an indictment against 11 people for alleged embezzlement and money laundering through the management of funds assigned to federations sports of the Panamanian Institute of Sports (Pandeportes)
The investigation began on October 30, 2018, as a result of a report by L a Prensa , which reported a series of irregularities in the management of funds and delivery of sports equipment by various sports federations and organizations.
In the indictment, charges were filed against the former deputy of the Panameñista Party, Adolfo Valderrama , accused of money laundering, and the former directors of the Pandeportes Roberto Arango and Mario Pérez were charged for the crime of embezzlement . Embezzlement charges embezzlement charges were also laid against the former manager of the Baseball Federation, Aníbal Reluz, and the president of the Basketball Federation, Jair Peralta.
Other defendants are the former deputy of the Democratic Revolutionary Party , Jaime Pedrol, Jorge Luis Dutary, Ana Virginia Tejada, Beatriz Mercedez Herrera, Ulrich Raúl Ronner Araúz and César Ramsés Tejada.
According to a report from the Comptroller, between the years 2014-and 2018, $59.9 million was delivered between 133 disciplines, foundations, and sports leagues.
Visiting the Panama Canal, Coiba, and Bocas del Toro
in Tourism, Outdoor activities, Recreation,
Posted
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/visiting-the-panama-canal-coiba-and-bocas-del-toro-1