America Panama The former President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, has been accused by the US of being involved in "large-scale corruption” and sanctions have been imposed that extend to his close relatives prohibiting them from entering US territory
America Panama Persistent rains in Panama have caused significant damage to over 8.000 hectares of crops, primarily affecting rice, coffee, and plantains, with provinces like Veraguas and Chiriquí hardest hit, as authorities assess losses and measures for farmers
America Panama Fines up to US$5000 have been announced in Panama for irregular migrants who cross into the country through unofficial land, air, or sea entry points, including the Darién Gap; this follows last year's record of over 520.000 migrants crossing the jungle
America Panama Despite reduced ship traffic due to drought, the Panama Canal achieved record revenues of nearly US$5 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, up 1% from the previous year, attributed to higher tolls and priority crossing auctions
America Panama Due to severe drought, vessel transit through the Panama Canal dropped by 29% in 2024, as reduced rainfall lowered water levels in the canal’s artificial lakes, cutting daily ship passages from 38 to 22