Fugitive Richard Werstine caught in Panama more than 30 years after being accused of killing rock singer Rodney Barner
Fugitive Arrested After 30 Years on the Run A man from Michigan, wanted for allegedly murdering his best friend and roommate, has been apprehended after evading authorities for over three decades by living as a “ghost” in Central America. Richard Werstein, 56, was captured on April 29 at a dog park in Panama City. He […]
Rubio cautions China that sovereignty over the Panama Canal is not open to discussion
US Warns China Over Seizure of Ships Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning to China, asserting that “sovereignty in our hemisphere is non-negotiable.” This statement comes after accusations against China for seizing Panamanian-flagged ships amid escalating tensions over control of canal ports. The United States, in collaboration with Bolivia, Costa Rica, […]
The U.S. and Allies Back Panama in the Face of Chinese Pressure
Joint Statement Supporting Panama Amid Chinese Retaliation The United States, alongside several allies in Latin America and the Caribbean, released a statement on Tuesday expressing support for Panama, as tensions rise due to China’s retaliatory actions. This follows the loss of control by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison over two key ports in the Panama Canal. […]
Panama Canal Sees Increase in Traffic Because of Conflict in the Middle East
Increased Traffic Through Panama Canal Due to Middle East Conflict Ricaurte Vazquez, director of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), mentioned on Thursday that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is leading to a noticeable rise in traffic through the Panama Canal. According to reports from la prensa, traffic has surged in recent weeks, with […]
Venezuela Sends Suspect in 1994 Hezbollah Airplane Bombing to Panama
Venezuela Extradites Key Suspect in 1994 Bombing The U.S. Embassy in Panama announced on Monday that Venezuela has extradited Ali Zaki Haji Jalil, a man long implicated in the 1994 bombing of Alas Chiricanas Flight 901, which took place in Panama. This extradition marks a significant development in a case that has lingered for over […]
Panama Blames China for Taking Its Ships After Being Expelled from the Canal
Panama’s Foreign Minister Calls for Respect of Sovereignty On Wednesday, Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez Acha, urged China to honor Panama’s legal sovereignty following a series of arbitrary detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships by Chinese authorities. This situation arose after the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison lost control of two of the Panama Canal’s key ports. During […]
Panama City Beach shuts down beaches overnight for spring break safety.
Spring Break Destinations Tighten Regulations As the busy spring break season approaches, several popular destinations are announcing stricter regulations to enhance safety. In Panama City Beach, Florida, local authorities have agreed to a temporary overnight beach closure. This measure is part of a broader safety strategy for the spring break period, effective from March 12 […]
Panama Conducts Raids on Company Linked to China After Court Cancels Canal Agreements
Panama Ports Corporation Offices Raided Amid Allegations On Thursday, officials from Panama’s attorney general’s office conducted a raid on the Panama Ports Corporation (PPC) offices. This company, linked to China and recently managing the two major ports of the Panama Canal, is now under investigation. The inquiry centers on accusations that PPC has been withholding […]
Panama Assumes Control of Important Canal Ports After Court Invalidates Contracts Tied to China
Panama Government Takes Over Major Canal Ports The government of Panama announced on Monday that it has assumed control of two significant ports along the Panama Canal. This action follows a ruling by the Supreme Court that invalidated contracts with Chinese companies related to the ports. In late January, the Supreme Court declared two contracts […]
Report Indicates China’s Withdrawal from Business in Panama Following Canal Ruling Loss
China Halts Projects in Panama Following Supreme Court Ruling Business media outlet Bloomberg reported that anonymous sources have indicated the Chinese Communist Party has instructed a pause on projects in Panama. This decision came after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that a contract which granted Hong Kong companies significant authority over the Panama Canal was unconstitutional. […]