Author: allthingspanama.net

Officials in Costa Rica revealed today an alleged scheme to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves, with the national election set for February 1 drawing near. The announcement arrived as the ruling party holds a strong position in polls, heightening tensions in the political arena. Jorge Torres, director of the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), which …

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El Salvador has launched a new immigration office in its Surf City Punta Roca area, a move that simplifies paperwork for foreigners who frequent the country’s coastal spots. The facility targets tourists, surf enthusiasts, remote workers, and those planning extended or repeated trips, letting them handle key processes without a trip to the capital. The …

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Panama sets the stage for its premier cultural event, the Desfile de las Mil Polleras, on Saturday. This annual parade draws thousands to celebrate the nation’s traditional dress and folklore in the heart of the Azuero region. Organized by the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, the parade starts at 1 p.m. in Las Tablas, the …

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Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, who is living in asylum in Colombia, declared himself “innocent” on Monday as a Panamanian court opened a trial over allegations he laundered money linked to bribes paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Martinelli, 73, appeared by video link before Judge Baloisa Marquínez in a Panama City criminal court alongside …

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Costa Rica’s passport ranks 26th in the world according to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, released this January by Henley & Partners. This position allows Costa Rican citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations, a drop of three from last year’s 151. The index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association, measures …

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Five presidential hopefuls met in the fourth and final debate last night run by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Álvaro Ramos of Partido Liberación Nacional, Ariel Robles of Frente Amplio, Juan Carlos Hidalgo of Partido Unidad Social Cristiana, Luis Amador of Partido Integración Nacional, and Douglas Caamaño of Alianza Costa Rica Primero laid out plans on …

Read more “Final Presidential Debate Highlights Key Issues Ahead of Costa Rica’s Elections”

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, now in asylum in Colombia, and around 20 other defendants went on trial Monday in Panama on accusations of money laundering linked to bribes paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. Odebrecht pleaded guilty in 2016 in a U.S. court to paying more than $788 million in kickbacks, mainly across Latin …

Read more “Trial begins in Panama over alleged Odebrecht bribe laundering”

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) turned down two legal challenges aimed at stopping Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele from entering Costa Rica. The decision came as our country prepares for the national elections on February 1. The TSE ruled that the petitioners failed to prove any direct harm to their own political rights from Bukele’s presence. …

Read more “Costa Rica Tribunal Denies Efforts to Bar Salvadoran President Bukele’s Visit”

The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has raised concerns over a ban on nighttime flights at the nation’s airfields, which has hindered prompt medical attention for patients needing urgent air evacuations. The restriction, implemented in October 2025, limits operations at uncontrolled aerodromes after dark, including those vital for ambulance services that transport critically ill …

Read more “Patient Lives at Stake as Costa Rica’s Night Flight Restriction Delays Transfers”

As the tennis world turns its eyes to Melbourne Park for the 2026 Australian Open, Colombia’s Camila Osorio stands out as a player ready to make her mark. At 24 years old and ranked No. 78 in the world, Osorio enters the main draw with a mix of experience and determination that could turn heads …

Read more “Camila Osorio Targets Deep Run at 2026 Australian Open”