Panama Roundup: Bilateral ties with Belize, displacements, Ecuadorian gang leader deported

Panama showcases maritime sector

Panama showcased its maritime sector at the Posidonia 2024 exhibition, with a focus on investment opportunities and the Panama Canal's reliability. The delegation highlighted Panama's competitive advantages and diverse services in the maritime and logistics industry. The Panama Pavilion was inaugurated and attended by international maritime leaders. The aim was to promote Panama's commitment to the maritime sector and its collaboration with the Greek fleet. Additionally, a Ship Repair CEO, Mr. Lino Arosemena stated the importance of engaging with Greek clients amid a difficult year for Panama. The Director of International Promotion at PROPANAMA, Mr. Allan Ritter also expressed support for Panama's maritime industry at Posidonia, Hellenic Shipping News.

First climate change displacement

Panama's Cartí Sugdupu Island, home to 1,200 indigenous people, is being gradually abandoned due to the threat of rising sea levels from climate change. The Panamanian government is relocating the islanders to the mainland, providing them with new houses and basic amenities. The movement marks the first displacement in Panama caused by climate change and the move is described as a "brutal change" by residents who feel sadness over leaving behind their island and part of their culture, reports The Tico Times.

Rising sea levels

The Panama Canal Authority issued a notice to shipping lines last week, announcing a change in the maximum authorized draught, which will now be 13.71 meters (45 feet). This change was originally scheduled to take effect on June 15 but has been implemented earlier due to the expected onset of the rainy season in the Panama Canal Watershed and the current and projected levels of Gatun Lake. The water levels of Gatun and Alajuela lakes have risen above those recorded on the same date in 2023, for the first time in 2024, due to the onset of the rainy season. Under typical water level conditions, the Panama Canal has a capacity for 34 to 38 daily transits, but last year Panama experienced one of its driest years, forcing the Canal Authority to limit transits in 2023 and into early 2024, due to low water levels, according to Riviera.

Ecuadorian gang leader deported

Ecuadorian gang leader "Negro Tulio", was captured and deported from Panama to face numerous terrorism charges in Ecuador, including attacks and assassination attempts. His wife, Alexandra Germania E has also been arrested for her alleged involvement in criminal activities. The capture demonstrates Ecuador's ongoing struggle against gang violence and the ability of criminal organisations to operate from foreign countries. President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency and classified gangs as terrorist organisations. Security reforms were passed to grant the president more power to combat criminal gangs. According to Atlas News, the leader of Los Choneros, Jose "Fito" Macias, remains at large, fueling ongoing violence within the country.

Cooperation with Belize

Belize and Panama have launched a Joint Cooperation Commission to strengthen their bilateral ties. The commission's first meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing friendship and cooperation, with a focus on projects related to tourism, special education, language exchange, environmental protection, and disability inclusion. The session was held at Padre Guardia Jaén Hall in the Bolívar Palace, Panama City as reported by Great Belize Television.