Panama Roundup: Drug control centre, presidential debate, expelled UN staff
Inauguration of drug control centre
Panama's President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves inaugurated the Integrated Control Center (CCI) Paso Canoas, a modern facility that converts goods and people with digitalised technology. The event, managed by Costa Rica and Panama, is a cooperation between the two Latin American nations to combat risks on the common border, including drug trafficking, smuggling, and irregular migration, local media La Estrella reports.
First presidential debate
The Panama Electoral Tribunal (TE) has announced that the first presidential debate of the Latin American nation has been postponed to February 26 to ensure ballot participation. The event, which was scheduled for February 21, will focus on topics such as citizen insecurity, sustainable development, the Social Security Fund, quality education, and unemployment. The second debate will be held on March 13, and the third debate will be held on April 17, Panama Broadcasting Corporation reports.
UN staff expelled from Venezuela
Thirteen of the UN Human Rights Office staff in Venezuela after being expelled from the South American nation following accusations of alleged espionage and conspiracy by the Venezuelan government have arrived in Panama to continue their work, local media El Siglo reports. According to El Siglo, their departure from Venezuela was completed on February 17, after the 72 hours given to the staff by Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro had expired. The UN Office for Central America and the
Presidential candidacy of ex-president Ricardo Martinelli
The Panama Electoral Tribunal (TE) has declared that it has not yet received the required documentation from the legal system concerning Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal's money laundering conviction. The TE claims that the organisation is compelled to acknowledge Martinelli as a presidential contender due to the absence of this paperwork, local media Mi Diario reports.
Transfer of educators to remote locations
The Panama Ministry of Education plans to transfer 575 teachers to schools in difficult-to-reach areas, starting February 20. According to the Ministry of Education, the transfer of educators is expected to take place until February 24. The teachers are required to begin their organisation week from February 26 to March 1 before the commencement of the school year the following week on March 6, El Siglo reports.
