Since yesterday, the situation in the electricity sector has been affecting the education system. (more)

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The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, announced today that classes will be resumed next Monday under certain energy-saving conditions, but the schedule will be the same. (more)

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From the 14 to 17 May 2013 the XXXIV Latin American Episcopal Council Assembly (CELAM) will be held in Panama. (more)

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The mayor of San Miguelito, Héctor Valdés Carrasquilla, reported the Revisalud, the company responsible for providing garbage collection services, has deteriorated in the San Miguelito district. (more)

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(AFP) – PANAMA CITY — Up against the wall in a drought-sparked energy crisis, Panama said it would shut high schools and universities for three days, in a desperate bid to reduce power usage.

The Central American nation of 3.6 million has a booming economy -- Latin America's fastest-growing at 10 percent a year.

But it depends heavily on power from hydroelectric plants fueled by water and the rainy season is a month late, part of an increasingly common pattern scientists and forecasters have linked to climate change.

Government officials have been warning that the country, which normally has water to spare, is now perilously close to having to ration power, and are trying anything and everything to avoid that.

"We are hoping that with these steps we will be in a place where we reduce demand" significantly, presidential spokesman Roberto Henriquez said.

"If we do this for these (three) days, I think we will be able to avoid rationing, which Henriquez warned could "stop, or seriously affect the nation's economy."

On Monday, President Ricardo Martinelli said: "I ask all Panamanians to save energy, because (lack of) rain is seriously undermining our power grid and we do not want to end up rationing."

Power supplies are only part of the fallout from the drought. Emergencies have been declared in several provinces as hundreds of cows have died in the parched conditions, and farmers have had to significantly delay planting.

Just under a third of the country's power is generated at hydroelectric plants. More than half is from plants burning conventional fuels -- like diesel and coal. Only four percent is from renewable sources.

The National Government ordered new energy saving measures, due to the current crisis in the country caused by the lack of rains and the low reservoir levels. (more)

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The National Authority of Public Services (ASEP), reported that some commercial establishments did not comply 100% with the new schedules for their neon signs. (more)

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The Cambio Democrático enabled a new verification tool "via online" with a view to the upcoming presidential primary elections Sunday, 12 May 2013. (more)

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President Ricardo Martinelli today said he feels frustrated by the constant criticisms he receives about the Mi Bus. (more)

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The governments of Panama and Taiwan signed on Monday, May 6, the act of donation of the first consignment to build a hospital in Bocas del Toro, which will result in great benefits for this province and the Ngöbe-Buglé region. (more)

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