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☆ Ramón Fonseca, Cofounder of Law Firm at Center of Panama Papers, Dies
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Leila Miller | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Ramón Fonseca, who co-founded the law firm at the heart of the Panama Papers leak, died Wednesday night, his lawyer confirmed, while awaiting the verdict in his money-laundering trial in Panama. Mr. Fonseca, 71, died after complications from pneumonia, his daughter, Raquel Fonseca, told the Spanish news agency EFE. Both Mr. Fonseca and Jürgen Mossack, who together founded the Mossack Fonseca firm, stood trial in Panama last month in relation to an explosive investigation published in 2016 by a coalition of news outlets that looked at 11.5 million confidential documents from the firm. During the trial, which began April 8 and lasted 10 days, prosecutors alleged that the firm had created shell companies with the purpose of hiding money that came from illicit activities. A total of 29 people — former employees of the now-shuttered firm and alleged conspirators — were accused of money laundering.

Persons: Ramón Fonseca, Fonseca, Raquel Fonseca, EFE, Jürgen Mossack, Mossack Fonseca, — Organizations: Mossack Locations: Panama, Spanish

☆ Panama elections: Mulino declared ‘unofficial’ winner of presidential election
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Juan Carlos Paz | Mia Alberti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —José Raúl Mulino, a rightwing former public security minister, was declared the “unofficial” winner of Panama’s presidential election on Sunday, the country’s electoral court confirmed. “I receive with joy these results, which are the will of the majority of the Panamanian people in our democracy, which I assume with great responsibility and humility as a Panamanian,” Mulino said during his victory speech. He originally ran as the vice-presidential candidate of former President Ricardo Martinelli. After a court sentenced Martinelli to 11 years in prison for money laundering, Mulino moved to the top of the ticket. “To Ricardo Martinelli: my friend, mission accomplished Ricardo.

Persons: Mulino, Ricardo Lombana, ” Mulino, Ricardo Martinelli, Martinelli, “, Ricardo, ”, Matias Delacroix, Fitch, Panama that’s, El Nino Organizations: CNN, Central Locations: Central American, Panamanian, Nicaraguan, Panama’s, Panama City, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia

☆ A boomer who moved to Panama after years as a bartender in the Hamptons and New Mexico outlines the pros and cons of living in Central America
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

George Stumpp, a retired bartender, lives comfortably in Panama after moving from New Mexico. He said Panama has robust infrastructure, a lower cost of living, and many of the same stores as the US. AdvertisementGeorge Stumpp, 65, worked as a bartender and bar supervisor in Long Island and New Mexico for decades. He's enjoying retirement in a country with a lower cost of living and high-quality healthcare, and he said he's enjoyed adapting to Panamanian culture. As his kids got older, he started to vacation in Central America, traveling to Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama.

Persons: George Stumpp, —, he's, we've, Stumpp, it's, Long, there's Organizations: Service, Panama City, Central, Business, Hamptons, Sante Locations: Panama, New Mexico, Long Island, Panamanian, Colombia, Thailand, St, Maarten, Long, Sante Fe, Santa Fe, Central America, Costa Rica, Belize, Ontario, Canada

☆ Imports from China to the US are rising at the highest rate since last fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Imports coming to the U.S. from China are experiencing a notable increase, according to new trade and logistics data. The first half of 2024 is expected to total 11.7 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), an increase of 11% from the same period last year. In 2023, imports were down from 2022 by almost 13%, totaling 22.3 million TEUs. By comparison, New York/New Jersey processed 7.81 million TEUs, Georgia 5.4 million TEUs, Virginia at 3.3 million TEUs, Charleston 2.5 million TEUs, Jacksonville 1.3 million TEUs, and Miami 1.25 million TEUs. The other reason for the recent container push is fears of a labor strike at East Coast and Gulf ports.

Persons: John Gold, Francis Scott Key, Jason Hilsenbeck, Drayage.com, Paul Brashier, Brashier Organizations: Future Publishing, Getty, Global, National Retail Federation, Hackett Associates, Francis Scott Key Bridge, Miami, ITS Logistics, CNBC, Baltimore, West Coast, U.S ., Port / Railroad, Longshoremen's Association, United States Maritime Alliance Locations: Taicang, Jiangsu province, China, U.S, Panama, Port of Baltimore, East Coast, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Virginia, Charleston, Jacksonville, Port of Virginia, Norfolk, Baltimore, NY, NJ, Norfolk and New York, West, West Coast North, U.S . East Coast, West Coast, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Long, Gulf, East

☆ Iran-backed Houthis attacked a Chinese ship with missiles after promising to leave them alone
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Houthis reportedly said they would avoid attacking Chinese ships off the coast of Yemen. AdvertisementThe Houthis said they would refrain from attacking Chinese ships off the coast of Yemen, but this past weekend, the Iran-backed rebels did exactly what they said they wouldn't. "The Houthis attacked the M/V Huang despite previously stating they would not attack Chinese vessels," CENTCOM said. The M/V Huang Pu is Chinese owned and operated, but it was sailing under the flag of Panama when it was attacked. "It was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region," CENTCOM said.

Persons: —, Huang Pu, CENTCOM, Huang, Michael Kurilla, Kurilla, Fawaz Salman Organizations: Service, US Central Command, AP, United Nations, Bloomberg, House Armed Services, REUTERS, Ambrey Locations: Yemen, Iran, Beijing, China, Russia, Chinese, Gaza, Sanaa, Gulf of Aden, Tehran, Ukraine, PRC, Aden, Red, Panama

☆ An Arms Smugger, a Daring Heist, and the Birth of Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( David Kushner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +35 min

Joining the Haganah, Schwimmer discovered, wasn't as easy as just strolling through the door. "He felt he had to do his part in creating a Jewish state, so this could never happen again," Schwimmer recalled. Rather than melt down the surplus weapons for scrap, Liff told Greenspun to take as much as he wanted — free of charge. "It went against the grain to buck the same government we had fought to preserve only a few years before," Hank Greenspun recalled. In 2001, at the urging of Brian Greenspun, Schwimmer received a presidential pardon from Bill Clinton.

Persons: Danny Schwimmer, They'd, Rina, Al —, David Ben, Gurion, Al Schwimmer, Schwimmer, Bugsy Siegel's, Meyer Lansky, Frank Sinatra, Sinatra, —, Boaz Dvir, Israel —, Danny, Al, I've, Hank Greenspun, Greenspun, Brian, Adolph, Dick Tracy, " Schwimmer, Wing Walker, America, Yehuda Arazi, Arazi, they'd, Schwimmer's, Sam Lewis, Leo Gardner, Milton, Milt, Rubenfeld, Paul Reubens, Herman, Reubens, Bugsy Siegel, Siegel, — Schwimmer, Nathan Liff, Liff, PhotoQuest, Bernarr McFadden, Pat, Ptacek, Rafael Trujillo, Teddy Kollek, Erwin Johnson, Bill Gerson, Gerson, Bud King, Gerson's, Ben, Joel Kimmel, Lewis, Lansky, hadn't, Tommy, Messerschmitts, David, Milt Rubenfeld, Israel, Charlie Winters, Winters, weren't, aren't, America's, Joseph McCarthy, John F, Kennedy, Brian Greenspun, Golda Meir, Bill Clinton Organizations: Israeli Air Force, TWA, Haganah, United Nations, Lockheed Air, Los Angeles Examiner, USC, Getty, US Naval, Schwimmer Aviation, FBI, UN, Customs Service, Palestine . Volunteers, Embassy, Israel, Service Airways, State Department, BI, Pepsi, Zionist, Nazi, Star, American, Avia, Messerschmitt, Pennsylvania State University who's, Las, Sun, Israel Aerospace Industries, IAI, they're, Israeli Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Connecticut, Palestine, New York, Copacabana, United States, Hungary, Auschwitz, storages, Arizona, Bridgeport, Rome, Burbank , California, Burbank, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Oahu, Santa Claus, California, Washington, Burbank ., Acapulco, Mexico, it's, Mexico City, Central, South America, Dominican Republic, China, America, Mexican, Panama, Panamanian, Corsica, Oklahoma, Detroit, Suriname, Brazil, Senegal, Casablanca, Sicily, Catania, Europe, Czechoslovakia, Czech, Egypt, Cairo, Los Angeles, American, Gaza, Iran

☆ 'America's greatest gift to Israel'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( David Kushner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +35 min

As the country's founder and first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, once declared, "America's greatest gift to Israel was Al Schwimmer." Joining the Haganah, Schwimmer discovered, wasn't as easy as just strolling through the door. "He felt he had to do his part in creating a Jewish state, so this could never happen again," Schwimmer recalled. Rather than melt down the surplus weapons for scrap, Liff told Greenspun to take as much as he wanted — free of charge. In 2001, at the urging of Brian Greenspun, Schwimmer received a presidential pardon from Bill Clinton.

☆ Gold and sacrificial victims found in tomb of ancient leader, archaeologists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Taylor Nicioli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Researchers found the ancient tomb in El Caño Archaeological Park, a site in Coclé province known as a hotbed for pre-Columbian discoveries, particularly lavish burial chambers. The civilization of the region surrounding El Caño at the time treated the site as sacred and worshipped their “ancestors,” referring to those remembered for having done important things. The grave is the ninth tomb excavated by researchers at the El Caño Archaeological Park, which is known for its richness in archaeological discoveries and lavish burial chambers. Ancient burial practicesThe archaeologists found the body of the supposed religious leader buried face down and on top of the body of a woman, the release stated. There have been two attempts — the most recent in 2021 — to figure out whom the various tombs found at the El Caño site once belonged to, Mayo said.

Persons: Julia Mayo, ” Mayo, Fundación El, Mayo, El Caño, ”, Nicole Smith, Smith, Guzmán, Ana María Navas Méndez, Caño, Gúzman, —, ” Navas Méndez Organizations: CNN, Panama’s Ministry of Culture, El Caño Foundation, El, Smithsonian Tropical Research, Sierra, Illinois State University Locations: Panama, El, Coclé, Panama City, America, Quimbaya, Colombia, South America, ” City

☆ Shipping giant Maersk says Red Sea vessel diversions could extend into second half of 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Moller-Maersk, the second-largest global ocean carrier, is advising customers to prepare for a Red Sea crisis that could stretch well into the second half of this year. "Unfortunately, we don't see any change in the Red Sea happening anytime soon," Charles van der Steene, regional president for Maersk North America, tells CNBC. After attacks on two U.S.-flagged Maersk vessels on January 24, the Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake, Maersk Line, Limited — a U.S. subsidiary of Maersk, which operates U.S.-flagged vessels independently — announced it would no longer traverse the Red Sea. The global shipping and logistics company's cautious view of the Red Sea safety conditions comes despite a U.S.-led multinational military operation in the region, Operation Prosperity Guardian. "Our advice to our customers is specifically about building upon the uncertainty by being agile," said van der Steene.

Persons: Ebba, A.P ., Kristian Helgesen, Moller, Charles van der, Good Hope, der Steene, Maersk, van der, van der Steene, van der Steen, Panama hasn't, we're Organizations: A.P, A.P . Moeller, Maersk, Bloomberg, Getty, Maersk North, CNBC, Maersk Detroit, Maersk Chesapeake, Prosperity, U.S, Gaza, Maritime Security Program, VISA, Voluntary Intermodal, U.S ., Intelligence, East, Oceania Locations: Suez, Egypt, Maersk North America, Gulf, Aden, Hangzhou, Maersk, U.S, Good, Asia, Limited's U.S, West Coast, East Coast ., East Coast, Cape Hope, Panama, Ports, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, Long, China, Australia, New Zealand

☆ Losing Navy SEALs at sea during operations is extremely rare. It's only happened a handful of times.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Two Navy SEALs went missing overboard during an operation in the Red Sea last week, per CENTCOM. Losing Navy SEALs at sea during overseas operations is extremely rare, experts said. AdvertisementTwo US Navy SEALs are feared dead after going missing during a nighttime raid off the coast of Somalia more than a week ago. Such an accident is extremely rare, a military analyst and three retired Navy officers said. AdvertisementOver the years, the US Navy has experienced several incidents of SEALs lost at sea during overseas operations.

Persons: —, Joe Buccino, you've, They're, Bradley Martin, Matthew John Leathers, Buccino, Jack Keller, Michael Ernst, Robert Ramirez III, Rick Kaiser, Sam Tangredi, Tangredi Organizations: Navy, Losing Navy, Service, US Navy, US Central Command, Associated Press, Business, National Navy SEAL Museum, Daily Democrat, Navy SEAL Foundation, Navy SEAL, USNI, Navy Times Locations: Red, Somalia, Yemen, Grenada, Caribbean, Panama, Hawaii, Virginia, Marana , Arizona, California

☆ Huge network of ancient cities uncovered in the Amazon rainforest
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Amarachi Orie | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Archaeologists working deep in the Amazon rainforest have discovered an extensive network of cities dating back 2,500 years. The team also discovered monumental complexes with much larger platforms, which, they said, probably had a civic or ceremonial function. Even the most isolated complexes were linked by pathways and an extensive network of larger, straight roads with curbs. In the empty buffer zones between complexes, the team found features of land cultivation, such as drainage fields and terraces. These were linked to a network of footpaths, according to the study.

Persons: Stéphen Rostain, ”, ” Rostain, Rostain, Carlos Morales, Aguilar, Morales Organizations: CNN, Research, France’s National Center for Scientific Research, University of Texas Locations: Upano, Ecuador, France, Germany, Puerto Rico, Amazonia, Panama, Guatemala, Belize, Brazil, Mexico, Austin, ”

☆ Exclusive: Panama may slash GDP growth view due to suspension of First Quantum mine
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. Some experts calculate Panama would have to pay at least $50 billion if it loses the case, equivalent to nearly 70% of GDP. Ahead of the supreme court ruling, S&P revised Panama's outlook to negative from stable on potential risks to investor confidence and economic growth if the contract was found invalid. For First Quantum, the developments in Panama could be a repeat of its experience in the Democratic Republic Of Congo. The miner exited the African nation in 2012 after its mining contract was cancelled.

Persons: Hernan Arboleda, Laurentino Cortizo, Panamanians, Arboleda, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Anthony Esposito, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris Mart, PANAMA CITY, Reuters, Gross, Panama, JPMorgan, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, PANAMA, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Cobre Panama has said it is committed to growing more new forest than is impacted by its mine. "We aren't going anywhere," Sabino Ayarza, a representative of the protesting fishermen, told Reuters on Tuesday from his boat. Their grassroots movement, nearly unheard of in business-friendly Panama, has wiped C$11 billion ($7.4 billion) off First Quantum's market value and raised global copper prices on supply worries. The protesters' victory in Panama is emblematic of the outsized and sometimes unexpected influence local communities are having on mining companies worldwide. Cobre Panama accounted for about 46% of First Quantum's overall revenue in the third quarter, according to company data.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Sabino Ayarza, Ayarza, Codelco, Valentine Hilaire, Divya Rajagopal, Fabian Cambero, Christian Plumb, Denny Thomas, Nick Zieminski Organizations: REUTERS, Aris, PANAMA CITY, Minerals, Reuters, Panamanian, Tuesday, Scotiabank, Protesters, First, Thomson Locations: Panama City, Panama, PANAMA, TORONTO, Portugal, Peru, Chile, Macquarie, Mexico City, Toronto, Santiago

"We have decided to unanimously declare unconstitutional the entire law 406 of October 20, 2023," Supreme Court President Maria Eugenia Lopez said. First Quantum acknowledged the ruling and affirmed its "unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance in all aspects of our operations within the country." Panama President Laurentino Cortizo said the country will abide by the court ruling. For First Quantum, the Panama ruling would be a repeat of its decade-old experience in the Democratic Republic Of Congo. The company exited DRC in 2012 after it filed an arbitration procedure against the African country for cancelling its mining contract.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Maria Eugenia Lopez, Quantum, Laurentino Cortizo, Morgan, Ricardo Martinelli, Leonardo Di Caprio, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Natalia Siniawski, Denny Thomas, Chizu Nomiyama, Mark Porter Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Reuters, Panama, London Metal Exchange, Central, RBC, Democratic, Natural Resources Corporation PLC, Cobre, Thomson Locations: Panama's, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Central American, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Hollywood, Cobre Panama

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday that a 20-year concession for a Canadian copper mine that has been the focus of widespread environmental protests was unconstitutional. In March, Panama’s legislature reached an agreement with First Quantum allowing Minera Panama to continue operating the huge copper mine for at least 20 more years. The dispute over the mine led to some of Panama's most widespread protests in recent years, including a blockade of the mine’s power plant. A court decision that declared the contract unconstitutional was the last opportunity for opponents to get it thrown out. The Canadian government said it respected Tuesday's ruling and was following the contract negotiation closely.

Persons: —, Raisa Banfield, “, ”, Jean, Pierre J, ” ___ Rob Gillies Organizations: PANAMA CITY, Minerals, Pan, Naval, Panamanians, National Assembly, government’s Global Affairs Department Locations: PANAMA, Panama, Panama’s, Costa Rica, Minera Panama, Colon province, Toronto, America, Caribbean

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canada's First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. Panama has a long mining history but Cobre Panama is the first major new investment this century. There are now calls not just for the Cobre Panama mine to be closed but for Panama to shun all future mining as well. By the time detailed negotiations on a new contract started in 2021, the mine was already ramping up to full production. The tale of Cobre Panama is an object lesson in getting it wrong.

Persons: El Salvador, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Quantum, Environmental, Panama's, Justice, Supreme, Canada, Swedish Sámi Association, European Union, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, Rincon, Cobre Panama, Canada, American, Europe, Serbia, Scandinavia, Russia, Panamanian

☆ Dire wolves, camels, and other extinct giant mammals that used to live in North America
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

North America used to be crawling with giant mammals, from dire wolves to big cats. In North America, "you only get the woolly mammoths up in the north, starting around the Great Lakes," Lindsey said. AdvertisementOnce thought to be the cousins of gray wolves, dire wolves evolved separately over 5 million years ago in North America. AdvertisementThe ancient bison, Bison antiquus, was 25% larger than those living today. A recent study suggested modern bison — Bison biso — evolved from this species.

Persons: —, wasn't, Emily Lindsey, Markus Matzel, Lindsey, Mike Kemp, mastodons, Benji Paysnoe, Camelops, Spencer, scotti, Daniel Eskridge, Andrew Milligan, scimitars, Jeffrey Greenberg, priscus, Katherine Frey, it's Organizations: Service, National Park Service, National, South America, AP, Universal, Washington Locations: America, Asia, Australia, South America, Alaska, North America, Africa, Bering, Mexico, Costa Rica, Great, Canadian Yukon, of Panama, North, South, Eurasia, Americas, Spanish, Canada, Florida, Yukon, Gulf, Central, South Asia, China, California

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. The disruption was caused by an "illegal blockade" of small boats at the mine's Punta Rincon port, the company said in a statement. The protests began after the Panamanian government and First Quantum signed a new contract on Oct. 20 for Cobre Panama, which contributes 1% to global copper production and 5% to Panama's gross domestic product. The demonstrators say the new terms are too generous to First Quantum and allege corrupt practices in its approval. A reduction of ore processing could potentially impact about 2% of Panama's national workforce, the company said, adding that two ore processing trains remain operational.

Persons: Sourasis Bose, Valentine Hilaire, Sriraj Kalluvila, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Cobre, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, Rincon, Panamanian, Cobre Panama, Bengaluru, Mexico City

☆ As crisis deepens, Cubans scramble to migrate by any means
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Dave Sherwood | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The crowded terminal, a launch point for Cubans making their way by air to Nicaragua then overland to the United States, is one barometer of the frenzy to migrate from the communist-run island nation. For many, like Echavarria and his wife, it has also become a last resort as Cuba's economic crisis deepens with no end in sight. 'I GOT LUCKY'Artist Ernesto Perez, 51, told Reuters he had waited since 2015 for his turn to enter the United states legally under a family reunification program. Cuba blames the long-running U.S. trade embargo and Trump-era sanctions for fueling the economic crisis and the exodus of more than 400,000 Cubans leaving for the United States in the last two years. For many Cubans, however, Nicaragua remains the only viable option for getting off the island, said Yoany Bilbao, a 28-year old auto mechanic.

Persons: Alexandre Meneghini, Echavarria, Olga, Joe Biden, Alain Ferguson, Ferguson, Ernesto Perez, Perez, Brian Nichols, Yoany, Dave Sherwood, Ted Hesson, Ismael Lopez, Alien Fernandez, Mario Fuentes, Nelson Acosta, Mica Rosenberg, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, U.S, Central America, West, CBP, United, Trump, Senior U.S . Department of State, Thomson Locations: Panama, Havana, Cuba, Rights HAVANA, Havana's, Nicaragua, United States, Central, U.S, Florida, Mexico, Washington, San Jose

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. First Quantum on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law with the objective of benefiting Panama. First Quantum and its local unit Minera Panama declined to comment further. A decision to cancel the Cobre Panama mine's contract could slow Panama's GDP growth from an anticipated 6% in 2023 to just 1% without the mine in operation on an annualized basis. The odds of Panama losing its investment-grade rating would rise significantly if the contract is revoked, J.P Morgan warned on Tuesday.

Persons: Laurentino, J.P Morgan, Adriana Linares, Jackie Przybylowski, Michael Camacho, Frank De Lima, Juan Diego Vasquez, Edison Broce, Divya Rajagopal, Valentine Hilaire, Elida Moreno, Steve Scherer, Denny Thomas, Rod Nickel Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Quantum Minerals, Panama, Canada's Global Affairs, Reuters, Bank of Montreal, Finance, Economy, Independent, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, Vancouver, Canada, Toronto

☆ Panama Canal to slash booking slots due to drought over coming months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPANAMA CITY, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The Panama Canal, one of the world's main maritime trade routes, will further reduce daily ship crossings in the coming months due to a severe drought, the authorities managing the canal said late on Monday, increasing shipping costs. Booking slots will be cut to 25 per day starting Nov. 3 from an already reduced 31 per day, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said in a client advisory, and will be gradually reduced further over the next three months to 18 slots from Feb. 1. In recent months, the ACP has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve scarce water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. It also said delays for some gas transporters were at record highs in Panama, pushing up the cost of shipping liquefied gas from the U.S.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Eli Moreno, Brendan O'Boyle, Isabel Woodford, Josie Kao Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, U.S . Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Gatun Lake

TORONTO, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Shares in First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO) closed down 28% on Monday after Panama's government said it will hold a referendum on whether to scrap a mining contract awarded to the Canadian mining company on Oct. 20. Shares of First Quantum closed at C$20 after falling as much as 30% earlier in the trading session. President Laurentino Cortizo's decision to hold a binding referendum on Dec. 17 comes after 10 months of disputes regarding First Quantum's open pit mine at Cobre Panama. Thousands of people hit the streets over last weekend after the government approved the new contract with the company. Cobre Panama represents nearly 5% of Panama's gross domestic product and 1.5% of global copper production, according to RBC Capital Markets.

Persons: Panama's, Laurentino, Jefferies, Divya Rajagopal, Eli Moreno, Valentine Hilarie, Tomasz Janowski, Will Dunham, Jan Harvey Organizations: TORONTO, Quantum Minerals, Central American, Cobre, RBC Capital Markets, Thomson Locations: Toronto, Panama, Cobre Panama, Panama City

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. President Laurentino Cortizo announced that the new mining restrictions will apply to both future mining projects as well as those currently seeking permits. The abrupt mining pause comes barely a week after Cortizo hailed the revised contract that allows the local unit of Canada's First Quantum (FM.TO) to continue operating its lucrative Cobre Panama project. "Panama is a mining country," Alexander told Reuters, arguing that without the mine, the country's economy would barely grow this year, versus the robust 6% growth the government estimates. The Cobre Panama mine alone accounts for nearly 5% of Panama's economy.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Cortizo, Hector Alexander, Alexander, Panama's, Edison Broce, Valentine Hilaire, Christian Plumb, Marguerita Choy, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso

☆ Panama protesters detained in mine contract clashes, police injured
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Aris Martínez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies First Quantum Minerals Ltd FollowPANAMA CITY, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Police arrested nearly 50 protesters in Panama in confrontations over a new government-approved contract for a major copper mine, officials said on Tuesday, adding that five police officers were injured in the clashes. Last week, lawmakers gave final approval for the extended concession covering the Cobre Panama mine operated by Canada's First Quantum (FM.TO). Some locals and civic organizations have opposed the contract due largely to concerns about the mine's environmental impact. The police noted two officers were wounded by gunshots on Monday night in Panama City, while three others where beaten in a street blockade in Chiriqui.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Elida Moreno, Sarah Morland, David Alire Garcia, Rod Nickel Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Quantum Minerals, PANAMA CITY, Police, Pan, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, Colon, Chiriqui, Central America, Panama City

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Protesters blocked streets across Panama on Monday, demanding the government rescind a contract to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region. Across Panama City, peaceful protesters handed out fliers, but in some areas on the outskirts of the capital police met protesters with tear gas. The government used social media to highlight the “enormous contribution” the mine — Panama's largest private investment ever — makes to the country's economy. Minera Panama says the mine will employ thousands of Panamanians and that its shipments make 80% of the country's total exports. The new contract, initially slowed by labor disagreements, secures Panama at least $375 million a year from Minera Panama, over 10 times more than the previous deal.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Fernando Abrego, ”, Saúl Méndez, Abrego Organizations: PANAMA CITY, —, Department of Education, University of Panama, Minera, Panama's Association of Teachers, Teachers Locations: PANAMA, Panama, Colon, Panama City, Panama's, Minera Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, ”

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