Panama implements Canal restrictions as Venezuelan retirees strike

In Panama, President José Raúl Mulino addressed a controversial bill regarding benefits for retirees, noting the complexity of its implementation. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal has implemented restrictions on daily vessel transits, reducing the average from 36 to 34 to conserve freshwater levels impacted by the El Niño phenomenon. Additionally, the Panama Metro has awarded a B/. 255 million contract to Doppelmayr Panamá Corp. for the Panama and San Miguelito cable car project.

In Venezuela, retirees from the Araya salt complex in Sucre state are continuing a prolonged strike. The group, which includes 242 active retirees and families of 44 deceased members, has been protesting for 189 days. They are demanding the restoration of benefits previously established in agreements that the current regional administration has reportedly refused to honor.