Public Protests in Panama & Upcoming National Holidays

PANAMA FLASH! – Panama City – October 23^rd, 2023

Public Protests in Panama

Activists affiliated with several unions and organizations have been holding protests and strikes in recent days. The protesters gathered in several areas in the city and main roads impeding all type of public, private, passengers and cargo transportation mobilization.

The labor action is aimed at pressuring the government to withdraw the decision of the National parliament of Panama (Asamblea Nacional de Panamá) to ratify a 20-year contract between the Panamanian Government and Sociedad Minera Panamá, S.A., which has copper mining operations in the Colon province.

We currently do not expect any impact on canal operations or port operations; however, we could notice some impact on the movement of logistics services related to crew changes, delivery of spare parts, provisions, containers, etc. Norton Lilly Panama operations staff will remain attentive to the needs of our principals and vessels under our care, and available as always via 24 hours mobile numbers and Duty Officers.

• Group email:      operations@nortonlilly.com.pa

• Ship Management Panama shipmgtpanama@nortonlilly.com.pa

Panama National Holidays

Please note hereunder schedule of upcoming National Holidays in Panama:

• November 3 (Fri)             Separation Day (from Colombia)

• November 4 (Sat)            Flag Day

• November 5 (Sun)           Colón Day.  Holiday extended to Nov. 6th (Mon).

• November 10 (Fri)           First Cry for Independence

• November 28 (Tue)        Independence Day (from Spain).

• December 8 (Fri)              Mother’s Day

During these national holidays, government institutions will be closed from November 2^nd to November 6^th,  November 10^th and 28^th including Customs, Quarantine, Health, and Immigrations. Most private sector companies are also closed or with limited staff.  Banks will be closed.

Crew visas should be applied for well in advance of public holidays.

Spare parts and courier packages – clearance through Customs must be scheduled in advance of public holidays.

Bank wire transfers – please send remittances and wire transfers in advance of public holidays.

Panama Canal and surrounding port operations will continue working normally 24/7 during the holidays without interruption.

Norton Lilly Operations staff (Panama Canal and Port Operations) will continue as normal during the holiday without interruption.

For additional information, please reach out to our operators at operations@nortonlilly.com.pa.

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Norton Lilly International (Panama) S.A.

Bldg. 3825  – Office 204

Howard – Panama-Pacifico

Panama, Rep. of Panama

Tel: (507) 304-4600

Main email: operations@nortonlilly.com.pa  (24 hours)