ACROSS the isthmus

Panama. There have been two murders a day in 2009, according to ex-police chief Jaime Abad. He said the number of daily murders has been on the increase since 2007 when there was just one every 19 hours. He said delinquency and violent crimes are also on the increase, what he described as a “grave problem”.

Kuna Yala. Four Columbians were detained 13 miles north of El Porvenir with 265 kilos of cocaine. The arrests came as part of a joint operation between Panama’s Aeronaval Services and the US Coastguard.

Costa Rica. The president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, will be in Panama at the end of October to meet with Panamanian president, Ricardo Martinelli. It is expected that their discussions will center on tourism, development of border areas, cooperation and business.

Panama. Electricity tariffs went down by 16 percent on Monday for users who consume less than 500 kwh.

Old Panama. The via Cincuentanario which cuts through the heart of OLd Panama is to be relocated. Old Panama was the first city to be established on the Pacific side of the isthmus and dates back to 1519. The ruins that remain were made a UN World Heritage site six years ago. The Minister of Economy and Finance, Alberto Vallarino, said the road will be moved to protect the remains from fumes and traffic pollution.