Criminal Involvement in Panama Water Irregularities at the Capira IPT Being Investigated

Capira, West Panama: The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, warned that possible intentional acts are being investigated behind the incidents that have forced the suspension of classes at the Professional and Technical Institute (IPT) in Capira, province of West Panama.  Molinar explained that the irregularities in the water and environmental conditions at the school don’t appear to be random. “One day the new tanks were filled with clean water, and the next day they were covered in dirt. That dirt didn’t arrive there in the wild. One day a cleanup is done by firefighters, by everyone, and suddenly, the next day, everyone has an itchy rash.

There are things we need to address,” the minister noted during her visit to the province.  The official added that some students have already reported information about people who are allegedly causing these situations: “They tell us there are people doing evil and all that.”  The Capira IPT, which serves more than 1,600 students in two shifts and has three high schools, has had to suspend classes several times this year due to allergic reactions, stomach aches, seizures, and headaches.  Molinar reiterated that educational and health authorities are working together to clarify the causes and ensure safe conditions for students and teachers.