Panama's Minister Clarifies Bukele on Student Fight Incident

Panama's Education Minister, Lucy Molinar, confirmed that it was an isolated and shameful incident involving three students, which is already being addressed by the specialized team of Panama's Ministry of Education, the Chancellor said. Martínez-Acha reacted after Bukele questioned the alleged lack of respect from students towards teachers. Martínez-Acha thanked Bukele for his interest in educational values and the training of youth, a commitment that Panama also shares. Initially, it was said that one of those involved was a teacher, which the Ministry of Education denied. On Friday, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha clarified for the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, the situation that occurred at a center located in West Panama, where a fight between students took place. He also emphasized that Panama will continue to work responsibly to channel situations like this and strengthen the education of young people. Bukele used the video to stress that if a different future is desired, it must be sown differently, and for that, discipline is needed. One of the students was in civilian clothes, which caused confusion around the idea that it was a teacher. According to Meduca, the authorities of the center, along with the discipline team, handled the case using the rules and school regulations to guarantee the well-being of the students involved and prevent this type of situation from repeating. It transpired that it was a student who had come to make a management request when the incident occurred at the Altos de San Francisco Educational Center, in La Chorrera. "Precisely because we share the conviction that discipline, respect, and training in values are essential for the future of our countries, we consider it fundamental that public opinions are based on verified information," he added. "The incident you refer to did not involve a teacher at any point."