Crisis at Unachi: Students Fear Academic Disruptions Amidst Financial Woes

A financial crisis at the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) in Panama is causing significant concern among students and staff, who fear that delayed salary payments will disrupt the academic year. Administrative and student representatives have appealed to President José Raúl Mulino and the executive branch for urgent measures to resolve the situation.

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There are excellent officials here, academics, who manage inside and outside the institution in terms of outreach and research, and who unfortunately today find ourselves in the need to turn to the media because we are unable to meet the financial commitments we have with the banks.

Lourdes Serrano, an administrator, described the payment delays as causing "anguish" among employees. Many staff members are struggling to meet financial obligations, with some facing three missed bi-weekly payments on their mortgages. Serrano highlighted the psychological toll, stating, "From a psychological point of view, this generates tremendous stress, depression, and anguish because people feel powerless."

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Especially regarding mortgages, where we already see a delinquency of three pay periods. And unfortunately, if we look at it from a psychological point of view, this generates tremendous stress, depression, and anguish, because people feel powerless in this situation.

Students share these concerns. Justine Williams, a student representative, warned that the non-payment of salaries to faculty and staff could jeopardize academic continuity. "Many teachers and administrators have not received their bi-weekly payment, and this can seriously harm the academic continuity of fellow students," she stated.

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Many teachers and administrators have not received their bi-weekly payment, and this can seriously harm the academic continuity of fellow students.

Williams urged the Ministry of Education to intervene, ensuring that classes are not canceled and that university employees receive their due salaries. The student body fears that a lack of resolution could lead to protests or a "strike with folded arms," which would directly impact education in the Chiriquí province. Another group of employees issued an urgent plea for the release of funds to cover salary obligations, questioning if the university's closure is imminent.

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We hope that the Ministry of Education takes charge of the matter and assures the students of this university that classes will not be canceled for any reason, as every worker is worthy of their salary.