It is the current system's fault and not the airline's fault if you can't get hired by an airline, even in the middle of Congo. The airlines will always look for the best qualified candidates, and if the local system allow them to do so, then good enough for them.
I am not too familiar with the situation in Panama, but I wish every Panamanian pilot who wants to get hired by COPA the best.
Regards,
Airliner777