Panama’s Unwritten Driving Rules; Panama is the Best Destination in 2022 to Enjoy Retirement; Historic Year Ends with 133,000 Migrants Entering the Country; Know the Transitory Points for Taking Swabs in the Capital City

Friday, January 14, 2022

Yesterday morning while running errands, I found a parking spot almost in front of the post office I use.  I get out, get my mail, and gleefully return with my recently acquired Amazon bounty.  I usually back in when I park, but traffic was brutal, and no one seems to have the patience to allot you the effort to make such a time-consuming maneuver.  So, I get back to my chariot, and begin to creep in reverse until someone gets the courage to let me out.  I say “courage” as most drivers in Panama seem to feel that showing the slightest hint of courtesy is a sign of weakness.  Mr Panamanian driver, I assure you that if you’re courteous to me, I’ll sooner buy you a beer than try and steal your girlfriend or kick sand in your face.

There are a few unwritten Panama rules to backing out into traffic.  First of all, you can’t do it too soon.  If you get in your car and then force the first person in traffic to stop, you should rethink your life choices and get a “psych eval” done to confirm everyone’s suspicion that you’re probably a risky blockhead.   Then again, you shouldn’t wait more than a minute to start appropriating road space.  That just makes you a squeamish scaredy-cat!  The process starts where you slowly nudge your way out far enough so you can see oncoming traffic and they can see you, but not too far where the first car has you waiting for your insurance company to show up.  The way I do it is once I can clearly see oncoming vehicles, I begin counting cars.  After the sixth car, I slink backwards a little more so they further awake to my intent.  (The first 6 cars saw you as well; to that there’s no doubt.  But as per unwritten rule, they’re not expected to be courteous even if they normally are.  Hey, it may be unwritten, but it’s a rule!)  Besides, statistically, 1 out of 15 drivers is having a good day and is normally genuinely courteous, so we don’t even worry about those first 6.  But, yesterday would be different day than normal.  Yesterday, the driver of the 15th car was an ill-bred, ill-mannered, discourteous SOB.  So much so, that he literally started blowing his horn from over a half a block away.  If someone starts blowing their horn at you at such a distance, that means that they see you and are just letting you know that they’re nothing but a villainous pilgarlic.  (I was going to say “piece of shit”, but my editors frowned on it.)  So once the car in front of him passed me, I started to pull out.  Keep in mind, he’s several car-lengths away, but instead of taking the high road, instead of restoring my faith in humanity in general, he alternatively veered his clunker into the oncoming lane and didn’t stop until he was barely past my vehicle with the intent of making random finger gestures.  You know the one’s, the “golly you must have a healthy prostate” gesture, or the “double barrel go screw yourself” sign?  He did another impressive barrage of finger and fist movements that appeared to be sign language for “may whatever you eat this evening give you stomach cramps”and then, he does the slow crawl.  He wants you to see that he’s no longer in a hurry and that he’s going to sequester as much of your time as possible.  The first intersection was close and although his turn signal apparently doesn’t work (wink wink), I could tell that he was going to turn left, which is where I wanted to go as well.  So, I signaled my intentions to turn RIGHT and that was enough to trick him into getting out of my way.  He went right, then I went left and the game of “who has the bigger cojones” was over.

So this brings me to my list of the Top 10 “Unwritten Driving Rules in Panama”:

  1. Courteousness is a sign of weakness.
  2. Getting through tough traffic is as easy as using the curb as your own personal “3rd lane”.
  3. Grabbing the wheel at 10 and 2 is optional.  Grabbing the wheel at all, is optional.
  4. Turn signals are for losers.
  5. Passing on curves is ideal!
  6. If you’re in front of someone, lean your seat back, hang your arm out the window and slow down.
  7. If you’re behind someone, lean on the gas, flash your lights and blow the horn until they either speed up or move over to let you pass… …then refer to unwritten driving rule number 6.
  8. Blowing the horn is mandatory for every and all reasons.
  9. Insurance and updated vehicle registration is for losers.
  10. If you’re ever in an accident, it’s not your fault, no matter what.

Stay safe on the roads, everyone. And don’t take any chances with this virus. Nearly 10,000 new cases in one day is no joking matter.

Don’t forget to check out END NOTES for some slightly dark humor. And, if you want to sign up for the email list of this fine publication, don’t hesitate to send me your name and email address and we’ll get you hooked up! brett@bminvestigations.com


TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:

Yoli’s Wisdom 

PANAMA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH THE PURPOSE OF BECOMING A MEMBER STATE OF THE IHO

Panama Canal

An Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement signed between the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) brings the Isthmus closer to being part of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

The agreement signed by both entities intends to reinforce compliance with international responsibilities as a country in relation to navigation safety, through the provision of adequate and accurate hydrographic surveys and electronic nautical charts of maritime routes.

The press release released by the AMP explains that “by becoming a Member State of the IHO, Panama will settle an enormous debt with international hydrographic commitments, which will strengthen the efforts, commitments and responsibilities of the AMP, in order to successfully face the Audit Plan of the Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)”.

The IHO is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1921 that aims to record and map all the seas, oceans and navigable waters of the planet. In addition to providing guidelines and developing the hydrographic capabilities of the Member States, the note concludes.

READ HERE: PANAMA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH THE PURPOSE OF BECOMING A MEMBER STATE OF THE IHO


MINISTER OF HEALTH AND BUSINESSMEN ANALYZE CURRENT STATE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DUE TO THE INCREASE IN CONTAGIONS

Minister Sucre assured that there is the possibility of an extension until mid-February, to take into account the three doses as a complete vaccination Schedule.

The Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, held a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of business associations to explain the situation of the covid-19 pandemic in the country, where there has been a considerable increase in infections in recent weeks.

The objective of the meeting is to analyze the measures that are being applied to mitigate the spread of covid-19 cases, without affecting economic growth.

Although Minister Sucre initially indicated that the country would adopt from next January 28 the three doses of the vaccine against covid-19 as a complete vaccination schedule, as established in the Decree approved for this purpose, other measures are being analyzed.

He stated that they have been talking and there is the possibility of an extension until mid-February, to take into account the three doses as a complete scheme.

He argued that this has been one of the concerns raised by the leaders of business associations and that it is being analyzed, because what is sought, he said, is that the country continue to strengthen itself in terms of tourism and that the economic part continues to grow.

Castillo: “The dialogue has been constructive”

The various directors of the Minsa were also present at the meeting, who provided explanations and gave clues about the future panorama of the covid-19 pandemic in the country.

According to Rubén Castillo, president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), an analysis of the entire situation of the pandemic was made at the meeting, so now the sector has a clearer vision of the issue. “The dialogue has been constructive,” he said.

He stated that basically there has been talk of avoiding extreme restriction measures and reinforcing the issue of biosecurity, the use of the mask; topics in which the private company assures that they will collaborate.

“It is very important to find a balance between maintaining control of the pandemic and the economic reactivation,” said Castillo, who added that in general terms there are currently no restriction measures, and although there are some controls such as in dance activities and biosafety, are issues that he points out, they are not so concerned.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Labor and Labor Development, Doris Zapata, the Minister of Commerce and Industries; Ramón Martínez and the administrator of the Tourism Authority, Iván Eskildsen.

READ HERE: MINISTER OF HEALTH AND BUSINESSMEN ANALYZE CURRENT STATE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DUE TO THE INCREASE IN CONTAGIONS


PANAMA, THE BEST DESTINATION IN 2022 TO ENJOY RETIREMENT

They emphasize the geographical position, a sunny climate, although humid and far from the hurricane belt.

Panama climbed a step and was selected in the 2022 edition by International Living, as the best destination for Americans to enjoy their retirement.

The index that for nearly 30 years has guided United States explorers on the best places abroad to meet, invest and enjoy their lifestyles placed Panama in the #1 position of the Annual Global Retirement Index.

In its review, International Living reported that Panama is a country that enjoys an excellent geographical position, a climate far from the hurricane belt, bathed between two oceans, many areas with mountains and vegetation, one of the expatriate sites with the most sunny areas despite high humidity and rain.

International Living’s 2022 Global Retirement Index in Numbers rated Panama with a total average of 86.1 points. The 11 items considered were: accommodation, with 80 points; benefits, with 96 points; visas/residence, with 100 points; entertainment, with 89 points; development, with 80 points; climate, with 80 points; health care, with 88 points; governance, with 82 points opportunity, with 84 points and cost of living, with 82 points.

Panama is followed as the best destinations by, in order of importance: Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Malta, Spain and Uruguay.

International Living is the independent media outlet that suggests sites where retirees can purchase property abroad and enjoy unique lifestyles.

During the 2021 edition, Panama occupied the second position, while Costa Rica led the ranking.

READ HERE: PANAMA, THE BEST DESTINATION IN 2022 TO ENJOY RETIREMENT


THE CHORRERA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CENTER WILL ENABLE 200 NEW CAMERAS TO STRENGTHEN COVERAGE

THE GOOD SIDE OF SURVEILLANCE

Brett’s Comments: Last year I wrote about Panama’s efforts in bettering security in the country and adding cameras around the capital and other major cities. Some of my readers spoke against the implementation of cameras, stating that this was a violation of their privacy and civil liberties. The irony is that this same person has the latest and greatest iPhone, clicks on every link that each spammy email asks her to click on, valet parks her vehicle and doesnt hesitate to give her home address to every pizza place and home delivery service in her area. We’re all connected in to the system, whether you like it or not, but at least these cameras have done a ton of good for a lot of people as you’ll read in this next article. We had a potential kidnapping case that was solved recently thanks to these cameras in Chorrera. After reporting the incident to the right people, the authorities were able to get the vehicle information of the man who took a woman by force. After a quick search, she was recovered unharmed the same day. Without these cameras, who knows what would have happened?

After videos that have been broadcast on social networks and that have been captured by surveillance cameras in the district of La Chorrera, TVN Noticias toured the Video Surveillance Operations Center in that region.

So far, more than 1,200 calls have been received to report thefts, robberies, disturbance of peaceful coexistence, domestic violence and traffic accidents.

Through 104 cameras, for three months, in La Chorrera the attention of the aforementioned cases is immediately coordinated and it is expected that some 200 more will be placed in the upcoming months, to continue reinforcing security in the district.

Tomás Velásquez, mayor of La Chorrera, said that the immediate response of this system is restoring confidence in the community, which is positive.

Lourdes Trujillo, from the National Police, recalled that this system works in such a way that once the calls to 104 come in, the dispatchers send the information to the center and it is coordinated with communications from the La Chorrera police zone, to finally send the police units that deal with the events.

READ HERE: THE CHORRERA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CENTER WILL ENABLE 200 NEW CAMERAS TO STRENGTHEN COVERAGE


WORLD BANK FORECAST’S PANAMA’S ECONOMY WILL EXPAND 7.8% THIS YEAR

The crisis caused by the pandemic caused a strong impact on the Panamanian economy.

After the strong contraction registered in 2020, the Panamanian economy is expected to close 2021 with an economic growth of 9.9%; while by 2022 it is expected to expand by 7.8% and by 2023 by 5.0%, according to World Bank forecasts.

With this rebound, Panama’s economy would be among the most dynamic in Central America and in Latin America and the Caribbean, reveals the most recent World Bank report: World Economic View, released this Tuesday, January 11.

At the regional level, behind Panama, it is forecast that Guatemala would close 2021 with a growth of 21.2%, Belize with 9.0%, Honduras with 4.7%, El Salvador with 8.0%, Nicaragua with 5 .5% and Costa Rica with 5.0%.

While for 2022 the economy of Guatemala is expected to grow 3.9% and for the next year 3.5%, Belize 4.0% and 1.8%, in the respective order; Honduras 4.4% and 3.8%, El Salvador 4.0% and 2.5%, Nicaragua 3.0% and 2.5%, and Costa Rica 3.5% and 3.2%.

In the same note, at the level of Latin America and the Caribbean, the economy of Guyana is expected to show higher growth than the other countries that make up the region (49.7% in 2022 and 25.0% in 2023).

This is followed by Saint Lucia (9.6% and 7.1%, respectively), Barbados (8.5% and 4.8%), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (8.3% and 6.1%), Dominica (8.1% and 5.9%), Bahamas (8.0% and 4.0%) and Panama (7.8% and 5.0%), above its neighboring countries Costa Rica and Colombia.

On the other hand, Brazil’s economy is projected to slow to 1.4% in 2022 (due to limited investor confidence, erosion of purchasing power from high inflation, tightening of macroeconomic policy, slowing demand from China and falling iron ore prices) before picking up to 2.7% in 2023. Mexico’s growth, meanwhile, is projected to slow to 3% in 2022 and 2.2% in 2023.

Similarly, supply chain bottlenecks are expected to persist through the first half of 2022, while external demand will be constrained by slowing US growth, and macroeconomic policy will tighten.

On the other hand, projections indicate that growth in Argentina will slow to 2.6% in 2022 as private consumption softens as a result of reduced fiscal stimulus and investment declines, although the continued impact of strong growth in 2021 led to an upgraded forecast for 2022. The strong cyclical rebounds seen in Chile, Colombia and Peru in 2021 will weaken in 2022 and again in 2023.

In Central America, growth will remain solid in 2022, at 4.7%, due to the improvement in the premises for vaccination against covid-19 and the strong and continuous inflow of remittances. Likewise, growth in most Caribbean countries is expected to accelerate in 2022 as a result of the expected rebound in international tourism.

The World Bank, in turn, warns that these prospects are exposed to various downside risks, including a sharp increase in the number of covid-19 cases, funding strains, and stress.

Global growth is expected to slow markedly, from 5.5% in 2021 to 4.1% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023, as pent-up demand dissipates and the level of fiscal and money around the world.

He warned that the rapid spread of the omicron variant indicates that the pandemic is likely to continue to affect economic activity in the short term.

“The global economy is simultaneously facing COVID-19, inflation and policy uncertainty; government spending and monetary policies are entering uncharted territory. Rising inequality and security concerns are particularly damaging for developing countries,” said David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group.

“To get a greater number of countries on the path to favorable growth, concerted international action and a comprehensive set of policy responses at the national level are required,” Malpass clarified when revealing the results of the report.

READ HERE: WORLD BANK FORECAST’S PANAMA’S ECONOMY WILL EXPAND 7.8% THIS YEAR


GDP WILL CONTINUE GROWING, BUT FALLS ON HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT

The agency stressed that no significant risks are anticipated in the country’s investment grade throughout the year.

The Panamanian economy is among those that would have a better performance in the Latin American region in 2022, with a recovery of 7.3%, but hides high unemployment due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus and the confinement measures applied in 2020 to contain the pandemic.

This projection of the gross domestic product (GDP) for 2022 is less than the 12.4% estimated for the end of 2021, according to estimates released yesterday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The forecast for 2022 and the results for 2021 have been preceded by a resounding drop of 17.9% in 2020, the hardest moment of the pandemic.

In the report “Preliminary Balance of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean”, which ECLAC presented yesterday from Mexico, the agency reduced its forecast for 2022, which was previously 2.9% to 2.1% in Latin America, the region most affected by the pandemic.

In the Panamanian case, “the main threat to the economy is the increase in cases of Covid-19 from the Omicron variant and the global economic slowdown that has effects on international trade,” said Alicia Bárcena, executive secretary of Panama. ECLAC, during the support of the report.

The Panamanian economy depends a lot on international trade and especially on transportation, which is one of the sectors that has grown the most due to the reactivation of the economies of different countries after the closures due to the pandemic.

“Panama has made very important progress in the vaccination process, perhaps these variants will not be as profound in their effect on the economy and it will proceed on the recovery path that began in 2021,” said Bárcena, with an optimistic view.

Among the activities with the greatest recovery in recent months are construction, transportation, communications, the Panama Canal and mining.

The ECLAC representative stressed that “no significant risks are anticipated in the country’s investment grade throughout the year. And despite the spikes, we believe that the Panamanian government has worked very effectively in the vaccination process.”

Barcena added that Panama already has 79% vaccination in the population 5 years and older, which has at least one dose.

The Panamanian authorities have not yet revealed how the economy closed in 2021.

The president of the National Association of Economists, Samuel Moreno, considers that last year closed with better growth than estimated by ECLAC.

He stated that within his analysis Panama will reach a GDP of 13.5% in 2021, equal to the projection made by the agency for Peru.

“Panama fell quite a bit in 2020, with -17.9%, and an unemployment rate of 18.5%. We are facing a rebound process,” Moreno said, referring to the behavior of something that has fallen and then rises, just like a ball.

“We had a growth loss in the absolute value of GDP of just over $7 billion, because we had just generated wealth of just over $3 billion in 2019,” he said.

Yellow light

The figures proposed by ECLAC are reasonable and coincide with others that have been presented by international institutions, considers the former Minister of Economy and Finance, Guillermo Chapman.

However, he points out that, from his point of view, the figures, positive, are also accompanied by high unemployment in Panama.

“An unemployment of 11.3%, but it has also lowered the participation of people in the labor force, which are people who are of age and have the desire to work, that is, those who are looking for work,” said Chapman.

From his vision, many people have been erased from the labor force or have left, with which there would be another 11% unemployed, “so the real unemployment would be 22%.”

“This means that one out of every five Panamanians does not have a job, of which half of them are seriously looking for it and the other half gave up, so that is the most serious problem in Panama,” emphasizes the former minister.

The experts explain that the reduction in the unemployment rate, according to the Labor Market Survey carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), applied between October 3 and 30, was due to the fact that fewer people are looking for work (reduction of the economically active population).

Added to the high unemployment rate is an informality rate of 47.6%, which corresponds to thousands of people who were left without work and have sought a means to earn an income.

Asked about the high level of government debt, Chapman commented that “the amount of debt has grown very quickly in the last two years, largely due to the pandemic.”

The country faces a debt of more than $40 billion, while last Tuesday an issue of two bonds was made for $2.5 billion, in part to finance the 2022 budget and to pay debt.

He added that the debt problem is not what future generations are going to pay, “but what we are paying for” at this time.

This means, he indicated, that there is less and less money left in the budget to meet the basic needs of the population, which is a serious problem.

“The key is if the Government manages the debt with moderation and responsibility, and we leave this as a necessity that had to be faced due to the pandemic. But now the debt growth is going to have to slow down,” Chapman said.

Disparity

In the ECLAC analysis, it is highlighted that at the level of Latin America there is a great heterogeneity in the countries, for which the agency estimates that, of the 33 countries in the region, only 11 countries will be able to recover in 2021 the GDP they had before the pandemic and another 3 will do so in 2022.

“This means that the rest of the countries in the region will not see a recovery at the end of this year,” predicted Bárcena.

In part, this is due, explained Barcena, to the low investment and productivity that have impacted the economies of Latin America, confronting the countries with greater volatility.

“There are some economies that have fewer problems like Panama, but other countries with more open economies are experiencing more problems,” contrasted the ECLAC executive director.

READ HERE: GDP WILL CONTINUE GROWING, BUT HALLS ON HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT


LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE FOR THE USE OF HOME TESTS FOR COVID-19

More than 12,000 daily tests are carried out in swab centers nationwide.

Deputy Kayra Harding presented this Wednesday a legislative initiative that authorizes the importation, marketing and use of rapid tests for the detection of covid-19 for domestic use.

The rule that allows home swabs is intended to reduce exposure in the long lines at sampling points and relieve the health system, explained the vice president of the National Assembly.

This rule will allow people to have a diagnosis without leaving their homes or offices, which will help the health system, says Harding, who believes that the crowds at these swab points also generate infections.

During the first week of January, the Health authorities carried out an average of 12,000 tests daily to detect covid-19 at the different swab stations.

In addition to the permanent positions in the health centers and polycenters of the Social Security Fund (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (Minsa), there are more than 20 temporary positions in the different provinces.


SPECIALTY COFFEE IN PANAMA, A GUIDE TO THE OFFER AND ITS HISTORY

Giancarlo Effio, owner of Mentiritas Blancas, says that the local consumer prefers caturra, catuai, pacamara and bourbon.

“We must take into account that the movement of specialty coffee shops in Panama is new; however, in recent years its consumption has increased,” says the gastronomic journalist and CEO of ‘La Guía del Foodie’, Corina Briceño, who shares with the readers of La Estrella de Panamá some recommendations to taste a good cup of coffee.

“On my Instagram account, I published various specialty coffee shops in Panama that seem quite good to me; some have already been on the market for some time, for example, Café Unido, Mentiritas Blancas, Siete Granos. In addition, there is Leto Coffee Brew Bar, Toños Café Bakery, Cruce Coffee Company and Sisu Coffee Studio”, she points out.

The offer of specialty coffees has expanded beyond the capital city. Briceño also recommends Cabrera Coffee Brew House, located in the province of Panamá Oeste. The journalist welcomes the expansion of stores dedicated to this business to the outskirts, as this will bring greater benefits to the economy.

For her part, gastronomic journalist Esther Arjona notes Duran Coffee Store on her list of recommendations and clarifies that the coffee they offer on their menu is not necessarily specialty; however, today they are beginning to develop, in addition to their commercial line, a specialty coffee line.

“Currently there are coffee growers who have decided to promote their products through other coffee shops and other places that sell exclusively the coffee they produce. There are also cafeterias that serve different coffees from producers and offer them to the public, this allows them to have a greater variety of products to offer their consumers”, she indicates.

Among the coffee shops that Arjona mentions are Toños Café Bakery and Café Unido; the latter “has become synonymous with specialty coffee in the country.”

In addition, she recommends visiting Kotowa and Café Maritanos. Both coffee shops offer their own specialty coffee. Likewise, it points out Leto Coffee Brew Bar, Siete Granos and Paddle Coffee Roasters.

Overview of local consumption

“It is very interesting how the consumption of specialty coffee has grown in recent years, considering that it is something new in the country. From 2014 to date, there has been an interesting consumption, with more coffee proposals per year. Before, they opened up to two cafeterias a year, today they open up to five”, says Giancarlo Effio, owner of Mentiritas Blancas.

According to Effio, specialty coffee consumption in Panama is divided into three categories: geisha, exotic and traditional.

How does the movement arise?

“Panama has been producing specialty coffee for more than 20 years and almost all coffee production – whose evaluation must exceed 80 points with a base of 100 – went to the export market,” Arjona details and specifies that, despite that very good coffee is produced in Panama, people on the isthmus are not big consumers.

“The Panamanian public is not as coffee-loving as it is thought, some just drink coffee in the morning and that’s it, and this was the norm before.”

He says that later, due to changes in the market, the price of coffee was in decline, that’s when those involved in this sector decided to promote a different strategy to save the crops since at that time there were more people selling land and its purpose was intended to produce non-coffee crops. “This was causing the coffee tradition of the Highlands in the province of Chiriquí to be lost,” he says.

The reason why the land was being sold, according to Arjona, was because of the low price of coffee and it was not worth marketing. “Panama can compete in quality, but not in quantity. So, the strategy consisted of dedicating themselves to working on the quality of the coffee so that this would generate more income for the coffee growers.”

He argues that this is how the Association of Specialty Coffees of Panama (Scap) was later created, a group that began to work for coffee growers. “This group had to specialize and learn about aspects such as tasting, perfecting production and roasting methods, as well as other aspects related to this sector. As they educated themselves, they realized that the Tierras Altas district had optimal conditions to produce a good product,” he says, adding that this is how the story of geisha and other coffee varieties that achieve very good scores began. and that, although they do not sell for thousands of dollars a pound, he considers them to be very good coffees. “This is the type of coffee that is beginning to be consumed in Panama.”

Similarly, he highlights that before there was no interest in specialty coffee in the isthmus because the public did not know about it. “This movement started when Durán established coffee shops and that opened the door to make coffee fashionable, just as Starbucks and other series of brands have been in other countries.”

Arjona remembers that this trend popularized the consumption of cappuccino, latte and espresso. Later, a variety of filtering methods have been included with which the qualities of the varieties that are consumed are better appreciated.

The reality is that today those interested in this line seek to specialize in order to offer not only a quality product, but also a good experience for coffee lovers. “Today there are more people who have specialized and instructed on all the necessary steps to offer the service that a good coffee deserves.”

READ HERE: SPECIALTY COFFEE IN PANAMA, A GUIDE TO THE OFFER AND ITS HISTORY

 


HISTORICAL YEAR ENDS WITH 133 THOUSAND MIGRANTS WHO ENTERED THE COUNTRY, CHALLENGING THE DARIEN GAP

Figure 1- At the end of August, sexual assaults on migrant women and girls were reported, prompting a prosecutor to travel to the area.

December, for example, closed with 4,194 migrants who crossed the Darién Gap, a figure not seen since May, when 4,462 entered.

This was precisely the last month before the exodus intensified, forcing the authorities to promote meetings with counterparts from the countries that serve as transit for migrants to try to control it.

Between June and October, 105,821 people were part of this unprecedented wave, which dropped significantly in November and December when only 11,956 passed.

Last year closed with a migratory movement of 133,726 nationals from other countries, mainly from Haiti (82,952) and Cuba (18,600).

There were also 18,120 minors from Brazil and Chile, which the agents of the National Immigration Service classified as children of Haitians, who were born in those nations, from where the massive exoduses of last year were generated.

From Bangladesh (1,657) and Ghana (1,289) came the largest number of nationals who are not from this continent, which reflects that despite the fact that Antilleans predominated, the migratory situation in the isthmus was heterogeneous.’

What was somewhat uniform is that very few of those who entered the country by land from Colombia sought to stay here, but instead used the territory as a transit zone in their interest to reach the north of the continent.

Another phenomenon presented in 2021 was the increase in minors, some by themselves, who joined this migratory movement.

Last year there were 29,524 minors who crossed the dense jungle that divides Panama from Colombia, a figure much higher than the 1,621 who did so in 2020.

Present

To date, 557 migrants remain at reception posts in Membrillo (268), San Vicente (259) and Lajas Blancas (30).

There are no migrants in Bajo Chiquito, which is the first place they arrive, while a group was known to have entered in the last few hours through Jaqué, which must be accounted for.

A source consulted by this means considered that the end of the year may be one of the reasons why the number of migrants decreased in the last weeks of 2021.

However, with the beginning of the dry season, the trails begin to dry up and, possibly, the migrants will try to enter, taking advantage of the weather in their favor.

A few days ago, 11 members of a gang dedicated to migrant smuggling in Pasto, department of Nariño, who charged up to 350 dollars to transfer them to the border with Panama, were arrested in Colombia.

READ HERE: HISTORICAL YEAR ENDS WITH 133 THOUSAND MIGRANTS WHO ENTERED THE COUNTRY, CHALLENGING THE DARIEN PLUG


GET TO KNOW THE TRANSITORY POINTS FOR SWAB TEST IN THE CAPITAL CITY

Health personnel performing tests to detect the coronavirus.

Health personnel performing tests to detect the coronavirus.

For this Thursday, January 13, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the Metropolitan Health Region will be taking swabs at the Explora science and art center in the Centenial area and in the Andrés Bello park on the Argentina road of the Bella Vista area, as announced by the Ministry of Health (Minsa).

It was detailed that “both transitory sites will start swabbing from 8 in the morning until 12 noon.”

Likewise, on Friday the 14th, the teams move again to Explora in Centennial and to the village of Don Bosco from 8 in the morning until 12 noon.

The Minsa recommends “continuing with biosecurity measures the use of the mask and face shield, frequent hand washing, use of gel or alcohol, keeping physical distance and avoiding crowds.

READ HERE: GET TO KNOW THE TRANSITORY POINTS FOR SWAB TEST IN THE CAPITAL CITY


TOMORROW BEGINS VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 IN CHILDREN WITHOUT PATHOLOGIES

COVID-19 vaccine being applied

This Thursday, January 13, pediatric vaccination will begin for children between 5-11 years without pathologies, recalled the Minister of Health Luis Francisco Sucre, who also announced the points enabled for this process.

It will start in circuits 8-7 (San Felipe, El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, Calidonia, Ancón, Betania and Pueblo Nuevo) and in 8-8 (Juan Díaz, Parque Lefevre, Río Abajo, San Francisco and Don Bosco).

For 8-8 the vaccination posts are: the Omar Recreational and Cultural Park, the José Dolores Moscote Institute, the IPT Don Bosco and the vaccination center that operates in the Irving Saladino sports city in Juan Díaz from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

As for the 8-7 circuit, he mentioned that the enabled sites are: Soho Mall, Altaplaza and Albrook Mall, all from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:00 pm.

While in the ruby room of the Hotel El Panama and the Republic of Chile School the hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sucre stressed that the plan is “based on the incidence of cases and as pediatric vaccines arrive, the process will be reinforced and dispersed throughout the country.

READ HERE: TOMORROW BEGINS VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 IN CHILDREN WITHOUT PATHOLOGIES

 

 


EDUCATORS REJECT MANDATORY VACCINATION, DEMAND APPOINTMENTS AND SCHOOLS REPARATIONS

Press conference of the National Union of Educators of Panama (UNEP)

The National Union of Educators of Panama (Unep) rejected this Thursday, mandatory vaccination and demanded that the Ministry of Education (Meduca) speed up the repair of infrastructure and appointments in educational centers before March 7, when the face to face clases begin.

In a press conference, Luis López, teacher leader of Unep, stated that 97% of teachers are vaccinated, “many with the third booster dose”, for which they demand “respect” for colleagues who do not want to get the covid vaccine. “It’s your right to make your own decisions,” he said.

López confessed that they are tired of distance education, since it has not been effective. “Students need the presence of their teachers, but Meduca must guarantee a safe environment in these times of pandemic and accelerate the repair of schools and appointments,” he stressed.

Like Professor López, Eddy Pinto, also from UNEP, expressed his concern about the state of the infrastructure and the maintenance of the schools, which must be ready before March 7.

However, Pinto is concerned about the high level of failures, especially those with more than three failures. “We refer to the dropouts, those who had more than three failures and although primary school does not count, for us these numbers of students who failed in the educational system are of great concern,” he said.

“We know of all the hardships that students and teachers had in the online and distance system, at Unep we are concerned about the very high levels of failed students during the year 2021”, reiterated the teacher’s leader.

READ HERE: EDUCATORS REJECT MANDATORY VACCINATION, DEMAND APPOINTMENTS AND SCHOOLS REPARATIONS


STATUS UPDATE:

Wednesday, January 14, 2022

PANAMA ACCUMULATES A TOTAL OF 558,676 DETECTED CASES OF INFECTION AND 7,500 DEATHS BY COVID-19

  • 7 new deaths
  • 9,530 new cases
  • 28,500 tests conducted 
  • 33.4% positivity percentage
  • 558,676 accumulated number of COVID cases

Coronavirus statistics:

Daily COVID-19 Cases

DateCasesDifferencePercentage of Cases
2023/07/23 - 2023/07/2910476963753.5%
2023/07/16 - 2023/07/2210473213214.6%
2023/07/09 - 2023/07/1510470004856.6%
2023/07/02 - 2023/07/0810465156637.8%
2023/06/18 - 2023/07/011045852190910.0%
2023/06/11 - 2023/06/171043943131211.8%
2023/06/04 - 2023/06/101042631130211.1%
2023/05/28 - 2023/06/031041329109911.3%
2023/05/21 - 2023/05/27104023083510.3%
2023/05/14 - 2023/05/2010393957538.9%
2023/05/07 - 2023/05/1310386426647.4%
2023/04/30 - 2023/05/0610379786545.8%
2023/04/03 - 2023/04/2910373245915.3%
2023/04/16 - 2023/04/2210367336334.9%
2023/04/09 - 2023/04/1510361007434.9%
2023/04/02 - 2023/04/081035357627
2023/03/26 - 2023/04/011034730949
2023/03/19 - 2023/03/2510337813123
2023/03/181030658108
2023/03/171030550123
2023/03/161030427112
2023/03/151030315121
2023/03/141030194144
2023/03/13103005043
2023/03/12103000751
2023/03/11102995674
2023/03/10102988286
2023/03/09102979685
2023/03/08102971191
2023/03/07102962090
2023/03/06102953025
2023/03/05102950555
2023/03/04102945065
2023/03/03102938550
2023/03/02102933591
2023/03/01102924473
DIFFERENCE IN NUMBER PUBLISHED BY MINSA1029171-221
2023/02/281029392110
2023/02/27102928231
2023/02/26102925138
2023/02/25102921363
2023/02/24102915066
2023/02/23102908442
2023/02/22102904214
2023/02/21102902838
2023/02/20102899014
2023/02/19102897622
2023/02/18102895453
2023/02/17102890160
2023/02/16102884150
2023/02/15102879158
2023/02/14102873378
2023/02/13102865523
2023/02/12102863234
2023/02/11102859893
2023/02/10102850567
2023/02/09102843871
2023/02/08102836776
2023/02/07102829177
2023/02/06102821435
2023/02/05102817925
2023/02/04102815487
2023/02/03102806773
2023/02/02102799470
2023/02/01102792493
2023/01/311027831112
2023/01/30102771935
2023/01/29102768443
2023/01/281027641103
2023/01/271027538100
2023/01/261027438117
2023/01/251027321104
2023/01/241027217116
2023/01/23102710151
2023/01/22102705049
2023/01/211027001112
2023/01/201026889115
2023/01/191026774138
2023/01/181026636134
2023/01/171026502163
2023/01/16102633958
2023/01/15102628169
2023/01/141026212126
2023/01/131026086172
2023/01/121025914201
2023/01/111025713221
2023/01/10102549283
2023/01/091025409104
2023/01/081025305118
2023/01/071025187190
2023/01/061024997271
2023/01/051024726358
2023/01/041024368240
2023/01/031024128115
2023/01/02102401376
2023/01/011023937153
2022/12/311023784319
2022/12/301023465346
2022/12/291023119404
2022/12/281022715460
2022/12/271022255165
2022/12/261022090104
2022/12/251021986268
2022/12/241021718360
2022/12/231021358425
2022/12/221020933689
2022/12/211020244236
2022/12/201020008582
2022/12/191019426205
2022/12/181019221320
2022/12/171018901516
2022/12/161018385675
2022/12/151017710731
2022/12/1410169791029
2022/12/1310159501033
2022/12/121014917398
2022/12/111014519608
2022/12/1010139111142
2022/12/0910127691096
2022/12/081011673400
2022/12/0710112731742
2022/12/0610095311245
2022/12/051008286495
2022/12/041007791598
2022/12/0310071931104
2022/12/0210060891260
2022/12/0110048291378
2022/11/3010034511615
2022/11/291001836610
2022/11/281001226513
2022/11/271000713611
2022/11/2610021021105
2022/11/2510009971223
2022/11/249997741210
2022/11/239985641103
2022/11/229974611023
2022/11/21996438350
2022/11/20996088421
2022/11/19995667731
2022/11/18994936624
2022/11/17994312446
2022/11/16993866459
2022/11/15993407571
2022/11/1499283698
2022/11/13992738174
2022/11/12992564307
2022/11/11992257102
2022/11/10992155231
2022/11/09991924260
2022/11/08991664309
2022/11/0799135598
2022/11/0699125765
2022/11/05991192115
2022/11/0499107769
2022/11/03991008172
2022/11/02990836157
2022/11/01990679175
2022/10/3199050477
2022/10/3099042773
2022/10/29990354175
2022/10/28990178118
2022/10/27990060114
2022/10/26989946144
2022/10/25989802138
2022/10/2498966452
2022/10/2398961264
2022/10/2298954899
2022/10/21989449114
2022/10/2098933573
2022/10/19989262109
2022/10/18989153120
2022/10/1798903339
2022/10/1698899449
2022/10/15988945110
2022/10/1498883598
2022/10/13988737109
2022/10/12988628123
2022/10/11988505184
2022/10/1098832153
2022/10/0998826848
2022/10/08988220109
2022/10/07988111105
2022/10/06988006121
2022/10/05987885138
2022/10/04987747111
2022/10/0398763642
2022/10/0298759441
2022/10/01987553108
2022/09/3098744592
2022/09/2998735396
2022/09/28987257128
2022/09/27987129150
2022/09/2698697976
2022/09/2598690397
2022/09/24986806156
2022/09/23986650147
2022/09/22986503167
2022/09/21986336175
2022/09/20986161221
2022/09/1998594067
2022/09/18985873119
2022/09/17985754169
2022/09/16985585218
2022/09/15985367280
2022/09/14985087270
2022/09/13984817323
2022/09/12984494122
2022/09/11984372198
2022/09/10984174314
2022/09/09983860337
2022/09/08983523383
2022/09/07983140393
2022/09/06982747497
2022/09/05982250192
2022/09/04982058296
2022/09/03981762406
2022/09/02981356487
2022/09/01980869614
2022/08/31980255629
2022/08/30979626770
2022/08/29978856296
2022/08/28978560439
2022/08/27978121717
2022/08/26977404762
2022/08/25976642913
2022/08/24975729974
2022/08/239747551077
2022/08/22973678339
2022/08/21973339539
2022/08/20972800919
2022/08/19971881958
2022/08/18970923969
2022/08/179699541157
2022/08/16968797976
2022/08/15967821479
2022/08/14967342563
2022/08/13966779845
2022/08/129659251031
2022/08/119648941119
2022/08/109637751167
2022/08/099626081233
2022/08/08961375441
2022/08/07960934634
2022/08/06960300897
2022/08/059594031046
2022/08/04958357905
2022/08/039574521010
2022/08/029564421099
2022/08/01955343413
2022/07/31954930561
2022/07/30954369800
2022/07/29953569930
2022/07/28952639904
2022/07/279517351052
2022/07/269506831160
2022/07/25949523502
2022/07/24949021548
2022/07/23948473838
2022/07/22947635944
2022/07/219466911002
2022/07/209456891184
2022/07/199445051160
2022/07/18943345534
2022/07/17942811728
2022/07/169420831137
2022/07/159409461182
2022/07/14939764943
2022/07/139388211424
2022/07/129373971713
2022/07/11935684704
2022/07/10934980863
2022/07/099341172007
2022/06/089321101578
2022/06/079305321693
2022/06/069288391762
2022/06/059270771137
2022/06/04925940686
2022/06/0392525492616.9%
2022/06/02924328133817.1%
2022/06/01922990162618.3%
2022/06/30921364162413.9%
2022/06/29919740182818.3%
2022/06/28917912198918.8%
2022/06/2791592388618.0%
2022/06/26915057112518.9%
2022/06/25913932158418.0%
2022/06/24912348182619.3%
2022/06/23910522213019.7%
2022/06/22908392195718.7%
2022/06/21906435208019.0%
2022/06/2090435582618.6%
2022/06/19903529114319.0%
2022/06/18902386205319.2%
2022/06/17900333145114.9%
2022/06/16898882195819.1%
2022/06/15896924208018.7%
2022/06/14894844238919.5%
2022/06/13892455110618.5%
2022/06/12891349138918.3%
2022/06/11889960232319.1%
2022/06/10887637259119.5%
2022/06/09885046279320.5%
2022/06/08882253324421.2%
2022/06/07879009352321.9%
2022/06/06875486169220.6%
2022/06/05873794194220.5%
2022/06/04871852305622.4%
2022/06/03868796329622.3%
2022/06/02865500378922.7%
2022/06/01861711344322%
2022/05/31858268381922.6%
2022/05/30854449184222.2%
2022/05/29852607212321.1%
2022/05/28850484310922.4%
2022/05/27847375367824.1%
2022/05/26843697395124.4%
2022/05/25839746382522.7%
2022/05/24835921387624.3%
2022/05/23832045175820.8%
2022/05/22830287216720.7%
2022/05/21828120320322.7%
2022/05/20824917341720%
2022/05/19821500384222%
2022/05/18817658350620.7%
2022/05/17814152391022.2%
2022/05/16810242179921.4%
2022/05/15808443216620.8%
2022/05/14806277305421.8%
2022/05/13803223324823.3%
2022/05/12799975351421.7%
2022/05/11796461332421.5%
2022/05/10793137330721.5%
2022/05/09789830135922.4%
2022/05/08788471161521.1%
2022/05/07786856267221.6%
2022/05/06784184191920.5%
2022/05/05782265211718.4%
2022/05/04780148183817.9%
2022/05/0377831065214.3%
2022/05/0277765853811.9%
2022/05/0177712070013.3%
2022/04/3077642093212.1%
2022/04/2977548893912.3%
2022/04/2877454987412.2%
2022/04/2777367584511.2%
2022/04/267728307449.9%
2022/04/257720862677.1%
2022/04/247718194816.3%
2022/04/237714864817.6%
2022/04/227710055428.4%
2022/04/217704634877.9%
2022/04/207699765197.4%
2022/04/197694574796.7%
2022/04/187689781845.4%
2022/04/177687942005.1%
2022/04/167685941245.0%
2022/04/157684702716.2%
2022/04/147681993646.3%
2022/04/137678353976.1%
2022/04/127674383715.5%
2022/04/117670671364.0%
2022/04/107669312544.2%
2022/04/097665043274.8%
2022/04/087661772475.4%
2022/04/077661772474.3%
2022/04/067659302534.0%
2022/04/057656773405.1%
2022/04/047653371243.5%
2022/04/037652131593.4%
2022/04/027650542234.0%
2022/04/017648312954.8%
2022/03/317645362934.8%
2022/03/307642433104.5%
2022/03/297639333254.2%
2022/03/287636081253.4%
2022/03/277634832034.0%
2022/03/267632802553.7%
2022/03/257630252904.3%
2022/03/247627353414.8%
2022/03/237623943865.5%
2022/03/227620083654.8%
2022/03/217616431353.7%
2022/03/207615081933.6%
2022/03/197613153114.7%
2022/03/187610042694.4%
2022/03/177607353305.1%
2022/03/167604053004.5%
2022/03/157601053234.6%
2022/03/147597821464.0%
2022/03/137596361754.1%
2022/03/127594612374.3%
2022/03/117592243015.0%
2022/03/107589233104.5%
2022/03/097586133014.6%
2022/03/087583123825.2%
2022/03/077579303625.4%
2022/03/06757568814.7%
2022/03/057574874266.5%
2022/03/047570615227.1%
2022/03/037565394546.3%
2022/03/027560852326.3%
2022/03/017558533556.6%
2022/02/287554982365.6%
2022/02/277552623577.8%
2022/02/267549055437.7%
2022/02/257543626688.1%
2022/02/247536947878.2%
2022/02/237529077348.2%
2022/02/227521739329.2%
2022/02/2175124148110.7%
2022/02/2075076067310.6%
2022/02/1975008795211.4%
2022/02/18749135121913.6%
2022/02/17747916122112.5%
2022/02/16746695132812.5%
2022/02/15745367171413.3%
2022/02/1473977079913.9%
2022/02/13742854120314.5%
2022/02/12741651188115.9%
2022/02/11739770211117.5%
2022/02/10737659242419.0%
2022/02/09735235302820.0%
2022/02/08732207318017.8%
2022/02/07729027161419.9%
2022/02/06727413234521.1%
2022/02/05725068358921.0%
2022/02/04721479430824.2%
2022/02/03717171521024.2%
2022/02/02711691608126.2%
2022/02/01705880560621.6%
2022/01/31700274315026.6%
2022/01/30697124449027.2%
2022/01/29692634700428.9%
2022/01/28685630750230.4%
2022/01/27678128826830.9%
2022/01/266698601048135.5%
2022/01/25659379924136.2%
2022/01/24650138545537.6%
2022/01/23644683716436.3%
2022/01/226375191062936.3%
2022/01/216268901193336.3%
2022/01/206149571235134.3%
2022/01/196026061076336.3%
2022/01/185918431151933.2%
2022/01/17580324546837.4%
2022/01/16574856727836.0%
2022/01/15567578890235.3%
2022/01/14558676953033.4%
2022/01/13549146907433.0%
2022/01/12540072651327.6%
2022/01/11533559410525.0%
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2022/01/03500148136314.7%
2022/01/0249878597713.2%
2022/01/01497808188812.8%
2021/12/31495920221310.4%
2021/12/30493707 2664
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387842715
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2020/12/312467904046
2020/12/302427444465
2020/12/292382794574
2020/12/282337052348
2020/12/272313572633
2020/12/262287242064
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2020/12/232202613059
2020/12/222172023164
2020/12/212140381699
2020/12/202123392755
2020/12/192095843274
2020/12/182063103015
2020/12/172032953348
2020/12/161999472960
2020/12/151969872368
2020/12/141946191612
2020/12/131930072422
2020/12/121905852806
2020/12/111877792355
2020/12/101854242477
2020/12/091829771811
2020/12/081811661936
2020/12/071792301511
2020/12/061777191812
2020/12/051759072300
2020/12/041736072388
2020/12/031712191880
2020/12/021693392028
2020/12/011673111505
2020/11/301658061077
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2020/11/281634531709
2020/11/271617441457
2020/11/261602871755
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2020/11/201522891200
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2020/10/31133598731
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2020/06/1320059848
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2020/06/0214095258
2020/06/0113837374
2020/05/3113463445
2020/05/3013018487
2020/05/2912531400
2020/05/2812131 403
2020/05/2711728281
2020/05/2611447264
2020/05/2511183257
2020/05/2410926259
2020/05/2310577156
2020/05/2210267151
2020/05/2110116139
2020/05/209977110
2020/05/199867141
2020/05/189726120
2020/05/179606157
2020/05/169449181
2020/05/159268150
2020/05/149118274
2020/05/138944161
2020/05/128783167
2020/05/118616168
2020/05/108448166
2020/05/098282212
2020/05/088070202
2020/05/077868137
2020/05/067731208
2020/05/057523136
2020/05/047387190
2020/05/037197107
2020/05/027090370
2020/05/016720188
2020/04/306532195
2020/04/296378178
2020/04/286200179
2020/04/276021242
2020/04/265779241
2020/04/255538200
2020/04/245338172
2020/04/235166174
2020/04/224992171
2020/04/214820162
2020/04/204658191
2020/04/194467194
2020/04/18427363
2020/04/174210194
2020/04/164016265
2020/04/153751177
2020/04/143574102
2020/04/13347272
2020/04/123400166
2020/04/113234260
2020/04/102974222
2020/04/092752224
2020/04/082528279
2020/04/072249149
2020/04/062100112
2020/04/051988187
2020/04/041801128
2020/04/031673198
2020/04/021475158
2020/04/011317136
2020/03/311181106
2020/03/30107586
2020/03/2998988
2020/03/28901115
2020/03/27786112
2020/03/26674116
2020/03/25558115
2020/03/2444398
2020/03/2334532
2020/03/2231368
2020/03/2124545
2020/03/2020063
2020/03/1913728
2020/03/1810923
2020/03/178617
2020/03/166914
2020/03/155512
2020/03/14437
2020/03/13369
2020/03/122713
2020/03/11146
2020/03/1087
2020/03/0910
This is a list of the number of cases per day since the first case was discovered in Panama

END NOTES:

I’d like to think that I’m a funny guy. I’m constantly coming up with spontaneous one-liners and fill my daughter’s WhatsApp with Bad Dad Jokes that she constantly “jajaja’s” in response. But I can’t take all of the credit. If it weren’t for a ragtag group of former military brothers (AKA: “the worms”) I wouldn’t be leading this life of wealth, fame and delusions of grandeur. So in their honor, here are few of the cleanest memes they’ve sent to me recently. And yes, this is the least dark they can be… Enjoy? Maybe?

Brett Mikkelson, CII, CPE

Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. | M1 Consultants Inc

Mobile (+507) 6674-1183

brett@bminvestigations.com / www.bminvestigations.com

Proud Member of:  Council of International Investigators (CII – Past President 2018-2019; Executive Regional Director 2021-Present), World Association of Detectives (WAD), The Fraternal Order of Investigators (Founding Member), Victory Services Club (Londrés), Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA – Isthmian Chapter), Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Asociación de Examinadores de Fraude (AEF – Panamá), Alianza de Seguridad Empresarial (ASE – Panamá).