Tis the Season; IMHPA Forecasts Rain and Choppy Seas until December 25th; No More Burned Children; DGI Intensifies Inspections and Fines for Non-Compliance.

December 13, 2024 Tis the Season… You won’t get a cheerful Christmas jingle from me today, but you will get a serious wake-up call if you don’t pay attention to this week’s article. The holidays aren’t just a time for joy—they’re also prime season for theft, scams, and break-ins. In the past week alone, we’ve seen a surge in crimes: cars being broken into, scammers targeting the elderly, bold thefts at shopping centers, internal theft by employees, and a wave of pickpocketing and shoplifting. While these incidents aren’t entirely unusual, the alarming rate at which they’re happening this season is cause for serious concern. Stay Vigilant: Personal Security Comes First Protect your belongings and never leave items in your car. Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or running errands—especially bank transfers—keep your valuables with you. Even if there are uniformed, armed security guards present, don’t assume they will protect you. Guards may act as a deterrent, but during the holidays, desperation reaches new heights, and the risks increase dramatically. One of the most common mistakes we see in December is people leaving newly purchased Christmas gifts in their cars at mall parking lots. They shop store-to-store, depositing their hard-earned bounty in the trunk or backseat, only to return and find their car broken into. In seconds, thieves make off with your gifts, leaving you with financial loss, vehicle damage, and wasted time. Filing a formal criminal complaint becomes a lengthy and frustrating process. And don’t expect much help from the malls—they often lack the resources, and in some cases, the cameras you see all over your favorite shopping center aren’t even working. Another glaring issue is withdrawing large sums of cash—such as your yearly Christmas savings—from the bank, only to leave it in your car while grabbing lunch at a nearby fonda. Don’t be careless. This is an open invitation for disaster. Keep your cash secure, and never leave it unattended. The Bigger Picture: Socioeconomic Pressures Driving Crime Understanding the societal pressures behind this spike in crime is crucial. Panama has a population of approximately 4.6 million (2023), with around 60%—or 2.76 million—of working age. Of these, an estimated 20% earn only the minimum wage, about 552,000 individuals. In 2024, the average monthly minimum wage ranges between $400 and $700, depending on job type and location, with an hourly rate of $2.00 to $3.50. Pair these figures with another sobering statistic: approximately 1,380,000 people in Panama live below the U.S. poverty threshold of $27,700 annually for a family of four. While $27,700 (or roughly $2,300 per month) might seem livable, many families in Panama must pool resources to survive, often under poverty-level conditions. These financial pressures escalate during the holidays, creating an environment ripe for opportunistic crimes. Prevention is Key This holiday season, vigilance is your best defense. Stay aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, and avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t rely on others—such as security guards or shopping malls—to protect you. Prevention and caution are your greatest tools for ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Warning! IMHPA Forecasts Rain and Choppy Seas until December 25th The Panama Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (IMHPA) has reported that continuous rain is expected in the provinces of Panama Oeste, Coclé, and Herrera until December 25, 2024. This forecast includes rainfall of varying intensity, accompanied by possible thunderstorms in some areas. IMHPA Alert for Choppy Seas and Strong Waves IMHPA has also issued a precautionary alert for choppy seas and strong waves, which will continue until Saturday, December 14. These adverse marine conditions could affect navigation and fishing activities along Panama’s Pacific coasts. Recommendations Authorities urge the public to take preventive measures: • Avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams. • Stay informed about weather reports. • Adhere to warnings regarding access to beaches and coastal areas during the choppy seas period. IMHPA continues to monitor weather conditions and recommends following the instructions of civil protection agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE The Metropolitan Natural Park has a Public Use Plan In order to carry out sustainable management and biodiversity conservation, the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has made the Public Use Plan for the Metropolitan Natural Park official, one of the main protected areas in Panama City. The director of the Metropolitan Natural Park, Dinora Vásquez, emphasized that this use plan helps organize tourism activities, environmental education, and scientific research. She also highlighted that it allows for planning future projects, such as the creation of new trails. The Public Use Plan for the park was made official on Wednesday, December 11, by the Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, who stated that the plan enables the regulation of public use of the park in a sustainable manner. Ennio Arcia, vice president of the park’s board, highlighted the park’s biodiversity, location, and historical role, stressing the importance of defining its management category to ensure long-term protection. According to data from MiAmbiente, the Metropolitan Natural Park spans over 232 hectares of tropical forest, hosts 418 species of vertebrates and 633 plant species. It is also a strategic green lung for the city and a key center for scientific research and environmental education. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Minsa Launches “No More Burned Children” Campaign During Christmas and New Year’s Holidays The Ministry of Health (MINSA), in coordination with the Panama Fire Department and the Association of Municipalities of Panama (AMUPA), launched the “No More Burned Children” campaign and signed an agreement to strengthen control over the illegal sale of fireworks in the country. This joint action aims to reduce accidents related to fireworks, which in previous years have resulted in fatalities and severe injuries. The Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo, emphasized that fireworks should not be sold to minors, as they pose a serious risk to their health and safety. “These fireworks accidents cause mutilations in children and can even lead to death in some cases,” warned Boyd Galindo, who also pointed out the negative effects these devices