Country Commemorations and Canal Complexities; CSS Temporarily Suspends Mi Caja Digital for Technical Improvements; Minsa Warns About the Risks of Grassland Burning During the Dry Season; Mental Health and Suicide in Panama.

Friday, January 10, 2025. Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on January 9, holds deep significance in Panama as it commemorates the lives of Panamanians who were killed during the events of January 9, 1964. This pivotal moment in the nation’s history, known as the Flag Riots, symbolized Panama’s fight for sovereignty over the Panama Canal Zone, which was then controlled by the United States. The conflict began when a group of Panamanian students from the Instituto Nacional marched to Balboa High School, located in the U.S.-controlled Canal Zone, to raise the Panamanian flag next to the U.S. flag. This act was meant to honor a prior agreement between the two countries, allowing both flags to be displayed in the zone. However, their efforts were met with resistance from U.S. residents, escalating into a confrontation that resulted in the Panamanian flag being torn. The desecration of this national symbol sparked widespread outrage across Panama, leading to protests and violent clashes between Panamanian civilians and U.S. soldiers and police. Over the course of the unrest, 21 Panamanians lost their lives, and hundreds were injured. The events of January 9, 1964, significantly bolstered Panama’s nationalist movement and marked a turning point in the country’s relationship with the United States. The riots highlighted the deep resentment Panamanians felt toward foreign control of the Canal Zone and intensified pressure on the U.S. to address Panamanian demands for sovereignty. These efforts ultimately led to the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which set the framework for the complete transfer of the Panama Canal and its surrounding zone to Panama by the end of 1999. Today, Martyrs’ Day is a solemn and patriotic occasion in Panama. It is marked by memorial ceremonies, speeches, and educational events to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of sovereignty and the resilience of the Panamanian people. For many, it is a time to reflect on the struggles of the past and the enduring pride in the country’s achievements. There is a striking irony, however, in the timing of this year’s commemoration. January 9, 2025, also marks the burial of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the man who played a central role in returning the Panama Canal to Panamanian hands. Carter, whose signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977 cemented his legacy as a champion of diplomacy and fairness, is remembered by Panamanians as a U.S. leader who acknowledged their sovereignty and corrected a historical injustice. His funeral on the same day Panamanians honor their martyrs provides a poignant contrast—one reflecting a dark chapter of oppression and loss, and the other celebrating the resolution of that struggle through peaceful negotiation and mutual respect. Carter’s contributions are a reminder that even the deepest divides can be bridged, leaving a legacy of hope and reconciliation. Amid these commemorations, recent developments have stirred curiosity and concern about the future of the Panama Canal. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a strong interest in involving the United States more heavily with the canal, suggesting it could play a key role in his administration’s global strategy. Adding to the intrigue, Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced a bill on January 9, 2025, proposing that the United States repurchase the Panama Canal. While the bill is unlikely to gain traction in Panama, where national sovereignty over the canal is fiercely protected, the timing of its introduction has not gone unnoticed. For Panamanians, these moves evoke memories of the decades-long struggle to reclaim the canal and highlight the enduring significance of the canal as both a geopolitical asset and a symbol of national pride. As Panama reflects on its martyrs and celebrates its hard-won sovereignty, these developments serve as a reminder of the canal’s importance not only to Panama but also to the wider world. The nation’s determination to protect its independence remains as steadfast as ever, even as new challenges and opportunities emerge. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: CSS Temporarily Suspends Mi Caja Digital for Technical Improvements The Social Security Fund (CSS) has announced the temporary suspension of its Mi Caja Digital platform to enhance its technical capacity following the overwhelming success of its launch. With over 2.5 million connections in just a few hours, the platform experienced a demand that exceeded expectations. Purpose of Mi Caja Digital by the CSS Mi Caja Digital, which allows contributors to access their full contribution history and calculate their pension amount, will return soon with improvements to continue providing efficient services. This development marks a historic milestone, as users can now access their information instantly with just one click. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Minsa Warns About the Risks of Grassland Burning During the Dry Season The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through its Chiriquí Regional Office, recently warned about the dangers of burning vegetation and inorganic waste during the transition to the dry season. The Regional Chief of Environmental Sanitation, Diego Serrano, highlighted that burning grasslands, plastics, and chemical substances poses a risk to public health and the environment. Consequently, he urged municipal authorities to prohibit these practices. “We call on mayors and municipal peace officers to strictly ban all types of burning, as it not only threatens lives and affects the health of the population but also causes economic losses and environmental damage,” Serrano stated. During the first half of 2023, the entity responded to 289 burn cases in Chiriquí. Minsa emphasizes that eliminating burning as a traditional method of cleaning requires education and raising public awareness. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE MiAmbiente Calls for Respecting Fishing Practices to Protect Wildlife The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has issued an urgent appeal to fishermen to respect the environment and collect waste generated during their activities to prevent harm to wildlife. This request follows an incident during a park ranger patrol at Brazo Camarón and Miraflores lakes, located in the Camino de Cruces National Park, where a turtle was rescued after becoming trapped in an abandoned fishing hook. MiAmbiente emphasized that poor fishing