To Our Outgoing US Administration; Fuel Prices Will Increase This Friday; Two Panamanians Rescued After 8 Days as Castaways in the Pacific Ocean; Acodeco Reports $24 Million in Claims for Breaches in 2024.

Friday, January 24, 2025. To Our Outgoing US Administration To be clear, I was not much of a supporter of the now previous administration, the Biden Administration. However, I believe it’s important to give credit where it’s due. Serving as President of the United States for the past four years is no small task, and while I may disagree with much of what this administration prioritized, there are positive accomplishments worth acknowledging. As the world turns its attention to President Trump’s remarks about Panama and other international issues, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the achievements during the Biden Administration that stood out to me. Admittedly, some of their self-proclaimed “accomplishments” made me cringe, but the following highlights are examples of initiatives I found genuinely commendable Advancements in Space Exploration: The administration supported NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future exploration of Mars. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Signed in August 2022, the IRA sought to lower prescription drug costs, expand renewable energy initiatives, and reduce the federal deficit. It also marked the largest investment in combating climate change in U.S. history. Prescription Drug Pricing Reform: A key feature of the IRA allowed Medicare to negotiate prices for certain medications, capping out-of-pocket costs for seniors—a long-overdue change in the healthcare system. Chips and Science Act: Passed in 2022, this legislation bolstered domestic semiconductor manufacturing, helping to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and support technological innovation. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Enacted in November 2021, this bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure law focused on improving roads, bridges, public transit, clean energy, and expanding broadband access to underserved areas. For the LGBTQ+ community, there was a sincere effort to expand protections and implement non-discrimination policies. While some initiatives may have sparked polarized reactions, I believe the administration’s intention to help these communities was genuine, and that effort deserves recognition. While I remain critical of many aspects of the Biden Administration, it is worth noting the positive strides that were made. Recognizing these accomplishments is a reminder that progress, however imperfect, is often the result of good intentions paired with meaningful action. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the public servants who dedicated their efforts to serving our nation over the past four years. Your work often goes unnoticed, but it plays a vital role in maintaining our government and society. I also extend a heartfelt thank you to our military personnel, who continue to selflessly serve and protect our country every day. Your commitment and sacrifice ensure the freedoms we hold dear. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Fuel Prices Will Increase This Friday The Panama Energy Secretariat announced the new fuel prices starting this Friday, January 24, at 5:59 a.m. According to the Secretariat’s report, the price of 95-octane gasoline will increase by $0.02 per liter, reaching $0.93. Meanwhile, 91-octane gasoline will rise by $0.02, reaching $0.89 per liter. Additionally, low-sulfur diesel will see an increase of $0.05 per liter, bringing its price to $0.88. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Two Panamanians Rescued After 8 Days as Castaways in the Pacific Ocean Two Panamanian castaways were rescued this Wednesday, 150 nautical miles off the Colombian coast, after drifting for eight days in a small boat, according to the Ecuadorian Navy. The rescue was carried out by the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Cabo San Vicente, which later transported the men to the Ecuadorian port of Esmeraldas, near the Colombian border. Upon arrival, the castaways received medical attention and were placed under the custody of local authorities, who are coordinating their return to Panama. Panamanians spent 8 days as castawaysThe rescue operation was made possible thanks to joint coordination between the Ecuadorian Navy, the Colombian maritime authority, and the crew of the Cabo San Vicente, a 228-meter-long vessel covering the route between Panama’s Melones Island port terminal and Esmeraldas. Authorities highlighted the swift response and international collaboration that saved the lives of the castaways, who had been adrift under circumstances that remain unclear. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Acodeco Reports $24 Million in Claims for Breaches in 2024 Claims filed for warranty breaches, lack of information, and refunds in 2024 amount to $24 million. This is revealed in a report by the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco), which details that 841 complaints were filed for warranty breaches, totaling $6.1 million. For lack of information, 555 complaints were recorded, amounting to $4.4 million; for refunds, a total of 343 complaints were filed, totaling $3.8 million; and for service breaches, 232 complaints were filed for a total of $452,000. In total, 2,673 complaints were received nationwide, the institution highlighted. By activity, the highest number of consumer complaints was as follows: READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE MICI Appeals WTO Ruling in Trade Dispute Between Panama and Costa Rica The Government of Panama announced on Thursday its decision to appeal the report issued by the arbitrators of the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the trade dispute with Costa Rica that has been ongoing since 2021, stemming from import requirements for agricultural and food products. The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) stated that, after a technical analysis of the ruling, the recommendations in the report do not adequately ensure the protection of Panama’s interests and rights. The appeal seeks to secure a thorough legal review of the decision in accordance with WTO procedures. The trade conflict began when Costa Rica decided not to renew the authorizations for Panamanian meat and dairy processing plants, which led Panama to implement specific requirements for certain imported products. Although Costa Rica brought the case to the WTO, Panama emphasized that it had previously respected a Costa Rican decision in this area. MICI Appeals WTO RulingDespite the appeal, the Panamanian Government reaffirmed its commitment to international law and its willingness to resolve differences with Costa Rica through constructive bilateral dialogue. Panama also stressed that it will continue to protect its sanitary and phytosanitary heritage, complying with both national and international