On Time: The Investigator’s Most Precious Resource; U.S. Embassy Announces Reduction to 12 Months for Visa Renewal; ASEP to Launch Bidding Process for a New Operator.

Friday, February 28, 2025. On Time: The Investigator’s Most Precious Resource Time is relentless. It moves forward without pause, without negotiation, without mercy. It is the one element we can never retrieve, the silent force that dictates every opportunity, every action, and every decision. As investigators, professionals, and individuals navigating the complexities of life, time is our most valuable asset. Yet, too often, we squander it—unknowingly or even willingly—on distractions, inefficiencies, and pursuits that add little value to our purpose. Think of an investigation. Every case has a window of opportunity—evidence degrades, memories fade, trails go cold. The difference between solving a case and losing a lead often comes down to time. Those who master the art of prioritization, urgency, and patience in the right balance are the ones who succeed. Time is not just about speed; it is about knowing when to move and when to wait, when to push forward and when to hold back. But time is not just about work. How we use time defines the quality of our lives. We invest it in careers, relationships, passions, and pursuits that either enrich us or leave us empty. We have all met people who have “plenty of time” but never seem to accomplish anything meaningful. And then there are those who, with the same 24 hours, build legacies, strengthen bonds, and pursue excellence in every endeavor. What separates the two? Mindfulness and intention. Here are a few guiding principles to make time work for you instead of against you: So today, I challenge you: Live as if time matters. Use it to sharpen your skills, to build something of value, to create meaningful relationships, and to pursue excellence in all you do. Because, as the saying goes, “Time waits for no one.”The only question is—what will you do with the time you have? Stay sharp. Stay intentional. Make it count. Brett MikkelsonCEO, BM Investigations TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: U.S. Embassy Announces Reduction to 12 Months for Visa Renewal The U.S. Embassy in Panama has announced a global modification to the visa expiration requirement for the renewal of nonimmigrant visas without an interview. From now on, to qualify for this interview waiver program, the previous visa must have expired 12 months ago or less. This change revokes the authorization issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which allowed renewal without an interview up to 48 months after the visa expiration. U.S. Embassy Announces Reduction Despite this modification, the other requirements to qualify for the interview waiver remain unchanged. These include applying for the visa in one’s country of nationality or residence, not having been previously denied (unless that denial was overcome or waived), and not having any apparent or potential ineligibility. Consular officers may also require additional interviews on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note that applicants who completed their application before February 14 and met the waiver requirements may be called for an in-person interview. Applicants will be notified directly if an interview is required. For more details or to check the status of their application, interested individuals can visit the official website: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/es-pa/niv. The Embassy continues to work to ensure an efficient and secure visa process in line with U.S. security standards. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE ASEP to Launch Bidding Process for a New Operator The telecommunications market will soon have new players, as the Public Services Authority (ASEP) is preparing the necessary documentation to open the bidding process that will allow new companies to offer telecommunications services in Panama. Currently, there are only two telecommunications operators in the country, following the exit of one company from the market and the absorption of another by an existing operator. According to ASEP, it is analyzing the national landscape to identify the sector’s needs and ensure that new companies meet the required standards and user expectations. The bidding process to select a new telecommunications operator in Panama is expected to be announced later this year. ASEP Administrator Zelmar Rodríguez: Zelmar Rodríguez, ASEP’s administrator, stated that it is crucial to make adjustments to the bidding process to make it more attractive to the market and ensure the participation of a new operator. Number Portability ASEP reported that Panama has reached a record number of phone number portings in the 13 years since number portability was introduced for both mobile and fixed-line services. During a brief event titled “Evolution of Number Portability,” ASEP celebrated a major national milestone: 5 million portings since the right to keep one’s phone number was implemented on November 29, 2011. Key Statistics:📌 5 million number portings have taken place since the implementation of portability on November 29, 2011.📌 25% increase in portings since 2020, when the COVID-19 health emergency began. Administrator Zelmar Rodríguez emphasized that this achievement reflects a regulatory framework aligned with global technological advancements. Panama started number portability in 2011 with just 5,205 ported numbers. Over the past 13 years, number portability has consistently increased, with surprising figures. Notably, during the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, portings surged by 25%. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Probidsida Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness About HIV Among Youth The Ministry of Health (MINSA) participated in the official launch of the campaign titled “HIV Doesn’t Kill, Fear of Testing Does,” organized by the Probidsida Foundation as part of the carnival festivities. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the country’s youth. Alex González, Senior Advisor at MINSA, stated that the institution’s strategies focus on a coordinated project involving the Social Security Fund (CSS), MINSA, and other organizations working to support programs related to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, with the goal of providing comprehensive care. Orlando Quintero, Director of Probidsida, reported that in 2023, there was an increase in cases among individuals aged 15-19, with 170 HIV diagnoses and 40 AIDS cases. He also noted that 12 deaths were recorded, nine of which were from the Ngäbe-Buglé region. Dr. Quintero highlighted that the areas most affected by HIV in Panama are the Metropolitan Region, followed by Panama Oeste, the