Spring Celebrations of Faith and Unity; Traffic Police Announce Operations and Checkpoints during Holy Week; Dry Law: Good Friday.

Friday, April 18, 2025. Spring Celebrations of Faith and Unity As Easter draws near and our hearts reflect on the journey of Lent—from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday to the joyful resurrection of Easter Sunday—we are reminded of the profound power of faith, renewal, and hope. This sacred time in the Christian calendar holds deep meaning for us—as a family, a community, and a people of faith. But we are not alone in this spiritual season. Around the same time, Jewish families gather to celebrate Passover, retelling the ancient and powerful story of the Exodus from Egypt—an enduring symbol of liberation, faith, and divine protection. As matzah is broken and stories are shared across generations, there is a deep sense of gratitude and unity that resonates across traditions. Elsewhere, Muslim communities are concluding the holy month of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of gratitude, compassion, and renewed spiritual clarity. Hindu families mark the births of Lord Rama and Hanuman with joy and devotion. Sikh communities gather for Vaisakhi, commemorating the birth of the Khalsa and the strength of community. Buddhists prepare for the New Year and Vesak, honoring the Buddha’s life, enlightenment, and teachings. And the Bahá’í faithful celebrate the sacred Festival of Ridván, a time of divine promise and renewal. Though the customs and calendars vary, the essence of these celebrations is deeply shared: love, reflection, family, sacrifice, joy, and the reaffirmation of values that bind us all—faith, renewal, peace, and compassion. As Christians, we hold our faith close during this season. But we were also brought up to love and respect all people—regardless of their background or beliefs. Recognizing and honoring these diverse celebrations is not only a gesture of goodwill, but an act of true fellowship. So as we come together to celebrate the resurrection and hope of Easter, may we also extend our joy and blessings to our neighbors near and far. Let this be a time of revival not just of spirit, but of unity—where all paths toward truth and love are welcomed, and where peace is celebrated in every home. Wishing you a season filled with light, love, and meaningful connection. In faith and fellowship, Brett Mikkelson TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Traffic Police Announce Operations and Checkpoints during Holy Week In the Azuero region, the Traffic Police have intensified operations by activating multiple checkpoints in response to the increased movement of citizens during Holy Week. According to authorities, due to the rise in vehicle flow, there will be no lane reversals in the areas of Chame and San Carlos. Meanwhile, in the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, units will be stationed at the Chitré interchange to prevent congestion and ensure a smoother traffic flow. Traffic Police Issue Recommendations for Holy WeekThe Traffic Police urge citizens to follow traffic regulations during this Holy Week. Key recommendations include: verifying that your driver’s license is valid, ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition, and designating a responsible driver if alcoholic beverages are consumed. Additionally, authorities have reinforced safety measures at beaches and rivers with the goal of preventing incidents and protecting visitors in these high-traffic areas. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Dry Law: Everything You Need to Know About the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages This Good Friday The Panama City Hall has announced that the Dry Law will be in effect this Friday, April 18, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. throughout the capital district. During this period, the sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. The regulation also mandates the closure of bars, cantinas, seafood stalls, nightclubs, “jorones,” and other similar establishments. Additionally, the use of sound equipment, symphonies, and musical instruments is suspended, as well as any dance or recreational activity involving music playback. Panama City Hall Announces Penalties for Violating the Holy Week Dry LawCity authorities have warned that anyone who fails to comply with these measures will face fines ranging from B/. 100.00 to B/. 1,000.00, as established in the official decree. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE What Is the Neutrality Treaty That Is Central to the New Panama–U.S. Security Agreement? The Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty is at the center of the debate surrounding a security memorandum signed by the governments of Panama and the United States, which involves increased—but non-permanent and rotational—U.S. military presence for joint exercises. President José Raúl Mulino’s administration asserts that the arrangement respects the Neutrality Treaty governing the Canal because it does not permit the establishment of U.S. military bases. However, some national sectors argue the opposite, claiming it represents a surrender of sovereignty. The Memorandum of Understanding on Security, along with two other joint declarations, was signed during the visit to Panama on April 8–9 by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth—the first visit by someone in his position in two decades, as he himself highlighted. This occurred amid international tension triggered by the U.S.–China trade war initiated during the Trump Administration and related rhetoric about China. Hegseth maintained the narrative of an alleged “malicious” influence by China over the Canal and stated that the agreements were a way to counter it, reflecting the U.S.’s intention to regain control over the waterway. Panama rejected that claim, affirming that only the Central American nation controls the Canal, stressing that national sovereignty is neither negotiable nor up for discussion. A Treaty and Protocol Not Signed by China The Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal is part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties of 1977 and addresses key aspects such as impartiality and open access to the 82-kilometer waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is accompanied by a Protocol that allows any country to adhere to the neutrality regime by committing to respect the treaty’s provisions. This protocol has been signed by more than 40 countries—not including China, but including Taiwan. The Torrijos–Carter Treaties, signed by then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter (1977–1981) and Panamanian Head of State Omar Torrijos (1968–1981), established the transfer of the Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. The U.S.