A Shepherd from the South; IMHPA Issues Heat Watch Due to High Temperatures and Heat Index; Panamanian Ports First Quarter of 2025.

Friday, April 25, 2025. A Shepherd from the South: A Reflection on a Legacy of Hope and Change Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, he was a product of a land marked by cultural richness, deep faith, and social struggle. From humble beginnings, he joined the Society of Jesus and was ordained a Jesuit priest, earning a reputation for humility, simplicity, and a deep commitment to the poor. His experience during Argentina’s “Dirty War” left an imprint on his soul—shaping a vision of the Church as a sanctuary for the marginalized and a voice for the voiceless. His name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio—but the world came to know him by another name. On March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit to hold the position, and the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. He chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy grounded in humility, peace, and care for creation. In January 2019, he visited Panama for the 34th World Youth Day, an international celebration of faith and unity. There, he spoke not from an ivory tower, but eye-to-eye with the youth of the world—calling them to build bridges, listen deeply, and never lose hope. He visited juvenile detention centers, met with indigenous leaders, and addressed the complexities of migration, poverty, and exclusion with clarity and compassion. Throughout his papacy, he introduced reforms that challenged traditional boundaries—opening conversations that had long been silenced. He advocated for compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals, allowed blessings for same-sex couples, and elevated the voices of women within the Vatican hierarchy by appointing them to leadership roles and allowing them to vote in synods. He took strong stances on global issues, from environmental destruction to income inequality. His encyclical Laudato Si’became a cornerstone of Catholic environmental thought, and he was a persistent advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and for the humane treatment of migrants and refugees. Yet, his bold direction was not without criticism. Conservative factions resisted many of his reforms, accusing him of veering too far from tradition. Tensions simmered, and at times, erupted into public debate. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast—choosing dialogue over dogma, mercy over judgment. His legacy is one of courage wrapped in gentleness, of reform rooted in tradition, and of a Church trying, often imperfectly, to walk with humanity rather than above it. As we bid farewell, we remember him not just as a pontiff, but as a pastor—one who dared to dream of a Church that listens more than it speaks, embraces more than it excludes, and walks beside those most in need. His papacy will be remembered not for grandeur, but for grace. Brett Mikkelson TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: IMHPA Issues Heat Watch Due to High Temperatures and Heat Index The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) has issued a heat watch due to elevated temperatures and heat index, in effect through Monday, April 28, 2025. According to the report, Panama is currently transitioning from the dry to the rainy season but is experiencing a new dry spell with warm conditions. This situation leads to increased humidity, high solar radiation, and weakened trade winds. As a result, high temperatures and heat index values are expected both during the day and at night, which could potentially cause heatstroke among the population. IMHPA Announces the Areas Under Watch: IMHPA advises the public to stay well hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.Principio del formulario Final del formulario READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Immigration and Ministry of Labor Conduct Operation — What Did They Find? The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), in coordination with the National Immigration Service (SNM), has intensified its inspection operations in Panama City as part of a strategy to safeguard Panamanian jobs and combat unfair competition. What did the authorities find? During recent inspections carried out during both daytime and nighttime hours in bars, shops, and other businesses, six individuals were found working without the corresponding work permits. In response, inspectors issued the necessary administrative notices and summoned the business owners to present their explanations. Penalties will be imposed in accordance with current legislation. In addition to verifying the labor and immigration status of workers, Mitradel has also strengthened its legal guidance to employers, reminding them of their obligations under labor law to promote safer, fairer, and law-abiding workplaces. So far in April, authorities have identified 34 foreigners without work permits and 12 individuals without valid immigration documentation, according to official figures. These actions also respond to public complaints about irregular labor practices, such as unpaid wages, lack of contracts, and illegal hiring. “The government is taking firm action to defend dignified work and ensure compliance with our laws,” stated Mitradel, reiterating its commitment to remain vigilant against possible labor and immigration violations in the country. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Tocumen Airport Conducts ECHO 2025 Emergency Drill to Strengthen Security Protocols The ECHO 2025 drill, a full-scale aviation emergency exercise, was conducted this Wednesday at Tocumen International Airport, the main air hub of Latin America and the Caribbean. This exercise is designed to evaluate response capacity, optimize coordination between internal and external entities, measure reaction times, and mitigate the impact of potential critical incidents, according to airport administration. The drill is carried out every two years on airport grounds in compliance with regulations established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), which require the planning, execution, and evaluation of exercises and simulations. The scenario simulated an incident involving a fictitious airline, Oceans Airlines, arriving from an airport in the Antilles with 22 passengers and 4 crew members. The aircraft reported technical failures in its instrument panel during approach to Tocumen. After an emergency landing attempt, an explosion was simulated on taxiway Bravo beside Runway 03L, followed by a cabin fire. This triggered Alert Level 3