How Critical Thinking Actually Works; Multinationals Interested in Panama; Youth Awards.

Friday, September 26, 2025. How Critical Thinking Actually Works (and What It’s Not) We’ve all been there, scrolling through Facebook or sitting at the dinner table when someone drops, “Well, that’s just my critically thought-out opinion.” But if we’re honest, what usually follows isn’t Critical Thinking at all, it’s just an opinion with a shiny name tag. That’s why it helps to take a step back and ask: what is Critical Thinking really, and what is it not? What It Is Not Let’s clear up the myths right away: So What Is It? Critical Thinking is a process. It’s pausing before reacting, asking better questions, and weighing evidence before drawing a conclusion. It looks like this: Why It Matters The fun part is this: Critical Thinking isn’t just for philosophy class or courtrooms. It’s for Facebook threads, office debates, and family dinners. It doesn’t mean we’ll all agree, but it does mean the conversation gets sharper, fairer, and more respectful. At the end of the day, Critical Thinking isn’t about shutting down opinions, it’s about raising the standard for them. If we’re going to throw around the phrase “critically thought out,” let’s actually mean it. The world doesn’t need more loud opinions, it needs clearer thinking. Brett Mikkelson Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panamá TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Multinationals Interested in Panama, Government Presented Over $30 Billion in Investments, More Canal Projects The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, led the Council of the Americas (COA) forum in New York, an event that sold out its 54 available seats and even had a waiting list due to strong business interest. Among the companies present were Apple, Google, Amazon Web Services, Pfizer, ExxonMobil, Citibank, Chiquita Brands, Visa, and Warner Bros, among others. Mulino stated that “the time to invest in Panama is now” and emphasized that the country’s stability rests on two pillars: a dollarized economy and a pro-investment legal framework. According to the president, this combination explains the interest of multinationals in exploring opportunities for setting up and expanding in Panama. In his remarks, the president presented a portfolio of strategic projects totaling over US$30 billion in public investment, aimed at health, education, transportation, infrastructure, and innovation. Among these, he mentioned Metro Line 3 and the tunnel under the Panama Canal, currently under construction, as well as projects in the study phase such as the Panama–David railway and the electrical interconnection with Colombia. This is complemented by the Panama Canal’s US$8.4 billion portfolio, which includes works such as the Río Indio multipurpose reservoir, designed to secure drinking water for more than two million people and ensure the operation of the Canal for the next 50 years. Mulino also highlighted that in 2024, twelve new companies were established under the multinational headquarters regime, bringing the total to 186, confirming the private sector’s confidence in the country. The presidency also noted that COA President Susan Segal and Board Chairman Andrés Gluski recognized the Panamanian government’s efforts to consolidate Panama as a safe and reliable destination for foreign investment. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Youth Awards: Economic Impact of $30 Million Projected in Panama The celebration of the Youth Awards in Panama has generated a significant economic boost for the country, estimated at $30 million, according to Minister of Culture Maruja Herrera during a press conference on Tuesday. The event, which has brought international artists, hosts, production teams, and thousands of fans to the country, has had a positive impact on hotel occupancy, the gastronomy sector, and tourism in general, according to organizers and local business owners. “In addition to all the economic impact this brings, the creative industry is strengthened, cultural, diplomatic, and artistic exchange is fostered, and, above all, Panama’s cultural richness is showcased to the world,” highlighted Minister Herrera. The official also explained that the National Government allocated $5 million for the organization of the event, as part of a strategy to promote the country as a host for major international productions. The Youth Awards, organized by Univision, have become one of the most important music events in the Latin sphere, and their celebration in Panama represents a platform for global visibility for both national and international artists, as well as for emerging local talent. Business owners in the hotel and gastronomy sectors confirmed that increases in bookings, consumption, and tourist visits have been noticeable in recent days, especially in areas near the event venues. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Panama Canal: U.S. Monitors Ports and the Influence of the CCP The Panama Canal, which handles nearly 40% of U.S. container traffic and represents about $240 billion in annual trade, is once again in the geopolitical spotlight following the announced sale by Hutchison Ports, a Hong Kong-based company that operates both Panamanian ports. Hutchison, controlled by Li Ka-Shing, has been implicated in cases of fentanyl precursor smuggling and is linked to networks that advance the interests of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the West. The sale of 90% of its ports in Panama has raised international concern, although China is currently maintaining oversight without direct intervention, as long as the new company is not American. U.S. Oversight of Ports Near the Panama Canal The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform has requested a briefing for October 1, 2025, with the objective of evaluating: Panama has expressed interest in limiting Chinese influence, as evidenced by the termination of the Belt and Road Initiative, but the situation requires constant monitoring due to changes in port operations and potential international tensions. For inquiries or to schedule the briefing, the U.S. Committee provides the contact: (202) 225-5074. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Multinational Companies Launch Academy to Prepare Panamanian Talent and Strengthen Their Workforce Integration Multinational companies established in Panama, through the Chamber of Multinational Companies (Casem), have launched the Academia SEM, a pilot program designed to close the gap between local talent supply and the demand from the global corporate sector, giving more Panamanians the opportunity to work in these