Quiet Lessons From Noisy Times; U.S. to Suspend Visas for 75 Countries; Advisory Services for Panama–David Train; Moody’s Projects USD 3 Trillion Investment in Data Centers.

Friday, January 16, 2026. Quiet Lessons From Noisy Times Watching the unrest and polarization around immigration and enforcement in the U.S. has made me reflect on something important for those of us living abroad, especially expats in Panama. One of the biggest reminders is that legal status always matters. Things can feel stable for a long time, right up until they don’t. Keeping documents current and understanding where you stand legally isn’t paranoia, it’s just good sense. It’s also a reminder that visibility isn’t always your friend. In a country that isn’t your own, integration tends to serve you better than loud political expression. Panama is generally tolerant and welcoming, but it’s also institutionally conservative, and foreigners are expected to observe more than lead. Another lesson is how much tone and approach matter. Respect for local enforcement, calm interactions, and understanding how things work locally go much further than arguing or trying to import expectations from elsewhere. Along the same lines, even basic Spanish dramatically reduces friction. You don’t need to be fluent; effort alone changes how people respond. Community plays a bigger role than many realize. Knowing your neighbors, building staff, and local shop owners creates a quiet buffer that no online group ever will. When people know you, things tend to go smoother. It’s also worth remembering that Panama doesn’t frame issues the way the U.S. does. Left vs. right culture wars don’t translate well here, and forcing that lens often creates unnecessary tension. Local concerns are usually practical, not ideological. Finally, media (especially social media) rarely reflects daily reality. What’s trending online often has very little to do with life here on the ground. Panama remains one of the most stable and welcoming countries in the region, but stability is a two-way agreement. The expats who thrive here tend to be prepared, discreet, respectful, and integrated. Those who struggle often bring expectations, arguments, and cultural battles that don’t belong to the local context. Not politics, just perspective. Brett Mikkelson Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Assembly Prepares to Debate Bill on Mandatory Use of Bioethanol in Fuels The discussion about the country’s energy future is beginning to gain momentum. This Thursday, the Trade Commission of the National Assembly held a forum with specialists to analyze the benefits, risks, and challenges of the bill that seeks to reactivate the use of biofuels in Panama. The initiative, presented last October by the Minister of the Presidency, proposes making it mandatory to incorporate 10% ethanol into gasoline distributed at more than 600 service stations nationwide. According to statements by the president of the Trade Commission, Deputy Ernesto Cedeño, and the president of the Assembly, Jorge Herrera, the bill’s first debate will begin after January 30. Key points • Regulation and permits: The National Energy Secretariat would be responsible for issuing authorizations for the production and use of ethanol.• Interested companies: Four Panamanian companies have expressed their intention to invest in bioethanol production, although they are requesting a clear legal framework that guarantees the security of their investments.• Impact on prices: The Energy Secretary stated that no significant increase in consumer costs is expected, although this will depend on the evolution of international prices of ethanol and gasoline.• Expected benefits: The potential to boost agriculture in rural areas, generate employment, and contribute to environmental protection and public health was highlighted. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Companies Report Improved Sales and Greater Optimism for 2026 Companies closed December 2025 with clear signs of a recovery in sales and greater optimism looking ahead to 2026. The Positive Sales Trend reached 58%, the highest level recorded in the past 24 months, driven both by improved performance compared to the previous month and by favorable expectations for the coming year. These results correspond to the 48th edition of ELEMENTE’s Economic Activity Report, prepared with the participation of 219 companies from different sectors. Among the main findings of the report are: § 79% of companies expect to increase their sales in 2026.§ 87% plan to maintain or increase their number of employees over the next 12 months; 34% anticipate new hires.§ 80% of companies expect better economic conditions in 2026.§ 74% project a better investment climate for the coming year. By sector, activities linked to tourism showed the best performance, with hotels recording a positive sales trend of 92%, while the energy sector reported the lowest level, at 41%. The report also identifies the main business challenges for 2026, including human capital management, commercial challenges, and issues related to government and regulation. As a new feature, a new monthly measurement was introduced—the Economic Confidence Level—which stood at 8.4 out of 10 in December. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE U.S. to Suspend Immigrant Visas for Citizens of 75 Countries The United States (U.S.) will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose migrants—according to the State Department—benefit from social assistance funded by the American people. The measure was officially announced by the government agency, which stated that the decision is part of a review of immigration policies and public spending controls. U.S. to Suspend Immigrant Visas for Citizens of 75 Countries Among the countries confirmed to be affected by this suspension are Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea, although the full list of the 75 nations included has not yet been released. The State Department did not specify the exact date the measure will take effect, nor whether humanitarian exceptions or special cases will be considered. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Contract Authorized for Technical Advisory Services on the Panama–David Train Project The Cabinet Council approved Resolution 145-25, which authorizes contracting through an exceptional procedure between the National Railway Secretariat (SNDF) and the U.S. company AECOM USA, Inc. to provide technical and strategic advisory services for the development of 20% engineering of the Albrook–Sajalices segment and the consolidation of studies for the feasibility document of the Panama–David–Border Train Project, for an amount of US$4.17 million. According to a statement