6 years of fun; Panama’s economy grew 4.4% in 2025, driven by transport, trade, and services; cyberattacks on Panama’s banking system generate multi-million losses and raise alarms; Chamber of Commerce reaffirms its role as a regional business hub

Friday, March 20, 2026. 6 Years of Fun. Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed something new in our Friday morning newsletter. For nearly six years now, since March 2020, this newsletter has remained a constant. What began as a daily effort to keep our Expat community informed eventually evolved into the weekly format you receive today. The mission, however, has never changed: to provide relevant, timely insights into the events and issues in Panama that may impact you, your business, and your environment. That said, I felt it was time to add a bit of a human touch… and perhaps a little fun. Thanks to the capabilities of AI (and a bit of creativity), we’ve started including a weekly cartoon. It’s a small addition, but one intended to bring a different perspective, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes thought-provoking, while still aligned with the themes we cover. I hope you’ve enjoyed it so far. As always, your feedback is incredibly valuable. Let me know what you like, what you’d like to see more of, or any suggestions you feel would improve the newsletter moving forward. Brett Mikkelson Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama Comic Spotlight: Don’t miss The Mikkelson Files: #5 – The Case of The Mango Market Incident , featured at the end of this article.   TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Panama Sees New Increase in Gasoline Prices This Friday Fuel prices will see a significant increase starting this Friday, March 20, according to the latest update from Panama’s National Energy Secretariat. These new prices will remain in effect until April 3, 2026. Fuel Prices in Panama Panama City and Colón 95 octane: 1.144 91 octane: 1.065 Diesel: 1.210 Arraiján and La Chorrera 95 octane: 1.147 91 octane: 1.067 Diesel: 1.213 Penonomé, Aguadulce, and Divisa 95 octane: 1.152 91 octane: 1.073 Diesel: 1.218 Las Tablas 95 octane: 1.160 91 octane: 1.080 Diesel: 1.226 Boquete and border areas 95 octane: 1.168 91 octane: 1.088 Diesel: 1.234 Volcán 95 octane: 1.170 91 octane: 1.091 Diesel: 1.236 Changuinola 95 octane: 1.194 91 octane: 1.115 Diesel: 1.260 READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE   UNPAC Promotes Female Leadership in Aviation in Panama The Panamanian Union of Commercial Aviators celebrated a special event dedicated to promoting female leadership in aviation in 2026, highlighting leadership, health, and personal growth through workshops and inspiring testimonies. The Panamanian Union of Commercial Aviators (UNPAC) held the third edition of the “Empowered Women in Aviation Gathering” in 2026, International Women’s Day, with the aim of showcasing the talent, strength, and leadership of women within the industry. Captain Sonia Ortega, first female airline commander in Panama The event brought together professional women, students, and key figures from the aviation sector in a space designed for sharing experiences, learning, and inspiration. The program included talks, a literary presentation, practical activities, and moments of reflection focused on leadership, health, and personal development. Captain Ilma Velázquez, Secretary General of UNPAC During the event, Captain Ilma Velázquez emphasized the transformative role of women in aviation, recalling that “there was a time when women were told the sky was not a place for them. However, there were women who chose to ignore that limit. Women like us. Women like Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Jacqueline Cochran, Sonia Ortega, who joined us here. They set their sights upward and proved something extraordinary.” She added that today’s reality shows that “the sky belongs to no one.” She also stressed that “when a woman advances in aviation, the entire industry advances,” highlighting women’s active participation across all areas, including piloting, maintenance, operations, safety, and air traffic control, contributing to the sector’s progress and diversity. Magíster Falianis Eliska Murray The panel also featured Magíster Falianis Eliska Murray, a graduate in Tourism Business Administration with master’s degrees in Neuroscience and Public Speaking, former Top 5 finalist in Miss World Panama 2010, and former cabin crew member. Murray shared her nine years of experience in aviation, emphasizing that “success is discipline when there is no motivation, patience when there is no answer, and faith when there is no certainty.” She also encouraged attendees to recognize the value of their voice: “a woman who discovers her voice also discovers her power.” Her presentation focused on practical communication and leadership tools, highlighting the importance of clarity, consistency, and self-confidence. Mausi Cortez, Copa Airlines pilot During the literary segment, pilot Mausi Cortez presented an inspiring initiative: a children’s story created from her experience as a mother to help children understand the temporary absence of parents due to work. Inspired by her daughter’s recurring phrase, “I don’t want you to go,” the book aims to serve as an emotional tool for families facing similar situations, while also offering practical guidance. This project, rooted in real-life experiences and exchanges with other aviation professionals, reflects both professional commitment and the deep emotional bond between parents and children. Dr. Moisés Cukier, surgical oncologist Dr. Moisés Cukier, head of the Surgery Department at Pacífica Salud Hospital, provided a clear explanation on the importance of women’s health, particularly breast cancer, emphasizing prevention and early detection. He noted that the disease affects 1 in 8 women worldwide, according to global data supported by the World Health Organization. He also clarified that exams such as mammograms and ultrasounds detect but do not prevent the disease and do not replace medical consultations. He highlighted the role of genetics, referencing the case of Angelina Jolie, and concluded that education, regular medical check-ups, and healthy habits are key. Self-defense workshop A self-defense workshop was also conducted, featuring practical exercises aimed at strengthening safety, confidence, and the ability to respond effectively, including techniques to escape common holds. Yoga Nidra, “Relax Your Mind” To close the event, a facilitator guided a Yoga Nidra session titled “Relax Your Mind.” Stephany Castillo and María Milagros Ortega, ALAS students María Milagros Ortega and Stephany Castillo, students from the Latin American Academy of Higher Aviation (ALAS), highlighted the impact of the event. Ortega expressed that “a sense of unity was