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 felt—something long needed for women in aviation worldwide,” while Castillo noted that the event confirmed that “there is a place for women within the aviation industry.” Both emphasized the inspiration provided by the captains present and the importance of motivating new generations, reinforcing the event’s central message: every woman who enters and leads in aviation helps shape the future of the entire industry.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
Panama Grew 4.4% in 2025 Driven by Transport, Trade, and Services
Panama’s economy recorded a 4.4% growth in 2025, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). Gross Domestic Product (GDP), measured at constant 2018 prices, reached US$84.75 billion, representing an increase of US$3.53 billion compared to the previous year.
This performance was primarily driven by the transport sector, which expanded by 14.5%. A key contributor was the Panama Canal, where toll revenues increased by 22.0%. Growth was also supported by higher port activity and an increase in both air and ground passenger transport.
Other sectors contributing to growth included commerce, which rose by 3.6%; construction, up 2.7%; and financial intermediation, which grew by 5.2%.
In contrast, some sectors experienced declines. Agriculture and fishing activities decreased by 1.7%, while re-exports from the Colón Free Trade Zone fell by 10.4%.
In nominal terms, GDP reached US$90.46 billion, reflecting a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
Cyberattacks on the Banking System Cause Multi-Million Losses and Raise Alarms in Panama
During the 6th International Congress on Cybersecurity and Data Protection, authorities and financial sector representatives warned about the growing number of cyberattacks targeting banking institutions in Panama—an issue that directly impacts customers and generates significant financial losses.
The president of the Panamanian Banking Association, Ernesto Boyd Jr., noted that these incidents have increased in recent years.
“In some way, it has been possible to quantify them, and last year the number exceeded 150 million attack-related incidents against the national financial system, with the cost of these attacks reaching close to $20 million—something very concerning,” he stated.
Cybercrimes encompass various methods, including phishing (identity theft), cyber harassment, and banking fraud, all aimed at obtaining confidential information, committing fraud, or violating users’ privacy.
Meanwhile, the director of the National Police, Jaime Fernández, warned that some of these criminal operations are even coordinated from within correctional facilities.
“We have also seen many cases originating from prisons, and as the National Police, we are working together to increasingly dismantle these criminal structures within penitentiaries,” he said.
The event brought together more than 550 participants from different sectors, who exchanged knowledge, experiences, and best practices to address the challenges of the digital environment.
At the same time, authorities highlighted that fraud cases in Panama have shown a steady increase, with an average of 17 victims per day, reinforcing the need to promote digital education and prevention strategies to reduce the population’s vulnerability to these crimes.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
Panama Strengthens Its Position in the Audiovisual Industry Following Its Participation in Málaga
Panama concluded its participation in the Málaga Film Festival with five awards and a fully executed agenda focused on film exhibition, co-production negotiations, and promoting the country as a strategic destination for international filming within the Ibero-American audiovisual ecosystem.
Through the efforts of the National Film Directorate of the Ministry of Culture and the Film Commission of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Panamanian representatives demonstrated their competitiveness in the Work in Progress section. The feature film “La Residencia” by director Mariel Spooner received the Río Bravo, Yagan Films, and Sanfic Latam awards.
Additionally, the documentary “Cuscú” by director Riseth Yangüez won the Link Río FIDBA award, while the production “Puro R.A.P.” by Ángel Corro also participated in this category. In the short film segment, Panama took part in the Málaga Short Corner and competed in the Ibershort Awards with “Cómo Cantan las Aves” by Sara Martínez.
In the Latin American Focus section, dedicated specifically to Panama, there was strong attendance at screenings of feature films supported by the national film fund, including “Espina” by Daniel Poler, “Papeles” by Arturo Montenegro, and “Querido Trópico” by director Ana Endara.
Panama’s presence extended to the MAFIZ industry zone, where the fiction project “Menarquía” by Jairo Ramos and the documentary “El Legado de Reina” by Tatiana Salamín represented the country. The latter received the Cantico Producciones award for the creation of original music for its promotional piece.
The institutional agenda included the presentation of the Biznaga de Honor to Vice Minister Arianne Benedetti by Málaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, symbolizing strengthened cultural ties between both nations.
On the business front, a co-production agreement between Panama and Uruguay was announced, along with new minority co-productions by director Frank Spano and agreements led by producer Xochil Vergara with Colombia and Costa Rica.
Additionally, the Embassy of Panama in Madrid signed a memorandum of understanding with Plataforma Artística Trama to enhance cultural cooperation.
As part of the investment attraction strategy, technical panels titled “Co-produce with Us, Panama Is Your Ally” and “We Are a Production Hub” showcased tax incentives and competitive advantages offered by Panama for major productions.
This promotional effort was complemented by special screenings for international distributors of films such as “Cautiverio,” “Chichero,” “Indio Conejo,” “Soñar el Jazz,” “Sucedió en Enero,” and the documentary “Belisario Porras, Architect of a Nation.”
The delegation also engaged in training and cultural activities, including Ana Laura Samaniego’s participation in Málaga Talent and the projects “Ana Pascal” and “Teratoma” in the WARMI Lab.
The artistic proposal concluded with the performance “Flamenco Típico Panameño” by Odette Cortez and Anita Loynaz, along with showcases of Panamanian specialty coffee.
Following these results, Panama’s internationalization strategy will continue this year with participation in the Cannes Film Festival and Ventana Sur, alongside efforts to promote a new film law aimed at strengthening the professionalization of the local industry.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
Chamber of Commerce: “Panama Reaffirms Its Role as a Regional Business Hub”
Panama once again demonstrated its ability to bring the world together by hosting five international trade fairs—Expocomer, Expo Logística Panamá, Expo Turismo Internacional, Expo Tech, and Expo Eléctrica Internacional. These events gathered companies, investors, and leaders from various sectors, reinforcing the country’s position as a key platform for trade exchange and the development of strategic alliances, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) stated on Sunday.
In a statement, the organization highlighted that the scale of these events reflects Panama’s transformation into one of the most important logistics hubs in the region. With strong maritime, air, and commercial connectivity linking the Americas to the rest of the world, Panama continues to position itself as a natural platform for global trade and international investment.
The Chamber noted that the confidence shown by international delegations is rooted in long-standing strengths: modern infrastructure, organizational expertise, connectivity, and a historic openness to trade. “Each edition of these exhibitions confirms the country’s ability to host globally relevant business events and to create spaces where ideas turn into concrete projects,” the CCIAP stated.
Beyond commercial showcases, these fairs serve as a powerful tool for international positioning. In a global context shaped by the reconfiguration of supply chains and the search for new strategic partners, Panama has proven it can play a key role as a facilitator of high-level business engagement.
The convergence of sectors such as trade, logistics, tourism, technology, and energy within a single platform reflects the diversity and potential of Panama’s economy, as well as the confidence of the global business community in the country as a reliable partner for doing business.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE
The Mikkelson Files: #5– The Case of The Mango Market Incident
