Friday, January 10, 2025.
Martyrs’ Day, observed annually on January 9, holds deep significance in Panama as it commemorates the lives of Panamanians who were killed during the events of January 9, 1964. This pivotal moment in the nation’s history, known as the Flag Riots, symbolized Panama’s fight for sovereignty over the Panama Canal Zone, which was then controlled by the United States.
The conflict began when a group of Panamanian students from the Instituto Nacional marched to Balboa High School, located in the U.S.-controlled Canal Zone, to raise the Panamanian flag next to the U.S. flag. This act was meant to honor a prior agreement between the two countries, allowing both flags to be displayed in the zone. However, their efforts were met with resistance from U.S. residents, escalating into a confrontation that resulted in the Panamanian flag being torn. The desecration of this national symbol sparked widespread outrage across Panama, leading to protests and violent clashes between Panamanian civilians and U.S. soldiers and police. Over the course of the unrest, 21 Panamanians lost their lives, and hundreds were injured.
The events of January 9, 1964, significantly bolstered Panama’s nationalist movement and marked a turning point in the country’s relationship with the United States. The riots highlighted the deep resentment Panamanians felt toward foreign control of the Canal Zone and intensified pressure on the U.S. to address Panamanian demands for sovereignty. These efforts ultimately led to the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which set the framework for the complete transfer of the Panama Canal and its surrounding zone to Panama by the end of 1999.
Today, Martyrs’ Day is a solemn and patriotic occasion in Panama. It is marked by memorial ceremonies, speeches, and educational events to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of sovereignty and the resilience of the Panamanian people. For many, it is a time to reflect on the struggles of the past and the enduring pride in the country’s achievements.
There is a striking irony, however, in the timing of this year’s commemoration. January 9, 2025, also marks the burial of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the man who played a central role in returning the Panama Canal to Panamanian hands. Carter, whose signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977 cemented his legacy as a champion of diplomacy and fairness, is remembered by Panamanians as a U.S. leader who acknowledged their sovereignty and corrected a historical injustice. His funeral on the same day Panamanians honor their martyrs provides a poignant contrast—one reflecting a dark chapter of oppression and loss, and the other celebrating the resolution of that struggle through peaceful negotiation and mutual respect. Carter’s contributions are a reminder that even the deepest divides can be bridged, leaving a legacy of hope and reconciliation.
Amid these commemorations, recent developments have stirred curiosity and concern about the future of the Panama Canal. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a strong interest in involving the United States more heavily with the canal, suggesting it could play a key role in his administration’s global strategy. Adding to the intrigue, Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced a bill on January 9, 2025, proposing that the United States repurchase the Panama Canal. While the bill is unlikely to gain traction in Panama, where national sovereignty over the canal is fiercely protected, the timing of its introduction has not gone unnoticed. For Panamanians, these moves evoke memories of the decades-long struggle to reclaim the canal and highlight the enduring significance of the canal as both a geopolitical asset and a symbol of national pride.
As Panama reflects on its martyrs and celebrates its hard-won sovereignty, these developments serve as a reminder of the canal’s importance not only to Panama but also to the wider world. The nation’s determination to protect its independence remains as steadfast as ever, even as new challenges and opportunities emerge.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
CSS Temporarily Suspends Mi Caja Digital for Technical Improvements
The Social Security Fund (CSS) has announced the temporary suspension of its Mi Caja Digital platform to enhance its technical capacity following the overwhelming success of its launch. With over 2.5 million connections in just a few hours, the platform experienced a demand that exceeded expectations.
Purpose of Mi Caja Digital by the CSS
Mi Caja Digital, which allows contributors to access their full contribution history and calculate their pension amount, will return soon with improvements to continue providing efficient services. This development marks a historic milestone, as users can now access their information instantly with just one click.
Minsa Warns About the Risks of Grassland Burning During the Dry Season
The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through its Chiriquí Regional Office, recently warned about the dangers of burning vegetation and inorganic waste during the transition to the dry season.
The Regional Chief of Environmental Sanitation, Diego Serrano, highlighted that burning grasslands, plastics, and chemical substances poses a risk to public health and the environment. Consequently, he urged municipal authorities to prohibit these practices.
“We call on mayors and municipal peace officers to strictly ban all types of burning, as it not only threatens lives and affects the health of the population but also causes economic losses and environmental damage,” Serrano stated.
During the first half of 2023, the entity responded to 289 burn cases in Chiriquí. Minsa emphasizes that eliminating burning as a traditional method of cleaning requires education and raising public awareness.
MiAmbiente Calls for Respecting Fishing Practices to Protect Wildlife
The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has issued an urgent appeal to fishermen to respect the environment and collect waste generated during their activities to prevent harm to wildlife.
This request follows an incident during a park ranger patrol at Brazo Camarón and Miraflores lakes, located in the Camino de Cruces National Park, where a turtle was rescued after becoming trapped in an abandoned fishing hook.
MiAmbiente emphasized that poor fishing practices, such as leaving hooks, lines, and other equipment in the area, pose a threat to various species, including turtles, birds, and caimans, among others.
Mental Health and Suicide in Panama: How to Care for Others and Ourselves?
In Panama, on average, one person takes their life every three days. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the country’s youth. It’s crucial to recognize when we or someone close to us may be at risk.
Warning Signs:
- Active suicidal thoughts: When a person expresses the desire or intention to take their life. The risk increases if they discuss specific methods and dates.
- Passive suicidal thoughts: When someone doesn’t explicitly state they want to end their life but says things like, “Things would be better without me,” “I wish I could sleep and never wake up,” or similar expressions.
- Unusual or excessive consumption of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Lack of purpose, hopelessness, or feeling trapped in a situation, whether economic, work-related, health-related, or emotional.
- Withdrawing from loved ones or family.
- Outbursts of anger, mood swings, and neglect of personal appearance or other aspects of life.
If you identify with anything on this list, talk to a trusted family member or friend and ask them to help you seek professional or medical help. Just like you’d visit a dentist for a cavity, everyone can and should visit a psychologist to take care of their mental health.
If you feel you have no one and can’t take it anymore, you can go to a medical emergency room and explain your situation. Additionally, helping someone in need or doing volunteer work can be a good way to ease those feelings, even if just for a while.
How to Help Someone Else:
If you notice these signs in another person, it’s essential to talk directly to them. Share your observations and listen to them without judgment for as long as they need. Talking about the issue will not give them more ideas than they already have, and that moment of pause and reflection could make a huge difference.
Help them get professional assistance, whether from a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist. If the risk is severe, accompany them to the emergency room and inform the institution’s staff.
A Valid Concern: Costs
Here is a list of public mental health services available in Panama:
Mental Health Services in Panama:
Bocas del Toro
- Psychology: MINSA CAPSI-Finca 30-Changuinola
Veraguas
- Psychiatry: MINSA CAPSI La Mata, Santiago Health Center, Canto del Llano Health Center
- Psychology: MINSA CAPSI La Mata, Santiago Health Center, Canto del Llano Health Center, San Francisco Health Center, Luis “Chicho” Fábrega Hospital
Ngäbe-Buglé Region
- Psychology: TARV Clinic
Coclé
- Psychiatry: Penonomé Health Center
- Psychology: Penonomé Health Center, Antón Health Center
Colón
- Psychiatry: Buena Vista Health Center, Juan A. Núñez Policlinic
- Psychology: Reintegra
Panama East
- Psychiatry: Pacora Health Center
Panama North
- Psychiatry: Alcalde Díaz Health Center
Help Lines in Panama:
- Mental Health/Emotional Support Line: 169
- Ministry of Social Development: 147
- National Institute of Mental Health (INSAM) – Suicide Risk: 523-6800
- Cruz Blanca Panameña: 6674-9695, 6020-9825 (Colón: 6872-4523)
- SENNIAF, Tía Elaine (psychological assistance): 6378-3466
- Domestic Violence – Ministry of Women: Line 182
Parade of the Thousand Polleras 2025: Authorities Announce Security and Traffic Operations
Authorities are already preparing for the much-anticipated Parade of the Thousand Polleras 2025, implementing special logistics to ensure road safety and order during this important celebration.
Traffic chief Fernando Pérez reported that security measures are already in place, with units ready from key areas such as La Chorrera, Chame, and San Carlos, if needed. Additionally, these units will be active nationwide, and if necessary, strategic lane changes will be implemented.
Designated areas for the safe parking of participating delegations have also been coordinated. Furthermore, ongoing security patrols will be conducted to ensure the peace of attendees and guarantee the success of the event.
Arraiján Municipality Removes Illegal Structures at Veracruz Beach
The mayor of Arraiján, Estefany Peñalba, led an intervention on Thursday, January 9, at Veracruz Beach to remove illegal structures built in the servitude area.
During her visit, Peñalba emphasized that these buildings, dangerously located near the beach, not only lacked construction and occupancy permits but also posed a risk to both residents and tourists.
“We are removing all the structures here, returning this space to the community,” stated the mayor in front of the marked buildings set for demolition.
Buildings Without Permits
Among the structures identified are restaurants with blue roofs and buildings up to three stories tall that operate without any legal authorization.
“None of these have construction or occupancy permits, and they are not owners of this land,” Peñalba stressed, making it clear that the municipal administration will not allow the misuse of public spaces.
These actions are part of an effort to restore order in the area and ensure that spaces belonging to the community are respected and used legally.
The mayor also called on the residents of Veracruz to reclaim the beach as a community space. “This space belongs to the people of Veracruz. We are going to give the power back to the community and put an end to these illegal practices,” Peñalba said.
Operations
Just on January 4, Peñalba and her team removed signs installed by some businesses that restricted parking in the area. A photo circulated on social media showing a sign indicating that parking was exclusive to a commercial establishment, with charges of up to $5 for its use at Veracruz Beach. This caused dissatisfaction among residents and prompted action from the Municipality.
