Friday, February 28, 2025.
On Time: The Investigator’s Most Precious Resource
Time is relentless. It moves forward without pause, without negotiation, without mercy. It is the one element we can never retrieve, the silent force that dictates every opportunity, every action, and every decision. As investigators, professionals, and individuals navigating the complexities of life, time is our most valuable asset. Yet, too often, we squander it—unknowingly or even willingly—on distractions, inefficiencies, and pursuits that add little value to our purpose.
Think of an investigation. Every case has a window of opportunity—evidence degrades, memories fade, trails go cold. The difference between solving a case and losing a lead often comes down to time. Those who master the art of prioritization, urgency, and patience in the right balance are the ones who succeed. Time is not just about speed; it is about knowing when to move and when to wait, when to push forward and when to hold back.
But time is not just about work. How we use time defines the quality of our lives. We invest it in careers, relationships, passions, and pursuits that either enrich us or leave us empty. We have all met people who have “plenty of time” but never seem to accomplish anything meaningful. And then there are those who, with the same 24 hours, build legacies, strengthen bonds, and pursue excellence in every endeavor.
What separates the two? Mindfulness and intention.
Here are a few guiding principles to make time work for you instead of against you:
- Master the Art of Presence
Are you truly present in your work, your conversations, your moments of learning? Or is your mind already racing to the next task, the next problem, the next distraction? Being present multiplies the value of time. A single hour of focused effort is worth more than an entire day of half-hearted engagement. - Invest in What Matters
Just as an investigator must decide which leads to pursue and which to discard, we must choose where to invest our time. Are you spending your time where it yields the greatest return? Not just financially, but mentally, physically, and emotionally? Wasted time is like a misdirected investigation—it leads nowhere. - Avoid the Trap of ‘Someday’
How many dreams have you postponed for “someday”? A new skill, a personal goal, an overdue conversation, an unfulfilled ambition? We act as if time is abundant, but it isn’t. ‘Someday’ is a myth that lulls us into inaction. If something is important, find a way to start today. - Recognize That Time is Finite
We often talk about saving time, but time cannot be saved—it can only be spent. Every minute is a decision, an investment. And unlike money, you can’t earn more of it later. You can rebuild wealth, but you cannot reclaim lost time. - Leave a Legacy Worth Remembering
At the end of an investigation, we present our findings. In life, the case file we leave behind is the legacy we have built. What will your story be? What mark will you leave behind? The way you use your time now determines the answer.
So today, I challenge you: Live as if time matters. Use it to sharpen your skills, to build something of value, to create meaningful relationships, and to pursue excellence in all you do. Because, as the saying goes, “Time waits for no one.”The only question is—what will you do with the time you have?
Stay sharp. Stay intentional. Make it count.
Brett Mikkelson
CEO, BM Investigations
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
U.S. Embassy Announces Reduction to 12 Months for Visa Renewal
The U.S. Embassy in Panama has announced a global modification to the visa expiration requirement for the renewal of nonimmigrant visas without an interview. From now on, to qualify for this interview waiver program, the previous visa must have expired 12 months ago or less.
This change revokes the authorization issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which allowed renewal without an interview up to 48 months after the visa expiration.
U.S. Embassy Announces Reduction
Despite this modification, the other requirements to qualify for the interview waiver remain unchanged. These include applying for the visa in one’s country of nationality or residence, not having been previously denied (unless that denial was overcome or waived), and not having any apparent or potential ineligibility. Consular officers may also require additional interviews on a case-by-case basis.
It is important to note that applicants who completed their application before February 14 and met the waiver requirements may be called for an in-person interview. Applicants will be notified directly if an interview is required.
For more details or to check the status of their application, interested individuals can visit the official website: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/es-pa/niv.
The Embassy continues to work to ensure an efficient and secure visa process in line with U.S. security standards.
ASEP to Launch Bidding Process for a New Operator
The telecommunications market will soon have new players, as the Public Services Authority (ASEP) is preparing the necessary documentation to open the bidding process that will allow new companies to offer telecommunications services in Panama.
Currently, there are only two telecommunications operators in the country, following the exit of one company from the market and the absorption of another by an existing operator.
According to ASEP, it is analyzing the national landscape to identify the sector’s needs and ensure that new companies meet the required standards and user expectations.
The bidding process to select a new telecommunications operator in Panama is expected to be announced later this year.
ASEP Administrator Zelmar Rodríguez:
Zelmar Rodríguez, ASEP’s administrator, stated that it is crucial to make adjustments to the bidding process to make it more attractive to the market and ensure the participation of a new operator.
Number Portability
ASEP reported that Panama has reached a record number of phone number portings in the 13 years since number portability was introduced for both mobile and fixed-line services.
During a brief event titled “Evolution of Number Portability,” ASEP celebrated a major national milestone: 5 million portings since the right to keep one’s phone number was implemented on November 29, 2011.
Key Statistics:
📌 5 million number portings have taken place since the implementation of portability on November 29, 2011.
📌 25% increase in portings since 2020, when the COVID-19 health emergency began.
Administrator Zelmar Rodríguez emphasized that this achievement reflects a regulatory framework aligned with global technological advancements. Panama started number portability in 2011 with just 5,205 ported numbers.
Over the past 13 years, number portability has consistently increased, with surprising figures. Notably, during the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, portings surged by 25%.
Probidsida Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness About HIV Among Youth
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) participated in the official launch of the campaign titled “HIV Doesn’t Kill, Fear of Testing Does,” organized by the Probidsida Foundation as part of the carnival festivities. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the country’s youth.
Alex González, Senior Advisor at MINSA, stated that the institution’s strategies focus on a coordinated project involving the Social Security Fund (CSS), MINSA, and other organizations working to support programs related to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, with the goal of providing comprehensive care.
Orlando Quintero, Director of Probidsida, reported that in 2023, there was an increase in cases among individuals aged 15-19, with 170 HIV diagnoses and 40 AIDS cases.
He also noted that 12 deaths were recorded, nine of which were from the Ngäbe-Buglé region. Dr. Quintero highlighted that the areas most affected by HIV in Panama are the Metropolitan Region, followed by Panama Oeste, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and San Miguelito.
“We urge the entire population participating in carnival festivities to be aware of the risks and recognize that every action they take could expose them to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and syphilis, as well as unintended pregnancies and traffic accidents—situations that, in one way or another, could prevent them from living life to the fullest,” he stated.
He emphasized that a person with HIV, if diagnosed early, can receive treatment to prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.
In Panama, approximately 1,500 people are diagnosed with HIV and 300 with AIDS each year, with the most affected age group being 20-29 years old.
Attorney General Recommends Declaring Panama Ports Contract ‘Unconstitutional’
The Attorney General, Luis Carlos Gómez, issued his opinion regarding the unconstitutionality lawsuit against Article 1 of Law 5 of January 16, 1997, which approves the port concession contract for Balboa and Cristóbal in favor of Panama Ports Company S.A. The lawsuit was filed by attorneys Norman Castro and Julio Macías.
According to Gómez, the challenged law, Law No. 5 of January 16, 1997, is unconstitutional, and he has requested the Supreme Court of Justice to declare it as such.
The Attorney General’s decision regarding the contract granting Panama Ports Company the rights for the development, construction, administration, and management of the port terminals in Balboa and Cristóbal violates fundamental constitutional principles.
Additionally, he argues that there was a possible lack of transparency in the negotiation, inequality in competition, and harm to the interests of the State.
Among the key points considered by the Attorney General in his opinion are: the transfer of rights, which he deemed as an improper transfer of exclusive rights of the Panamanian State to Panama Ports Company. Furthermore, he believes that this transfer of rights affects free competition and grants the company privileges, including the concession of land areas.
The Attorney General’s opinion is outlined in his Vista No. 01 dated February 19, 2025.
The lawsuit filed by attorneys Castro and Macías Hernández was submitted to the Supreme Court of Justice on February 3, on their own behalf, arguing that the law granting the contract is unconstitutional.
Panama Ports holds a 50-year contract, set to expire in 2047. It is worth noting that in 2021, a lawsuit was filed against the contract extension, but at the time, the Court found no grounds to overturn the decision.
On Tuesday, February 25, the Supreme Court issued Edict No. 241, establishing a 10-day period for interested parties to present their arguments.
Discussion on CSS Reform Resumes on Thursday, the 6th
The discussion on the reform of the Social Security Fund (CSS) will resume on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the National Assembly, after the Legislative Secretariat completed the reading of more than 200 proposed amendments to Project 163.
Deputies, in agreement, decide not to increase the retirement age
Among the key points of the debate, deputies José Pérez Barboni from Moca and Luis Eduardo Camacho from Realizando Metas stated that there is no consideration for raising the retirement age for both men and women. They indicated that there is consensus among lawmakers not to support this measure proposed by the Executive, which was eliminated in the first debate and was not included in the final version drafted by the Labor, Health, and Social Development Committee.
With the reading of the 259 amendments, including individual and group proposals, this phase of the process has concluded. Now, advisors will work on preparing a comparative chart to facilitate the review and selection of the most viable proposals. The next step will be to reach a consensus on the amendments article by article among the parliamentary groups and unify the document for the second debate.
The proposed changes to Project 163 aim to improve the healthcare system offered by the CSS, optimize the pension and retirement scheme, strengthen the administration and hiring of qualified personnel, as well as establish a technical board to oversee the efficiency of the system. The inclusion of three new members in the board of directors, representing the labor sector, is also being considered, along with promoting the investment of CSS assets in state-owned banks rather than private ones.
Another central topic in the discussion has been the supply of inputs and medications, as well as the review of the criteria and percentages for retirement.
It is worth noting that the original document, consisting of 203 articles, was subject to national public consultation by the Labor, Health, and Social Development Committee, allowing the incorporation of suggestions and concerns from the population.
More than 300 Panamanians Are Waiting for a Life Opportunity Through an Organ Transplant
On the occasion of International Organ and Tissue Transplant Day, the Social Security Fund (CSS) emphasized the importance of this altruistic act that provides a new opportunity for life to those suffering from vital organ problems. In Panama, more than 300 people are currently waiting for a transplant.
According to Dr. Ihamir Duarte, the National Coordinator of Transplants at the CSS, there are currently 306 people in need of a kidney transplant, and another four require a liver transplant.
Despite progress in public awareness and access to information, Dr. Duarte highlights that much work remains to be done in terms of sensitizing the public.
While educational campaigns are yielding results, the goal is to achieve a population that is 100% empathetic to the cause of organ donation.
A recent milestone for the country was the completion of a multi-organ donation, a historic event where six people received a new opportunity for life thanks to the generosity of a donor. This achievement has underscored the importance of continuing to promote the culture of donation in Panama.
In this regard, Duarte made a call to the public to join this cause, urging individuals to express their willingness to be organ donors while they are still alive.
Additionally, the specialist reminded family members to respect this decision at the appropriate time.
“Being a donor is a significant decision that involves love, empathy, and honor. However, once the decision is made, it is essential for the person to clearly communicate it to their loved ones, as unfortunately, family members often oppose fulfilling the wishes of the deceased,” Duarte commented.
Education from childhood is another fundamental pillar for advancing the creation of a strong donation culture.
Duarte emphasized that beyond policies and campaigns, it is necessary for solidarity to take root in new generations, making organ donation an act of love and altruism that can save lives.
In a call to action, Duarte concluded her message by stressing the importance of empathy and social commitment.
Carnival 2025: Authorities Launch the “Guardians 2025” Operation
This Thursday, Panamanian authorities launched the “Guardians 2025” carnival operation, an integrated security plan aimed at ensuring the protection of citizens during the 2025 Carnival festivities. The operation will involve more than 17,000 members of security forces, supported by 2,000 units from the Fire Department, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), and the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco).
“Guardians” Operation to be held at 19 locations nationwide
The operation will take place at 19 strategic points across the country, with the collaboration of various entities such as the National Police, the National Air and Naval Service (Senan), the Panamanian Red Cross, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), the Ministry of Health (Minsa), among others. Security will be reinforced in both land areas as well as maritime and air zones.
Additionally, to coordinate all security actions, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) will be activated, which will be based in Santa María, Herrera province. From this center, response activities to any incidents will be coordinated until the operation concludes on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
