Friday, April 18, 2025.
Spring Celebrations of Faith and Unity
As Easter draws near and our hearts reflect on the journey of Lent—from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday to the joyful resurrection of Easter Sunday—we are reminded of the profound power of faith, renewal, and hope. This sacred time in the Christian calendar holds deep meaning for us—as a family, a community, and a people of faith.
But we are not alone in this spiritual season. Around the same time, Jewish families gather to celebrate Passover, retelling the ancient and powerful story of the Exodus from Egypt—an enduring symbol of liberation, faith, and divine protection. As matzah is broken and stories are shared across generations, there is a deep sense of gratitude and unity that resonates across traditions.
Elsewhere, Muslim communities are concluding the holy month of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of gratitude, compassion, and renewed spiritual clarity. Hindu families mark the births of Lord Rama and Hanuman with joy and devotion. Sikh communities gather for Vaisakhi, commemorating the birth of the Khalsa and the strength of community. Buddhists prepare for the New Year and Vesak, honoring the Buddha’s life, enlightenment, and teachings. And the Bahá’í faithful celebrate the sacred Festival of Ridván, a time of divine promise and renewal.
Though the customs and calendars vary, the essence of these celebrations is deeply shared: love, reflection, family, sacrifice, joy, and the reaffirmation of values that bind us all—faith, renewal, peace, and compassion.
As Christians, we hold our faith close during this season. But we were also brought up to love and respect all people—regardless of their background or beliefs. Recognizing and honoring these diverse celebrations is not only a gesture of goodwill, but an act of true fellowship.
So as we come together to celebrate the resurrection and hope of Easter, may we also extend our joy and blessings to our neighbors near and far. Let this be a time of revival not just of spirit, but of unity—where all paths toward truth and love are welcomed, and where peace is celebrated in every home.
Wishing you a season filled with light, love, and meaningful connection.
In faith and fellowship,
Brett Mikkelson
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Traffic Police Announce Operations and Checkpoints during Holy Week
In the Azuero region, the Traffic Police have intensified operations by activating multiple checkpoints in response to the increased movement of citizens during Holy Week.
According to authorities, due to the rise in vehicle flow, there will be no lane reversals in the areas of Chame and San Carlos. Meanwhile, in the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, units will be stationed at the Chitré interchange to prevent congestion and ensure a smoother traffic flow.
Traffic Police Issue Recommendations for Holy Week
The Traffic Police urge citizens to follow traffic regulations during this Holy Week. Key recommendations include: verifying that your driver’s license is valid, ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition, and designating a responsible driver if alcoholic beverages are consumed.
Additionally, authorities have reinforced safety measures at beaches and rivers with the goal of preventing incidents and protecting visitors in these high-traffic areas.
Dry Law: Everything You Need to Know About the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages This Good Friday
The Panama City Hall has announced that the Dry Law will be in effect this Friday, April 18, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. throughout the capital district. During this period, the sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
The regulation also mandates the closure of bars, cantinas, seafood stalls, nightclubs, “jorones,” and other similar establishments. Additionally, the use of sound equipment, symphonies, and musical instruments is suspended, as well as any dance or recreational activity involving music playback.
Panama City Hall Announces Penalties for Violating the Holy Week Dry Law
City authorities have warned that anyone who fails to comply with these measures will face fines ranging from B/. 100.00 to B/. 1,000.00, as established in the official decree.
What Is the Neutrality Treaty That Is Central to the New Panama–U.S. Security Agreement?
The Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty is at the center of the debate surrounding a security memorandum signed by the governments of Panama and the United States, which involves increased—but non-permanent and rotational—U.S. military presence for joint exercises.
President José Raúl Mulino’s administration asserts that the arrangement respects the Neutrality Treaty governing the Canal because it does not permit the establishment of U.S. military bases. However, some national sectors argue the opposite, claiming it represents a surrender of sovereignty.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Security, along with two other joint declarations, was signed during the visit to Panama on April 8–9 by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth—the first visit by someone in his position in two decades, as he himself highlighted. This occurred amid international tension triggered by the U.S.–China trade war initiated during the Trump Administration and related rhetoric about China.
Hegseth maintained the narrative of an alleged “malicious” influence by China over the Canal and stated that the agreements were a way to counter it, reflecting the U.S.’s intention to regain control over the waterway. Panama rejected that claim, affirming that only the Central American nation controls the Canal, stressing that national sovereignty is neither negotiable nor up for discussion.
A Treaty and Protocol Not Signed by China
The Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal is part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties of 1977 and addresses key aspects such as impartiality and open access to the 82-kilometer waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
It is accompanied by a Protocol that allows any country to adhere to the neutrality regime by committing to respect the treaty’s provisions. This protocol has been signed by more than 40 countries—not including China, but including Taiwan.
The Torrijos–Carter Treaties, signed by then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter (1977–1981) and Panamanian Head of State Omar Torrijos (1968–1981), established the transfer of the Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. The U.S. had built and operated the Canal for over 80 years. The treaties also included the elimination of the Canal Zone and the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed there.
Permanent Neutrality
In force since October 1, 1979, the Neutrality Treaty consists of eight articles. Article I declares that the Canal, as an international waterway, shall be permanently neutral under the regime stipulated in the treaty.
Article II states that “Panama declares the neutrality of the Canal so that, in both peacetime and wartime, it remains safe and open for the peaceful transit of ships of all nations on terms of full equality,” and also that “the Canal and, consequently, the Isthmus of Panama shall not become the target of reprisals in any armed conflict between other nations.”
Article IV says: “The Republic of Panama and the United States of America agree to maintain the neutrality regime established in this treaty.”
Security and Efficiency
Article V affirms that “after the termination of the Panama Canal Treaty (the prior regime), only the Republic of Panama shall operate the Canal and maintain military forces, defense sites, and military installations within its national territory.”
Article VI acknowledges the significant contributions of both Panama and the United States to the Canal’s construction, operation, maintenance, protection, and defense. It states that warships and auxiliary vessels of both nations “shall have the right to expedited transit through the Canal.”
Article III stipulates that the Canal shall be “operated efficiently” and that tolls and related service charges shall be “fair, reasonable, and equitable, and consistent with the principles of international law.”
Controversy Over New Agreements
Panamanian sectors have criticized the new agreements as a surrender of sovereignty, especially after Hegseth’s comments upon returning to the U.S., where he spoke of military bases and troops in Panama.
These remarks contrasted sharply with his statements while in Panama, where he spoke of joint work that respects “the sovereignty of Panamanians and of the Canal,” as recalled by the U.S. Embassy on Monday.
“Their message in the U.S. is political,” said Economy and Finance Minister Felipe Chapman, reiterating that the agreement signed with the Pentagon does not compromise Panama’s sovereignty nor violate the 1977 Treaties.
Chapman noted that the U.S. has had a non-permanent military presence in Panama for decades due to joint exercises and anti-drug cooperation—details also outlined in a Foreign Ministry document listing more than 20 such agreements signed since 1990.
In Panama—a country with specialized police forces and no army since the military was abolished following the 1989 U.S. invasion—there are no U.S. military bases, in accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.
Advantages of Using Cryptocurrencies to Pay for Panama City Hall Services
The Panama City Hall will soon become the first public institution in the country to allow payments for its municipal services using cryptocurrencies, through an authorized bank that will convert the funds into U.S. dollars for the entity.
The municipality highlighted that this payment method offers several benefits, including:
• The use of cryptocurrencies will be voluntary and will not replace other payment methods. • It will not involve additional costs for the City Hall nor alter the current tax regime. • It will facilitate tax compliance from anywhere in the world. • It will enhance transparency and contribute to the modernization of municipal management.
The Panama Municipal Council approved an agreement with Towerbank International Inc. and Towertrust Inc. to enable the payment of municipal taxes using digital currencies, through an “Escrow” custody system.
The official presentation of the initiative will take place once the contract is signed with the bank involved in the project.
Fuel in Panama: Will Gasoline and Diesel Prices Go Down or Up?
The National Energy Secretariat reported that, according to the recent behavior of international markets, a decrease in fuel prices in Panama is expected starting Friday, April 18th.
Although the official prices will be announced this Wednesday, the entity mentioned that reference values show a downward trend in both gasoline and diesel prices. These potential reductions will help consumers plan their travels better, especially those who are traveling this week.
New fuel prices in Panama for the month of April
The estimated decreases are as follows:
• 91-octane gasoline: decrease of B/. 0.0380 per liter / B/. 0.1434 per gallon
• 95-octane gasoline: decrease of B/. 0.0414 per liter / B/. 0.1567 per gallon
• Low-sulfur diesel: decrease of B/. 0.0335 per liter / B/. 0.1268 per gallon
These variations reflect factors such as recent volatility in global markets, tariff adjustments in key regions, and current international supply and demand conditions.
The new prices will take effect on Friday, April 18th, as part of the regular bi-weekly review cycle.
Panamanian Society’s Participation to Increase Organ Donation
Every day, thousands of people around the world fight for survival while waiting for an organ transplant that will give them back their life. Panama is no exception.
In an emotional interview on Noticias AM, Pedro Vargas, a representative of the Renal Patients Association, made an urgent appeal to raise public awareness: organ donation can be the miracle someone needs to live.
With 30 years of experience as a renal patient and three transplants received, Vargas shared his life story, marked by gratitude towards the anonymous donors who, even without knowing him, offered him a new chance. “I don’t know where you come from or where you are going, but if destiny puts you in my path, I will be with you,” he expressed with emotion.
Panama has programs
Currently, the country has programs for kidney, liver, heart, and cornea transplants, fully funded by public institutions. However, the biggest challenge is not technical or medical, but social: the lack of awareness and citizen participation.
According to Vargas, while there are around 300 active patients on the kidney transplant waiting list, more than 3,000 people are on dialysis, many of whom could be candidates but have not yet accessed that possibility due to accessibility barriers and lack of information.
“We need to improve access to the waiting list and break the silence around the issue of donation. We must talk about it at home, in school, in the community. Only then will these miracles become a reality,” he assured.
Donation is an act of love
Vargas reminded that organ donation in Panama is free and voluntary, and that no patient is discriminated against when being a beneficiary, whether they are a registered donor or not. “This is giving and giving. If we all participate, we can all be beneficiaries one day. We don’t know when we will need it,” he emphasized.
He also insisted that the transplants carried out in the country have been made possible thanks to families who, in the midst of pain, have decided to give life after the loss of a loved one. “Just this week, there was a donor at the Santo Tomás Hospital. That’s the miracle we’re talking about, when donating is synonymous with living,” he added.
A call to society
Pedro Vargas concluded his intervention by highlighting that the participation of society is one of the strategic lines promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to increase organ donation globally.
“Donation is not just a medical decision; it is a social decision. Let’s talk about it, open our hearts, and understand that we can be the missing piece to help someone complete their life,” he concluded.
