Friday, July 4, 2025.
My Operation Vacation
A Note of Gratitude for Punta Pacifica Hospital
This past week, I underwent a serious back operation to repair three degenerated and herniated discs in my lower lumbar region. It was a major surgery, one that had me mentally preparing for the worst. But from the moment I arrived, something unexpected happened: I felt cared for. Deeply cared for.
What made the difference? The people.
It’s obvious that the staff at Punta Pacifica Hospital aren’t just qualified, they actually like people. That alone sets the tone for healing. Friendliness goes a long way in an environment like this, and what I found was a team of individuals who treated me not just as a patient, but as a person.
None of this would have even been possible without Mike Kelly, one of the hospital administrators and the key to getting everything aligned. He was the one who helped me get my paperwork in place with FMP, coordinated with Dr. Oviedo, and opened the door to this wonderful hospital. He was the first step on what is now a path toward a better, healthier life and I’m truly grateful.
In the ICU, I was never left waiting or wondering. The crew was attentive, warm, and professional. When I moved to a standard room, I expected the care to drop off. It didn’t. It was as if the entire hospital had agreed that their mission was to make sure I felt supported at every step.
There are so many people I’d like to thank individually. Nurse Maria, a quiet professional who I quickly realized was just deeply focused and loved her job; we became fast friends. James and Oscar were standouts. Gladys and Daisy, who checked my vitals regularly, I affectionately nicknamed Virgo and Aries after their zodiac signs. And my anesthesiologist, Melissa, what a legend. She had me knocked out smooth and steady until 1AM.
The surgical team worked with precision, assisted by the ExcelsiusGPS robot (or as I called it, “GeePee”, because who remembers full names when you’re on meds?). That robotic guidance gave me peace of mind knowing I was in excellent hands, both human and high-tech pushing the boundaries of science fiction.
From the physical therapy staff, to the cleaning crew, to the wheelchair “mafia” who always had a smile and a joke, to every visitor who came through my door: thank you. You didn’t just help me recover physically, you made me feel safe, respected, and even cheerful in a situation that could have been daunting.
I’ve joked since that I’m “already planning my next operation,” as if this place were a vacation. But the truth is, if I ever had to go through something like this again, it would be here. Without a doubt.
Thank you, Punta Pacifica Hospital. You’re more than a hospital, you’re a team of healers, and I’m truly grateful.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Bocas del Toro Gradually Returns to Normal After Weeks of Blockades
After weeks of paralysis and roadblocks throughout the province, Bocas del Toro is beginning to gradually regain its daily routine with the resumption of public transportation and the return to school.
Public transport on the Changuinola-David route resumed operations on Wednesday, July 2, bringing relief to residents who had spent over a month unable to move freely throughout the region. Some passengers expressed gratitude for finally being able to visit family after such a long time. Others noted that activity is picking up again, with both businesses and buses visibly returning to operation.
However, drivers report low passenger turnout, meaning trips are only made when there is enough demand to make the journey profitable. “We’re working from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., but that’s temporary for now,” one driver explained.
Another significant step toward normalcy came in the education sector. After months of suspended classes, all schools in the province have resumed academic activities.
From early in the morning, thousands of students returned to their classrooms. Education authorities implemented a strategy based on competency-focused learning guides for students at all levels, from preschool to twelfth grade.
These guides were distributed to school principals and teachers to serve as a framework for the recovery of priority content.
Despite this progress, plantain producers in Las Delicias — a border area of the province — have reported losses exceeding $250,000 due to the road closures.
MEDUCA Confirms Replacement of Teachers Has Begun in Educational Centers
The Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) announced that it has begun the process of replacing teachers due to the nationwide teachers’ strike, which has lasted for over two months. Minister Lucy Molinar stated that the new educators are already teaching in various schools across the country.
“There are no closed schools anywhere in the country. There has been a process of raising awareness and understanding, and we are now focused on the tools needed to recover knowledge. Learning is the most important thing,” the minister emphasized.
On Wednesday, July 2, during an interview on the ECO TV program Radiografía, Minister Lucy Molinar explained that the teacher replacement process is being carried out gradually, in order to avoid disruptions to students’ learning continuity.
Search Continues for Sandra Denham, Missing for 15 Days in Boquete
The Specialized Unit for Missing Persons of the Public Ministry, in coordination with investigative agencies and organizations dedicated to search and rescue efforts, continues intensive operations to locate Sandra Denham, a 74-year-old woman reported missing 15 days ago in the district of Boquete.
Efforts are focused around Mrs. Denham’s residence, using specialized techniques to detect any clues that may help determine her whereabouts. The methods employed include drone surveillance, a specially trained search dog from the special units, and ground search teams.
“We’re using two drones and a special unit dog. Additionally, we have four search teams deployed in points of interest near Mrs. Sandra’s home. Today, we have around 70 people from various participating institutions on the ground, using mapping technology to rule out specific areas,” explained Gustavo Barragán, spokesperson for the Specialized Unit for Missing Persons.
Mrs. Denham’s son expressed deep concern over the situation and made a public plea for awareness, noting that he receives false calls daily and urging people to be more considerate in such sensitive matters.
Officials from the Public Ministry emphasized that the main objective at this stage is to continue eliminating areas and gathering any evidence that may contribute to finding Sandra Denham. The search efforts remain active as the investigation progresses.
How to Update Information and RUC with the DGI?
The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has reminded all taxpayers that they must mandatorily update their information in the Unique Taxpayer Registry (RUC) through the e-Tax 2.0 platform before August 31, 2025.
This requirement was established by Resolution 201-4488, recently published in the Official Gazette, and aims to keep the tax information of individuals and legal entities registered with the agency up to date.
Taxpayers must update their information with the DGI before August 31
According to lawyer Daniela Amado, from the office of the General Director of Revenue, upon entering the e-Tax system, taxpayers will see certain fields marked in red with asterisks that must be updated obligatorily.
“The deadline is August 31. We invite all taxpayers to comply within the allotted time to avoid penalties,” Amado stated.
The DGI also reminded that failure to update the RUC, as well as failure to submit reports, declarations, or payments, will result in automatic fines reflected on the taxpayer’s account statement.
How to update the RUC on e-Tax 2.0?
- Access the e-Tax 2.0 portal
- Log in with your RUC number and password
- Select the option “RUC Update Request” from the menu
- Correctly fill out all required fields, including those marked with red asterisks
- Verify the information before submitting
- Click “Submit” to complete the process.
Authorities Investigate Cases of Illegal Fishing in Protected Waters of Coiba
The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and the Aquatic Resources Authority (ARAP) convened a working group on Wednesday, July 2, to evaluate the results of investigations into possible illegal fishing activities in the Managed Resources Area of the Coiba Mountain Range.
The meeting aimed to review analyses conducted by the Joint Analytical Cell (JAC), an international initiative that combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Pacific waters.
The JAC provides fisheries authorities with specialized intelligence, technical analysis, and capacity building to address this issue affecting the region’s marine resources. This joint coordination fosters collaboration among different organizations and countries to improve fisheries management and increase transparency of activities at sea.
The team of experts is currently analyzing vessels involved in potential illegal fishing activities within the protected Panamanian area, which is part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR).
According to the institution, CMAR represents a collaborative effort to protect the marine biodiversity of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, promoting conservation, sustainable resource use, and cooperation among the region’s nations.
MiAmbiente noted that Panama plays a strategic role in CMAR’s management by hosting the permanent headquarters of its technical secretariat. This marine corridor was established in 2004 by Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama with the objective of protecting and managing marine areas through comprehensive ecosystem-based management.
The technical support table led by the JAC platform operates under the Strengthening Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Project in CMAR, coordinated by the Pacific Foundation.
The project includes implementing partners such as OceanMind, Global Fishing Watch, and WildAid, and is funded by the Bezos Earth Fund.
China Calls for “Caution” in the Sale of Several Panamanian Ports to a U.S. Consortium
The Chinese government urged Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison Holdings on Thursday to exercise “caution” regarding its plan to sell several port operations in the Panama Canal to a consortium led by the United States, a deal that Beijing is watching with concern.
He Yongqian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce, warned that “all parties involved in the transaction must not attempt to bypass the legal oversight process” and emphasized that those involved should be aware of the “legal responsibilities” that could arise from such agreements.
“It is expected that the companies involved maintain a clear understanding of this and proceed with caution,” he added.
China issues warning to CK Hutchison over port sale
The sale project was first announced in March, following weeks of public pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly stated that he does not rule out military intervention to “take back” the Panama Canal, citing alleged Chinese influence.
The purchasing consortium is led by BlackRock, the world’s largest investment management firm. China has expressed its opposition to the deal and has launched an investigation to verify its legality.
Meanwhile, CK Hutchison, founded by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, has assured that the transaction will be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. This operation once again places the Panama Canal at the center of the geopolitical dispute between the world’s two leading powers.
State Reform Underway: Staff Reduction and Merger of Entities
Four public entities will undergo structural reforms led by President José Raúl Mulino’s administration, as part of his promise to reduce the size of Panama’s government.
One of these is the Ministry of Women, which will be downgraded to a secretariat within the Ministry of Social Development. Formerly known as the National Institute for Women and attached to MIDES, it was elevated to a ministry during Laurentino Cortizo’s government (2019-2024) to strengthen gender-related institutional frameworks.
According to the 2025 State budget, the Ministry of Women has a budget of $11.6 million—slightly less than the $12 million allocated in 2024—and a payroll of over 125 employees. The creation of this ministry faced criticism from the start, since its initial budget exceeded the $4.8 million of the former institute. Currently, Niurka Palacios heads the Ministry of Women.
The second entity included in the reform process is the Authority for Investment Attraction and Export Promotion (Propanamá), which will be integrated into the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. Investment attraction, country branding, and participation in international events will be managed by an ad honorem committee composed of representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Foreign Affairs Ministry, PROMTUR, the Presidency’s Secretariat of Economic Affairs, and members of the private sector.
“The policy for investment attraction, country branding, and participation in international events will be handled by an ad honorem committee formed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Foreign Affairs, PROMTUR, the Secretariat of Economic Affairs of the Presidency, plus participation from the private sector,” explained President Mulino in his first-year management report.
The third announced change involves the National Mortgage Bank, which will be transformed into an Institute for the Promotion of Social Housing. This restructuring will include an 80% reduction in staff and the elimination of rental expenses. The process will be coordinated by the Savings Bank and will feature a housing titling and regularization program, starting with homeowners who are current on their payments and who will receive special benefits.
The Agricultural Development Bank (BDA) will also be reformed into an Agricultural Promotion Institute, supervised by the National Bank, with the goal of reducing operating costs. Recently, Roberto Barría Stanziola resigned as BDA’s general manager, and Francisco Mejía, the current deputy manager, was appointed acting general manager.
These decisions are part of a broader Executive effort to reduce state spending, including adjustments to the public payroll.
According to the General Comptroller’s Office report for February 2025, the total state workforce numbered 249,270 employees, with 239,132 permanent staff and 10,138 temporary staff. Of these, 156,226 worked in the Central Government and 93,044 in the decentralized sector.
This represents an increase of 4,466 employees compared to January 2025, when the total workforce was 244,804.
The Comptroller’s Office noted that workforce changes have mainly occurred in temporary positions, with the highest turnover seen in the Ministry of Public Security, the National Assembly, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and the Technological University of Panama.
