Friday, July 11, 2025.
The Lost Sanctum of Thought: Rediscovering “The Study”
“I’ll be in my study,” the 1800s professor would say, gently kissing his wife on the cheek before retiring to a quiet room filled with books, inkpots, and the scent of burning wood. It wasn’t just a room, it was a sanctuary. A place where ideas were born, theories refined, and the day’s noise dissolved into concentrated thought. The study was more than a space; it was a mindset.
Back then, The Study symbolized focus, reflection, and purpose. It was where the clutter of the outside world was shut out, so a man could wrestle with questions larger than himself, whether scientific, philosophical, or deeply personal. The walls were often lined with tomes, journals, maps, and scribbled notes; silent witnesses to the making of ideas that could change a household, a business, or sometimes even the world.
In today’s homes, that sacred space has largely vanished. Architects no longer design a designated “study” into the blueprint of a home. Instead, we see open-concept living rooms, kitchen islands, and multi-purpose “flex rooms” designed to adapt to a fast-paced, always-on lifestyle. The idea of a dedicated room for quiet contemplation seems antiquated. Like an unnecessary luxury.
In its place, we now have “man caves” filled with sports memorabilia and flat screens, or garages filled with tools and tinkering projects. While there’s absolutely value in these outlets for recreation and release, they rarely serve the deeper function that the study once held: a place to engage the mind, reflect on complex problems, and formulate new ideas.
The tragedy isn’t just architectural though, it’s cultural. We’ve deprioritized intentional stillness. We’ve allowed distraction to become a permanent companion. In a world where noise reigns supreme and every moment begs to be filled with content, the act of doing nothing but thinking feels almost rebellious. But that’s exactly what The Study was for. It was a quiet rebellion against chaos. It was a forge for clarity, creativity, and conviction.
Imagine what could be accomplished if each of us carved out even an hour a day in a room like that. Not to consume, but to create. To sketch out that business plan you’ve been shelving. To write the first chapter of that book. To read the old philosophers or tackle a new idea. To reconnect with your values and vision, not through a screen, but through deep, undisturbed thought.
I say, we need to bring back The Study. Whether it’s in a quiet corner of your home, a repurposed guest room, or simply a chair by the window with a closed door and a notebook, we challenge you to reclaim the discipline that The Study once demanded. You don’t need mahogany furniture or a pipe to conjure brilliance, you just need time, silence, and a will to think.
In a world that is quickly losing the ability to pause, let us be the ones who remember. Let us reintroduce this sanctum of thought into our modern lives—not for nostalgia’s sake, but because the world needs more thinkers, solvers and visionaries. And perhaps, just perhaps, that starts with a door you close behind you, and the silence that follows.
Let’s welcome back The Study and may it become your favorite room once again.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
ATTT Launches ‘Paz y Salvo’ and Suspends Licenses of Delinquent Drivers in Panama
The Transit and Land Transportation Authority (ATTT) has launched the “Paz y Salvo” operation as part of a national strategy to reduce the high level of debt owed by thousands of drivers to the institution.
Simón Henríquez, Director General of the ATTT, reported that the operation began on June 2 with a payment arrangement phase, collecting around B/. 4 million during its first stage, which lasted until July 3. During that period, nearly 5,000 drivers voluntarily came forward to settle their debts.
ATTT’s ‘Paz y Salvo’ Operation: How Will It Affect Delinquent Drivers?
“We are now developing the ‘Paz y Salvo’ operation, carrying out a series of enforcement actions through our executing judge, with the aim of continuing to reduce the high delinquency rate among drivers nationwide,” Henríquez explained.
Outstanding debt exceeds B/. 59 million and includes fines for contempt, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and other serious violations.
“I’m surprised by some debts that exceed $12,000 for a single individual, which include contempt, speeding, alcohol consumption, and repeated offenses… there are also cases due to insufficient balances,” the director added.
SMS Notifications
As part of complementary measures, the ATTT will send personalized SMS messages to delinquent drivers, informing them of the amount owed and the payment deadline, in order to facilitate the process and avoid additional penalties.
Henríquez reiterated his call for drivers to take advantage of available payment arrangements and settle their debts with the institution to avoid future enforcement actions.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: How Surgery Is Changing at Ciudad de la Salud
Vicente Chiu, National Deputy Director of Health Technology and Security at the Social Security Fund (CSS), shared with Noticias AM an overview of the progress the institution has made in modernizing surgical procedures through the implementation of robotic surgeries and the use of artificial intelligence—developments that, according to Chiu, provide patients with greater safety due to their minimally invasive nature.
According to Dr. Chiu’s report, Ciudad de la Salud is the only public institution in Panama offering robotic surgeries, having performed 270 procedures since 2024 for various diagnoses in both men and women.
Chiu clarified that the use of this advanced technology does not replace surgeons, but rather supports them with state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgical procedures. These enable less invasive interventions, with incisions as small as 1 to 2 centimeters, significantly reducing the risk of infection, bleeding, and postoperative pain.
As a result, patients require fewer antibiotics and painkillers and recover more quickly—often returning to their daily activities within just a few days.
Specialties currently using this technology include:
- Gynecology: surgeries for fibroids, hysterectomies, among other conditions.
- Urology: including radical prostatectomy for localized cancer cases.
- General surgery: primarily cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
- Bariatric surgery: for treating morbid obesity in selected patients.
Chiu emphasized that this type of technology was previously exclusive to private healthcare, and is now, for the first time, being incorporated into a public medical facility in Panama. However, Ciudad de la Salud currently only has two surgical robots, which is why patients undergo a meticulous selection process to determine eligibility.
Candidates must undergo comprehensive preoperative evaluations, have controlled chronic conditions, and must not have any active infections. Robotic surgeries are not performed in emergency cases, all with the goal of “avoiding the risk of complications.”
Regarding the medical staff, Chiu explained that the institution already has trained specialists, and training programs are being developed so more surgeons can operate under this new modality.
“No matter the cost, the benefit is immense. And for our leadership under Director Dino Mon, the goal is for this to reach everyone—all patients who qualify for it,” said Chiu, who also expressed gratitude for the institutional support received in acquiring the equipment and training the staff.
This medical advancement aims to position Panama among the leading countries in the region investing in robotics and artificial intelligence to modernize their public healthcare systems and improve patient quality of life.
Voluntary Insurance in Panama: How Much Does It Cost to Enroll in the CSS in 2025?
The Social Security Fund (CSS) reminded the public that the procedures to enroll in the Voluntary Insurance scheme are now available. This option is aimed at those who are not subject to the mandatory scheme, such as independent workers, homemakers, or people who have left formal employment.
According to the CSS, it is mandatory to undergo medical exams to start the process, which cost B/. 47.00 for Panamanians (by birth or naturalization) and B/. 94.00 for foreigners.
Additionally, applicants must declare a minimum monthly income base of B/. 500.00, on which the monthly contributions under the voluntary scheme will be calculated.
Who Can Enroll in the CSS?
According to Law 51 of 2005 and Resolution No. 52,805-2018-J.D., the following groups can enroll:
- Group A: Persons who left the mandatory scheme and have at least 36 contributions within six months after leaving.
- Group B: Panamanians or foreigners not subject to the mandatory scheme and who do not meet Group A requirements.
- Group C: Persons serving international organizations.
- Group D: Persons serving diplomatic and consular missions accredited in Panama.
- Group E: Adults or emancipated persons dedicated exclusively to homemaking.
- Group F: Workers in special situations contemplated in Article 77 of the law.
- Group G: Independent workers not subject to mandatory affiliation.
General Requirements:
- Be up to date (paz y salvo) with CSS payments.
- Submit required documents according to the affiliation group.
- Complete medical exams and administrative process.
For more information and to carry out the procedure online, visit the official portal: https://tramites.css.gob.pa/
CENTER: The Digital Platform Empowering Entrepreneurs
With the goal of supporting the country’s development, the launch of the CENTER platform took place on Tuesday, July 8. CENTER promotes digital transformation for entrepreneurs and innovators in Panama.
This platform brings together a community of entrepreneurs and established brands, operating within an online marketplace that facilitates e-commerce connections among its users, digitalizing and optimizing their business functions.
As part of this initiative, and supported by the City of Knowledge Foundation and the International Center for Sustainable Development through the Universal Energy Access Program, CENTER will start with ten courses providing training and assistance through its digital platform www.center.com.pa in areas such as entrepreneurship, social innovation, and business culture, initially supporting over 100 beneficiaries from the Ngäbe Buglé Comarca.
These courses initially focus on developing digital skills, followed by guiding the entrepreneurial process—from idea identification, market analysis, financial evaluation, to formalization steps.
The initiative is part of the project “The ABC of the Entrepreneur for Digital Transformation,” jointly developed by the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT), the Specialized Higher Technical Institute (ITSE), and the Center for Scientific and Technological Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CiiECYT-AIP), through the CENTER digital platform.
The launch event was attended by Raúl Fernández, Director of the Authority for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Ampyme); Milton Bartlett, Coordinator of the Universal Energy Access Program in the Ngäbe Buglé Comarca; Dr. Rolando A. Gittens from CiiECYT-AIP; and Eduardo Ortíz De Zevallos representing the CENTER platform.
About CENTER
CENTER has the trust and support of over 600 users, including companies and entrepreneurs nationwide. It offers a marketplace and a virtual entrepreneurial instruction platform via www.center.com.pa, giving users a decisive boost in their digital transformation.
Through this, CENTER reaffirms its commitment to business development and the sustainability of Panamanian entrepreneurs, positioning itself as a key agent to drive innovation and economic growth in the country.
Panama Removed from the European Union’s High-Risk List for Money Laundering
Panama was officially removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing following the approval of the European Commission’s Delegated Act in a vote held on July 9, 2025, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
The European Commission recognized that Panama has made significant technical progress and met all criteria established by both the EU and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
“This outcome is an important acknowledgment of our country’s ongoing commitment and effort to strengthen the legal framework and effectiveness in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, in accordance with the highest international standards,” stated the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in a press release.
Benefits for Panama
According to the MEF, this decision brings multiple benefits to the country:
- Improved international reputation and image of Panama.
- Increased confidence from foreign investors and the financial system.
- Easier commercial and financial transactions with European entities without additional enhanced due diligence measures.
- Boost to the competitiveness of Panama’s financial and logistics hub.
- Greater ease for imports and exports.
This removal from the high-risk list also represents a key step in the country’s efforts to consolidate itself as a trustworthy and transparent jurisdiction aligned with international compliance standards.
Stickers and License Plates for July 2025 Are Now Available at the Municipality
The Panama City Municipality has announced that vehicle owners can now collect the stickers for July 2025. To complete the procedure, the vehicle must have a valid 2025 inspection and have paid the corresponding circulation taxes.
Users can confirm if their sticker is available and verify if their vehicle inspection is current and if they have a municipal “paz y salvo” through the portal alcaldiadigital.com or by checking mupa.gob.pa in the online services section.
Service Hours for Plate and Sticker Pickup
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Pickup is done at the Plate Center located at Francisco Arias Paredes Park.
Digital Services Available at Panama City Municipality
- Consult taxpayer numbers and register as a new taxpayer.
- Perform digital procedures such as business registration, payment arrangements calculation, and managing sworn declarations.
- Track construction permit applications and schedule appointments with the Directorate of Works and Construction.
- Submit citizen reports and track them via phone numbers 506-9600 or 524-8900, or by email at atencionciudadana@municipio.gob.pa.
This is an important step to streamline the verification process and obtain the required documents for vehicles in Panama.
