Friday, September 5, 2025.
Gratitude as a Compass
Life has a way of moving quickly. Between the demands of work, family, and the unexpected turns that appear on our path, we often find ourselves rushing forward, rarely pausing to look around. In the midst of this pace, it’s easy to become consumed by what isn’t working or what we feel is missing. That’s when we most need a compass to bring us back to center, a compass called gratitude.
Gratitude is not about ignoring difficulties or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to recognize the good that is already present, even when challenges surround us. The simple act of noticing, whether it’s the laughter of a child, a quiet conversation with someone we trust, or the comfort of a morning cup of coffee, reshapes the way we experience life. Gratitude doesn’t eliminate struggle, but it changes how we walk through it.
When we allow gratitude to guide us, perspective shifts. What once felt like a burden becomes an opportunity to grow. What seemed ordinary is revealed as extraordinary. Gratitude teaches us that joy is not found in what we accumulate but in how we appreciate what we already have. It reminds us that even in the hardest moments, there are reasons, sometimes small, sometimes profound, to give thanks.
This compass does more than point us toward the positive. It grounds us. It anchors us when fear or frustration pulls us off course. It keeps our hearts steady in seasons of uncertainty. And the beautiful truth is that it requires no grand gesture, only a pause, a deep breath, and the willingness to say, “This, too, is a gift.”.
As you reflect on your own journey, I encourage you to adopt a simple practice: end each day by identifying three things you are grateful for. They may be small or significant, but together they become stepping stones that shape a more meaningful life. Over time, you’ll find that gratitude doesn’t just brighten your days, it redefines the direction of your life.
So, when the road ahead feels unclear, remember to reach for your compass. Gratitude will always point you toward what matters most.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
SINAPROC Issues Alert for Significant Rains and Storms in Panama until September 6
The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) has issued a weather watch for significant rains and storms that will affect the entire Panamanian territory until Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The areas under the warning include: Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe Buglé, Chiriquí, Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé, Colón, Panamá Oeste, Panamá, Darién, Emberá-Wounaan, and Guna Yala.
According to SINAPROC, atmospheric instability is due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and low-pressure systems, which create favorable conditions for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
The agency advised the population to remain alert to weather updates, avoid vulnerable areas, and follow the instructions of local authorities to prevent accidents.
Gasoline and Diesel Prices Will Increase Starting Friday
The Secretariat of Energy announced the fuel prices that will take effect starting this Friday, September 5.
Ninety-five octane gasoline will increase by three cents, bringing the price to 93 cents.
Ninety-one octane gasoline will also rise by three cents, reaching 89 cents per liter.
Meanwhile, low-sulfur diesel will increase by two cents, bringing the price to 83 cents per liter.
These prices will remain in effect until 5:59 a.m. on Friday, September 19.
The Secretariat of Energy explained that the reference prices are calculated based on international values of finished products (gasoline and diesel) quoted on the U.S. Gulf Coast, the country’s main supplier market.
They noted that the adjustment is made every 14 days. During the current period, international quotations registered a slight upward trend.
MINSEG Strengthens Controls at Panama’s Ports to Curb Drug Trafficking in Containers
The Minister of Security (MINSEG), Frank Ábrego, announced the creation of an inter-institutional task force focused on combating illegal drug trafficking through containers at the country’s ports.
“We have conducted a thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses of each institution and have managed to form a single task force directly focused on fighting drug trafficking through Panamanian ports,” Ábrego stated.
MINSEG will create a team to combat drug trafficking.
The official said that next Thursday a meeting will be held with the security chiefs of all ports present in Panama, with the aim of identifying common points, correcting weaknesses, and strengthening control mechanisms. Subsequently, the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, will meet with port managers.
One of the main challenges identified is the continuous operation of the inspection scanners operated by the National Customs Authority, which sometimes stop functioning due to a lack of trained personnel. Ábrego assured that within 15 days to a month, a definitive solution will be implemented to allow 24-hour operation.
He also highlighted that the Customs Authority began several months ago a training plan for members of the National Police in the operation of scanners, which will expand coverage and strengthen security at the country’s main ports.
Panama Metro: Progress on Line 3 Tunnel and Future City Expansions
The Director of Projects and Planning of the Panama Metro, Carlos Cedeño, reported that in the coming weeks, the excavation of the Line 3 tunnel, which crosses the Panama Canal, could be completed.
So far, more than 1,800 meters of the tunnel have been constructed, which is part of a total 4.5-kilometer route, divided into two sections: 3 kilometers under the Panama Canal and 1.5 kilometers from the Port of Balboa to Albrook Station.
Line 3 will have a maximum capacity of 30,000 passengers per hour in both directions, with the operation of 26 trains, allowing more than 100,000 people to be transported daily.
Why is a tunnel being built under the Canal?
Engineer Cedeño explained on ECOTV’s program En Contexto that the tunnel was conceived as an alternative after the Line 3 project was separated from the Fourth Bridge over the Canal, which initially planned for the tracks to be installed on the bridge structure.
He noted that, according to the original design, the Metro could only begin constructing the track and electromechanical system once the bridge platform was completed. This dependency could have caused significant delays, so the decision was made to develop the underground section beneath the Canal.
Energy stability and service continuity
Cedeño highlighted that the Panama Metro has solid planning for the operation of Lines 1, 2, and 3, and no significant incidents are expected in the new structures.
The institution uses the indicator of failures per million kilometers traveled, which measures the wear and fatigue of components. Although unusual situations may arise, service remains stable and reliable.
Additionally, he noted that incidents related to external power supply failures have decreased thanks to progressive improvements in the system.
In the event of a power outage during tunnel operation, the Metro has batteries incorporated into the substations, allowing trains to travel at least to the next station, ensuring passenger safety.
Future expansions of the Panama Metro
Cedeño also revealed that the technical feasibility of extending Line 2 via an underground section along Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue (Tumba Muerto) has been analyzed, reaching Calle 50 and the Paitilla area.
The Panama Metro has held meetings with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to consider the economic and technical factors that could make this important expansion project viable.
Additionally, within the Metro network, there are plans to extend Line 3 to the center of La Chorrera district via a monorail system. However, certain easement issues need to be evaluated before construction can proceed.
Influenza Has Already Caused 81 Deaths, and Dengue Cases Continue to Rise
The Ministry of Health (MINSA), through the Department of Epidemiology, continues to report cases of dengue, influenza, and other respiratory infections. According to the latest epidemiological report for Week No. 32, covering August 3–9, 2025, the number of dengue cases nationwide stands at 9,791, of which 8,669 cases had no warning signs, 1,053 had warning signs, and 69 were severe dengue cases.
Additionally, in epidemiological week 32, 1 death from influenza was reported, bringing the total to 81 deaths this year, averaging 11 influenza-related deaths per month over the past seven months.
Of these deaths, 70 individuals were unvaccinated against influenza, and 91.3% (74) had risk factors, including age, metabolic conditions, cardiovascular issues, immunosuppression, neurological conditions, and respiratory disease. Two deaths due to influenza with co-infection by SARS-CoV-2 have also been reported.
The epidemiological report also includes data on acute respiratory infections, Zika, chikungunya, leishmaniasis, malaria, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and human botfly infestations, with the following figures:
- Severe acute respiratory infections (SARI): 294 cases of SARI (bronchopneumonia and pneumonia) were reported this week. The accumulated cases for 2025 total 11,809.
- Zika: No cases were reported in Week 32. The total for 2025 is 2 cases.
- Chikungunya: As of Week 32, 17 cases have been accumulated for 2025.
- Leishmaniasis: 28 cases were reported this week, bringing the total to 1,009 cases in 2025.
- Malaria: 74 cases were reported this week, totaling 7,513 cases. Two deaths from previous weeks remain, one in Eastern Panama and one in Veraguas.
- Oropouche virus disease: This week, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System received a report of one Oropouche fever case in the Eastern Panama Health Region. Three cases from previous weeks were updated, bringing the total for 2025 to 520 cases.
- Hantavirus fever: No cases were reported in Week 32, for a cumulative total of 18 cases in 2025.
- Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: No cases were reported in Week 32, for a total of 14 cases in 2025.
- Leptospirosis: 51 cases have been reported so far in 2025.
- Human botfly infestations: The total for 2025 is 76 cases.
- Monkeypox (Mpox): One case was reported in Week 32, bringing the cumulative total to 7 cases to date.
For the Ministry of Health, community involvement and the participation of local governments are key in preventing these diseases and reducing their spread.
Some recommended preventive measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based gel; wearing a mask and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding self-medication; and promptly visiting the nearest healthcare facility.
President Mulino Presents Panama Ship Registry Strategy in Japan
The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, held a meeting in Japan with more than 40 representatives from shipping companies in the Kanto region, where he presented the new strategy for the Panama Ship Registry, focused on safety and the full digitalization of procedures and services.
Mulino emphasized that the Panamanian registry is positioned as “the flag of the future,” thanks to its guidelines based on international standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. He noted that 7 out of 10 Japanese shipowners already use the Panamanian flag and that 41% of Japanese tonnage is registered under Panama.
President Mulino presents modernization plan in Japan
The president highlighted that his government is working on a modernization plan for the ship registry, as part of a national maritime and logistics strategy that will include the Panama Canal and ports. “Panama will continue working for the benefit of the maritime community, especially the Japanese,” he stated.
The meeting was also attended by the Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Luis Roquebert, and the Director of the Merchant Marine, Arnulfo Franco, who reinforced the Panamanian government’s position. Roquebert noted that Panama has been a global reference since the creation of its ship registry in the 20th century, while Franco explained the new “quality over quantity” strategies, which include:
- Fully digital and agile processes.
- Active policy to remove high-risk vessels.
- Rigorous inspections and prior verification.
- Fleet renewal with newer vessels.
- Mandatory traceability in STS (ship-to-ship) operations.
Panama-flagged vessels
According to figures from the IHS Markit platform, as of August 25, 2025, the Panama Registry has 8,812 registered vessels, representing 241.5 million gross tons (GT), equivalent to 14% of the world fleet.
Franco highlighted that the strategy implemented under the Mulino administration has reduced accident rates and increased the registration of newly built vessels by 13% compared to the previous period.
The Panamanian government reaffirmed to Japanese shipowners that the Panamanian flag offers, in addition to state backing, a politically and economically stable environment, a solid banking system, special economic zones, investment incentives, and the country’s unique logistical connectivity.
