Friday, January 2, 2026.
Happy New Year to our Readers, Colleagues, and Friends
As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude, perspective, and renewed determination. The past year challenged us in meaningful ways, none more so than the effort required to establish our new office. Building something the right way is never easy, and the process tested our patience, discipline, and resolve. But those challenges also strengthened our foundation and clarified our direction.
Leadership, after all, requires action and the willingness to move forward even when the outcome is not guaranteed. As Peter Drucker wisely said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” That belief continues to guide our decisions as we invest in growth, innovation, and the people who make our work possible.
Looking ahead, our hope for 2026 is continued, sustainable growth, not only for our organization, but for our clients, partners, and the communities we serve. We remain committed to professionalism, integrity, and delivering real value in every engagement.
Thank you for your trust, your support, and for being part of our journey. May the year ahead bring clarity, progress, and success for all of us.
Happy New Year.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Influenza Leaves 99 Dead So Far in 2025, According to a Ministry of Health (MINSA) Report
Influenza-related deaths in the country increased to 99, according to the most recent report from the Ministry of Health, corresponding to Epidemiological Week No. 50, indicating that 2025 would close with that total number of deaths associated with the disease.
According to the Department of Epidemiology, during the week of December 7 to 13, 2025, one new influenza-related death was reported, in addition to the update of one death corresponding to Week 48, bringing the annual total to 99 fatalities.
Of the total number of deaths, 86.9% (86) had not been vaccinated against influenza, while 91% (91) had risk factors, including age-related conditions, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, immunosuppression, neurological conditions, and respiratory diseases.
Other respiratory diseases
Regarding influenza-like illness, during Epidemiological Week 50, 984 cases were recorded, with a rate of 21.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. So far in 2025, the cumulative total stands at 52,281 cases, with a rate of 1,144.3.
Meanwhile, Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), which include bronchopneumonia and pneumonia, reported 545 cases during the analyzed week, with a rate of 11.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. The annual cumulative total reached 20,375 cases.
Dengue and malaria with more cases nationwide
The epidemiological report details that no Zika cases were reported during Week 50, maintaining a cumulative total of 2 cases in 2025.
In the case of dengue, up to Epidemiological Week No. 50, a total of 15,657 cumulative cases were recorded nationwide, of which 13,880 were without warning signs, 1,670 with warning signs, and 107 corresponded to severe dengue.
For chikungunya, no new cases were reported during the week; however, four cases from previous weeks were updated, bringing the annual total to 35 cases.
Leishmaniasis reported 23 cases during the current week, with a cumulative total of 1,439 cases in 2025. Additionally, 115 malaria cases were reported, for a cumulative total of 11,037 cases during the year. Four deaths remain on record, all in women between 14 and 94 years of age, registered in the regions of Eastern Panama (2), Veraguas (1), and Darién (1).
Regarding Oropouche virus disease, one new case was reported in Eastern Panama, along with the update of three cases from previous weeks in Eastern Panama and Coclé, reaching a national cumulative total of 694 cases in 2025.
Other diseases
As for hantavirus fever, no cases were reported during Week 50, maintaining a cumulative total of 27 cases for the year. Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome reports 22 cumulative cases.
Leptospirosis totals 90 cases so far in 2025, while human screwworm cases have reached a cumulative total of 114 cases. For monkeypox (Mpox), no cases were reported during Epidemiological Week 50, maintaining a total of 16 cases in 2025.
MINSA urges stricter hygiene measures
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reiterated the importance of community participation and the support of local governments to reduce the spread of diseases, and called on the population to maintain preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wearing face masks, seeking medical attention when symptoms appear, covering coughs or sneezes, avoiding self-medication, and promptly visiting the nearest healthcare facility.
Chinese Association Calls for Investigation into the Demolition of the Bridge of the Americas Monument
The Chinese Association of Panama formally requested an investigation into the procedure used to demolish the monument located at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint, which was built in honor of workers of Chinese origin, and called for the structure to be rebuilt at the same site.
The organization’s spokesperson, Esteban Cheung, questioned the safety-risk argument put forward by the Mayor’s Office of Arraiján and stated that the Chinese community had been offering support for the maintenance of the park since March, without receiving any response.
“That safety-related argument is difficult for us to believe. Until yesterday, tourists were still visiting the park. Since March, we had been requesting collaboration in order to make our contribution,” Cheung said.
They point to lack of communication and due process
The spokesperson explained that attempts to establish communication with the Mayor’s Office of Arraiján began in June of last year, although it was not until March of this year that they were finally able to meet with municipal authorities.
During that meeting, representatives of the community submitted a request for a 20-year renewal of the land-use permit, along with a formal maintenance proposal, in light of the evident deterioration of the area.
Cheung noted that the community reiterated its willingness to cooperate on three additional dates—April 23, June 19, and July 1—without receiving any response.
“We did not receive any response until last night, through an action we consider arbitrary and surprising. There was a violation of due process, and we are concerned that the only communication was issued via Instagram,” he stated.
They thank the Executive Branch for its support
The Chinese Association of Panama expressed its gratitude to President José Raúl Mulino and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the attention given following the incident, and stated its expectation that the reconstruction of the monument will move forward.
“We are deeply grateful for the attention provided and hope that the reconstruction of the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint park will be carried out. Our request is clear: that it be rebuilt,” Cheung affirmed.
“We have not had a channel for dialogue”
The spokesperson also lamented the lack of direct communication with the mayor of Arraiján, noting that since March there has been no effective channel to exchange views and reach mutually agreed solutions.
“We have not had the opportunity to communicate with the mayor. One might attribute this to communication issues, but since March we have not had a bridge where we can cross opinions and achieve positive results,” he concluded.
These statements add to the national debate on the preservation of cultural heritage, respect for historical communities, and the scope of decisions made by local governments.
2026 World Cup Breaks Historic Records with More Than 150 Million Ticket Requests
World Cup fever is already being felt worldwide. With just over a year to go before the opening whistle, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has already shattered expectations in terms of global interest, after ticket demand broke historic records, confirming that the tournament to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is on track to become the largest and most widely followed sporting event of all time.
Having reached the midpoint of the random ticket draw phase, FIFA confirmed that more than 150 million ticket requests have been received from fans in over 200 countries—an unprecedented figure in the history of the competition.
This volume of requests reflects not only the magnitude of the tournament, but also the anticipation surrounding an edition that will mark a before and after in international football.
According to official data, current demand is 30 times greater than the number of tickets available, based on verified credit card information associated with each request.
Moreover, this figure is striking when compared with the tournament’s history: it represents 3.4 times more than the total number of spectators who attended the 964 matches played across the 22 editions of the World Cup held from 1930 to date.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not hide his enthusiasm in the face of this unprecedented phenomenon. “The FIFA World Cup 2026™ promises to be the biggest and most inclusive spectacle on the planet, with more than 150 million ticket requests received in the first 15 days. This overwhelming response reflects the world’s passion for football and confirms that we will make history in North America, bringing together people from all over the globe in an unprecedented celebration,” said the head of world football.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be held from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, with an expanded format that will include 48 national teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across the three organizing countries. This new model not only expands participation opportunities but also reinforces the tournament’s global and inclusive character.
The random ticket selection process is already underway and will remain open until Tuesday, January 13 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET). FIFA has been clear on one key point: the time at which a request is submitted does not affect the chances of being selected, thereby ensuring equal opportunity for all fans. After this phase closes, a draw will determine the selected applicants, while those not chosen will have additional opportunities in subsequent sales phases.
Regarding ticket prices, FIFA confirmed that they will remain unchanged during this phase, providing stability and predictability for fans. In addition, supporters of qualified national teams will have access to a special ticket category, announced on December 16, allowing them to attend matches at an affordable price of USD 60, even for the final.
Fans will also have the option to purchase tickets for supporters of a participating member association (PMA), provided they meet the requirements established by their respective federation. At the same time, those seeking a premium experience may opt for hospitality packages available through On Location, the tournament’s official provider, or complete travel packages offered by Qatar Airways, which include tickets, flights, accommodation, and transportation.
Finally, FIFA reiterated that, as a non-profit organization, it reinvests the revenues generated by the World Cup into the development of men’s, women’s, and youth football across its 211 member associations. For the 2023–2026 cycle, the organization expects to allocate 90% of its budgeted investments to the growth of the sport, further consolidating the legacy of a World Cup that is already historic even before it begins.
Panama on the International Radar as a Gastronomic Destination in 2026
Panama was highlighted by Forbes magazine as one of the gastronomic destinations to watch in 2026, in a recognition that focuses on the diversity of its cuisine and the growth of its culinary offering.
The publication notes that Panamanian gastronomy is the result of a blend of Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the country’s history as a cultural crossroads. It also emphasizes air connectivity, accessibility, and the development of the culinary scene in the capital.
The magazine further mentions that Panama City holds UNESCO recognition as a Creative City of Gastronomy, which has contributed to increasing the international visibility of its culinary offering.
In this context, the General Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, Gloria De León, stated that the country’s cuisine is deeply linked to its traditions and to the flavors that have passed through the isthmus for more than a century, becoming an expression of its cultural diversity.
The article also refers to the positioning of Panamanian restaurants on international rankings. Establishments such as Maito and Cantina del Tigre appear on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, while La Tapa del Coco, UMI, Fonda Lo Que Hay, and Caleta are included on the extended list, reflecting different expressions of local cuisine.
Added to this scenario is the arrival of Fine Dining Table in Central America, an international platform that selected Panama as the venue for a gala scheduled for March 2026, as part of its regional expansion.
Beyond the capital, gastronomic experiences in other regions of the country are also highlighted, such as Bocas del Toro, with community-based tourism initiatives linked to cacao, and areas like Boquete and Tierras Altas, associated with Geisha coffee and farm-to-table experiences.
Weather in Panama: Dry Conditions with Showers in the Caribbean
For this Tuesday, December 30, the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) reported that throughout much of the day there will be a continuous flow of moisture toward the Caribbean slope, a condition that will favor the formation of isolated, short-lived showers, mainly in areas of northern Veraguas, Colón, and western Guna Yala.
In contrast, in the Pacific region, mostly clear skies are expected to prevail for much of the day. However, as the hours progress, occasional downpours are expected to develop in areas of northern Panama, the Darién mountain range, and the province of Coclé, with a higher probability during the afternoon. In the rest of the country, cloud cover will be minimal, a condition that will persist even during nighttime hours, with no significant rainfall forecast.
Temperatures
Regarding temperatures, IMHPA detailed that minimum temperatures will range between 14°C and 22°C in the mountain ranges and highland areas, while in the rest of the national territory values between 18°C and 25°C are expected. Maximum temperatures will fluctuate between 26°C and 32°C, with higher readings in lower-altitude regions.
Winds
As for winds, currents from the northeast and north will prevail across the country, with estimated speeds between 15 and 30 km/h. These conditions will remain steady throughout the day, generating a cool sensation, especially in more exposed areas.
Tides
In maritime conditions, the Pacific coast will experience calm seas, with moderate swells not exceeding one meter in height and periods within normal ranges, allowing aquatic activities to proceed without major inconvenience. In the Caribbean, by contrast, a rough seas advisory remains in effect due to the influence of winds, which will cause strong swells and adverse conditions for navigation and other maritime activities.
Radiation indices
Finally, IMHPA warned that UV-B radiation indices will remain at high to very high levels, with values ranging between 6 and 10. This situation increases the risk from sun exposure, so protective measures are recommended, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when radiation reaches its most intense levels.
Panama Secures US$1.9 Billion Loan from the World Bank to Pay Debt Maturities
The Government of Panama will take out a new loan with the World Bank to address public debt maturities scheduled for the first four months of 2026, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) reported.
The Cabinet Council approved the use of a financing package from the World Bank Group, with guarantees of up to US$1.9 billion. The operation was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Directors on December 18, 2025.
According to the MEF, the funds will be disbursed in January 2026 and will be used exclusively to refinance existing debt, without being allocated to new expenditures.
The ministry explained that the operation will allow for a reduction in the interest rate of 2.29%, representing an estimated savings of US$64.6 million annually and nearly US$830 million in interest over the life of the loans.
The financing combines World Bank resources with guarantees from other agencies within the same group, making it possible to extend maturities and reduce financial costs compared to commercial financing alternatives.
The press release noted that the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, stated that the operation is part of the public debt management strategy and is aimed at covering obligations already incurred by the State.
Panama Closes 2025 with Record Figures in Tourism and International Events
Tourism in Panama recorded significant progress during 2025, consolidating the country as a tourist destination, a regional hub for conventions, and a space for new opportunities within the industry, according to official information released this year.
One of the main drivers of this growth was the Panama Stopover program, which surpassed the goal of more than 200,000 visitors, reflecting historic performance since its launch. During the first half of the year, the program reported 18% growth compared to the same period in 2024, setting a new record since its creation in 2019.
This program, developed jointly by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and Promtur Panama, allows passengers transiting through the Hub of the Americas to extend their stay in the country for up to seven days at no additional cost to their airline ticket. The average stay remains three days, with the Panama Canal as the main attraction, followed by local gastronomy, shopping, and cultural diversity.
Since its inception, Panama Stopover has attracted more than 640,000 tourists. In 2024 alone, more than 160,000 visitors stopped over in the country through this initiative, representing a 25% increase compared to 2023 and at least 8% of the total visitors Panama received that year.
In addition to this growth, the arrival of more than 130,000 incremental passengers as a result of international promotion was recorded, along with a 5% increase in tourist arrivals to the country.
In the meetings tourism segment, Panama hosted nearly 100 international events, positioning itself as a regional convention hub. More than 59,000 international participants attended these events, generating the occupancy of more than 300,000 hotel room nights. For 2026, more than 60 international events have already been confirmed.
One of the first major events of next year will be the Parade of the Thousand Polleras, one of the country’s most emblematic cultural expressions and a key event for projecting Panama as a cultural tourism destination.
The parade will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m., in Las Tablas, in the province of Los Santos, and will feature the participation of 105 delegations. In this edition, the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, will serve as the official standard-bearer, in recognition of the cultural and heritage value of this expression that highlights Panamanian identity.
