Friday, March 6, 2026.
When Restraint Gives Way to Confrontation
For centuries, war began with a declaration. Governments formally announced that diplomacy had failed and that armed conflict had begun. Such declarations carried weight, not only politically, but morally, because they signaled to citizens and to the world that a line had been crossed and that the consequences would be profound.
Today, those declarations have almost disappeared, even though the fighting itself has not. Missiles still cross borders, soldiers still deploy, and states continue to confront one another through force. What has changed is the language surrounding these events. In the international system shaped after World War II, the United Nations Charter attempted to place firm limits on the use of force between nations. In doing so, it helped create a world in which war itself became politically and legally taboo.
The result has been a curious feature of modern geopolitics: conflicts that everyone recognizes, yet few governments are willing to describe with the word war. Instead, we hear of operations, strikes, interventions, and security actions. The vocabulary has softened, but the underlying realities of power, security, and survival remain very much the same.
For those trying to understand events through careful observation rather than slogans, it is useful to step back from the language and look instead at patterns. History consistently shows that while diplomacy and restraint are always preferable, there are moments when persistent threats, coercion, or violence accumulate to a point where they can no longer be ignored. At those moments, the question is no longer whether conflict is desirable, almost no one truly desires it, but whether continued inaction carries greater danger than the act of confronting the threat itself.
This tension between principle and necessity has existed for as long as human societies have organized themselves into states. Civilizations aspire to peace, stability, and law. Yet they must also contend with actors who exploit hesitation, ambiguity, or weakness as instruments of power. When that occurs, history often reveals a difficult truth: ignoring aggression rarely makes it disappear; more often, it encourages it.
Understanding modern conflict therefore requires more than debating terminology or political narratives. It requires recognizing the deeper dynamics at work in the name of fear, deterrence, ideology, and the perennial struggle between order and those willing to disrupt it through force. Only by examining these dynamics honestly can observers begin to understand why certain moments arise in history when restraint gives way to confrontation, and why those moments, uncomfortable as they may be, often reshape the course of events that follow.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
Comic Spotlight: Don’t miss The Mikkelson Files: #3 – The Case of the Vanishing Banana Bread, featured at the end of this article.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Panamanian Female Leadership Shines at PDAC 2026 and Projects a New Image for Mining
Two Panamanian women were recognized for their leadership and professional trajectory on the most influential stage of the global mining industry, projecting Panama’s presence in one of the sector’s most relevant international forums.
The recognition took place in Toronto, Canada, during “Central America & The Caribbean Day,” organized by Women in Mining Central America & Caribbean (WIM CAMC) as part of PDAC 2026, the annual convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, which gathered more than 25,000 participants from around the world this year. The event is widely considered the leading global platform for dialogue on mining investment, sustainability, and the future of the industry.
In this context, Katherine Márquez, Construction and Projects Supervisor, received the Women of Gold Award 2025–2026, while Maru Gálvez, Public Relations Manager of Cobre Panamá, was recognized in the Rising Stars 2025–2026 category.
Beyond the individual awards, the distinctions reflect a deeper transformation: the advancement of female leadership in an industry historically dominated by men.
Katherine Márquez: Technical Leadership with Social Impact
With 10 years of experience in the mining industry, Katherine Márquez has built a solid career in the technical field. She began her professional journey in construction, working directly on infrastructure projects, planning, and maintenance within demanding operational environments where precision, discipline, and leadership are essential.
Over time, she assumed greater responsibilities, eventually leading teams and supervising high-impact initiatives within the operation. Her professional growth has been the result of perseverance, technical preparation, and the ability to coordinate field teams effectively.
However, what distinguishes her leadership is not solely her technical performance.
Beyond the operational environment, Márquez has taken on an active role as an ambassador for responsible mining and as a promoter of women’s empowerment within the sector. She has participated in community spaces, discussions, and accessible communication platforms — including podcasts and direct engagements with students and local leaders — where she explains, in a clear and approachable way, how the industry works from a technical perspective.
Her presence in these spaces has had a multiplier effect. Young women who once viewed mining as a distant or inaccessible field have begun to take interest in technical careers, engineering, and project supervision.
The “Women of Gold” recognition not only rewards her established career but also highlights her ability to inspire other women to enter, remain, and grow within the mining industry.
Maru Gálvez: A Comprehensive Strategy of Communication and Community Engagement
Meanwhile, Maru Gálvez was recognized as a Rising Star 2025–2026 for her strategic role as Public Relations Manager of Cobre Panamá.
From this position, she leads a comprehensive strategy that integrates institutional communication, community relations, and the Cobre Conecta program — a platform designed to strengthen direct dialogue with communities, promote transparency, and generate economic opportunities.
In a context of high public sensitivity toward mining, her work goes far beyond messaging. It involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, aligning communication with concrete actions, and maintaining open channels with communities, media outlets, social leaders, and government authorities.
During PDAC 2026, she participated in the panel “Narrative vs. Reality: What Really Changes the Social License in Mining?”, where she emphasized the importance of consistency between what organizations communicate and what they actually implement. Under her leadership, community engagement and communication initiatives operate not as isolated actions but as part of a structured strategy aimed at building sustainable trust.
In other words, under her leadership the concept of social license has evolved from a reputational issue into a strategic infrastructure for the business.
A Message that Transcends Borders
The presence of these two Panamanian professionals at PDAC 2026 sends a clear signal: female leadership in the regional mining industry is not only growing — it is evolving toward technical, strategic, and internationally visible roles.
For Panama, these recognitions represent more than individual achievements. They reflect the talent and preparation of professionals who are helping redefine how the industry relates to society and to new generations.
A reminder that mining in the 21st century is not measured only in tons produced, but also in leadership, innovation, and the ability to inspire others. And in that field, Panamanian female talent is leaving a lasting mark.
Unemployment in Panama Reaches 10.4% While the Economy Adds More Than 27,000 New Jobs
Panama’s unemployment rate stood at 10.4%, according to the latest Labor Market Survey published by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censo (INEC).
Between October 2024 and September 2025, approximately 27,547 people found employment, raising the total number of employed individuals to 1,968,748 workers, representing 1.4% growth during the period.
Although Panama’s economy continues to grow, the labor market remains one of its main challenges. Job creation is not advancing at the same pace as the expansion of economic activity.
This reinforces the need for economic growth to translate into more formal and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly in a context where more people are entering the labor force in search of work.
The report also indicates that 45,469 people joined the labor force, reflecting an increase in economic participation and a larger number of individuals seeking employment opportunities.
Employment growth was driven primarily by the incorporation of women into the labor market. More than 21,000 women entered employment, representing an increase of 2.6%.
By sector, the services industry—which accounts for nearly 70% of employment in the country—grew by 3.4%, with increases in real estate activities, energy, water and sanitation services, financial and insurance services, as well as transportation and logistics.
The report also highlights persistent gender gaps and differences between urban and rural areas, reinforcing the need for policies that promote formal employment and regional development.
Launch of the 2026–2040 Energy Plan: Proposal to Blend 10% Ethanol in Fuels Sparks Debate
Government authorities presented the National Energy Plan 2026–2040 this Thursday, a strategy aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels, diversifying the energy matrix, and closing the gap in access to electricity across the country.
The launch was led by the National Energy Secretariat and included the participation of the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac; the Secretary of Energy, Rodrigo Rodríguez; the Comptroller General of the Republic, Anel Flores; as well as authorities from the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition and the National Authority for Public Services.
During the event, officials emphasized the need to guarantee access to electricity in communities that still lack the service, while also advancing toward a more diversified and sustainable energy matrix.
Three South American Banks Explore Entry into Panama; European Bank Also Shows Interest as Government Prepares Strategy to Attract New Institutions
Three South American banks have expressed interest in entering Panama’s banking system, and in recent processes there was also interest from a European bank, at a time when the government is preparing a strategy to attract new financial institutions to the country.
The Superintendent of Banks, Milton Ayón, indicated that interest in Panama became evident during recent acquisition processes within the system. “When there were finalists regarding Banistmo, we had other finalists that were strong European banks. There was a strong European bank that wanted to enter and bet on entering, so that is a good sign.”
He also explained that there are regional institutions that have already shown interest in Panama’s banking market. “There are three South American banks — they are not large banks, but they are very good mid-sized banks — that are looking to enter.”
Grupo Cibest announced the sale of Banistmo in Panama in December 2025 to Grupo Cuscatlán.
Ayón also noted that the system could continue to experience consolidation or sales of institutions, although at a slower pace than in recent years. “Yes, there will be. Not as much as until now, but there will be. I estimate maybe a couple this year.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, confirmed that the government is working on a strategy to attract new financial institutions to the country and that there are already preliminary signs of interest from banks outside the region.
“Yes, we are working on it, and there are already preliminary signs of interest from some banks outside the region that are considering establishing themselves in Panama,” he said.
Chapman explained that the recent sales process involving Banistmo showed that the Panamanian banking system continues to generate competition among potential buyers.
“The recent transaction mentioned there, for example, Banistmo, where there was a lot of competition, showed the appetite,” he said.
The minister added that although regional banks ultimately presented the most aggressive offers in that process, interest from international institutions remains.
“It continues to be regional, why? Because regional players were more aggressive in the offers they presented. And of course, the seller will ultimately sell not to the first one who comes along, but to someone they believe is suitable to operate it, and in the end will decide based on the best bidder.”
Panamanians Detained in Cuba: Activist Denounces Persecution and Lack of Information
Ten Panamanians detained in Cuba were captured moments before boarding their return flight to Panama. Activist Jair Ortiz denounced the lack of access to official information regarding their status.
Details of the mission and detention in Cuba
Ortiz explained that the group’s intention was to deliver donations and document the situation in order to convey a message of hope. He recounted that while six people managed to return, ten were held at the airport terminal.
The activist, who also experienced persecution and a brief detention in Cuba, denied that the graffiti carried out constituted vandalism or terrorism, stating that it was done on walls of already destroyed places and not on national heritage sites.
Secrecy from Cuban authorities
The activist stated that the Cuban government has not allowed access to lawyers nor provided clear details about the legal situation of the detainees.
“The little information we have is what is circulating on social media and in the news,” Ortiz said.
The organization, which has worked on human rights issues since 2019, remains on alert due to the detainees’ lack of communication, as they remain in custody after carrying out social assistance activities in several communities.
Panama Raises Fuel Prices Starting March 6
The National Energy Secretariat announced that new maximum retail prices for liquid fuels in Panama will take effect starting Friday, March 6, and will remain in force until March 19, 2026.
According to the official update, the three main fuels will register price increases. 95-octane gasoline will rise from 90.6 to 94.8 cents per liter, an increase of 4.2 cents; 91-octane gasoline will increase from 85.1 to 88.5 cents per liter, up 3.4 cents; while low-sulfur diesel will go from 83.2 to 90.3 cents per liter, representing an increase of 7.1 cents.
The agency explained that the impact of the recent conflict in the Middle East on the price calculation for this period is still limited, since the reference mechanism mainly incorporates two market days following the events.
Prior to this situation, an upward trend in international fuel prices had already been observed, associated with market dynamics not directly linked to Iran. For this reason, any effects attributable to the conflict would likely become clearer in the coming adjustment cycles, as the market fully incorporates this information into international benchmarks.
Maximum prices vary depending on geographic location. In Panama and Colón, for example, 95-octane gasoline will be priced at 94.8 cents per liter, 91-octane gasoline at 88.5 cents, and low-sulfur diesel at 90.3 cents per liter.
In other parts of the country prices are slightly higher. In David, 95-octane gasoline will reach 97.0 cents per liter, while in Changuinola it will reach 99.9 cents per liter. Low-sulfur diesel in that same region will reach 95.4 cents per liter.
Front-of-Package Labeling vs. QR Code: The New Divide in Healthy Eating Policy
In Panama, a bill is about to be discussed that would introduce front-of-package labeling on food products so consumers can clearly understand what they are purchasing.
From the commercial sector, an alternative proposal has emerged suggesting that instead of warning labels, products should include a QR code containing the nutritional information.
The initiative has not been well received by members of the Healthy Eating Movement, who are advocating for mandatory labels with clear warnings about excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and fats in products. They also support regulating advertising of “junk food” aimed at children and increasing taxes on sugary beverages and ultra-processed products.
Bethy Cruzado, a leader of the movement, stated that the QR code proposal is illegal and that they have evidence to prove it.
“We have the evidence, we are prepared, and I believe we can reach a good consensus because this is not about going against them (the merchants),” Cruzado said.
She added that the goal is to help children and adolescents prevent diseases that could later become a burden on the public health system as well as on families.
Last Monday, the consultation process for two bills addressing this issue began, and until March 9, stakeholders interested in the topic will be able to submit their observations and contributions.
Discussions surrounding healthy eating legislation typically pit social organizations against merchants, industrial groups, and distributors.
Several bills related to this issue are currently on the legislative agenda.
According to the most recent health census conducted in 2019, three out of four adults and two out of five children and adolescents are overweight.
Processed foods are believed to be a major contributing factor. Both bills will be merged for discussion in the first debate.
Obesity
On World Obesity Day, commemorated this Wednesday, the Healthy Eating Movement warned that school kiosks and cafeterias are not complying with Law 75 of 2017 and are selling products that the regulation prohibits.
In this regard, they called on the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) to strengthen oversight and sanction economic agents that fail to comply with the regulation.
Panama has also launched an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obesity in adults.
According to statistics, 71.7% of people in the country are overweight, while 35.3% are obese.
The national plan prioritizes strategic actions such as managing obesity within primary health care services.
The development of the plan was supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which ensured that each recommendation aligned with global scientific evidence standards.
The Mikkelson Files: #3 – The Case of the Vanishing Banana Bread
