Friday, April 25, 2025.
A Shepherd from the South: A Reflection on a Legacy of Hope and Change
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, he was a product of a land marked by cultural richness, deep faith, and social struggle. From humble beginnings, he joined the Society of Jesus and was ordained a Jesuit priest, earning a reputation for humility, simplicity, and a deep commitment to the poor. His experience during Argentina’s “Dirty War” left an imprint on his soul—shaping a vision of the Church as a sanctuary for the marginalized and a voice for the voiceless.
His name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio—but the world came to know him by another name.
On March 13, 2013, following the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit to hold the position, and the first non-European pope in more than a millennium. He chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, signaling a papacy grounded in humility, peace, and care for creation.
In January 2019, he visited Panama for the 34th World Youth Day, an international celebration of faith and unity. There, he spoke not from an ivory tower, but eye-to-eye with the youth of the world—calling them to build bridges, listen deeply, and never lose hope. He visited juvenile detention centers, met with indigenous leaders, and addressed the complexities of migration, poverty, and exclusion with clarity and compassion.
Throughout his papacy, he introduced reforms that challenged traditional boundaries—opening conversations that had long been silenced. He advocated for compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals, allowed blessings for same-sex couples, and elevated the voices of women within the Vatican hierarchy by appointing them to leadership roles and allowing them to vote in synods.
He took strong stances on global issues, from environmental destruction to income inequality. His encyclical Laudato Si’became a cornerstone of Catholic environmental thought, and he was a persistent advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and for the humane treatment of migrants and refugees.
Yet, his bold direction was not without criticism. Conservative factions resisted many of his reforms, accusing him of veering too far from tradition. Tensions simmered, and at times, erupted into public debate. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast—choosing dialogue over dogma, mercy over judgment.
His legacy is one of courage wrapped in gentleness, of reform rooted in tradition, and of a Church trying, often imperfectly, to walk with humanity rather than above it.
As we bid farewell, we remember him not just as a pontiff, but as a pastor—one who dared to dream of a Church that listens more than it speaks, embraces more than it excludes, and walks beside those most in need. His papacy will be remembered not for grandeur, but for grace.
Brett Mikkelson
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
IMHPA Issues Heat Watch Due to High Temperatures and Heat Index
The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) has issued a heat watch due to elevated temperatures and heat index, in effect through Monday, April 28, 2025.
According to the report, Panama is currently transitioning from the dry to the rainy season but is experiencing a new dry spell with warm conditions. This situation leads to increased humidity, high solar radiation, and weakened trade winds.
As a result, high temperatures and heat index values are expected both during the day and at night, which could potentially cause heatstroke among the population.
IMHPA Announces the Areas Under Watch:
- Southern and Central Veraguas
- Los Santos
- Herrera
- Coclé
- Panamá Oeste (West Panama)
- Panamá
IMHPA advises the public to stay well hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.Principio del formulario
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Immigration and Ministry of Labor Conduct Operation — What Did They Find?
The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), in coordination with the National Immigration Service (SNM), has intensified its inspection operations in Panama City as part of a strategy to safeguard Panamanian jobs and combat unfair competition.
What did the authorities find?
During recent inspections carried out during both daytime and nighttime hours in bars, shops, and other businesses, six individuals were found working without the corresponding work permits. In response, inspectors issued the necessary administrative notices and summoned the business owners to present their explanations. Penalties will be imposed in accordance with current legislation.
In addition to verifying the labor and immigration status of workers, Mitradel has also strengthened its legal guidance to employers, reminding them of their obligations under labor law to promote safer, fairer, and law-abiding workplaces.
So far in April, authorities have identified 34 foreigners without work permits and 12 individuals without valid immigration documentation, according to official figures. These actions also respond to public complaints about irregular labor practices, such as unpaid wages, lack of contracts, and illegal hiring.
“The government is taking firm action to defend dignified work and ensure compliance with our laws,” stated Mitradel, reiterating its commitment to remain vigilant against possible labor and immigration violations in the country.
Tocumen Airport Conducts ECHO 2025 Emergency Drill to Strengthen Security Protocols
The ECHO 2025 drill, a full-scale aviation emergency exercise, was conducted this Wednesday at Tocumen International Airport, the main air hub of Latin America and the Caribbean.
This exercise is designed to evaluate response capacity, optimize coordination between internal and external entities, measure reaction times, and mitigate the impact of potential critical incidents, according to airport administration.
The drill is carried out every two years on airport grounds in compliance with regulations established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC), which require the planning, execution, and evaluation of exercises and simulations.
The scenario simulated an incident involving a fictitious airline, Oceans Airlines, arriving from an airport in the Antilles with 22 passengers and 4 crew members. The aircraft reported technical failures in its instrument panel during approach to Tocumen. After an emergency landing attempt, an explosion was simulated on taxiway Bravo beside Runway 03L, followed by a cabin fire. This triggered Alert Level 3 and led to the suspension of operations to initiate an emergency response.
The Control Tower, the Airport Operations and Control Center (AOOC), and the Rescue and Firefighting Services (SSEI) activated the protocols outlined in the airport’s Emergency Plan (EP). Alerts were issued, the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) was convened, support services and authorities were activated, and the planned actions for a safe, rapid, and effective response were carried out.
The drill mobilized over 200 volunteers acting as victims, journalists, family members, and affected personnel. The preliminary simulation results reported 8 fatalities, 4 critically injured, 4 with minor injuries, and 10 unharmed individuals.
José Ruiz Blanco, General Manager of Tocumen International Airport, stated: “Conducting a drill like ECHO 2025 allows us to reevaluate and update our Emergency Plan, identify weaknesses, test our actual response capability—both with our personnel and available mechanical and technological resources—analyze activation times, and, importantly, assess the capability of the external support system to handle a scenario like the one presented in this drill.”
Claudio Dutary, Airport Operations Manager, added: “The ECHO 2025 drill is not just a procedural exercise, but an essential tool to strengthen the airport’s operational resilience. Through this kind of practice, we validate coordination between internal teams and external partners, identify opportunities for process improvement, and ensure that every second counts in a real emergency. The safety of passengers, staff, and the airport community is our top priority, and this drill reflects Tocumen’s commitment to the highest standards of ICAO and AAC.”
Following the exercise, every detail of the Emergency Plan operation is subject to rigorous analysis and a comprehensive evaluation is carried out. The main objective of the plan is to save lives, and its success depends on the level of participation and effectiveness of the airport’s various departments and services, as well as external entities that may assist in managing the emergency.
Key external organizations participated in ECHO 2025, including the Civil Aviation Authority, the Panama Fire Department, the National Police, SUME 911, terminal medical services, public and private local hospitals, specialized airport teams, and both public and private victim transport services. The exercise validated response times, communication effectiveness, and proper application of rescue protocols.
Tocumen International Airport averages over 430 flight operations daily and connects to 83 destinations across the Americas and Europe. The ECHO 2025 drill did not interrupt regular operations at the terminal.
Panamanian Ports Handle Over One Million Containers During the First Quarter of 2025
The figure represents a 1.7% increase compared to the same period.
During the first quarter of 2025, Panamanian ports handled a total of 1,308,976 container units, of which 556,369 were from the Pacific coast and 752,607 from the Atlantic coast.
This figure represents an increase of 21,884 units, or 1.7%, compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,287,092 movements were reported, according to data from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
On the Pacific coast, transshipment — the operation where cargo is transferred between transport modes — recorded 192,040 full units and 54,142 empty units.
Meanwhile, local disembarkation reached 26,810 full containers and 205 empty ones.
As for shipments in this area, transshipment totaled 161,556 full units and 88,882 empty units, while local shipments registered 6,080 full units and 26,654 empty units.
The data for the Atlantic coast shows that transshipment disembarkation was 214,624 full units and 125,481 empty units, and local disembarkation was 34,480 full units and 9,200 empty ones.
Regarding shipments, transshipment amounted to 250,239 full containers and 80,609 empty units, while local shipments reached 22,174 full containers and 15,800 empty ones.
During this period, the National Port System as a whole moved 2,368,111 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), a standard measurement used in the maritime industry to quantify cargo volume.
The AMP explained that a TEU corresponds to the size of a 20-foot-long container, the most common in international transport.
This figure, the AMP stated, exceeds the 2,299,067 TEU recorded in the same period last year, when 1,003,971 TEU were handled on the Pacific coast and 1,364,140 TEU on the Atlantic coast.
According to the AMP, the next data update will be on June 9, 2025.
Panama Seeks to Catch Up in Technology and Artificial Intelligence to Drive Its Development
Despite technological advancements in various parts of the world, Panama still shows signs of lag in adopting new technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). However, experts agree that the country has the potential to become a regional leader if it focuses properly on talent development and digital transformation.
“Panama is slightly behind as a country in terms of technology adoption, but it tends to be a small country and, with the right focus, it can become a technological leader in the region,” said Tony Roldán, president of the Center for Startup and Entrepreneur Support in Panama (CASEM).
Currently, there are more than 100 artificial intelligence applications approved for human use, many of them still in the research phase, according to doctor and health systems consultant Edwin Villalobos. In Panama’s public healthcare system, telemedicine has been a notable advancement, and platforms incorporating AI are already being used in areas such as radiology and clinical laboratories.
“Several of the platforms the State has acquired for radiology and clinical laboratories already use AI modules that allow predictability of certain medical results,” explained Villalobos.
At the governmental level, some institutions have started implementing technology projects with a focus on artificial intelligence, although there are still significant structural challenges to overcome. These include excessive paperwork, bureaucracy, and the number of requirements that must be met in administrative procedures, which continue to be the main obstacles to effective digital transformation.
The challenge is clear: Panama needs to prioritize human talent development, foster innovation, and reduce bureaucratic barriers if it wants artificial intelligence to be not only a modern tool but also a true driver of economic and social growth and development.
Panama City Hall Announces New Pedestrian Day in the Old Town this Sunday
The Panama City Hall invites citizens and tourists to enjoy the “Pedestrian Day” this Sunday, April 27, an initiative aimed at showcasing the varied recreational offerings of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Starting at 8:00 a.m., the streets of Casco Viejo will be closed to vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to enjoy the area’s atmosphere, gastronomic offerings, art exhibitions, and live music and dance performances.
On the fourth Sunday of each month, until December 28, streets in the Old Town will be semi-pedestrianized to encourage people to appreciate its unique architecture and learn about historical sites.
The pedestrianized routes will include Avenida Central 1 and 2, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Streets, the Museum of the Canal Street, Pedro J. Sousa Street, and Nicanor Villalaz Street.
Transportation Methods to Casco Antiguo:
To facilitate access to the Pedestrian Day, Mibus will provide the C-982 route from the Manuel Ferrer Polyclinic stop, El Marañón-Casco Antiguo, at a cost of 25 cents. Additionally, Busmen will offer free transportation for visitors from the Albrook Transport Terminal, the Ateyna Bylon Training Center on the Cinta Costera, and Urracá Park.
The event’s security will be handled by units from the National Institutional Protection Service, the National Police, the Municipal Police, and the Land Transit and Transportation Authority. Additionally, the initiative involves the participation of the Tourism and Culture Directorate of the City Hall, the Ministry of Culture, the Old Town Office, the Tourism Authority, the San Felipe Community Board, as well as local residents and businesses in the heritage area.
