My Operation Vacation; Bocas del Toro Gradually Returns to Normal After Weeks of Blockades; State Reform Underway.

Friday, July 4, 2025. My Operation Vacation A Note of Gratitude for Punta Pacifica Hospital This past week, I underwent a serious back operation to repair three degenerated and herniated discs in my lower lumbar region. It was a major surgery, one that had me mentally preparing for the worst. But from the moment I arrived, something unexpected happened: I felt cared for. Deeply cared for. What made the difference? The people. It’s obvious that the staff at Punta Pacifica Hospital aren’t just qualified, they actually like people. That alone sets the tone for healing. Friendliness goes a long way in an environment like this, and what I found was a team of individuals who treated me not just as a patient, but as a person. None of this would have even been possible without Mike Kelly, one of the hospital administrators and the key to getting everything aligned. He was the one who helped me get my paperwork in place with FMP, coordinated with Dr. Oviedo, and opened the door to this wonderful hospital. He was the first step on what is now a path toward a better, healthier life and I’m truly grateful. In the ICU, I was never left waiting or wondering. The crew was attentive, warm, and professional. When I moved to a standard room, I expected the care to drop off. It didn’t. It was as if the entire hospital had agreed that their mission was to make sure I felt supported at every step. There are so many people I’d like to thank individually. Nurse Maria, a quiet professional who I quickly realized was just deeply focused and loved her job; we became fast friends. James and Oscar were standouts. Gladys and Daisy, who checked my vitals regularly, I affectionately nicknamed Virgo and Aries after their zodiac signs. And my anesthesiologist, Melissa, what a legend. She had me knocked out smooth and steady until 1AM. The surgical team worked with precision, assisted by the ExcelsiusGPS robot (or as I called it, “GeePee”, because who remembers full names when you’re on meds?). That robotic guidance gave me peace of mind knowing I was in excellent hands, both human and high-tech pushing the boundaries of science fiction. From the physical therapy staff, to the cleaning crew, to the wheelchair “mafia” who always had a smile and a joke, to every visitor who came through my door: thank you. You didn’t just help me recover physically, you made me feel safe, respected, and even cheerful in a situation that could have been daunting. I’ve joked since that I’m “already planning my next operation,” as if this place were a vacation. But the truth is, if I ever had to go through something like this again, it would be here. Without a doubt. Thank you, Punta Pacifica Hospital. You’re more than a hospital, you’re a team of healers, and I’m truly grateful. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Bocas del Toro Gradually Returns to Normal After Weeks of Blockades After weeks of paralysis and roadblocks throughout the province, Bocas del Toro is beginning to gradually regain its daily routine with the resumption of public transportation and the return to school. Public transport on the Changuinola-David route resumed operations on Wednesday, July 2, bringing relief to residents who had spent over a month unable to move freely throughout the region. Some passengers expressed gratitude for finally being able to visit family after such a long time. Others noted that activity is picking up again, with both businesses and buses visibly returning to operation. However, drivers report low passenger turnout, meaning trips are only made when there is enough demand to make the journey profitable. “We’re working from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m., but that’s temporary for now,” one driver explained. Another significant step toward normalcy came in the education sector. After months of suspended classes, all schools in the province have resumed academic activities. From early in the morning, thousands of students returned to their classrooms. Education authorities implemented a strategy based on competency-focused learning guides for students at all levels, from preschool to twelfth grade. These guides were distributed to school principals and teachers to serve as a framework for the recovery of priority content. Despite this progress, plantain producers in Las Delicias — a border area of the province — have reported losses exceeding $250,000 due to the road closures. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE MEDUCA Confirms Replacement of Teachers Has Begun in Educational Centers The Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) announced that it has begun the process of replacing teachers due to the nationwide teachers’ strike, which has lasted for over two months. Minister Lucy Molinar stated that the new educators are already teaching in various schools across the country. “There are no closed schools anywhere in the country. There has been a process of raising awareness and understanding, and we are now focused on the tools needed to recover knowledge. Learning is the most important thing,” the minister emphasized. On Wednesday, July 2, during an interview on the ECO TV program Radiografía, Minister Lucy Molinar explained that the teacher replacement process is being carried out gradually, in order to avoid disruptions to students’ learning continuity. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Search Continues for Sandra Denham, Missing for 15 Days in Boquete The Specialized Unit for Missing Persons of the Public Ministry, in coordination with investigative agencies and organizations dedicated to search and rescue efforts, continues intensive operations to locate Sandra Denham, a 74-year-old woman reported missing 15 days ago in the district of Boquete. Efforts are focused around Mrs. Denham’s residence, using specialized techniques to detect any clues that may help determine her whereabouts. The methods employed include drone surveillance, a specially trained search dog from the special units, and ground search teams. “We’re using two drones and a special unit dog. Additionally, we have four search teams deployed in points of interest near Mrs. Sandra’s home. Today, we have around 70 people from various participating institutions on the ground, using mapping

The Power of Truth; Fuel Prices Rise; ASEP Suspends Phone and Internet Services in Bocas del Toro.

Friday, June 27, 2025. The Power of Truth “The truth will set you free.” The phrase “The truth will set you free” is most commonly attributed to Jesus Christ, and it originates from the Bible, specifically the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 (NIV) In context, Jesus was speaking about spiritual freedom through abiding in His teachings and knowing the truth of God. Over time, the phrase has been adopted in broader philosophical, academic, and political contexts as a general affirmation of the liberating power of truth. It’s also famously inscribed on prominent buildings including some universities as well as the CIA headquarters!  It’s used across disciplines, sometimes stripped of its spiritual context, even though its origins remain biblical. As a discipline, it’s still more than just a quote, it’s a reality that those who live by it come to know intimately. Truth offers a kind of freedom that lies simply can’t provide. It brings a quiet peace, the relief of not having to remember a web of invented stories. When you speak truth, you carry no burden. There’s no backtracking, no fear of being caught, no mental weight of maintaining an illusion. Dedicating yourself to live by the law of truth, also helps to guide you away from wrongdoings.  If you understand that you’ll have to tell the truth about something, you put yourself in check about doing that which you know is inheritantly wrong.  Lies are heavy, even small ones. They compound over time and leave you juggling narratives. The longer they persist, the more they distance you from your integrity and from others. But truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, creates space. It clears the air and invites trust. That trust is the foundation of real connections within families, friendships, partnerships, and communities. When people know you are truthful, they may not always like what you say, but they’ll believe it. And that belief becomes the bedrock of respect.  This also and most definitely doesn’t mean that you should force hurtful truths on others.  Too many times, to fullfil the desires of one’s own ego, “truths” are brought forward to make others feel uncomfortable; this is when the value of “silence” is important, but that’s a topic for another article. Truth has the power to bring clarity, when needed. It cuts through noise, falsehoods, and manipulation. In a world that often rewards image over substance, truth is disruptive in the best of ways. It levels the field and demands accountability. It may not always win popularity contests, but it earns credibility which is far more lasting. In some circles like Freemasonry, truth is held as a guiding principle among its brothers. But the value of truth isn’t limited to any philosophy or institution. It’s a human virtue. One that, when practiced consistently, shapes character and reputation. Living in truth is not about being brutally honest or morally superior, it’s about being real. About aligning your words, actions, and intentions. It’s the difference between being liked and being trusted. Between appearing strong and actually being strong. Truth can sting and it can be immensly humbling. It also heals, liberates, and empowers as it continuously invites growth. And perhaps most importantly, it sets the stage for freedom, not just from others’ expectations, but from the exhausting performance of being someone you’re not. Truth is a discipline and an important daily choice. It’s a quiet kind of power that, once embraced, makes you lighter, clearer, stronger and eventually at peace with yourself. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Diesel Rises from $2.89 to $3.19! Starting Tomorrow, These Will Be the New Fuel Prices Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has announced that starting Friday, June 27, 2025, fuel prices (Diesel and Gasoline) will increase once again, following the international trend in the oil market. Low-sulfur diesel will see the largest price hike, rising from $2.89 to $3.19 per gallon, an increase of 30 cents. New Fuel Prices in Panama Per gallon at stations in Panama City and Colón: Price adjustment per liter: These prices will be in effect from Friday, June 27 through Friday, July 11, 2025, as stated by the National Energy Secretariat. The agency advised users—especially those who rely heavily on diesel, such as transport operators and agricultural sectors—to plan accordingly. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE ASEP Extends Suspension of Phone and Internet Services in Bocas del Toro for Several More Days ASEP Extends Suspension of Phone and Internet Services in Bocas del Toro The National Public Services Authority (ASEP) has announced the extension of the temporary suspension of phone and internet services in the province of Bocas del Toro. This measure will remain in effect until Sunday, June 29, as part of the State of Emergency declared in the region. On Tuesday, June 24, the National Government issued Cabinet Decree No. 28, extending the state of emergency until this coming Sunday. The suspension of telecommunications services was originally ordered on Friday, June 20, following clashes between protesters and units of the National Police, which left several people injured. The incidents have had serious economic repercussions in the city of Changuinola, affecting both commerce and tourism. A shortage of food has also been reported in stores selling essential goods. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Expanded Panama Canal Locks Set Transit Record on Ninth Anniversary For the Panama Canal, the expanded locks marked a new era in global logistics and the strengthening of one of Panama’s most strategic assets. As of 2025, the Canal has surpassed 25,000 vessel transits through the expanded locks located in Agua Clara and Cocolí, which this Thursday, June 26, celebrate their ninth anniversary since their inauguration in 2016. Thanks to these locks, the Canal has also seen a notable increase in traffic and tonnage moved during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. From October 2024 to May 2025, the Canal registered a 30% increase in

Coming Back Together; U.S. Hospital Ship to Arrive in Panama; Panama Free from Arbitration Over Mine Closure.

Friday, June 20, 2025. Coming Back Together There’s something grounding about stepping away from the grind and reconnecting with the men who once shared a uniform, a mission, and a bond forged in places and situations most people will never understand. This trip isn’t just about the laughs, the fishing, or the cold beers (though we won’t pretend those don’t help). It’s about that invisible thread, tied tight years ago, that still holds strong. Whether you’re a longtime brother-in-arms or one of the new friends pulled into this orbit, you’ve felt it: the ease, the trust, the unspoken understanding. These reunions remind us that while time marches on, and life scatters us across careers, families, and obligations, the connection never fades. It just waits until we make time to come back together. Here’s to making that time. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: U.S. Hospital Ship to Arrive in Panama: Here Are the Services It Will Offer The United States Embassy in Panama announced on Tuesday, June 17, that the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort is already on its way to Panama. The vessel will arrive in Panama in the coming days as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Continuing Promise 2025 mission. During its stay, the Comfort’s medical team will work in coordination with Panama’s Ministry of Health to offer free medical care in various specialties, including general surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, and preventive medicine. In addition, they will carry out community outreach activities. The last visit of this hospital ship to Panama was in August 2019, during which medical care was provided to 6,231 people at two land-based medical sites in Colón Province, offering services in general medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, and optometry. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Israeli Ambassador to Panama Warns of Iran’s Nuclear Threat The Israeli Ambassador to Panama, Itai Bardov, warned that the current conflict with Iran poses an existential threat to his country due to the potential use of nuclear weapons by the Iranian regime. “Israel is a very small country… if Iran launches a nuclear bomb, it could wipe out Israel, and that is a threat. We cannot live with that,” Bardov stated in an interview with TReporta. His remarks come amid an unprecedented escalation in the Middle East. According to AFP, on Thursday, Israel warned that “it cannot allow” Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to remain in power, following a missile barrage that struck a hospital. Israel’s Response to Iranian Bombing Meanwhile, the Israeli military has intensified bombings on suspected nuclear facilities in Iranian territory, marking the seventh day of direct clashes between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump, a strategic ally of Israel, has not ruled out military action to stop Iran’s nuclear program, which is suspected—despite Tehran’s denials—of aiming to develop nuclear weapons. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Panama Free from Arbitration Over Mine Closure The Panamanian government was facing between six and seven international arbitration cases over the closure of the mine. President José Raúl Mulino confirmed on the morning of Thursday, June 19, that the company Franco-Nevada has suspended the $5 billion arbitration it had filed against Panama due to the closure of the Cobre Panamá mine. “With this, the company is now in the clear to begin, when the time is right, conversations with the mining company,” the president revealed during his weekly press conference. The Panamanian government had been facing several international arbitration proceedings—between six and seven—related to the copper mine’s closure. In March, the company First Quantum Minerals also announced the suspension of its arbitration case against the Republic of Panama. The mining company had initiated arbitration proceedings in November 2023 before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) against Panama. Additionally, it had submitted a notice of intent to arbitrate under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement. This decision came after Panama’s Supreme Court of Justice ruled on November 28, 2023, that the law contract between the Panamanian state and Cobre Panamá—a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals—was unconstitutional. President Mulino had previously stated that the reopening of the Cobre Panamá mine with First Quantum Minerals would depend on the withdrawal of all pending international arbitration cases. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Expansion of the Las Playas Highway in La Chorrera Over 99% Complete The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) reported that the expansion of the Las Playas Highway to six lanes has reached over 99% completion. Recent works include improvements along the Pan-American Highway, the construction of pedestrian overpasses, and the opening of key U-turns. Although there is no official inauguration date for this section of the project yet, it is expected to be opened to drivers from the interior of the country, West Panama, and the capital in the coming months. At the end of last year, the MOP announced the full rehabilitation of the lanes along the Pan-American Highway from the Nazareno sector to La Pesa. The viaduct upgrades included storm drainage work and the replacement of the deteriorated asphalt layer with a new 11-centimeter-thick pavement. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE MIDA Activates Emergency Plan for Water Crisis in Azuero After La Villa River Contamination In response to the severe water crisis affecting the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has intensified its actions to mitigate the effects caused by the contamination of the La Villa River and its tributaries, the main water supply source for the region. Through the National Directorate of Rural Engineering and Irrigation, and in coordination with the Regional Agricultural Services Directorates of both provinces, MIDA has launched a strategic emergency plan focused on the identification, georeferencing, and assessment of community and private wells that could provide water to meet the needs of the affected population. As part of this plan, 18 wells have been selected for technical evaluation. The Directorate of the Potable Water and Sanitary Sewerage Subsector (DISAPAS) will be responsible for conducting water quality and quantity tests to ensure the water is safe for human

Designing for Integrity; Possible Contamination of the La Villa River; Microwave Network Project.

Friday, June 13, 2025. Designing for Integrity: Helping People Choose the Honest Path Last week, I wrote about a difficult but necessary truth: everyone cheats, even if just a little. Not in the dramatic sense we associate with scandal or crime, but in small, seemingly harmless ways. People round up hours, tweak reports, or justify cutting corners, all while still considering themselves honest. It’s not malice that drives most of this behavior. It’s convenience, opportunity, and our ability to rationalize. The challenge for any organization, then, isn’t rooting out “bad apples.” It’s creating systems and cultures that help good people stay on the right path, even when the temptation to stray is there. One of the most effective things we can do is insert subtle moral reminders BEFORE someone takes action, and yes, timing matters. A short statement about values or integrity, placed at the start of a form, a report, or a task (and not at the end), can shift a person’s mindset and reduce the likelihood of dishonesty. It’s more about the reflection than it is about rules. We also need to make consequences feel personal. When people feel distant from the impact of their actions, it’s easier for them to justify them. But when they understand that misreporting expenses could mean less budget for training, or that bending the truth on a project could affect a colleague’s workload or job, they’re more likely to make the ethical choice. Language plays a role as well. Messaging that appeals to identity rather than just behavior is far more effective. Instead of saying “don’t cheat,” we can say “be someone who others can trust.” Framing expectations around who we are, not just what we do, reinforces the idea that honesty is a reflection of character. Another significant motivator behind dishonest behavior is the desire to avoid punishment. Many people lie not to gain, but to escape negative consequences, even when those consequences are minor. If a culture is overly punitive or if mistakes are met with harsh judgment, people may feel compelled to cover up errors rather than report them. This doesn’t build accountability, it breeds silence and deception. Instead, businesses should promote a culture where owning up to mistakes is seen as a strength, not a liability. When people feel safe to tell the truth, they’re more likely to do so.  This is true even moreso at the managerial levels. Designing environments where people feel gently observed can also make a difference. This doesn’t mean surveillance or control.  It can be as simple as adding a peer-review step, implementing self-checks, or even using symbolic cues like mirrors or signs that prompt reflection. A sense of visibility can nudge people toward better behavior, especially among peers. Culture plays a powerful role too. If people believe that “everyone’s doing it,” dishonesty spreads fast. But when we make it clear that integrity is the norm, most people rise to that standard.  If a person is caught cheating at anything, the repercusions of these acts should be handled swiftly and adecuately.  And then, highlighting the positive behaviors will help to reinforce a sense of collective honesty. It’s also important to remove or reduce conflicts of interest. When someone benefits personally from making a biased decision, even subconsciously, it clouds judgment – every… single… time… Wherever possible, decisions that involve financial incentives or sensitive outcomes should be structured with transparency or shared oversight. And finally, we can’t ignore the role of stress and fatigue. People are more likely to make poor choices when they’re overwhelmed or depleted. Ethical behavior requires mental energy. When we promote a healthy, balanced work environment, we give people the cognitive space to do the right thing.  This includes time for breaks and clear boundaries. In the end, the goal isn’t to create a system of control. It’s to make the honest choice easier, safer, and more natural. It’s helping the honest person to stay honest.  Integrity doesn’t happen by accident, it’s shaped by the environments we create. And when we build with that in mind, we don’t just prevent cheating, we foster a culture of trust, responsibility, and pride in doing things the right way. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Nine Investigations Opened Over Possible Contamination of the La Villa River Pig farming companies and other economic activities — including the developers of a housing project — are under investigation for allegedly dumping waste into tributaries of the La Villa River. This contamination has affected the population of Chitré and at least four districts in Los Santos, who are now facing water consumption restrictions. According to available information, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Los Santos has opened nine investigations following the alleged contamination of the La Villa River, a vital water source for the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos. The investigations were officially launched on May 29, after citizen complaints began circulating on social media and a formal complaint was filed by a Ministry of Environment official. Reports indicate that the establishments under scrutiny may have discharged waste into the Estivaná River, a direct tributary of the La Villa River. As a result, the prosecutor’s office, in coordination with the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, carried out inspections to determine whether the water source has been affected. A total of seven pig farms, one housing development, and a dairy production company are currently under investigation. These entities were administratively sanctioned and given a deadline to make improvements to their facilities, as required by environmental authorities. Meanwhile, additional inspections are being conducted to verify whether other companies may be linked to the contamination found in the river’s waters, according to official sources. As the investigations continue, residents remain on alert regarding the quality of the water reaching their homes. Although the general recommendation not to consume the water directly still stands, the Ministry of Health clarified in its most recent statement that the water may be used for drinking, brushing teeth, and

Built for Integrity; Traffic Flow Changes; Suspension of the Enforcement of the New Preferential Interest Law.

Friday, June 6, 2025. Built for Integrity: Why Security is a Design, Not a Reaction Years ago, behavioral economist Dan Ariely made waves with a book titled The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty, which explored how even good, upstanding people cheat when the circumstances allow it. As someone who’s spent decades in the world of corporate security and investigations, I can tell you that he’s absolutely right. Dishonesty isn’t always the product of malice. Often, it’s a matter of opportunity, rationalization, and a lack of friction. When a person can take something without much effort and without feeling like they’ve done real harm, they’re far more likely to do it and still see themselves as an honest person. The reality is that theft and fraud don’t always start with a grand scheme. Sometimes, it’s just an unattended drawer, an unchecked invoice, or a silent register. This is especially true in the wholesale and retail world, where temptation is built into the environment. Employees are surrounded by merchandise, customer transactions, return policies, discount systems, and petty cash day in and day out. With no clear oversight or structure, even the most loyal employee might start to rationalize taking home an item, overreporting hours, or giving unapproved discounts.  And we’ve all seen this all too often. That’s why our goal in security isn’t just to catch wrongdoing. It’s to create a system that discourages it from the start. Good security isn’t built on suspicion, it’s built on structure. It’s about creating an environment where doing the right thing is the easiest thing. Cameras, audits, access controls, clear policies, and accountability systems aren’t there to make people feel like criminals. They’re there to protect everyone (including the employee) from crossing a line that gets blurrier every day it goes unchecked. Let me share a story that illustrates this with a touch of humor. A man goes to his rabbi, distraught that someone stole his bicycle from outside the synagogue. The rabbi suggests a clever plan: “At your next sermon, speak on the Ten Commandments. When you reach ‘Thou shalt not steal’, pause and look around. The guilty person will give themselves away.” A week later, the rabbi checks in. “So? Did it work?” The man replies, “Almost. When I got to ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’, I remembered where I left the bike.” It’s a funny story, but is serves also as a reminder of how tangled our morals can get when we think no one’s looking. As business owners and leaders, we must design workplaces that don’t rely on personal virtue alone. We can’t just hope everyone makes the right choices, we have to make the right choices easy. That’s what good security companies do. Not just installing alarms or patrolling property, but working with management to build a culture of accountability. This includes: When employees know there’s structure, consistency, and visibility, they’re less likely to test the boundaries. And if they do, the system has to be designed to catch it early, before it becomes habit, or worse, a costly pattern. So no, we don’t install cameras because we believe our employees are criminals. We install them because we understand human nature. And we design security not to react to dishonesty after it happens, but to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. Your faithful security guy. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: ATTT Will Implement Traffic Flow Changes in San Francisco Starting Saturday, June 7 The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) announced that starting Saturday, June 7, changes will be implemented to the direction of traffic flow on two streets in the district of San Francisco, Panama City. Streets where ATTT will implement traffic flow changes: According to the agency: This measure aims to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety in the area. The ATTT advises drivers and residents to pay close attention to the new signage and comply with the regulations for safer circulation. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Ministry of Security Denies Presidential Order to Use Force in Bocas del Toro The Ministry of Public Security clarified that it has not received any order from President José Raúl Mulino to “use force” to reopen the province of Bocas del Toro, where the Banana Industry and Related Companies Workers’ Union (Sitraibana) declared a strike on April 28. According to a statement from the institution, the public security forces reaffirmed their commitment to “peace, legality, and human rights.” The Ministry also emphasized its respect for citizens’ right to protest, “as long as demonstrations are carried out peacefully and within the legal framework.” A key point highlighted by the Ministry is that protests must not endanger lives, property, or social harmony. “Any act that goes against these principles will be addressed in accordance with the laws and the Constitution of Panama,” it stated. The institution also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and to working toward preserving stability and well-being in Bocas del Toro. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Cabinet Council Suspends Enforcement of New Preferential Interest Law According to the Minister of Housing, postponing the enforcement of the law will benefit 9,000 families who were still in the process of receiving their homes. The Cabinet Council approved suspending the effects of the recently enacted Preferential Interest Law for housing until December 31. During the session, it was decided to temporarily suspend the effects of Law 468 until December 31, 2025, allowing its implementation to begin on January 1, 2026, explained the Minister of Housing and Land Management, Jaime Jované. He stated that the measure includes reinstating the validity of Law 3 of May 20, 1985, and its amendments until December 31, in order to “rescue and process the mortgage applications corresponding to this period” and give banks time to finalize pending procedures. The minister also mentioned plans to reform the new law, although he did not provide specifics. The decision will benefit approximately 9,000 families by facilitating access to housing, according to Minister Jované. He also clarified that

Anger; Fuel Prices Will Increase in Panama; Forest Reduces Stress.

Friday, May 30, 2025. Anger: The Tool We Mistake for Truth I just finished reading The Courage to Be Disliked, a book grounded in Alfred Adler’s psychology, and I have to admit, it hit me harder than I expected. One particular concept grabbed me and refused to let go: Anger is not a real emotion, it’s a tool. That simple sentence forced me to take a hard look at myself, and what I found was both uncomfortable and illuminating. It helped me realize that what I often thought was “anger” was actually something else, embarrassment, shame, or even fear of being wrong. And instead of expressing those vulnerable feelings, I’d react with anger, as a way to control the situation or silence the criticism. I’m writing about this not to lecture anyone, but to offer a mirror, to get others to pause and ask: “When I get angry, what am I really trying to do?”“Am I protecting myself, or am I avoiding something?” Because once you begin to recognize anger as a tool, it changes everything. Anger Through the Adlerian Lens Alfred Adler believed that people are not driven by their pasts, but by their goals. From that view, anger is not a spontaneous eruption, it’s a chosen strategy, often used to manipulate, deflect, or assert dominance. Let me give you a real example from my own life:When my wife tells me, oh so gingerly, that I might be gaining some weight, I “get angry.” But it’s not anger that I truly feel. It’s the sting of truth I didn’t want to hear. It’s guilt for not doing what I know I should. It’s shame for being caught off guard. So, instead of saying “you’re right,” I act out. Loudly. Emotionally. In a way that gets her to stop talking and makes her feel like maybe she’s the one who’s wrong. That’s not emotion. That’s a play.That’s not anger. That’s a tactic. Stoicism: Anger is Judgment, Not Truth The ancient Stoics understood this dynamic too. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor-philosopher, wrote: “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it, and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” To the Stoic, anger is the result of poor judgment. Not a fire from the outside, but a storm of misperception on the inside. Epictetus even warned that he who angers you controls you. Both Adlerian and Stoic thought converge on one core truth: We may not control what we feel, but we do control how we interpret and express it. Reflection vs Reaction So why does this matter? Because we live in a world drowning in reaction. Social media, politics, family dynamics, everyone seems ready to explode at the slightest disagreement. But if even a few of us paused to ask why we’re angry, what we’re really trying to achieve, we might find our way back to reason. And to each other. I write about anger as a tool because I believe we all need to become more aware, not just of how we use it, but how others use it on us. Whether it’s a manipulative partner, a demanding boss, or even a well-meaning loved one, anger can be a weapon. Recognizing that doesn’t make us cynical, it makes us wise. And What About Sadness? Some emotions, though, don’t fit this mold. When someone close to you dies, for example, sadness isn’t a tactic, it’s a collapse. Tears don’t manipulate; they mourn. Even the Stoics acknowledged the reality of grief. They never said “don’t feel,” only “don’t be ruled.” So no, not all emotions are tools. But anger? More often than not, it is. Final Thought This isn’t about denying your emotions. It’s about owning them, and choosing how to use them or not. Once you recognize anger as a tool, you’re no longer its tool. You can drop it. Speak plainly. Let truth breathe. And when someone tries to weaponize anger against you, you’ll see it for what it is: not power, not righteousness, but strategy. That’s the moment real control begins.  That’s the moment we stop being ruled by emotion and start living with intention. Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Fuel Prices Will Increase in Panama Starting This Friday, May 30 The National Secretariat of Energy announced that starting Friday, May 30, 2025, at 6:00 a.m., new fuel prices will take effect in Panama and will remain in place until Friday, June 13, at 5:59 a.m. New Fuel Prices in Panama READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Sinaproc Warns of Increased Swells and Rip Currents in the Caribbean The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has announced that the advisory for swells and rip currents along the Caribbean coast will remain in effect until Friday, May 30. The following areas will remain under surveillance: Eastern Caribbean: Central Caribbean: Western Caribbean: The Panama Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Imhpa) reported that trade winds over the Caribbean Sea have intensified, increasing both the frequency and height of waves, resulting in rough seas and rip currents along beaches and coasts. In response to these conditions, Sinaproc issues the following recommendations: Emergency contact numbers for Sinaproc: 520-4426 / 911 / 6998-4809. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE President Mulino Highlights Progress of the Panamá Tunnel Boring Machine and Line 3 Metro Tunnel During a press conference, President José Raúl Mulino emphasized progress in public infrastructure, with special focus on the Metro Line 3 tunnel project, being executed by the Panamá tunnel boring machine. The president reported that, to date, the tunnel boring machine has excavated 1,132 linear meters of tunnel, reaching a depth of approximately 50 meters beneath the waters of the Panama Canal. He explained that this represents 25% of the total tunnel length, describing it as a “significant advancement” given the short time since work began. He also noted that the project is progressing steadily, operating 24/7 with the goal of completing and launching the monorail that will connect Panamá Oeste with the capital city. President Mulino Announces Nationwide Infrastructure Projects in Full Execution On Wednesday, President

Faith Beyond Proof; Watch Advisory for Swells and Currents in the Pacific; The Best Coffee in the World in 2025.

Friday, May 23, 2025. Faith Beyond Proof From the Field & The Heart In the world of influence and persuasion, we often hear about the importance of trust and confidence, and most books lump them together as if they mean the same thing. But the truth, at least in my experience, is that they’re profoundly different. And lately, I’ve come to see this contrast more clearly.  Not in a classroom or boardroom, but in the quiet, human moments of being a father. You see, I’ve come to understand that trust is conditional. I trust someone with my money because they have good credit and have paid me back before. I trust an employee to take care of a task because they’ve proven reliable. Trust is always earned, always based on some prior experience or track record. It’s an emotional contract built on history. But confidence, I now believe, is something entirely different.  It’s not basedCANV on their past, it’s based on my faith.  It’s not something they earn, it’s something I give.  And in many ways, it’s less about them and more about me, or perhaps, more accurately, something God may be whispering to me. When someone says, “I’m confident in this person,” they’re often saying it without full evidence. It’s not the language of verification. It’s the language of hope, of belief, sometimes of divine prompting. I’ve started to believe that when I say, “I’m confident in this person,” I’m really saying, “I feel led, even without seeing, to believe in them.” And that’s where parenting has made this lesson real for me. I can’t say I fully trust my children to do their homework or to take out the trash when I ask them to.  They’ve procrastinated.  (So much procrastination.) They’ve forgotten. They’re still growing.  But I have confidence that they will be great at whatever they apply themselves to. And that confidence doesn’t come from their record, it comes from something deeper, something unconditional. It’s a sense that, no matter what the present moment looks like, they’re becoming the people they’re meant to be. And I get to believe in that, not because of what they’ve done, but because of who they are, and perhaps who I know they will become. So here’s how I’ve started to frame it: “Trust is based on what I know about your past.  Confidence is based on what I believe about your future.” Both are powerful.  Both have their place.  But only one, confidence, allows us to believe even in the absence of proof, and sometimes, that’s where the real magic is. Until next time, Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc.Field Notes from a Life in Observation TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Sinaproc Maintains Watch Advisory for Swells and Currents in the Pacific The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a watch advisory for swells and rip currents that will remain in effect until Sunday, May 25, 2025, in various areas along Panama’s Pacific coast. According to the agency, the advisory covers the following regions: • Central Pacific: Southern Veraguas, Azuero Peninsula, and Coclé, with waves ranging from 1.4 to 1.8 meters in height and periods of 18 to 21 seconds.• Eastern Pacific: Gulf and Bay of Panama, Panama Oeste, and Darién, with waves ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 meters and periods of 17 to 19 seconds.• Western Pacific: Gulf of Chiriquí and its coasts, with waves between 1.4 and 2.0 meters and periods of 18 to 21 seconds. The Panamanian Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Impha) reported a ground swell approaching the entire Pacific coastline of Panama. This condition could lead to rip currents and strong wave breakings along coastal areas. In light of this situation, Sinaproc urges the population to: READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Google Meet Will Translate Dialogues Between English and Spanish in Real Time Google Meet announced on Tuesday that starting today, it can translate conversations between English and Spanish while preserving the speaker’s voice thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement was made by the tech giant during its Google I/O developer conference. According to Sundar Pichai, the company’s CEO, this new feature helps people overcome language barriers “almost in real time,” while maintaining the speaker’s voice, tone, and expression. The tech giant showcased the new feature at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California—home to Google’s headquarters—with a pre-recorded video showing a conversation between an American and a Latina woman discussing a house rental, each speaking in their native language. “The result is an authentic and natural conversation, even across different languages—whether it’s English-speaking grandchildren effortlessly chatting with their Spanish-speaking grandparents, or colleagues around the world connecting from different continents,” Google said in a statement. For now, the tool is only available in beta for subscribers of the Google AI Pro and Ultra plans, but the company emphasized that it “will soon be available for businesses.” Google also announced that more languages will be added in the coming weeks, although it did not specify which ones. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Venezuela and Panama Could Resume Their Commercial Flights The website Informe Aéreo highlighted that, following discussions and negotiations, agreements were reportedly reached between Panamanian and Venezuelan aviation authorities. Commercial flights between Panama and Venezuela, which were suspended in July 2024, will be progressively resumed with flights to the city of Caracas. According to sources close to the matter, authorities are expected to announce the official date for the resumption of flights between the two countries. Informe Aéreo reported that sources from Venezuela’s National Institute of Civil Aviation confirmed that after a series of talks with their Panamanian counterparts, the reestablishment of commercial flights was agreed upon. However, airlines will now need to reorganize their schedules to cover cities in both Venezuela and Panama. Venezuelan aviation lawyer Rodolfo Ruiz shared the news on his X account, stating that direct flights between Panama and Venezuela will finally resume. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Prosecutor’s Office Issues Arrest Warrant Against Saúl Méndez and Genaro López for Alleged Fraud An

Flying Monkeys Are More Dangerous Than the Narcissist; New Fuel Prices; Panama Closes Migration Station in Darién.

Friday, May 16, 2025. Flying Monkeys Are More Dangerous Than the Narcissist The Hidden Threat Within Community Dynamics In every toxic social conflict, whether in personal relationships, professional circles, or small communities, there is almost always a central aggressor: someone manipulative, calculating, and fueled by narcissistic traits like grandiosity, envy, or an obsessive need for control. But often, the true damage is not done by this person alone. It’s done by those who enable them. These enablers are what psychologists and popular culture refer to as “Flying Monkeys.”And in many cases, they’re more dangerous than the narcissist. The Real Mechanics of Social Abuse The narcissist may light the match, but it’s the flying monkeys who fuel the fire. In expat communities, where social ecosystems are smaller and more emotionally charged, narcissistic envy can quickly escalate into campaigns of targeted social aggression. These aggressors often: The aggression is rooted not in moral grievance but in envy; a primal, toxic force. And once that narrative is accepted by others, the narcissist rarely needs to act alone. Why the Flying Monkeys Are Worse Flying Monkeys often believe they’re defending a friend or acting out of loyalty. In reality, they’ve surrendered their critical thinking and morality to someone else’s dysfunction. Their behavior is more damaging because: In short, the flying monkeys become proxy abusers, often more venomous than the person they believe they’re protecting. How It Spreads This is not a matter of one bad personality. It’s a social contagion.It spreads through: This phenomenon is not unique to expats, but expat communities are particularly vulnerable. When people are far from their home cultures, dealing with emotional isolation or personal reinvention, they’re more susceptible to manipulative power structures disguised as friendship or activism. The Courage to Break the Cycle Stopping this dynamic doesn’t require confrontation, it requires clarity and boundaries. Ask yourself: Choosing not to participate is not weakness, it’s resistance.It takes more strength to walk away from the mob than to chant with it. And for those who find themselves under attack: know that these orchestrated campaigns often say more about the insecurity of the aggressor and the weakness of their followers than about anything you’ve done. You don’t need to defend your entire character to people who’ve chosen not to see it.Just keep walking. The loudest voices are often the most hollow. Stay sharp, Brett MikkelsonDirector, B.M. Investigations, Inc.Veteran | Investigator | Observer of Human Behavior TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: New Fuel Prices Set Until May 30 The Panama Secretariat of Energy announced on Wednesday that fuel prices will remain unchanged for the next 15 days, starting Friday, May 16. According to the official report, 95-octane gasoline will maintain its current price of $0.91 per liter, while 91-octane gasoline will also remain at $0.85 per liter. Meanwhile, low-sulfur diesel will decrease by two cents, setting the new price at $0.75 per liter. These prices will remain in effect until 5:59 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at which time a possible update will be evaluated based on fluctuations in the international market. This decision is part of the government’s efforts to provide stability in transportation and household fuel costs amid global energy market volatility. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Panama Closes Migration Station in Darién Following Sharp Drop in Northbound Flow The Government of Panama announced on Wednesday the closure of its main migration station at the exit of the Darién region, following a drastic drop in the northbound flow of irregular travelers—marking the end of a years-long humanitarian crisis. “I hereby report the closure of the temporary migration reception station of Lajas Blancas, the main station established by the Panamanian State to manage the South-North migration phenomenon,” said a Panamanian official during a ceremony led by Minister of Public Security Frank Ábrego. A large banner reading “ETRM Lajas Blancas CLOSED” was displayed at the site, which now shows a desolate landscape in stark contrast to past images filled with crowds of migrants and locals who took advantage of the flow to sell all kinds of goods. Minister Ábrego stated that more than one million people passed through Lajas Blancas since its opening in 2009. By late April, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino had already declared that “for all practical purposes,” the Darién was closed as an irregular migration route. He cited the fact that only 73 migrants crossed the jungle that month, compared to 194 in March or the 29,259 who made the journey in April of the previous year—a 99.7% decrease from 2024 levels. The Panamanian government attributes the drop in northbound migration to measures such as the closure of jungle paths to channel travelers into a single “humanitarian corridor,” fines for irregular entry into the country, and a U.S.-funded deportation flight program. However, it was the return to power of Donald Trump in the United States and his new immigration restrictions that led to a drastic decline in northbound migration and an increase in the “reverse flow”—though on a smaller scale than initial forecasts had suggested. Panama’s restrictions have been in place since last year, which ended with 300,549 irregular migrants arriving after crossing the Darién—a 41% drop from the record 511,103 recorded in 2023, according to official statistics cited by Mulino in a January address to Parliament. The ‘Controlled Flow’ Plan While the Darién jungle has been used for decades as a route for irregular migration, the first major crisis emerged in 2015–2016 when thousands of Cubans used it to reach the U.S. amid impending changes to U.S. immigration policy toward islanders. The Panamanian State responded with what it called a “controlled flow” strategy, which was also applied during the Venezuelan migration crisis that escalated in 2019. That crisis prompted the establishment of the Lajas Blancas station in its current form, officially opened in September 2020. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted at the time that the Lajas Blancas station was the result of efforts by the Panamanian government and international cooperation partners to offer irregular migrants access to medical and mental health services. At Panamanian migration stations, biometric data of migrants was

Beyond the Scene; New Pope 2025; Strike Does Not Favor Tourism in Panama.

Friday, May 09, 2025. Beyond the Scene: Time and Environment as Dual Pillars of the Investigative Mindset In investigative work, we often speak of “the scene”, as if it were one isolated moment in space. But the reality is far more layered. Every case, whether a petty theft or an international fraud scheme, occurs within an environment that is not only physical, but temporal. The environment isn’t just where something happened, it’s when, how long ago, for how long, and what came before or after. Without recognizing time as a dimension of the environment, an investigator risks chasing shadows rather than uncovering substance. Too often, we hyper-focus on an object or isolated fact. A client might tell us, “They stole my watch, my laptop, and my phone,” and we’re given a neat list of stolen items. But ask how many individuals were involved, and the answers are vague: “I think two… maybe three.” Ask if they saw a getaway vehicle, and you hear, “I didn’t think to look.” The victim’s field of awareness was limited, understandably, by fear and shock, but if we, as investigators, adopt that same narrow lens, we miss crucial opportunities. Now add the pressure of time. Fingerprints on a doorknob may last only hours. Surveillance footage may overwrite itself every 24 to 72 hours. A witness’s memory begins to degrade immediately, altered by conversations, assumptions, media, and time itself. The longer we wait, the further we get from unfiltered truth. That’s why a skilled investigator learns to sequence their approach: identify which environments are both most urgent and most revealing, and then act quickly to preserve what would otherwise vanish. Take this layered view: The environment becomes a series of concentric circles, each one holding more context, and each one governed by its own ticking clock. And then we go deeper. Consider the digital environment. Did the suspects scope out the location via Google Maps? Did they communicate via encrypted messaging apps? Did the stolen phone ping a tower on its way out of the city? This layer isn’t visible at the scene, but it’s as real and critical as the broken window or pried-open door. Even the psychological environment plays a role. The mindset of the victim at the time of the crime. The patterns of behavior leading up to the event. The routine that made them predictable. Or the internal environment of the perpetrator; was this act born out of desperation, calculation, revenge or impulse? All of these must be mapped not just spatially, but chronologically. When we draw timelines, we do more than chart events. We look for causality. For rhythm. For breaks in pattern. We ask not just what happened, but why it happened then, why it happened there, and what that timing tells us about the next move. So, where do we begin? We begin with the environment that expires first. If there are cameras, retrieve the footage before it’s lost. If there are witnesses, interview them before memory fades or bias creeps in. If there are digital traces, preserve them before metadata is altered or deleted. Think of it as investigative triage: act where time is not your friend. Then we move outward, not randomly, but methodically. From micro to macro. From the known to the uncertain. And with each layer of environment, we don’t just collect facts, we build a narrative. Because in the end, investigation is not just about gathering pieces, it’s about assembling meaning. The scene of the crime is never the full story. The environment, physical, digital, psychological, and temporal, is the story. And the investigator who learns to navigate these layers with urgency and clarity will always find more than the one who simply shows up and takes notes. Brett Mikkelson TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: New Pope 2025: Robert Francis Prévost is Pope Leo XIV Cardinal Dominique Mamberti was the one who announced to the world the name of the new pontiff, 69-year-old Robert Francis Prévost, who has been elected as Pope Leo XIV. With this historic appointment, Prévost becomes the successor of Peter and the new head of the Catholic Church. The 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church was born in Chicago but also holds Peruvian nationality, having served as a missionary and as the emeritus archbishop of Chiclayo. Before his election, Prévost led one of the most influential offices in the Vatican: the Congregation for Bishops, responsible for evaluating candidates and proposing key appointments within the ecclesiastical structure. His profile has been regarded as that of a calm, experienced leader deeply committed to pastoral renewal. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Strike Does Not Favor Tourism in Panama, Private Sector Calls for Dialogue While the private sector urges authorities to come to the negotiating table to end the two-week-long strike, President Mulino insists that Law 462 of the Social Security Fund (CSS) will remain in force. Hotel owners, shopping centers, and the tourism industry as a whole have been raising their voices about the negative impact of the indefinite national strike called by teachers, who are demanding the repeal of Law 462 regarding reforms to the Social Security Fund. The strike continues into its second consecutive week. The Panamanian Hotel Association (Apatel) expressed on Thursday, May 8, its concern over the severe impact that road closures across the country are having on tourism, affecting both domestic travel and international visitor arrivals. The hotel sector warned that the roadblocks have forced both domestic and international tourists to cancel their travel plans, due to the inability to reach popular tourist destinations such as Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, and the central provinces. They stated that the situation has led to the temporary closure of numerous establishments, as well as the cancellation of reservations made weeks in advance, resulting in millions in economic losses for a sector still recovering from previous crises. “Hotel occupancy, already weakened, is now facing a new and serious setback. The disruption of supply chains is also complicating the operations of many tourism businesses, deepening the sector’s crisis,” Apatel said in an official statement. Although the hotel industry acknowledges and respects citizens’ right to protest, it

The Psychology of Corruption; How Do Strikes Affect Student Performance; Causes of Increased Influenza Positivity.

Friday, May 2, 2025. The Psychology of Corruption: When Good Institutions Fall, and the People Pay the PriceBy Brett Mikkelson Corruption rarely announces itself with fanfare. It creeps in slowly, like a shadow at sunset. often unnoticed until the damage is done. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a disturbing trend: the dismantling or defunding of organizations that once stood as pillars of service, support, and integrity. From AmeriCorps to community-based programs aiding veterans and volunteers, institutions that once empowered the underserved are being hollowed out, sometimes from within. It’s not just mismanagement. In some cases, it’s outright fraud. AmeriCorps, a once-robust force for community service, reportedly failed eight consecutive audits and couldn’t account for over a billion dollars in funding. It’s hard to justify continued financial backing of an agency that repeatedly fails to meet the most basic accountability standards. But what’s even harder to accept is that the consequences of that corruption are not borne by those responsible, they’re borne by the people who were depending on those services to survive, recover, or rise. And this isn’t just an American story. In Panama, corruption between a private corporation and local authorities caused the closure of the Quantum copper mine, once considered a major source of economic stability. The fallout? Schools have closed, street protests have intensified, and businesses are hemorrhaging revenue. Meanwhile, politicians talk about “collaborative reopening” while avoiding any real ownership of the chaos their deals caused. The people suffer. Again. Corruption, at its core, is not just a legal or political issue, it’s psychological. The question we should be asking isn’t just how corruption happens, but why. Why would someone betray the very system they’re sworn to uphold? Why would a U.S. judge, entrusted with enforcing the law, commit obstruction to protect an individual already charged with domestic violence, a federal offense in its own right? Why do people in positions of power risk their reputation, freedom, and careers for something as shallow as influence or a short-term payoff? The answer is layered. For some, corruption begins with rationalization, the quiet voice that whispers, “Everyone’s doing it.” For others, it’s born of desperation, ego, or a misplaced sense of justice. What starts as a small favor, a blind eye turned, a fund diverted “just this once,” can quickly spiral into institutional rot. It’s a slippery slope where decency is slowly traded for self-preservation or gain. But make no mistake: corruption has victims. When systems become compromised, those who rely on them, the single mother seeking housing aid, the veteran hoping for mental health services, the community rebuilding after a disaster are left stranded. The integrity of a nation is not measured by its wealth or its weapons, but by how it serves those with the least. And when corruption flourishes, that service dies. The bottom line is that we need to stop feeding the machine. Because if we don’t, the collapse of trust may prove more devastating than the corruption itself. TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: How Do Strikes Affect Student Performance? In response to the insistence of some social unions on maintaining calls for strikes, education authorities state that each work stoppage is equivalent to three days of lost knowledge for students. Therefore, so far this school year, around 12 days of learning have been lost, as classes have been suspended at least four times. Parents express concern about their children’s future, since despite the Ministry of Education (Meduca) having decided to resume classes, some teachers have failed to return to their duties. Guardians are urging teachers to return to their posts or seek alternative solutions that do not affect students’ academic futures, such as virtual or modular education. Aldo Bazán, a representative of the regional educational community of Panama Centro, points out that intermittent strikes undermine students’ education. He therefore calls on both parties (Meduca and the teachers) to continue the educational process. “We know there is a situation in the country and that everyone has the right to strike, but we also defend the right to education for our children,” he reiterated. According to Bazán, the work stoppages have been concentrated mainly in secondary schools, since in most other educational centers, the majority of teachers have chosen to continue attending to students. There is still no exact figure for the economic losses from the first day of protests, but the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) estimates they could be around 90 million dollars. Minister Julio Moltó believes the strike by teachers and the Single Union of Workers in the Construction and Similar Industries (Suntracs) “makes no sense,” since the issues raised by these groups have already been addressed by the authorities. “Let’s not deceive the public — we’re injecting ideology and political opportunism, trying to fool the people,” he said. Moltó reiterated to the public not to be misled by these social groups, stating that their claims regarding the law reforming the Social Security Fund (CSS) are incorrect — the approved reform does not raise the retirement age nor does it change the regime for teachers. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE ATTT Announces Road Closures for the Transfer of the 1903 Panamanian Flag from Herrera to Panamá Pacífico The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) announces the temporary closure of several roads due to the solemn transfer of the National Flag, known as the “Wounded Flag.” This historic 1903 flag, a symbol of Panama’s separatist movement from Colombia, will be transferred from the Fabio Rodríguez Museum in Herrera to Panamá Pacífico. The road closures began this Tuesday to ensure logistics for the transfer, which will take place this Wednesday, at the following intersections: The procession will begin at 10:00 a.m. The vehicle carrying the “Wounded Flag” will depart from Julio Arjona Street, in front of the Fabio Rodríguez Museum. The route will continue along Paseo Enrique Geenzier, merging onto the Economic Center (Belisario Porras Avenue) toward Divisa. From there, it will take the Inter-American Highway en route to Panamá Pacífico. Citizens are urged to take necessary precautions and use