Friday, September 12, 2025.
Reflection: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk and America’s Awakening
The news of Charlie Kirk’s death has reverberated across the nation. Known as a bold voice for conservative values, but also as a man unashamed to profess his faith in Jesus Christ, Kirk’s life and now his death have left an indelible mark. While political analysts will focus on the national divides his assassination reveals, there is a deeper story unfolding, a spiritual one.
Charlie Kirk lived his life publicly, never hiding his convictions. His courage to speak openly about faith made him a lightning rod for criticism but also a beacon for countless young people searching for truth. His sudden and violent end will not only be remembered as a political tragedy, but more importantly I hope as the silencing of a Christian witness in the public square. And yet, history shows us that such silencing never truly succeeds.
The Church has long known a paradox: when a believer is struck down, the message of Christ is often amplified. The early Christians said, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Charlie’s death may prove to be a catalyst, awakening those who have drifted from faith or never embraced it at all. For the agnostic, the skeptic, or the one “on the fence,” such a moment can stir new questions: What do I really believe? What is life’s purpose? Am I ready to face eternity?
We are living in a time of uncertainty, division, and doubt. But moments of crisis can also become moments of clarity. Charlie Kirk’s assassination, his murder, may serve as a call for many Americans to return to the roots of faith, to reexamine not only political convictions but also the eternal truths that anchor human life. His death could move thousands, perhaps millions, to open their hearts again to Jesus.
Though silenced on earth, Charlie’s voice echoes in the lives he touched and the questions his death now forces upon us all. It is possible that his martyrdom will not weaken the cause of faith in America but strengthen it. In grief, there is awakening. In tragedy, there is the chance for renewal. And in Charlie’s witness, sealed by his final breath, there is an invitation for this nation to turn back toward God.
I watched his debates often, impressed primarily by his calm demeanor even more so than by his conviction to Jesus. His preparedness and trajectory kept me interested, but now after what transpired today, I find myself looking deeper into who he was, and now who I truly am as well. To some, I may come across as a tough guy, someone who’s been through my own hells and back. But have I truly been the hero of my story? Have I shown the same toughness when it comes to standing firm in my own beliefs? Sadly, not nearly as much as Charlie did.
As Charlie often reminded us, God calls us to be salt and light, not to conform, but to bring change; to make positive change. If any good can come from this tragedy, let it be that we all begin, right now, to step forward in faith and commit ourselves to making that change in the world.
Turning Loss into Light
There are moments in life when the world seems to pause, even if only for a heartbeat. Tragedy, whether personal or collective, shakes us from routine and forces us to look deeper. We are reminded how fragile life is, how quickly anger and division can consume us, and how much healing our communities and hearts truly need.
Yet in those very moments of pain, we are also given the chance to rediscover what matters most. Prudence calls us to reflect before we act, to measure our words carefully in times when anger tempts us. Temperance reminds us to find balance, to guard against extremes that only deepen wounds. Fortitude urges us to stand firm in what is right, even when it is difficult or costly. And Justice demands that we treat one another fairly, recognizing the dignity in every human being.
If we let it, grief can open the door to grace. Division can give way to understanding. Silence can become a space for reflection, and reflection can lead us to act with renewed kindness and conviction.
Today, I invite you to take a breath and ask: What am I sowing into the world around me? Am I leaving behind bitterness or light? Fear or hope? Am I showing colors of hatred or love? The answers to those questions matter more now than ever.
We cannot control every storm, but we can choose to be shelter for others. We cannot erase hate, but we can refuse to mirror it. And we cannot undo loss, but we can honor it, by living each day with greater love, deeper balance, courage, and a commitment to fairness and truth.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private investigations in Panama
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Panama Presents the Panama Business & Investors’ Day 2025, Its First Major Business Platform after Joining MERCOSUR
This event represents the first major business initiative following Panama’s incorporation into MERCOSUR, making it a strategic space to strengthen commercial ties, attract investment, and position the country as a regional business hub.
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, led the presentation of the Panama Business & Investors’ Day 2025, an event scheduled for September 29 that marks a milestone as the first international forum organized by the Brazil–Panama Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the country since its admission as an Associated State of MERCOSUR.
Over two days, PBID will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, government authorities, and leading experts from Panama, Brazil, and other countries in the region. The agenda includes conferences, panels, and presentations on key topics such as trade agreements, logistics, financial solutions, foreign direct investment, and business success stories.
During his remarks, Minister Moltó highlighted Brazil’s support in Panama’s process of joining MERCOSUR, describing it as “a demonstration of trust and cooperation between both nations.” He also underscored the positive results of the recent official tour alongside President José Raúl Mulino to Brazil, which he described as highly successful.
The Minister further emphasized: “Panama presents itself to you as a serious, stable, and reliable partner. We offer political stability, legal security, and unmatched strategic connectivity.” He also highlighted the country’s competitiveness, logistics, and commercial platforms, such as the SEM and EMMA regimes, the Colon Free Zone, the Panama Pacifico complex, and various free trade zones, which consolidate Panama as an attractive destination for international investment.
The Panama Business & Investors’ Day 2025, organized by the Brazil–Panama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and government representatives from across the region. The forum seeks to strengthen commercial ties, attract investment, and position Panama as a regional business hub through an innovative methodology that generates concrete opportunities for participating countries.
“The Panama Business & Investors’ Day will be a unique platform for Panamanian and Brazilian companies to identify new expansion opportunities within the framework of regional integration with MERCOSUR. We are convinced that this step will strengthen our relations with Panama as a strategic partner of Brazil,” stated Ambassador João Mendes Pereira.
Janaina Tobia Quisinski, President of the Brazil–Panama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed that PBID 2025 reflects the Chamber’s commitment to business development and the attraction of foreign investment. “Our mission is to build effective bridges between the private sector and international markets, offering participants valuable information, high-level contacts, and tangible business opportunities.”
On the first day of the event, known as Business Day, panels will cover the economic and trade outlook, Panama’s role within MERCOSUR, trade agreements and tax benefits, as well as presentations on logistics, public procurement, and business financing. Success stories from companies such as Tramontina and Wise Tech will also be shared.
The second day, known as Investors’ Day, will be dedicated to attracting international investment. The agenda will include panels on Panama’s competitive advantages as an investment destination, real estate opportunities, legal frameworks and asset protection, along with participation from investment banks and specialized advisors.
Cold, Dengue, and Covid Hit Hard; Authorities Urge Vaccination
The regional health director of Panamá Oeste, Jorge Melo, warned that various viruses are hitting the population hard due to current weather conditions, characterized by alternating rains and dry spells.
“Viruses are affecting the population more strongly because of the weather we’re experiencing between rainfall and drying periods,” the official said.
Melo explained that at present, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), dengue, and Covid-19 are circulating with intensity.
“Right now, we have what could be described as a significant increase in respiratory syncytial virus, influenza—which every year causes considerable damage around this time—dengue, which without a doubt continues to strongly afflict the population, and Covid, which is also important, as many people believe it has disappeared. Covid has not disappeared; it’s still with us,” he stressed.
Hospitals Under Pressure
The regional director acknowledged that hospitals are under pressure in their pediatric and geriatric wards due to the rise in viral illnesses.
“We are seeing an increase in pediatric wards, filled with viral cases. Most of the cases we’re seeing right now are in peak age groups: infants under six months and adults over 68,” he noted.
He added that many hospitalized patients have not received the 2025 influenza vaccine, which worsens their clinical conditions.
Melo emphasized that a common cold usually resolves within 7 to 10 days with hydration and basic medications, but if symptoms persist, people should seek medical attention. “Do not become complacent—that is the message for the population,” he said.
Covid Cases and Influenza Deaths
So far this year, the eastern health region of Panama has reported 49 Covid-19 cases. “There is a lot of undetected Covid,” Melo warned, noting that diagnostic and vaccination capacity remains available at all Ministry of Health facilities.
The official also reported that 10 influenza-related deaths have been recorded this year, all in unvaccinated patients with comorbidities.
Dengue Situation
As of epidemiological week 35, Panamá Oeste has recorded a total of 1,251 dengue cases this year. In the last week alone, 24 cases were reported: 17 in Arraiján, 5 in La Chorrera, 1 in Capira, and 1 in San Carlos. Chame remains without cases.
“Dengue can cause completely fatal complications. Early diagnosis and detection of warning signs are key,” he warned.
Call for Vaccination
Melo reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19, especially among high-risk groups.
“The majority of hospitalized patients have not received the 2025 influenza vaccine. Let’s reinforce vaccination—it is the most effective tool,” he stressed.
Panama Revives the Banana Industry in Bocas del Toro with Chiquita Investment
The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) announced on Tuesday the commitments established in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Chiquita Panamá LLC to reactivate the banana industry in Bocas del Toro.
MICI and Chiquita Panamá Agree to Revive Banana Production in Bocas del Toro
The agreement provides for the hiring of approximately 3,000 workers initially for agricultural tasks, followed by the incorporation of 2,000 additional people for harvesting and packing, with priority given to local labor. In addition, facilities and processes will be modernized under international standards of safety, food security, and sustainability.
The agreement also includes programs for decent employment, community development, and technical training, as well as the creation of a Technical Monitoring Committee to oversee implementation over the next 24 months.
“The agreement aims to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of the banana sector, prioritizing employment, worker well-being, and the productive development of the region,” MICI highlighted.
The Cabinet Council Approved the Appointment of Two New Justices to the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ)
Trough Resolution 107-25, Gisela del Carmen Agurto Ayala was appointed as Justice of the Third Chamber for Administrative and Labor Litigation of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ). With this appointment, she will replace Justice Cecilio Cedalise Riquelme, whose term has expired.
Agurto is currently an alternate justice of the Third Chamber for Administrative and Labor Litigation. A graduate of Universidad Santa María la Antigua, she holds a master’s degree from Tulane University, Louisiana.
She has held various positions, including Judge of the Maritime Court, Judge of Municipal Civil Courts, and Alternate Justice of the Superior Family Court, among others.
The Cabinet Council also approved Resolution 108-25, appointing Carlos Ernesto Villalobos Jaén as Justice of the First Civil Chamber of the CSJ. This appointment is to replace Justice Ángela Russo Mainieri, whose term has expired.
Villalobos is a practicing attorney, a graduate of the University of Panama, with more than 20 years of experience in civil law, banking and insurance contracts, condominium property, inheritance rights, cassation appeals, and constitutional amparo actions, among other areas.
He holds a postgraduate degree in Civil Procedural Law. Villalobos has received the Ascanio Mulford Medal from the National Bar Association, as well as recognition from the Banking Association of Panama for his career and contributions to the development of trusts. Additionally, the Panamanian Association of Business Executives awarded him for his valuable participation as a speaker in forums on Ordinary Proceedings under the New Civil Procedural Code.
North Corridor Concession Extended until 2058: Cabinet Council Approves 30-Year Extension
The Cabinet Council approved, through Resolution No. 103-25, authorizing the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) to sign Addendum No. 12 to Contract No. 98 dated December 29, 1994, with the aim of extending the North Corridor concession for 30 years, operated by ENA Norte, S.A.
With this addendum, the concession period will be extended until March 15, 2058, thereby unifying the expiration of all sections that make up the ENA Norte, S.A. concession, or until the concessionaire recovers the total amount established as recoverable, whichever occurs first.
The sections included in this extension are:
- Phase I: Albrook, Martín Sosa, El Dorado, Cerro Patacón, Ascanio Villalaz, Juan Pablo II, and La Amistad.
- Phase II A: Tinajitas, Intercambio Lajas, Rampa Lajas, Ramal Zárate, and Ramal Villa Lucre.
- Section I: Panama – Madden
This measure, requested by the Empresa Nacional de Autopistas, S.A. (ENA), the representative of ENA Norte, S.A., aims to create financial space for refinancing the existing debt, ensuring the fulfillment of debt service obligations.
Additionally, it seeks to promote new investments in public interest works, including:
- Infrastructure rehabilitation
- Construction of essential access points
- Strategic expansions of the North Corridor
Toll Collection Reactivated on the Alberto Motta Highway Starting September 11
The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) announced that, starting Thursday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m., toll collection on the Alberto Motta Highway will resume in both directions.
Over the past two weeks, users were exempt from payment as a temporary support measure while provisional access points were enabled to ensure connectivity between the Trans-Isthmian Highway and the Alberto Motta Highway, due to ongoing works in the El Guarumal sector in Colón province.
MOP detailed that the provisional access at El Giral, located at kilometer 31, has been operational since August 28, while the one at Quebrada Ancha, kilometer 38, was opened on September 3.
However, the institution clarified that drivers using the exit at El Giral (km 31) must continue to travel through the exclusive lane, which will remain toll-free.
Recommendations for Drivers
MOP reiterated to users the importance of following the established safety measures on the highway:
- Respect all installed signage.
- Reduce speed to 40 km/h in the toll area.
- Always follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
The institution emphasized that these measures are part of its commitment to road safety and public well-being, aiming to ensure safe mobility and prevent risks during the ongoing works on the highway.
