Friday, January 3rd, 2025.
Dear Friends and Family,
As the curtain falls on 2024 and we prepare to embrace 2025, I’m reminded of the opportunity the New Year gives us—a moment to reflect on who we’ve been and to plan our 365-day path toward becoming better people. Each year offers a chance to grow, to strive, and to build the lives we envision for ourselves and those we love.
This year, I’ve challenged myself to grow in several areas:
- To grow my businesses by 20%.
- To finish my Executive MBA.
- To close out lingering issues related to favors or promises.
- To shed those pesky 30 remaining pounds.
- To address some lingering health issues (nothing major—just “old-guy crap”) and stay on top of preventive checkups.
- To coach my children better for their future.
- To go fishing more often.
- To advance with our real estate projects.
- To fix any finance-related issues.
- To take better control of my emotions.
- To say “yes” less often and love more often.
- To finalize all VA-related matters.
- To stop hoarding and finally do a mega garage sale.
That’s my list—my roadmap to becoming a better version of myself. Now, I ask you: How will you challenge yourself to be better in 2025?
Together, let’s step into the New Year with intention, courage, and gratitude. May 2025 bring you health, happiness, and fulfillment in all you aspire to achieve. Let’s support each other in reaching our goals and becoming the best versions of ourselves.
With love and optimism for a wonderful year ahead,
Brett
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
President Mulino Confirms New Prosecutors and Magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal
President José Raúl Mulino, as part of the activities held on January 2, formalized the confirmation of the new prosecutors, the new magistrate of the Electoral Tribunal (TE), and his alternate.
The appointments include Luis Carlos Gómez (Attorney General), Grettel Villalaz (Prosecutor for the Administration), Narciso Arellano Moreno (Magistrate of the Electoral Tribunal), and María Eugenia Pérez (Alternate Magistrate of the TE), the latter replacing Eduardo Valdés Escoffery.
Mulino was accompanied by the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac, during the signing of these confirmations for the new officials, who will serve a 10-year term.
In his remarks after signing the contracts for the new officials, the president stated that a historic cycle begins, guided by the law and the constitution, with these appointments. He expressed confidence that the appointees would fulfill their duties in strict adherence to the law and the nation’s interests.
He also urged the new Prosecutor for the Administration, Grettel Villalaz, to review legislation related to restructuring the civil service career system, the state’s procurement system, and all matters concerning public administration, which he described as “a general disaster.”
Regarding Attorney General Luis Carlos Gómez, Mulino noted that he is stepping into a role that has been vacant for 10 years without an independent Attorney General’s Office. He criticized the past practice of determining cases from the presidential office, which he said was more about targeting individuals than delivering justice.
“This is a very tough mission, and I thank the Attorney General for accepting it because it will be ungrateful, misunderstood, and misinterpreted. But as I said, neither you nor any of the authorities tasked with administering justice have any constraints other than the constraint of your conscience in alignment with the Constitution,” Mulino stated.
For the new magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal, Mulino noted that these appointments break the mold, as since 1990, presidents have typically appointed members of their political party to this institution. He urged them to help reform electoral laws, which he said have been distorted over time.
He emphasized that soon an announcement will be made regarding the start of the process to amend the Electoral Code. Mulino stated that the Presidency would appoint individuals with electoral expertise to ensure the next elections are conducted “without turmoil and electoral misconduct.”
“From the aberration of the slate vote allowed for independent candidates to the near manipulation used to block my presidential candidacy in collusion,” Mulino said.
He concluded by highlighting that the country would be closely watching the new officials as they undertake their challenging task. He referred to this as part of “The Reform of the State,” affirming that the country’s legal and political system collapsed long ago and is non-functional.
The CSS Will Launch the “My Digital Account” Portal to Verify Contributors’ Account Statements
Next Tuesday, January 7, the Social Security Fund (CSS) will launch “My Digital Account,” a platform that will allow contributors to view all the contributions they have made during their working life, their account statements, the number of contributions, the system they belong to, and even calculate their retirement amount.
In addition to serving as a consultation platform, users will also be able to request corrections.
Panama Takes Seat on the UN Security Council
Panama made history by assuming a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
In a solemn ceremony at the entrance of the UN headquarters in New York, Panama’s Ambassador to the UN, Eloy Alfaro, emphasized Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal in a speech that addressed key issues for both the nation and the international community.
During his speech, Alfaro took six minutes to highlight the importance of the Panama Canal, a strategic infrastructure for global trade that, since its handover to Panama in 1979, has been managed without foreign interference.
“For 25 years, the Canal has been managed sovereignly and efficiently, without interference from any other country or global power,” said Eloy Alfaro, Permanent Ambassador of Panama to the UN.
“We are aware that we will be judged harshly if we do not stand on the right side of history, defending the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter,” he added, emphasizing Panama’s commitment to multilateralism and sovereignty.
Panama and its Role in the Security Council
Panama assumes its position on the Security Council alongside Greece, Denmark, Pakistan, and Somalia, replacing Ecuador, Mozambique, Malta, Japan, and Switzerland.
“The world can count on Panama as a constructive partner that builds bridges for the work ahead in the Security Council over the next two years. With this goal, we intend to enhance our country’s traditional role as a promoter of dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation in international affairs. We are aware that we will be judged severely if we do not position ourselves on the right side of history, defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” Alfaro stated.
The ceremony included the placement of the flags of the new members of the Council, a symbolic act marking the beginning of a crucial period for Panamanian diplomacy on the international stage.
For Panama, the Security Council is not only an opportunity to contribute to global peace and security, but also to reaffirm its position as a key player in strategic issues such as maritime trade and Canal governance.
Christmas Trees: Dates and Where They Will Be Accepted
The Urban and Domiciliary Cleaning Authority (AAUD) announced an initiative for the recycling of natural Christmas trees as part of its commitment to environmental care. From January 6 to 12, citizens will have the opportunity to participate in this activity aimed at promoting sustainable practices during and after the year-end festivities.
Dates and Where They Will Be Accepted
The reception points will be available at the following locations and times:
• Mirador del Pacífico, Cinta Costera
• USMA parking lot
• Crown Casino Street, Rommel Fernández Stadium
The hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the specified days.
Ministry of Health: Know the List of Medications That Will Lower Their Price
The Ministry of Health (Minsa) published a list of 20 medications that will have their prices reduced.
During his speech marking six months of administration before the National Assembly, President José Raúl Mulino indicated that the price reduction for the medications will take place within 15 days.
Among the medications included are essential treatments for chronic diseases, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, and others. The medications on the list are:
- Amlodipine, 5mg tablet
- Atenolol, 100mg scored tablets
- Enalapril, 20mg tablet
- Irbesartan, 300mg tablet
- Ibuprofen, 400mg tablet or pill
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), 500mg tablet or pill
- Salbutamol Base or Sulfate Aerosol, CFC-free, equivalent to 100 mcg per inhalation, 200-250 dose vial
- Metformin Hydrochloride, 850mg scored tablet
- Perindopril, 5mg tablet
- Indapamide, 1.5mg extended-release tablet
- Azithromycin, 500mg capsule or tablet
- Ceftriaxone Sodium, 1-gram IM vial
- Ciprofloxacin, 500mg tablet
- Fluoxetine, 20mg tablet or pill
- Olanzapine, 10mg dispersible tablet
- Timolol, 0.5% eye drops, 2.5-5ml bottle
- Ambroxol Hydrochloride, 15mg/5mg syrup, 120ml bottle
- Ipratropium Bromide, 200-250 mcg/ml inhalation solution
- Clarithromycin, 500mg tablet
- Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, 2mg/ml syrup, 27mg/15ml, 120-200ml bottle
This list includes commonly used medications to treat various health conditions and is seen as an important measure to improve access to essential medical treatments for the population.
The Panama City Mayor’s Office Announced a 10% Annual Discount for Taxpayers
The Panama City Mayor’s Office announced a 10% annual discount for taxpayers who pay their full taxes between January 1 and 31, 2025.
Payments can be made through the Mayor’s Office Digital Portal and Online Banking.
To qualify for the discount, the corresponding sworn statement must be submitted.
National Fairs 2025: Dates and Locations to Enjoy the Best of Panama
The new year has arrived, and with it, the new dates for the festivals, fairs, and cultural events that will take place across the national territory. Each of these scheduled activities celebrates the diversity found in every province of the country.
Many are familiar with the main fairs and festivals, such as the Feria Internacional de La Chorrera, the Festival de la Pollera Conga in Colón, the Feria de Azuero, and the Festival Nacional de la Mejorana, to name a few. However, throughout the entire country, there are numerous activities that showcase the customs rooted in each area.
The fairs and festivals in Panama have become a significant source of income for local economies, especially in the provinces of the interior. Every year, thousands of national and international tourists travel to various parts of the country to participate in these festivities, which increases the demand for products and services such as lodging, transportation, food, and crafts. For example, the Feria Internacional de Azuero and the Carnaval de Las Tablas are events that not only celebrate culture but also attract thousands of visitors, generating direct and indirect jobs and contributing to the growth of small businesses in the regions.
Several of these activities are endorsed and recognized as cultural heritage by the Tourism Authority (ATP).
Here is the fair schedule for 2025:
January
• Feria de las Flores y del Café – Boquete: Wednesday, January 8 to Sunday, January 19.
• Feria de San Sebastián de Ocú: Wednesday, January 15 to Monday, January 20.
• Feria Ecoturística de Playa Pixvae – Coiba: Thursday, January 16 to Saturday, January 18.
February
• Feria de La Chorrera: Friday, January 24 to Tuesday, February 4.
• Feria de La Candelaria: Friday, January 24 to Sunday, February 2.
• Feria de la Sandía: Friday, January 24 to Sunday, January 26.
• Feria de la Naranja – Churuquita Grande: Wednesday, January 29 to Monday, February 3.
• Feria de Santa Fe – Veraguas: Thursday, January 30.
March
• Feria de Soná – Veraguas: Wednesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 16.
• Feria del Copé – La Pintada, Coclé: Thursday, March 13 to Monday, March 17.
• Feria del Búfalo – Coclé: Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23.
• Feria de los Cítricos y del Café – Chitra, Calobre: Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2.
• Feria de Santa Fe – Darién: Thursday, March 6 to Sunday, March 9.
• Feria Internacional de San José de David – Chiriquí: Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, March 23.
• Feria de San José de Tolé: Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 19.
April
• Feria de Tortí – Chepo: Wednesday, March 26.
• Feria del Valle de Tonosí – Los Santos: Thursday, March 27 to March 31.
• Feria Nacional de Colón: Thursday, March 27 to Sunday, April 6.
• Feria del Colmen – Macaracas, Los Santos: Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6.
• Feria de Camarón Arriba – Bugaba, Chiriquí: Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6.
• Expo Orquídeas – Boquete, Chiriquí: Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 20.
• Feria Chica – Capira, Panamá Oeste: Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13.
• Feria Internacional de Azuero: April 24 to May 4.
May
• Feria Agropecuaria de Capira – Panamá Oeste: Saturday, April 12 to Monday, April 14.
• Festival Agroartesanal y Folclórico de Sortová – Bugaba, Chiriquí: Friday, April 27.
July
• Feria Nacional del Ganado Lechero: Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 18.
August
• Feria de la Carne – Chiriquí: Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17.
• Feria de la Fresa – Volcán, Chiriquí: Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 18.
• Jornada Agropecuaria – Volcán, Chiriquí: Friday, August 14.
September
• Feria Chiriquí Grande – Bocas del Toro: Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8.
• Feria del Mar – Bocas del Toro: Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 21.
• Expo Flora – Club de Jardinería, Coclé: September 18 to 19.
October
• Feria Agropecuaria, Artesanal y Cultural – Dolega, Chiriquí: Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5.
• Expo Cacao – Isla Carenero, Bocas del Toro: Saturday, October 4.
November
This calendar was shared by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Panama Tourism Authority.
