Friday, June 09, 2023
We’re all traveling around the Midwest right now, visiting moms, entertaining sisters, riding bike trails, getting the flu, eating cheese curds and getting in a Packers game. Enjoy this week’s newsletter and check out End Notes catch a bit from my scholarly past.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Yoli’s Wisdom
WHAT EVENTS WILL THE REGIONAL SIMULATION RECREATE IN PANAMA?
The passage of a tropical wave will be one of the events that will be simulated.
The III Regional Simulation of Disaster Response and Humanitarian Assistance should not disrupt the regular performance of daily tasks, clarified the Ministry of Government on Wednesday.
According to the institution, from June 13th to 16th, regular work and classes will continue as scheduled. The Joint Task Force has taken the necessary measures to ensure that the simulation does not disrupt the country\’s activities.
The event will simulate a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, a tropical wave, a cyber attack, and a biological threat.
For this purpose, there will be various scenarios with collapsed structures, building fires, hydrocarbon spills, and water rescues.
\”We urge the population to remain calm and undisturbed, and to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the participating experts,\” the statement reads.
These evacuation exercises will be carried out only in pre-selected locations starting at 12:05 noon, beginning on Tuesday, June 13th, at schools, hospitals, and government institutions that have been previously trained.
The evacuation processes will be supervised by members of the Joint Task Force, who will guide the participants in the exercises.
Likewise, prepared and trained communities from the provinces of Chiriquí, Coclé, Darién, and Herrera will also participate, after undergoing six months of preparation.
\”Messages will be sent to cell phones. Alerts will be activated for the first time through a program that has received significant investment,\” commented the Minister of Government, Roger Tejada.
The purpose of the simulation is to test mechanisms, tools, and technical guidelines for emergency response in disasters.
READ HERE: ¿QUÉ EVENTOS RECREARÁ EN PANAMÁ EL SIMULACRO REGIONAL?
CORTIZO HONORS FIVE PANAMANIANS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNTRY\’S DEVELOPMENT
Cortizo presented the recognition to the writer Álvaro Menéndez Franco.
A group of five Panamanians received the General Victoriano Lorenzo Medal for their contributions to the country\’s development, presented by President Laurentino Cortizo on Wednesday, June 7.
The medals were awarded during a ceremony held at the Belisario Porras Palace, the headquarters of the Governor\’s Office in the province of Panama.
The recognition was received by Álvaro Menéndez Franco and Adán Ríos, while posthumously awarded to Idian Reiss Flores, better known as Sor Lourdes, Haralambos Bobby Tzanetatos, and Evangelos Koumanis.
Cortizo emphasized that all of them are, and have been, Panamanian citizens whose lives have contributed to the human and economic growth of the country.
\”I have had the opportunity to know some of those who are being honored today, some who are present here and others who live in our memories and in our hearts,\” said the President.
He added, \”It is truly gratifying to reward these five compatriots with the honors bestowed upon them by the homeland, and with the recognition and gratitude of the citizens for their contributions to the nation.\”
In his remarks, Cortizo referred to Menéndez Franco as an intellectual with great militancy, a tireless warrior with a deep passion for all things Panamanian.
Regarding Ríos, it was highlighted that he was an outstanding doctor and oncologist, proudly raised in the El Chorrillo neighborhood, who has made significant contributions in the fight against cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
As for Tzanetatos, the President highlighted his humanitarian vocation, his big heart, and social vision, always thinking about the common good.
Cortizo recalled that Sor Lourdes dedicated her life with great devotion to caring for children in vulnerable conditions, providing them with a home and opportunities for their development.
Regarding Koumanis, he described him as a joyful, supportive, selfless man with unwavering principles and values. \”He was an example of what can be achieved through entrepreneurship, effort, and sacrifice, contributing to the construction of a better society,\” he said.
READ HERE: CORTIZO CONDECORA A CINCO PANAMEÑOS POR SU CONTRIBUCIÓN AL DESARROLLO DEL PAÍS
USE OF MASKS: THE REASON WHY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND RECOMMEND IT
Due to cases of influenza, the Social Security Fund (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) recommend the use of masks.
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Social Security Fund (CSS) have made a recommendation to the public regarding the use of masks due to the increase in influenza cases in the country. The entities are carrying out mass vaccination campaigns in different parts of the country and have administered thousands of doses to prevent the spread of the virus.
\”In light of the increase in AH1N1 influenza cases in the country, health authorities inform that the mandatory use of masks remains in effect in all healthcare facilities and for patients with chronic diseases, as established by Executive Decree No. 101 of July 1, 2022,\” states the communication.
Dr. Yelkys Gill, National Executive Director of Health Services and Benefits, emphasized that the use of masks will be essential in the following cases:
- CSS employees with respiratory symptoms.
- Officials without symptoms who have comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, heart or kidney disease, cancer, individuals with HIV, or other conditions that weaken their immune system.
- CSS personnel aged 60 or older.
- Pregnant women.
The authorities reiterate that the population must maintain the biosecurity measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as constant hand washing, the use of masks in crowded places, by individuals aged 60 and above, and by chronic patients to prevent contagion.
READ HERE: USO DE MASCARILLAS: LA RAZÓN POR QUE EL MINSA Y LA CSS LO RECOMIENDAN
\”CIUDAD DE LA SALUD WILL BE DELIVERED IN ADVANCE, CSS REPORTS
Ciudad de la Salud.
The Social Security Fund (CSS) reported that they are preparing for an early delivery of the Ciudad de la Salud (City of Health) according to the agreed-upon date in the contract, as confirmed by Engineer Rogelio Robles, the project manager of Ciudad de la Salud.
They hope that the phases could be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2023. In the follow-up meeting, authorities from the CSS and Ciudad de la Salud gathered to address the final topics of the important project that holds high expectations for the population.
READ HERE: CIUDAD DE LA SALUD SERÁ ENTREGADA CON ANTICIPO, INFORMÓ EL CSS
INFLUENZA CAUSES 5 DEATHS; DECEASED DID NOT HAVE THE VACCINE
Vaccination is key to preventing complications.
Five people have died in Panama this year due to the influenza virus, confirmed the Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre, on Wednesday.
According to the high-ranking official, the deceased individuals (three men and two women) were under 55 years old and were not vaccinated against the virus. All of them had risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, among others.
In light of this situation, the Minister urged the population to go to vaccination centers to receive the flu vaccine.
\”Unfortunately, the latest report indicates that we have five deaths due to influenza. At this time, the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund have influenza vaccines available. Please go and get vaccinated,\” he stated.
Sucre mentioned that the circulating virus this year appears to be more aggressive than in previous years.
However, the Minister noted that between 2020 and 2022, respiratory illnesses other than COVID-19 had decreased due to the use of masks.
The Ministry of Health\’s epidemiology team has already set up a situation room to monitor cases and identify possible differences compared to previous years before the pandemic.
\”They are closely monitoring it precisely to detect if there are any changes in behavior compared to previous seasons,\” he considered.
The Ministry of Health also reiterated the importance for the population to maintain the biosecurity measures implemented during the pandemic, such as regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and for individuals over 60 years old and those with chronic conditions.
As of week 21, there have been 315 new cases of influenza, with the regions of Panama Oeste, Metropolitana, Colón, Chiriquí, and San Miguelito having the highest number of cases.
According to the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) report, a total of 533,184 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered nationwide.
READ HERE: INFLUENZA OCASIONA 5 MUERTES; FALLECIDOS NO TENÍAN LA VACUNA
CANCILLERY INFORMS THAT PANAMAINIANS WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO CANADA WITHOUT A VISA.
Foreign Ministry informs that Panamainians will be able to travel to Canada without a visa.
On Tuesday, May 6th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Panamanian citizens will be able to travel to Canada without a visa, after being included in the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.
\”With the eTA program, the processing time to obtain entry permission to Canada is shortened for all Panamanian citizens who have been granted a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or who hold a valid non-resident visa to the United States.\”
\”When applying, it is necessary to have a valid passport, complete the online form, and pay $7.00 Canadian dollars,\” states the Ministry of Foreign Affairs\’ statement.
This new authorization is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first.
The eTA authorization can be used to visit Canada as a tourist or for business purposes for a maximum period of six months.
READ HERE: CANCILLERÍA INFORMA QUE PANAMÁ PODRÁ VIAJAR A CANADÁ SIN VISA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT: ANY PROCEDURE RELATED TO CERRO QUEMA REMAINS SUSPENDED
A protest took place against the project at the headquarters of Miambiente on Monday.
The Ministry of Environment (Miambiente) announced on Tuesday, June 6th, that any procedure related to the extraction contract of Minera Cerro Quema, S.A. remains suspended.
The announcement by the Panamanian environmental authority comes at a time when various environmental groups are protesting after Miambiente itself endorsed the Category III environmental impact study that allows for gold extraction in Cerro Quema, province of Los Santos.
Miambiente stated that the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, along with the Inter-American Development Bank, is currently conducting a process of reviewing, evaluating, and updating the reforms to the Mineral Resources Code. This is aimed at providing the country with public policies for mineral extraction, \”which is why any procedures related to the extraction contract of Minera Cerro Quema, S.A. remain suspended while the corresponding technical, legal, and administrative evaluations are carried out meticulously.\”
In a statement, Miambiente informed that the Environmental Impact Study of the Cerro Quema project had initially been endorsed in the previous government administration by the Environmental Impact Assessment Directorate. However, an interdisciplinary reinspection was conducted to assess whether the environmental conditions had changed.
It is detailed that two reinspections were carried out, one in February 2021 and the most recent one in May 2023.
\”The Environmental Impact Assessment Directorate of Miambiente, through a technical report dated May 24th of the current year, recommends approving the EIA of Cerro Quema since it complies with the technical and formal aspects and the minimum requirements established in Executive Decree No. 123 of August 14th, 2009, and its modifications,\” the statement reads.
Protests have taken place near the Miambiente headquarters in Panama City and in the province of Los Santos to reject the approval of this environmental impact study for gold extraction in Cerro Quema.
THE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL ORGANIZED BY MICULTURA WILL BRING TOGETHER NEARLY 100 MUSICIANS.
Tetrachord Group.
During the third Festival Grupos de Cámara organized by the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura), approximately 100 musicians will perform.
The festival began on Friday 2nd of June at the Teatro Anita Villalaz but will extend until the 18th of June at other venues in the capital city.
The festival started with the participation of the Cuarteto de Guitarras Tetracorde and throughout the week, groups such as the Coro Infantil y Juvenil de la parroquia San Felipe Neri, the Cuarteto Panamá, Quinteto Farka, Okama Panamá Quartet, and J & M Project, among others, will be performing.
READ HERE: FESTIVAL DE CÁMARA DE MICULTURA REUNIRÁ A CASI 100 MÚSICOS
THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR PUBLIC SERVICES (ASEP) COULD IMPOSE FINES OF UP TO $20 MILLION FOR POWER OUTAGES.
ASEP could fine electricity companies millions in blackouts.
After the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) initiated an investigation based on user complaints in the media regarding the frequent power outages in the province of Panama Oeste, it emphasizes that as an entity, it is empowered to impose a fine of up to $20 million dollars for \”deficiency in the electricity supply.\”
These statements are related to the events recorded in the aforementioned province and various sectors of the country, as reported by Armando Fuentes Rodríguez, General Administrator of ASEP. He also highlighted that users have reported being without electricity for more than 24 hours, a matter that will be investigated to comply with supply quality standards.
\”We are monitoring all the cases that arise, mainly in this region, where technical investigations are being conducted by the National Electricity Directorate to initiate sanctioning processes,\” said Fuentes Rodríguez.
Fuentes explained that electricity distribution companies must comply with the respective maintenance in order to prevent rains from causing any non-fortuitous affectation.
ASEP investments to improve power distribution
The General Administrator of ASEP informed that, in order to prioritize and avoid these types of situations with the service, investments of approximately $300 million dollars have been approved, of which $204 million are allocated to new electrical substations, $57 million for circuit restoration and the creation of new circuits, and another $42 million for public lighting to improve visibility on the main roads of the country.
ASEP will assist all affected customers who submit their claims directly to the service provider, especially if it is for damage to electrical appliances. Once these claims reach this regulatory authority, over 85% of them are resolved in favor of the customers, highlighting the importance of a culture of making complaints.
Statistics from ASEP\’s National User Service Directorate until May 2023 show a total of 2,652 claims admitted, of which 2,475 correspond to the electricity sector, 125 to drinking water issues, and 52 to telecommunications services.
READ HERE: ASEP PODRÍA MULTAR CON HASTA $20 MILLONES POR APAGONES
HUMAN MILK BANK OF THE CHILDREN\’S HOSPITAL PRESENTS PROGRESS
Human Milk Bank of the Children\’s Hospital.
The Ministry of Health (Minsa) and the Hospital del Niño, in collaboration with the PAHO/WHO and the Global Network of Human Milk Banks, officially launched on Wednesday the course on quality and processing of pasteurized human milk aimed at professionals who will be involved in the process at the Hospital del Niño.
Melva Cruz, Director General of Public Health at Minsa, stated that with the initiative of creating the Pasteurized Human Milk Bank at the Hospital del Niño, they aim to guarantee the institution\’s objectives in promoting the development and the right to health of newborns.
\”In addition to the commitment of our professionals to the comprehensive health care we want to provide to newborns, we also seek, in accordance with the institution\’s guidelines, to strengthen breastfeeding,\” said Dr. Cruz.
Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions to ensure the survival and optimal development of newborns. In this regard, Human Milk Banks represent a relevant strategy, especially in situations where breastfeeding is not possible.
During this activity, the event was attended by Paul Gallardo Sosa, the medical director of the Hospital del Niño, and Mario Rodríguez from the Childhood and Adolescence Program of Minsa. Participating virtually was Pablo Durán, Regional Advisor on Women\’s and Reproductive Health (CLAP/SMR) from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
READ HERE: BANCO DE LECHE HUMANA DEL HOSPITAL DEL NIÑO PRESENTA PROGRESO
THE IMPRESSIVE SKILLS OF PANAMA POLICE DOGS
Police dog of the Ucan Panama unit.
Police dogs, also known as service dogs or working dogs, are specially trained animals that perform specific tasks in the law enforcement field.
The Canine Unit of the National Police (UCAN) has been in existence for over four decades, and for many years, hundreds of dogs have been trained to be part of this impressive and talented public security force.
Just like in an action movie, UCAN dogs provide their services to fight crime using their impressive natural instincts and their most powerful resource, their sense of smell.
All UCAN dogs have an identification microchip and are registered with the Comptroller General\’s Office.
When they complete their 7 years of service, the dogs are retired and placed in responsible adoptive homes that will take care of them until the end of their days.
Training and tasks
Through specialized training, police dogs are trained to perform 7 different tasks and are kept in optimal health conditions to carry out their duties efficiently and safely.
The type of training used by the National Police is positive reinforcement training through play, based on the principle of rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesired ones.
It is an effective and ethical way to educate dogs and strengthens the bond between the trainer and the pet. Additionally, it has been shown that this approach is more successful in the long term and helps create happy, confident, and well-balanced dogs, such as those needed in the UCAN.
The most common breeds in the National Police canine force are Labrador Retrievers, Dutch (German) Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. These breeds are the most commonly used when it comes to working dogs.
However, there are other small breeds such as Cocker Spaniels or Miniature Pinschers, which are used as show dogs to perform different types of tricks, such as jumping over obstacles.
UCAN Specializations
- Human Remains Dogs
- Search and Rescue
- Explosives Detection Dogs
- Drug Detection Dogs
- Weapons Detection Dogs
- Currency Detection Dogs
- Show Dogs
Security Pair
Both the dog and its human working partner undergo a four-month training process, during which the humans are selected to determine if they are suitable for handling the dog or not.
This is very important because if the dog doesn\’t form an emotional connection with its partner, the task will not be performed as efficiently, which can lead to problems when carrying out any type of task.
Emotional connections become essential when working with working dogs, especially those in a police role.
Retired
A few weeks ago, over 180 canine units, including Otty, Hanna, Caddy, James, Darán, Fred, Arena, Beta, Sandy, Cachi, among others, were retired and honored. They were removed from active service in the Unit and placed in adoptive homes with suitable families who met the requirements established by the National Police. They will live comfortably and enjoy a loving and caring retirement.
The retired dogs participated in over 50,000 operations against drug trafficking, currency smuggling, explosives, and various crimes. Their accomplishments include the seizure of approximately 75,000 kilograms of drugs and $5.5 million, as well as the discovery of 125 explosive devices, including firearms, grenades, ammunition, and others.
Matías Batista, Deputy Commissioner and Director of National Special Forces, highlighted that \”the careers of the retired canines spans from 8 to 10 years, depending on their strengths as part of a security team.\”
READ HERE: LAS IMPRESIONANTES HABILIDADES DE LOS PERROS POLICÍA DE PANAMÁ
NATIONAL POLICE VERIFIES MORE THAN 4 THOUSAND PEOPLE IN OPERATION
National Police verifies more than 4 thousand people in operation.
In compliance with the operational strategies of the National Police through Operation Tormenta, around 4,000 individuals were verified, and over 90 straws containing suspected cocaine, as well as 100 counterfeit $20 bills, were seized. Additionally, at least 6 bags of suspected dry herb, known as marijuana, and a digital scale were confiscated in various sectors of the San Miguelito district.
Authorities also reported that approximately four homicides were recorded in the past few hours in Calidonia, Juan Díaz, and San Miguelito. The National Police is conducting operations to apprehend individuals involved in acts of violence and other crimes.
Subcomisionado Eduardo Arosemena, Chief of the San Miguelito Police Zone, stated that these police operations are conducted on a permanent basis to prevent crimes, ensuring order and peace in these communities.
Around 16 search and seizure warrants were executed in coordination with the Public Ministry in San Antonio, known as La Ratonera, Samaria, Los Andes, Veranillo, and other sectors, in search of homicide suspects wanted by the justice system for offenses related to robberies, thefts, and other crimes linked to drug trafficking, micro-trafficking, among others.
READ HERE: POLICÍA NACIONAL VERIFICA A MÁS DE 4 MIL PERSONAS EN OPERATIVO
MEDUCA WILL HOLD THE FIRST BUSINESS CULTURE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEST
The Ministry of Education (Meduca) will hold an entrepreneurship contest.
The Ministry of Education (Meduca) will carry out the first Entrepreneurial and Entrepreneurship Culture contest under the slogan \’Youth: Put your dreams into action: Learn and Entrepreneur\’.
With the aim of promoting the creation and management of entrepreneurship among students with innovative business models, representatives from the private sector, national directors, teachers, and students presented the guidelines and schedule of the entrepreneurial culture contest aimed at 12th-grade students from public and private schools.
Students will be required to develop creative and innovative ideas with self-sustainable business models that contribute to the United Nations\’ 2030 Agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in their entrepreneurial projects.
\”Developing and implementing this educational program as a cross-cutting theme will allow students, upon graduation, to concretize a business plan and be inspired to become entrepreneurs. With this initiative, we have the active participation of strategic allies and important entrepreneurs who are motivated to contribute to the country\’s development,\” highlighted the Minister of Education, Maruja Gorday de Villalobos, at the intersectoral meeting.
Omar De León, an 11th-grade student from the Panama Academy for the Future, emphasized that participating in the first entrepreneurship contest offers him an opportunity to \”visualize activities that are in their mindset as students and that help improve their quality of life.\”
He revealed that for students, \”having a comprehensive education is important because we need that knowledge to expand our preparation for market opportunities.\” Meanwhile, Yomare Vega from the Procem Foundation acknowledged the importance of having a culture of creation and entrepreneurship to build a prosperous Panama through an entrepreneurial culture.
\”We need young people who are self-sufficient, self-realized, and creative,\” said Vega. Law 128 of March 3, 2020, establishes the compulsory teaching of Entrepreneurial and Entrepreneurship Culture as a cross-cutting theme in related subjects in the curriculum of the Panamanian education system.
READ HERE: MEDUCA REALIZARÁ PRIMER CONCURSO DE CULTURA EMPRESARIAL Y EMPRENDIMIENTO
PANAMANIAN ART TOURS LATIN AMERICAN AIRPORTS
The three selected works were chosen from 1,200 that make up the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
These artworks will be on display at airports in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires and Argentina, throughout 2023, and it is expected that the list of countries and airports will expand next year. \’Sistemas formales, ciclos y pulsaciones 1\’ by Gianna de Dier, \’Componedor\’ by Julio Zachrisson, and \’Caribe\’ by Lucio Kansuet will represent Panamanian visual arts in the project “Volarte,” which aims to bring art and culture to the more than 40 million travelers who pass through the facilities of El Dorado International Airport, located in Bogota, Colombia, annually, starting from June 8th.
This project also promotes museums, works, and artists from across the Latin American region, including their stories and trajectories. Likewise, the entities and organizations that support the art of these artists are promoted through this initiative, which seeks to positively impact its target audience by providing them with new experiences through art and culture from other Latin American countries.
The artworks to be exhibited at El Dorado International Airport were selected from the 1,200 pieces that make up the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC). In addition, “Volarte” emphasizes that these three works highlight characteristic elements of Panama, its culture, and its different populations.
Both MAC and the “Volarte” project decide to partner to connect and impact many more people outside the territory of Panama with the visual arts of the isthmus, thus extending knowledge about Panama\’s artistic and cultural heritage. Furthermore, this is an opportunity for the Museum of Contemporary Art to showcase some of the milestones within its collections and invite travelers to discover masterpieces of Panamanian art, which in turn may encourage them to visit the MAC and the city of Panama as a cultural destination.
The three pieces will be displayed in prominent spaces within the airport, where they will be digitally presented with 360° visualization, promising an innovative and immersive experience that connects passengers with the world of art.
READ HERE: ARTE PANAMEÑO RECORRE LOS AEROPUERTOS DE AMÉRICA LATINA
STATUS UPDATE:
Saturday, June 03, 2023
PANAMA REPORTS A TOTAL OF 1,041,329 DETECTED CASES OF INFECTION AND 8,630 DEATHS BY COVID-19
- 1,041,329 positive cases
- 1,099 new cases
- 8,630 deaths
- 909 Home Isolation (0 Hospital Hotels)
- 60 are hospitalized (57 in ward / 3 intensive care)
- 1,031,733 clinically recovered.
END NOTES:
When I was 13, I used to participate in an underground newsletter – this was our second edition primarily dedicated to our English teacher Mr Gabriel, who passed away this last month. Here’s a glimpse from my writing past and a rededication to Mr Gabriel.
Brett Mikkelson, CII, CPE
Director, B.M. Investigations| M1 Consultants Inc
Mobile (+507) 6674-1183
brett@bminvestigations.com/www.bminvestigations.com
Proud Member of: Council of International Investigators (CII – Past President 2018-2019; Executive Regional Director 2021-Present), World Association of Detectives (WAD), The Fraternal Order of Investigators (Founding Member), Victory Services Club (London), Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA – Isthmian Chapter), Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Association of Fraud Examiners (AEF – Panama), Business Security Alliance (ASE – Panama).
