December 13, 2024
Tis the Season…
You won’t get a cheerful Christmas jingle from me today, but you will get a serious wake-up call if you don’t pay attention to this week’s article. The holidays aren’t just a time for joy—they’re also prime season for theft, scams, and break-ins.
In the past week alone, we’ve seen a surge in crimes: cars being broken into, scammers targeting the elderly, bold thefts at shopping centers, internal theft by employees, and a wave of pickpocketing and shoplifting. While these incidents aren’t entirely unusual, the alarming rate at which they’re happening this season is cause for serious concern.
Stay Vigilant: Personal Security Comes First
Protect your belongings and never leave items in your car. Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or running errands—especially bank transfers—keep your valuables with you. Even if there are uniformed, armed security guards present, don’t assume they will protect you. Guards may act as a deterrent, but during the holidays, desperation reaches new heights, and the risks increase dramatically.
One of the most common mistakes we see in December is people leaving newly purchased Christmas gifts in their cars at mall parking lots. They shop store-to-store, depositing their hard-earned bounty in the trunk or backseat, only to return and find their car broken into. In seconds, thieves make off with your gifts, leaving you with financial loss, vehicle damage, and wasted time. Filing a formal criminal complaint becomes a lengthy and frustrating process. And don’t expect much help from the malls—they often lack the resources, and in some cases, the cameras you see all over your favorite shopping center aren’t even working.
Another glaring issue is withdrawing large sums of cash—such as your yearly Christmas savings—from the bank, only to leave it in your car while grabbing lunch at a nearby fonda. Don’t be careless. This is an open invitation for disaster. Keep your cash secure, and never leave it unattended.
The Bigger Picture: Socioeconomic Pressures Driving Crime
Understanding the societal pressures behind this spike in crime is crucial. Panama has a population of approximately 4.6 million (2023), with around 60%—or 2.76 million—of working age. Of these, an estimated 20% earn only the minimum wage, about 552,000 individuals. In 2024, the average monthly minimum wage ranges between $400 and $700, depending on job type and location, with an hourly rate of $2.00 to $3.50.
Pair these figures with another sobering statistic: approximately 1,380,000 people in Panama live below the U.S. poverty threshold of $27,700 annually for a family of four. While $27,700 (or roughly $2,300 per month) might seem livable, many families in Panama must pool resources to survive, often under poverty-level conditions. These financial pressures escalate during the holidays, creating an environment ripe for opportunistic crimes.
Prevention is Key
This holiday season, vigilance is your best defense. Stay aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, and avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t rely on others—such as security guards or shopping malls—to protect you. Prevention and caution are your greatest tools for ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Warning! IMHPA Forecasts Rain and Choppy Seas until December 25th
The Panama Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (IMHPA) has reported that continuous rain is expected in the provinces of Panama Oeste, Coclé, and Herrera until December 25, 2024. This forecast includes rainfall of varying intensity, accompanied by possible thunderstorms in some areas.
IMHPA Alert for Choppy Seas and Strong Waves
IMHPA has also issued a precautionary alert for choppy seas and strong waves, which will continue until Saturday, December 14. These adverse marine conditions could affect navigation and fishing activities along Panama’s Pacific coasts.
Recommendations Authorities urge the public to take preventive measures:
• Avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams.
• Stay informed about weather reports.
• Adhere to warnings regarding access to beaches and coastal areas during the choppy seas period.
IMHPA continues to monitor weather conditions and recommends following the instructions of civil protection agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.
The Metropolitan Natural Park has a Public Use Plan
In order to carry out sustainable management and biodiversity conservation, the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has made the Public Use Plan for the Metropolitan Natural Park official, one of the main protected areas in Panama City.
The director of the Metropolitan Natural Park, Dinora Vásquez, emphasized that this use plan helps organize tourism activities, environmental education, and scientific research.
She also highlighted that it allows for planning future projects, such as the creation of new trails.
The Public Use Plan for the park was made official on Wednesday, December 11, by the Minister of Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, who stated that the plan enables the regulation of public use of the park in a sustainable manner.
Ennio Arcia, vice president of the park’s board, highlighted the park’s biodiversity, location, and historical role, stressing the importance of defining its management category to ensure long-term protection.
According to data from MiAmbiente, the Metropolitan Natural Park spans over 232 hectares of tropical forest, hosts 418 species of vertebrates and 633 plant species. It is also a strategic green lung for the city and a key center for scientific research and environmental education.
Minsa Launches “No More Burned Children” Campaign During Christmas and New Year’s Holidays
The Ministry of Health (MINSA), in coordination with the Panama Fire Department and the Association of Municipalities of Panama (AMUPA), launched the “No More Burned Children” campaign and signed an agreement to strengthen control over the illegal sale of fireworks in the country. This joint action aims to reduce accidents related to fireworks, which in previous years have resulted in fatalities and severe injuries.
The Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo, emphasized that fireworks should not be sold to minors, as they pose a serious risk to their health and safety. “These fireworks accidents cause mutilations in children and can even lead to death in some cases,” warned Boyd Galindo, who also pointed out the negative effects these devices can have on the elderly and pets.
MINSA aims to mitigate fireworks-related accidents As part of the campaign, Paul Gallardo, National Director of the Children’s Hospital, highlighted that the initiative aims to be sustainable in the long term and reduce the alarming statistics of burned children. Currently, the hospital’s burn unit has 9 children hospitalized, one of whom was admitted with severe injuries from a fireworks accident. “The first patient affected by fireworks who entered the hospital suffered a fracture in his hand, which could result in permanent injuries,” Gallardo reported.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jannelle González, president of AMUPA, emphasized the importance of the municipalities’ role in implementing sanctions against illegal fireworks vendors. “Each municipality has a tax regime to apply sanctions to those who sell or handle unregistered fireworks products,” González stated. She also reminded that local authorities have the power to seize fireworks products from vendors without the proper operational permits, especially during the end-of-year festivities.
With these actions, the government and local authorities aim to prevent tragedies and protect the population, particularly the most vulnerable, during the end-of-year celebrations.
Condominium Administrators Would Become Judicial Notifiers
A group of horizontal property (PH) administrators express concern over Article 227 of the Civil Procedural Code, which states that they are responsible for notifying residents of residential complexes when judicial officers are unable to carry out this task.
The article specifies that, in such cases, the condominium administrator or a board member must receive the citation or visit notice and immediately deliver it to the recipient, being responsible for any damage due to omission or delay in delivery.
In late 2023, the new Civil Procedural Code was approved, legislation aimed at enabling the Judicial Branch to resolve civil, commercial, or economic conflicts more quickly and efficiently between individuals, legal entities, or private parties.
One year later, PH administrators have reacted to the scope of the law.
Mario Vargas, a lawyer specializing in horizontal property and a member of the Association of Horizontal Property Lawyers and Real Estate Law (Adaphi), pointed out that this new responsibility imposes an additional burden on administrators.
“Administrators do not always have the necessary knowledge to carry out this procedure, which could lead to conflicts with residents and owners,” Vargas explained.
Article 227 explicitly states: “If the official is unable to perform the service because the address indicated in the claim corresponds to a property unit under the horizontal property regime, they will deliver the citation or the visit notice to the condominium administrator.”
Meanwhile, Teyra Ehlers, a lawyer and PH administrator, highlighted the legal ambiguities regarding who should assume this role.
According to the law, the administrator registered in the Public Registry, whether an individual or the legal representative of a corporation, is responsible.
However, Ehlers argues that in practice, this task could fall on the building’s operational staff, causing confusion.
They stated that the provisions of the article need to be clarified and are requesting a specific framework that clearly defines the responsibilities of administrators and ensures the proper execution of notifications.
Issuance of Tax Invoices: DGI Intensifies Inspections and Fines for Non-Compliance
The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) has launched a program focused on enforcing the issuance of tax invoices in businesses across the country, as part of an effort to ensure the payment of ITBMS (Panama’s sales tax) and combat tax evasion. According to statements from President José Raúl Mulino, 1,024 businesses have been inspected so far, resulting in fines totaling 468 thousand dollars for non-compliance.
Mulino highlighted the expansion of the DGI’s inspection capacity, which has increased from 4 inspectors in July to 15 inspectors currently, with plans to reach 50 inspectors in the near future. Meanwhile, the DGI is also relying on inspectors from the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (ACODECO) to reinforce the program.
President’s Comments on Tax Invoice Issuance
The president also shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the persistence of a culture of tax evasion. “On two occasions, at restaurants I visited with my family, I was asked if I wanted a tax invoice, and I replied: ‘Do you know who I am?'” Mulino said, emphasizing how even in his case, the entrenched behavior of “playing the system” related to tax evasion becomes evident.
The DGI continues its strategy to strengthen fiscal control and transparency, aiming to ensure that all businesses and companies comply with their tax obligations.
Nearly 300,000 Migrants Enter Panama through the Darien Jungle in 2024
The latest report from the National Migration Service records the entry of nearly 300,000 irregular migrants into the country through the Darien Jungle.
The data specifies that, as of the morning of Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 299,361 people have made the journey from neighboring Colombia.
The number of migrant entries through the inhospitable jungle is 41% lower compared to the same period in 2023, when approximately 504,000 people were reported to have entered.
On the other hand, the National Migration Service reported that on Wednesday, 35 Colombian citizens were returned to their country as part of the agreement with the United States Government.
Of the total number of foreigners returned, 31 were for immigration violations in Panama, while the remaining 4 were expelled after it was confirmed that they had criminal records in their home country.
Panama Migration reported that, to date, 26 charter flights have been registered, carrying 936 Colombian citizens.
