December 20, 2024.
Today was yet another good day, made even brighter by the thoughtful gift of cookies from some dear local friends. This tin of Danish Butter Cookies is more than just a treat; it holds a special place in my heart, rooted in cherished memories from my childhood.
Every Christmas, my grandmother made it a tradition to gift a tin of these cookies to each of her children and grandchildren. At the time, it seemed curious—after all, she was an amazing cook and baker in her own right, and my mom was no stranger to the oven either. Years later, my mother shared the reason behind this simple gesture. With a knowing smile, she explained that grandma wanted to create lasting memories for her grandchildren while subtly encouraging her own children to keep sewing—a skill and a tradition she believed was both practical and a connection to family history.
Once the cookies were devoured—and they never lasted long—the tins found new life as storage for sewing essentials: threads, needles, buttons, and other small treasures. Seeing one of those iconic blue tins today immediately transports me back to those warm moments of family unity, love, and the quiet power of tradition.
For those who hold on to family traditions, no matter how small, I applaud you. And for those just starting your families and seeking to establish something meaningful, know this: it doesn’t take grandeur to create lasting memories. Even something as humble as a tin of cookies can become a beacon of nostalgia, a symbol of love, and a cherished connection to the past.
Let’s never underestimate the power of these simple traditions to weave the fabric of family history. Thank you, friends, for sparking such beautiful reflections today.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Short-duration Rains will Persist in December Before the Start of the Dry Season
Short periods of rain in the Pacific sector of Panama will continue in December as part of the transition from the rainy season to the dry season.
“By January, we will enter the dry season. This year, the rainy season is ending later, and of course, the dry season will start a bit late,” said Roberto Martínez, meteorologist at the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa).
Regarding the feeling people have that the heat is more intense and the sun more relentless, Martínez stated that the meteorological values are normal and that no anomalies are occurring.
“This happens every year, and we receive these comments. In December, people say: ‘The sun isn’t normal, it’s hitting hard, why?’ It’s not the case; it’s normal for people to comment like this,” Martínez emphasized.
The meteorologist reminded that this year there is more rain in December compared to previous years, when the last month of the year typically begins dry, without downpours.
He explained that, according to climate projections, sporadic, short-duration rains will continue for the rest of the month, especially on the Pacific side of Panama.
“We haven’t had electrical activity, and the downpours are generally short and sporadic. They last a few minutes, then the sun comes out: it clears up right away.”
They are Preparing the “Guardián” Operation to Safeguard 18 Points Across the Country
With the year-end holidays, thousands of people are traveling to various points across the country, including beaches and rivers, so the authorities are already preparing security operations.
The country is transitioning into the summer season, which is why people should be cautious, as it is still raining in some areas, according to the director of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), Omar Smith.
The official made a call to the public for this extended weekend: not to leave the driver alone and to remember that it is still raining in the interior of the country.
Operation Guardian 2025
Smith indicated that they are almost ready to launch Operation Guardian 2025, which will cover 18 points across the country.
The operation, which will begin on December 25, consists of three stages: the first during the year-end holidays, the second during Carnival, and the third for Holy Week. It will run until April.
It is expected that 189 volunteers and Sinaproc members, with lifeguard and first aid expertise, will be present at the 18 points.
He recommended that people respect safety rules and lifeguards.
Smith stated that lifeguards are not responsible for looking after children at rivers and beaches but are there to ensure safety in the area.
He also asked swimmers to assess the risks before entering rivers and beaches.
Sinaproc will issue any monitoring alerts in case of weather or tide-related situations.
The Panamanian Government Receives a Record Dividend from ENSA of Over $25 Million
In an unprecedented event, the Panamanian government received a historic dividend of $25,661,484.61, corresponding to the net profits generated in 2023 by ENSA Grupo EPM, a key company in the country’s electricity sector.
This amount represents an annual record and highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in Panama’s economic and social development.
Shareholding Structure and Commitment to Sustainable Development
ENSA Grupo EPM is a mixed company, where the Panamanian government holds 48.3% of the shares, while 51% belongs to Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), and the remaining 0.7% is owned by former employees of the now-defunct Institute of Hydraulic Resources and Electrification (IRHE).
The check was handed over by Santiago Díaz, CEO of ENSA Grupo EPM, along with Arie Cartagena, Vice President of Finance. Both highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and generating benefits for its shareholders, including the Panamanian government.
The Vice Minister of Finance, Fausto Fernández, received the check on behalf of the National Government.
It is important to emphasize that this public-private collaboration is an example of how joint efforts drive the country’s economic growth and improve essential services, such as electricity supply.
This significant dividend reaffirms ENSA Grupo EPM’s role as a strategic partner in the modernization of Panama’s electrical system. With this contribution, Panama is moving toward a development model where strategic investments and sustainability are key drivers of progress.
The Number of Irregular Migration in Panama Decreases Due to Repatriation
President José Raúl Mulino reported that, during this week, 38 repatriation flights were completed, resulting in the deportation and expulsion of 1,583 people. Compared to last year, this figure reflects a 41% decrease in irregular migration flow through Panama.
So far in December 2024, 3,643 migrants have crossed the dangerous Darien route, a significantly lower number than the 512,110 people recorded last year.
The president also addressed the human tragedy occurring on this route, highlighting that 55 people have lost their lives in 2024, and 180 unaccompanied minors are now under the care of Senniaf. “This is a very serious problem,” Mulino stated, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts with international authorities to address the situation of minors.
Migration Figures and New Regulations by Panama Migration
Meanwhile, the National Migration Service (SNM) detailed the measures implemented to combat irregular migration. Through 502 operations carried out this year, 20,279 foreigners have been verified, resulting in 1,852 offenders being summoned for regularization, while 1,588 migrants have been sent to shelters. Additionally, 1,469 migrants have been deported and 205 expelled under the Memorandum of Understanding between Panama and the U.S., totaling 1,674 repatriated migrants.
The National Government continues to work to reduce migrant traffic, achieving a 41% reduction in irregular migration compared to 2023, which recorded 511,103 irregular migrants. The main nationalities represented in migration are from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, China, and Haiti.
The Pediatric Specialties Hospital is Moved to the City of Health
Starting today, December 18, the High Complexity Pediatric Hospital of the City of Health will begin receiving Panama’s children, offering world-class medical care in a modern hospital facility that has become a regional reference in pediatric medicine.
This follows the transfer by the Social Security Fund (CSS) of the Omar Torrijos Herrera Pediatric Specialties Hospital, previously located on Vía España, to this new healthcare center, which stands out for its infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment. A total of 40 patients were transferred.
This high-complexity hospital not only features the latest in medical technology but also provides a child-friendly environment, with children’s stories and games, aimed at making the children’s recovery process more pleasant and effective.
The facilities of the High Complexity Pediatric Hospital include four levels of hospitalization, 290 beds, six operating rooms, a specialized burn unit, 20 intensive care cubicles, 10 semi-intensive care cubicles, and a modern hemodialysis room equipped with advanced technology to treat children with renal issues.
This hospital is prepared to perform complex surgeries, such as cardiac operations, neurosurgery, and spinal surgery, making it a regional reference center in the field of modern pediatrics.
In addition to its facilities and equipment, the hospital offers medical services that include all pediatric specialties and subspecialties, such as gastroenterology, pulmonology, child psychiatry, endocrinology, and a state-of-the-art radiology center.
According to Alejandro Martínez, director of the High Complexity Pediatric Hospital, the Vía España facilities will continue to operate for those who go there.
The DGI will Verify that Property Appraisals Match the e-Tax 2.0 System
The General Directorate of Revenues (DGI) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) informed taxpayers who wish to use the payment-in-kind option to settle taxes with real estate that the value registered in the e-Tax 2.0 system must match the appraisal presented in the request.
If the values according to the appraisals are not updated, the property tax will be calculated and charged from the date of the appraisal, directly affecting the taxpayer.
DGI warns about appraisal updates
Additionally, the agency reminded that any irregularities detected could lead to investigations for possible administrative tax evasion or tax fraud, in accordance with Article 286 of the Tax Procedure Code.
The DGI urged taxpayers to verify and update the values of their real estate to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
