Friday, March 27, 2026.
Understanding Patience
This week, I found myself reflecting on patience, not as a concept, but as a test.
It’s easy to believe we are patient people. In calm moments, we all are. But patience doesn’t reveal itself in comfort; it shows up when we’re pressed, when we’re late, when traffic won’t move, when someone in front of us slows us down and we feel that quiet irritation begin to rise.
The other evening, I witnessed that moment in a different setting. Someone was making an honest effort to speak, to contribute, to be part of something meaningful. It wasn’t perfect. It took time. And you could feel the room begin to tighten with impatience. I’ve been there before, on both sides of it.
But this time, something changed. Instead of focusing on the delay, I focused on the effort. On the fact that this person stood up and tried. And in that shift, the frustration dissolved. In its place came something far more useful… understanding… and a quiet respect.
What struck me most was that this wasn’t just a thought, it was physical. I could actually feel the change within me. A reminder that patience is not passive; it is a discipline. It is a decision made in real time, often against our instincts.
The Stoics speak of control and of recognizing what is within our power and what is not. We cannot control how fast someone speaks, how traffic moves, or how others perform under pressure. But we can control how we respond. And in that space, patience becomes more than tolerance, it becomes character.
Because the truth is simple… every one of us will, at some point, be the person who is struggling, the one taking too long, the one hoping others will give us a little grace.
And maybe that’s the real lesson. Patience is not about waiting, it’s about understanding. It’s about choosing, in small moments, to be the kind of person we ourselves would hope to encounter when we are not at our best.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama
Comic Spotlight: Don’t miss The Mikkelson Files: #6 –The Case of The Silent Partner.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Fuel in Panama: Government Evaluates Relief Program for Transport Operators
The Government of Panama is evaluating the implementation of an economic relief program aimed at the transportation sector, with the goal of preventing rising fuel prices from directly impacting consumers’ pockets. This was confirmed by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, who explained that the measure seeks to maintain current fare rates.
Covering fuel increases, not freezing prices
Chapman emphasized the focus of the plan: “This is not about freezing prices, it is about covering the increase.” The program would be designed to offset rising fuel costs without passing that burden on to end users.
To implement the program, the government requires transport operators to provide detailed information, including:
- Fuel consumption
- Operating routes
- Service costs
This data will allow authorities to assess the real impact and determine the level of financial support needed.
Objective: maintain fares
The Executive Branch aims to ensure:
- No increase in fares
- Continuity of service
- Stability in the transportation sector
“We are talking about a relief program to ensure that fares do not increase nationwide,” the minister reiterated. The plan is still under review and will depend on the technical information provided by the transportation sector for its implementation.
Icaza Rules Out Risks from Arrival of U.S. Aircraft Carrier in Panama and Says It Will Not Transit the Canal
The Minister for Canal Affairs, José Ramón Icaza, stated that the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer in Panamanian waters does not represent any risk to the country, amid concerns related to the international context.
According to Icaza, the presence of these vessels is part of a routine voyage within a broader regional itinerary prior to their deployment.
“There is nothing to worry about. This is part of a normal journey, like any other naval group that passes through our country,” he said.
The minister explained that the ships will not transit the Panama Canal due to their size and will instead continue their route toward South America, making stops in various countries before returning to the United States after passing through the Strait of Magellan.
Icaza indicated that the vessel is expected to remain in waters near Panama until April 1, after which it will continue its regional itinerary.
International context and message of reassurance
In response to concerns about the presence of such vessels at a time when the United States is involved in conflicts in the Middle East, the official reiterated that there is no cause for alarm for the Panamanian population.
“There is nothing to worry about with this voyage,” he insisted, emphasizing that such movements are routine within international naval operations.
Defense of national interests
On another matter, Icaza addressed the State’s strategy regarding legal proceedings involving Panama Ports Company, stating that Panama is prepared to defend its interests.
“Panama is preparing to defend the country’s interests, and we will do so in accordance with what is established in the arbitration process,” he said.
The minister added that the government will respect the ongoing legal mechanisms, while the company involved also exercises its right to submit any legal actions it deems appropriate.
Hoteliers Reject $10 Fee for Transit Passengers at Tocumen: “It Will Affect Tourism”
Panama’s hotel sector has expressed its rejection of a legislative proposal that seeks to impose a $10 fee on connecting passengers at Tocumen International Airport, the region’s main air hub.
The initiative is being promoted by substitute deputy Benicio Robinson González of the Democratic Revolutionary Party.
$10 fee for passengers at Tocumen Airport rejected
The Panamanian Hotel Association warned that the measure could affect the country’s competitiveness compared to other regional connection hubs such as:
- Bogotá
- Lima
- San Salvador
According to the association, more than 60% of passengers at Tocumen are in transit, so any increase in costs could influence airline decisions.
Risk to the air hub
The airport handled more than 20.9 million passengers in 2025, the highest figure in its history, consolidating its position as a key connection point in the region.
However, the sector warns that the new fee could lead to:
- A reduction in passenger flow
- Reconfiguration of air routes
- Lower competitiveness compared to other hubs
Impact on hotels and tourism
APATEL stated that the measure would also affect programs such as Stopover, promoted by Copa Airlines, which aims to turn layovers into tourist stays in the country.
This could result in a decrease in visitors and impact the entire value chain of the sector.
Lack of technical studies, according to the sector
The hotel association questioned the proposal, noting that it lacks technical studies to support its implementation.
It also warned that it could send a signal of:
Legal instability
Economic uncertainty for investors
Where would the money go?
The proposal establishes that the funds collected would be distributed as follows:
- 70% to the healthcare system
- 30% to the airport network
The Panama Film Festival Reaches Its 14th Edition with More National Films and Free Activities
With a packed agenda of films, premieres, and activities, the International Film Festival of Panama reaches its fourteenth edition with a commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening the presence of national cinema.
This year, the event introduces free activities for the first time in the district of San Miguelito, where films will be screened for the general public, as part of an effort to bring cinema closer to more communities and promote accessible cultural spaces for families.
The festival’s director, Karla Quintero, highlighted the diversity of the program, which includes productions from different parts of the world, but emphasized the importance of supporting the local industry.
“We have 40 films from around the world, but I always point out that people need to watch national cinema. We also have five national premieres that you really shouldn’t miss. These are films made with a lot of love and determination, and we must always support our own first,” she said.
Among the main highlights, Quintero invited the public to take part in the activities taking place in San Miguelito, specifically in the Torrijos Carter area, where a cultural space will be set up for the whole family.
“Torrijos Carter, get ready. We will be at the Torrijos Carter sports center, across from the police station, on Saturday, April 11. Starting at 5:00 p.m., we will activate the space. It’s for the whole family, it’s free, no registration is required. Please come with your family to enjoy this film. It’s a Spanish animated movie, a very beautiful story suitable for everyone. So please take advantage of this opportunity,” she added.
The organization also highlighted the growing interest of the Panamanian public in the festival, as well as the increase in national audiovisual production.
“I think this shows that the industry in Panama is growing. Each year we receive more Panamanian films, and of course, we want to give them a space with a proper premiere at the National Theatre, with a red carpet. For us, it is a great pride to have more and more Panamanian films that represent us not only in Panama but also internationally,” Quintero said.
In addition to screenings, the festival will include workshops with national and international filmmakers, consolidating itself as a platform for training and networking within the audiovisual industry.
The event will take place starting in April and will include ticket sales for those who wish to attend the various scheduled screenings.
CSS and Panama City Hall Promote Digitalization of Services to Reduce Waiting Times
The Social Security Fund (CSS) and the Panama City Hall formalized an interinstitutional cooperation agreement aimed at digitizing and optimizing services for insured citizens. The initiative seeks to reduce waiting times and improve service quality through technological tools designed to better understand patients’ needs.
CSS Director Dino Mon highlighted that this alliance will enable the exchange of experiences to generate direct benefits for the public. Meanwhile, Mayor Mayer Mizrachi emphasized the importance of the government developing its own technological solutions to improve public efficiency.
Key points of the new agreement between CSS and the Mayor’s Office
- Data analysis: The system will identify patient flow and the most in-demand services.
- Strategic planning: It will help determine disease prevalence for better decision-making.
- Implementation: The project will begin with a pilot plan in a healthcare unit before expanding nationwide, from clinics to hospitals.
According to Rosilda Robinson, Director of Human Resources at CSS, these tools will enable the management of critical information to strengthen primary healthcare.
Cobre Panamá Highlights the Role of Mining in Logistics and Energy Development
Cobre Panamá took part in a business breakfast organized by the Logistics Business Council (COEL), a forum that brought together representatives from the maritime, logistics, commercial, and energy sectors to analyze Panama’s potential as a regional hub.
The meeting delivered a central message: the country already has the capabilities to consolidate itself in that role, but its strategic sectors currently operate in a fragmented manner.
Cobre Panamá’s participation put forward a clear position: mining is not an isolated sector, but an integral part of the country’s logistics and energy framework.
Graciela Mauad, the company’s Superintendent of Government Relations, placed the discussion in a regional context by noting that Panama once accounted for nearly 1.5% of global copper production, in a region that represents around 40% of the world’s supply.
Mauad stated: “We are talking about the possibility of attracting investment, developing industry, and generating added value in the region, instead of merely exporting raw materials.”
She also highlighted that trends such as nearshoring (the relocation of foreign companies to nearby countries) create concrete opportunities for Panama, amid growing demand for copper driven by the energy transition and digitalization.
The economic impact of mining activity was another key topic. Roberto Gomes Correia, president of Ocean Caribbean Logistics Services, noted that mining operations generated more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, along with a network of over 500 suppliers. He also emphasized the need to move toward industrialization in order to process resources locally and create greater added value.
Mining operations generated 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.
From the maritime sector, René Gómez, a board member of the Panama Maritime Chamber, highlighted the role of port infrastructure as platforms that connect territories and energize local economies. Ricardo Lince Boyd, president of MAPA, added that much of the development has been driven by private investment, underscoring the need for greater intersectoral coordination to ensure sustainability.
Representatives from the Panama Maritime Chamber, MAPA, ARPA, the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, APAC, AZOFRAP, ACOBIR, ADEDAPP, SPIA, and Ocean Caribbean Logistics Services, as well as Talleres Industriales—one of the private sector companies linked to national mining activity—attended the forum, among others.
The message from the meeting was clear: Panama has the potential to consolidate itself as a logistics and energy hub, but achieving this will depend on its ability to integrate its strategic sectors, ensure stability in decision-making, and project itself with a long-term vision. In that process, mining is a fundamental component.
The El Niño Phenomenon Could Reach Panama Between June and August, IMHPA Warns
The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) warned of an increasing probability of the development of the El Niño phenomenon in the country over the coming months. According to its director, Luz Graciela de Calzadilla, there is a probability of over 60% that this climate event will be established between June and August 2026.
Current conditions and forecast
Calzadilla explained that Panama is currently experiencing an “erratic” dry season, but that the likelihood of the phenomenon will begin to increase starting in May. “For the June–July–August quarter, we would have a probability above 60%, around 62%,” she stated.
What effects will it have on Panama?
The El Niño phenomenon could generate significant changes in the country’s climate:
- Significant decrease in rainfall in the Pacific region
- Increase in rainfall in the Caribbean region
These variations could impact various economic and social activities.
Sectors at risk
Among the main sectors that could be affected are:
- Agriculture
- Food production
- Water resources
The reduction in rainfall in the Pacific could affect crops and water availability. Authorities recommend that productive sectors and the general population stay informed and take preventive measures in light of possible adverse climate scenarios.
The Mikkelson Files: #6– The Case of The Silent Partner
