Moderator_03
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City of Health a million dollar unfinished horror movie
Posted 19/10/2021
The City of Health, a flagship project of the Martinelli administration will end up costing over a billion dollars, more than double the original projection, after 11 years of delays, corruption probes, and court challenges.
Is estimated to be ready in 24 months. The contract was awarded in 2012, for $554.3 million.
The revelation came from the director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), Enrique Enrique Lau on Tuesday, October 19, at the headquarters of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, in a conference in which he offered financial details of the project that was originally in charge of Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC), currently investigated by the payment of bribes in Panama.
After years of delays, changes in the design and scope of the work, in addition to the contractor's claim for more money, FCC ended up leaving the work and withdrew an arbitration proceeding against Panama for differences over the contract.
In July of this year, the Cabinet Council authorized the CSS to sign with the Construcciones Hospitalarias consortium and the insurer Mapfre Panamá, SA “a transactional agreement” to complete the construction of the project.
Lau specified that the new agreement was sent to the Comptroller General to receive in August. There is a period of 90 days to perfect the details of the agreement, a period that expires in November. The projection is that the work will be delivered in 2023, eleven years after Martinelli
"The civil works at the moment looks like a scary movie," Lau said, referring to the state of the facilities built by FCC.
According to the financial program for the work, of the $ 554.2 million agreed in the contract with FCC, $ 338.7 million have been paid; there is a budget available of $ 215.5 million and additional funds of $ 445.5 million are needed, for a total of $ 999.8 million.
Later, during the presentation, Lau explained that in reality, the additional funds that are needed will amount to $486.6 million when the cost of financing is included, "so as not to hit the reserves of the Fund." That is to say, that the work, instead of ending up costing $999.8 million, as it had initially warned, will have a total cost of $1,040.8 million.
In addition to the cost of financing, the CSS has budgeted in the additional item for the City of Health, funds for medical and technological equipment and civil works.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/city-of-health-a-million-dollar-unfinished-horror-movie
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OPINION: Vulgarity scandals and tainted innocence
Posted 18/10/2021
Since Ricardo Martinelli was elected president in 2009, the country has not had peace. His government - since always - was a mixture of vulgarity and scandals that still resound, because, far from fixing its judicial problems due to the criminal accusations to which he is subject, he has put all kinds of obstacles, challenges, resources, and everything. that he has been able to get his hands on it to produce an outcome that - according to him - would proclaim his tainted innocence. Every day we have a scandal with this man, who is accompanied by people of the same ilk, and who has to be put up with for his public and even private shows. Along with him, there are dozens of former officials who do their thing in the courts without much fuss or theater, without their usual fuss and verbiage. In his world, the blame is not his, but of others, because in his sick mind, the whole world conspires against him, his children, and his family. Every enemy - imaginary or not - is guilty of his bad, terrible and unspeakable decisions, when he only has to look in the mirror to look directly at the person responsible for his actions. It is time to stop being brave with only your feet.- LA PRENSA, Oct 18.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-vulgarity-scandals-and-tainted-innocence
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Civic and moral values crusade
Posted 18/10/2021
The National Commission for Civic and Moral Values launched a crusade on Monday, October 18. The initiative is led by the Lions Club of Panama and has the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (Cciap).
For a month different activities will be carried out in the country, with the aim of promoting civic values and good citizen practices.
The closing of the awareness activities will be on November 18, when the National Day of Values is celebrated. For that day, keynote conferences by leading figures of national events have been scheduled.
"We must prioritize civic, ethical and moral values as the north in actions in public and private life, in order to strengthen trust and credibility in all sectors of our country without which there can be no truly sustainable development," said Sonia Mora, who chairs the National Commission.
"The principles of honesty and respect for human dignity are unshakable," said Marcela Galindo, vice president of the Cciap.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/civic-and-moral-values-crusade
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Citizen table calls for protest march on Wednesday
Posted 18/10/2021
The “Mesa Ciudadana”, a citizen group in defense of democracy, called on the general public to support the call for a march that will begin at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 20, from Parque Porras towards the Cathedral.
The call for union groups also includes causes such as the defense of the Social Security Fund and a halt to corruption in all spheres, issues that should unite all sectors, said the "Citizen Table" in a statement.
The group indicated that those who cannot participate in the march should assemble in Plaza Catedral (near the Presidency), from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The Citizen Board asked business owners to allow their employees to leave one hour earlier on October 20 so that they can participate in this activity. They also called for a "flexibilization" in the schedules of government entities, so that public servants can participate in this call, without facing labor repercussions.
Simultaneous activities have been scheduled for that day in Chiriquí, Veraguas, Los Santos, Herrera, Coclé, and Panama Oeste.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/citizen-table-calls-for-protest-march-on-wednesday
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3 dead one seriously hurt in dawn crash
Posted 18/10/2021
Three officials of a Bocas del Toro community board died at dawn on Monday, October 18 and one was seriously injured when the driver, of their small panel bus, swerved to avoid a pothole and collided with an oncoming dump truck heading to Changuinola.
The incident occurred at 5:40 a.m. in the Los Chiricanos community, near the Chiriquí Grande district.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/3-dead-one-seriously-hurt-in-dawn-crash
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Panama’s deteriorating justice system
Posted 17/10/2021
Panamanians are mute witnesses to the progressive deterioration of the country's institutions, especially our justice system. It's not that we don't have laws; we have many, but they are dead letters, they are not applied and that, obviously, has consequences for the country, which does not come out of those color lists. The World Justice Project has revealed the state of our justice and the rule of law, vis-à-vis the rest of the world. In the global index, Panama ranks 71 out of 139 countries measured, and 15 out of 32 countries in Latin America. But when the variables are analyzed individually, the positions are disgraceful. For example, when asked about the absence of corruption, Panama falls to position 91 out of 139 and worsens on the issue of criminal justice: position 110 out of 139. In other words, this country is also a criminal paradise, the dream paradise of the corrupt, for there is no danger of punishment. Hopefully, the two new appointments of the Executive to the Supreme Court of Justice - whose ratification process in the National Assembly begins this week - correct course, as the intentions of other magistrates appointed in 2019 seem to be. There is much at stake, such as the reputation of Panama, which is no small thing. – LA PRENSA, Oct. 17.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/panamas-deteriorating-justice-system
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Electoral reforms -“Democratic stagnation and opacity”
Opaque lawmakers
Posted 17/10/2021
José Ramón Icaza, president of Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture( Cciap) has labeled the electoral reforms passed by the National Assembly as "democratic stagnation amid opacity and convenience."
In the Chamber’s Sunday newsletter The union criticizes the approval while the citizenry had their backs turned, in the middle of the night, and recalls that it is a project that in importance surpasses any other since it is about the rules for choosing just over 4,000 candidates to more than 800 popularly elected positions in 2024.
The CCIAP says that it was expected to constitute another step in the evolution of Panamanian democracy towards a more participatory and inclusive system, but, on the other hand, " the management and orientation of the discussions prevent us from having any hope in this regard."
“ Today, just as it did when the Electoral Tribunal [TE] withdrew from the discussion due to the arbitrariness of some deputies, the CCIAP raises its voice to denounce the opacity in the management and the intentions of the deputies, but also the passivity of who are called to be the custodians of the main democratic instrument. In the second debate of bill 544, the TE magistrates had the duty to defend transcendental issues, such as the allocation of seats in the multi-member circuits, which openly disputes with the system of direct elections established by the 'Political Constitution'. As it was expected, they would defend their proposal to review the electoral jurisdiction, it passed as found in the current 'Electoral Code' ”, the union maintains.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/electoral-reforms-democratic-stagnation-and-opacity
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Charter flights from Columbia begin in November.
Posted 17/10/2021
Life is slowly returning to the Panama tourism sector and Ernesto Orillac, president of the Panama Chamber of Tourism (Camtur), reports that thanks to meetings that Panamanian companies held with international operators, charter flights will begin to arrive from Colombia in November and talks are also being held with operators from Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil to specify other charter flights.
Meanwhile, Delta Airlines has announced an increase in flights to and from the United States not seen since 1998.
Orillac explained that the conversations began during the Panama Travel Mart that was held within the framework of the National Tourism Convention, at the end of September, the first face-to-face event that brought together tourism companies in Panama, after the outbreak of the pandemic.
During the Panama Travel Mart, some 430 business appointments were made, which are estimated to have generated commercial transactions of approximately $30 million.
There are less than 15 days until the end of the term granted by the Government for companies in the service sector to reactivate all contracts that are still suspended.
The president of Camtur commented that they continue talking with the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development, but an agreement has not yet been reached to extend the suspension.
Hoteliers, tour operators and restaurants have requested at least a three-month postponement since they assure that it is impossible for companies in the tourism sector to reactivate the more than 45,000 contracts that remain suspended.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/travel/charter-flights-from-columbia-begin-in-november
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Homophobic chants by Panama fans earn FIFA sanctions
Posted 17/10/2021
FIFA fines and sanctions Panama with a game behind closed doors for homophobic chants.
The FIFA sanctioned Panama with a match behind closed doors, ie without public for the misbehavior of fans during matches played locally in September, in the qualifying road to the World Cup 2022 Qatar.
In addition, a fine of about $54,000s (50 thousand francs) was established.
The sanction of playing without an audience would become effective in the next international commitment of the Pansms team, which will be on Tuesday, November 16, against El Salvador, on the eighth date of the octagonal round of Concacaf.
The Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut) confirmed that it was notified of the measure by the international body for "homophobic chants by fans during the September matches of the qualification for the Qatar 2022 World Cup played at home."
Fepafut reported that it will proceed to appeal the sanction issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and that if an unfavorable response is received, the process of returning the tickets that have already been purchased for the match against El Salvador will begin.
During the September window, Panama played two home games at Rommel Fernández, against Costa Rica (0-0) and Mexico (1-1).
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/homophobic-chants-by-panama-fans-earn-fifa-sanctions
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Delta and Copa will will increase US flights in December
Posted 16/10/2021
Beginning in December Delta Airlines will offer 13 weekly flights between four US cities and Panama, the highest number of flights to the country since the company began service in 1998.
The new frequencies increase its capacity by 80% from and to Tocumen airport.
On Friday the US airline announced that as of December 18 it will establish direct flights from the cities of Los Angeles and Orlando with the Tocumen International Airport. That same day the company will add a new frequency on Saturdays to the city of Atlanta.
Two days later, the airline will begin operating a new flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
But Delta is not the only one that will increase its flights to the United States, Copa Airlines confirmed that from December 12, the direct flight to Atlanta with 4 weekly frequencies will begin to operate.
With the connection to Atlanta, there would be 11 US cities where the company would operate. To date, Copa Airlines has not reactivated flights to Denver, Las Vegas, and New Orleans, after it resumed commercial operations following the interruption caused by Covid-19.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/delta-and-copa-will-will-increase-us-flights-in-december-1
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UN agencies call for safe and orderly migration routes through Darien jungle
Posted 16/10/2021
Thirteen United Nations agencies have called for strengthening "safe, regular and orderly" migration routes to reduce deaths during the journey of migrants through the Darien jungle.
The request was presented on Friday, October 15 in a joint statement over the increase of immigrants traveling to the United States.
According to a note published in the Voice of America , the statement was presented by the United Nations Children's Agency (Unicef), the International Organization for Migration, and the High Commissioner for Migration. United Nations for Refugees, among other agencies.
In the document, according to US media, the states of the region are encouraged to protect "the right to seek and receive asylum for all people on the move."
The authorities of transit countries, such as Colombia and the Central American countries, are also urged "to collaborate together to reach a pact that allows for the implementation of an" effective response to the migration crisis. "
On October 11, it was reported that at least 19,000 migrant children have crossed the Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama this year.
"The number of migrant children who crossed the Darien Gap on foot has reached its historical maximum," despite being "one of the most dangerous places for migrants trying to reach North America," said a UNICEF report.
According to Unicef, one in five migrants are children, mainly from Haiti or from Haitian parents who had them during their stay in Chile or Brazil.
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Martinelli “happy” about son’s pending extradition to USA
Posted 15/10/2021
Former President Ricardo Martinelli put on a show of bravado on Friday, October 15, saying that he is very "happy" at the imminent extradition of at least one of his two sons to the United States, "since whoever does not owe it, does not fear it " reports La Prensa.
Upon leaving the oral trial that follows him for political espionage in the last two years of his government (2012-2014), the former president was asked about the procedural situation of his sons Ricardo Alberto and Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, detained in Guatemala since July 6, 2020, at the request of the United States.
"I would like my children to go to the United States as quickly as possible because they have to prove their innocence there," he said.
That statement contrasts with the legal strategy of the Martinelli Linares brothers in Guatemala, who have presented all kinds of appeals, in various instances, to avoid being handed over to the United States.
Martinelli stated that his offspring wanted to come to Panama to face the processes he has here, for the bribes paid in the Odebrecht and Blue Apple cases.
In fact, for years the whereabouts of Luis Enrique and Ricardo Alberto was unknown (although at the end of 2018 they were detained for two weeks for immigration issues), but the day they were captured in Guatemala, they were preparing to board a private plane, in the La Aurora airport, which would bring them back to Panama.
"It fills me with great joy and satisfaction that this is over soon because you have to show your face since whoever does not owe it, does not fear it," he said.
On October 13, Canal Antigua reported that the US embassy in Guatemala had received the file of Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares from the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Ministry acknowledged that it received the documents, but that it is still carrying out the procedures to send it to the embassy, "the body that is responsible for setting the date of extradition."
The extradition process of Ricardo Alberto is slowing down and is still being settled in the Third Court of Criminal Sentencing, Drug Trafficking, and Crimes against the Environment.
The two sons of the former president remain in a military prison.
Both are required for the alleged commission of various crimes related to money laundering, in the Eastern District Court of New York.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martinelli-happy-about-sons-pending-extradition-to-usa
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Copa aims to elevate women’s role in company
Posted 15/10/2021
Copa Airlines has joined the global initiative "Commitment 25 for 2025" of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to increase the presence of women in the aviation industry, while presenting “Elava” its own program of diversity and inclusion. IATA is committed to increasing the number of women, especially in non-traditional positions, to bring it to 25%," the director of Corporate Well-being of Copa Airlines, Laura Plata, told Efe.
Those airlines or companies that join IATA's undertake to increase by 25% 2025, the presence of women in executive and managerial positions and in areas where they are "traditionally" underrepresented.
The program also promotes "the growth of women in managerial positions, that is, in the highest positions of the company," explained Plata.
Copa Airlines has 36% of female workers throughout the company "without having a single position where there is no woman," according to the director.
Women pilots
Copa is one of the airlines with the highest percentage of female pilots, with 98, which represents 10% of the totalThe airline has 26% of directors or women in decision-making positions, as well as 41% of managers. In positions "traditionally for men", it has 34 women aviation mechanics and aeronautical engineers who today work in the airline hangars. We are above that minimum, but we continue to work on that commitment by 2025 to further improve those numbers by 25% or more," added Plata.
"What is proven is that women can go as far as they want. At Copa we are here to provide opportunities, tools, and support in that growth," she said.
Through "Eleva", the exclusive Copa program presented on Thursday, "these specific actions are being encouraged," according to Plata, who explained that the decision to name the project Rleva rests on the fact that "it is closely aligned with the industry, as it speaks take off ".
"It is empowerment, leadership, success, value for each person, and being authentic," she added.
The project is divided into three pillars, diversity, equality, and inclusion, which includes "people with disabilities, of which we already have 18 employees hired for their great abilities."
The "Eleva" program is focused on strengthening diversity, equality, and inclusion increasing the participation of women at all levels and in non-traditional roles, promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in all more diverse areas and teams.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/copa-aims-to-elevate-womens-role-in-company
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Martinelli trial suspended once again
Posted 15/10/2021
Prosecutor Ricardo González revealed on Friday, October 15, that he will present a new witness to the interceptions of communications in the trial of former President Ricardo Martinelli.
González did not identify the new witness, but it emerged that it is the PRD leader and former presidential candidate Balbina Herrera, who is also one of the plaintiffs reports La Prensa.
The oral trial was resumed after it was suspended at noon on Wednesday, October 13 due to health problems of Judge Jennifer Saavedra, who is one of the three that make up the Oral Trial Court.
The three judges agreed to the request of the defense o suspend the trial until Monday at 9:00 am
The group of defenders said that due to the cross-examination of the PRD leader Mitchell Doens, the trial would be suspended and the afternoon session will not take place this Friday, October 15.
They also based their request on the fact that a new witness would appear in the case.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martinelli-trial-suspended-once-again
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Remains of four victims of US invasion uncovered
Posted 14/10/2021
The remains of four victims of the United States invasion of Panama in December 1989 were located in a sector of the Monte Esperanza cemetery, in the province of Colón on Thursday, October 14 The cemetery was attended by the Superior Homicide and Femicide Discharge Prosecutor, Geomara Guerra, and by José Luis Sosa, executive secretary of the December 20, 1989 Commission. It was the second diligence in Colon this month.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/remains-of-four-victims-of-us-invasion-uncovered
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Panama orders 77 containers of Christmas trees
Posted 14/10/2021
At least 77 containers of pine trees are scheduled to be imported into Panama for the Christmas season with the first expected to arrive in the country in mid-November, depending on the availability of containers, quotas in shipping companies and required logistics.
In 2021, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) authorized three companies to import Christmas trees from Canada These are the subsidiaries Kirk Company, Quebec Balsam Export Inc., and Naugler's Traditional evergreen tree farms.
The companies already have a track record exporting Christmas trees to Panama, however, they must comply with a phytosanitary import requirement issued by the National Directorate of Plant Health.
The requirement includes a series of measures to mitigate the risk of introduction of pests to Panamanian territory, such as adequate reception of the trees, classification, mechanical agitation of each tree to remove insects, pests, other living organisms, and weed remains from the tree canopy; packaging, storage, careful filling and sealing of refrigerated containers.
The measures taken by MIDA on covid-19, issued by the Ministry of Health in Panama, based on the measures suggested by the World Health Organization are in force.
Ricardo Gago, from the Casa del Jamón de Costa del Este and one of the owners of Importadora Hermanos Gago, SA said that this year he will be starting the sale of Christmas trees about four days before Thanksgiving which is celebrated this year on November 25. Gago explained that they are scheduled to bring 25 containers from Canada and the United States.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-orders-77-containers-of-christmas-trees
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Son of Martinelli awaiting plane ticket to face US trial
Posted 14/10/2021
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the file of Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, delivered to the US Embassy in Guatemala by The Foreign Ministry of Guatemala formally authorizing , his extradition to the United States to face money laundering charges
The document was awaiting corrections by the competent courts, to be delivered to the diplomatic headquarters and was the only protocol that was missing.
The information was confirmed by journalist Sergio Osegueda, from Canal Antigua .
Now it is up to the United States Embassy to make the arrangements and reserve the flight that will transport the son of former president Ricardo Martinelli, from the Mariscal Zavala Military Center, where he is detained with his brother Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Linares.
The two sons of the former President were captured on July 6, 2020, at the request of the United States, where they are required in the Eastern District Court of New York. for the alleged commission of various crimes related to money laundering,
From the moment the date and flight number are confirmed, the Martinelli Linares brothers will separate their paths, since while one will be in the United States, the other will remain in prison in Guatemala.
The extradition process of Ricardo Alberto is still pending resolution in the Third Court of Criminal Sentencing, Drug Trafficking, and Crimes against the Environment.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/son-of-martinelli-awaiting-plane-ticket-to-face-us-trial
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Unfortunately the final score was Canada 4: Panama 1
Panama opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Rolando Blackburn. For Canada, the goals came from Michael Murillo (own goal, 27th minute), Alphonso Davies (66th), Tajon Buchanan (76th) and Jonathan David (78th). -
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Social Security Announces Largest Benefits Increase Since 1982
By October 13, 2021As inflation continues to climb, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that social security recipients will see a 5.9 percent increase in their benefits, the largest such increase since 1982.
The SSA has historically adjusted benefits to account for inflation, but these have often been minor, granting beneficiaries a one or two percent increase. The announced increase today goes far beyond this norm, giving another indication of continuing inflation.
“The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022,” said the SSA in a press release. The SSA makes the judgment to increase benefits based on changes in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index, which tracks the costs of various products for average Americans.
Further reflecting the bite of inflation, the SSA also announced that it would increase the maximum income taxable under social security from $142,800 to $147,000.
On Wednesday, the Labor Department announced that consumer prices had increased by 0.4 percent during September compared to the month before, exceeding Dow Jones’ prediction and sending shivers through the stock market. The Labor Department’s report also showed that between Sept. 2020 and Sept. 2021, consumer prices shot up a staggering 5.4 percent, again exceeding Dow Jones’ estimated 5.3 percent.
Democrats have insisted that the inflation is transitory, and is only a normal economic hiccup, a claim that Queen’s College President and economist Mohamed El-Erian rejected. Inflation has increased “way beyond” normal transitory inflation, El-Erian ruled.
Historically, increased inflation has been used as a tool to lower unemployment and spur economic growth.
However, economic growth remains limited despite substantial increases in the money supply. Job growth was relatively stagnant in September, with the United States only adding 194,000 jobs compared to 716,000 in September of 2020.
For Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), these trends are a concerning sign that the United States is heading for another period of stagflation, which is marked by economic stagnation and inflation of the money supply. This anomalous economic combo was last seen under President Jimmy Carter and sent the nation into a years-long recession.
The SSA’s historical cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) reflect this economic downturn. In July 1980, the COLA achieved its highest ever level, with a 14.3 percent adjustment. In January 2009, the COLA reached its highest until 2022, at 5.8 percent.
In comparison, January 2020 saw a 1.6 percent increase, and January 2021 saw a 1.3 percent increase.
Beyond social security, the effects of this inflation are being felt across the United States.
Moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) who has been hailed as a hero by Republicans and a villain by Democrats, framed his opposition to his party’s $3.5 trillion budget resolution on the grounds of concerns over inflation.
He blasted his party in a Sept. 2 op-ed, writing: “Democratic congressional leaders propose to pass the largest single spending bill in history with no regard to rising inflation, crippling debt or the inevitability of future crises. Ignoring the fiscal consequences of our policy choices will create a disastrous future for the next generation of Americans.”
Manchin concluded the piece, “I, for one, won’t support a $3.5 trillion bill, or anywhere near that level of additional spending, without greater clarity about why Congress chooses to ignore the serious effects inflation and debt have on existing government programs.”
Concerns over the effects of inflation on programs like social security have been front and center for Manchin. This latest increase in social security benefits is unlikely to go unnoticed by Manchin, who remains adamant that his party’s budget is “fiscal insanity.”
Speaking to reporters, Manchin expanded on these concerns, referencing the effects of inflation on his own West Virginia constituents. He noted that many of the people in his state, one of the poorest in the union, rely on dollar stores for basic necessities. Because of inflation, Manchin said, these stores have been forced to increase their prices.
Most notably, Dollar Tree has been forced to break its decades-long “Everything’s one dollar” slogan, announcing in a Sept. 28 press release that some prices would be increased as a result of inflation. Other chains have joined Dollar Tree in raising prices.
The increase in social security benefits is only the latest indication of increasing inflation.
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Martinelli trial suspended until Friday
Posted 13/10/2021
The oral trial of former President Ricardo Martinelli for alleged wiretapping was suspended on Wednesday, October 13 due to the illness of one of the judges.
According to reports, the afternoon session of the trial was not held because Judge Jennifer Saavedra presented health problems and received a medical disability until Friday.
The trial will resume at 10:00 am at the facilities of the accusatory criminal system in Plaza Ágora.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martinelli-trial-suspended-until-friday
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Martinelli files $300,000 complaint against attack victim
Posted 13/10/2021
Ricardo Martinelli filed a criminal complaint against former deputy José Luis “Popi” Varela, for alleged simulation of punishable acts and slander, in which he asks for compensation of $300,000.
The action was presented two days after Varela, in turn, denounced Martinelli, after he insulted him and assaulted him after giving evidence in the wiretapping trial of the former president the attack. Varela is a witness for the Public Ministry.
Martinelli filed the complaint against Varela because, according to him, he denounced him "knowing that there is no crime and that no harm has been caused to him."
The former president would be contradicting himself since on several occasions he has acknowledged having beaten Varela. Even this morning, before entering the trial, he again referred to the "punch" that he "put" to Varela two days earlier said La Prensa
Martinelli asks that, as evidence, his lawyers Yessica Canto and Shirley Castañeda, who were present at the brawl with Varela as he left the court, be interviewed. Both lawyers even dedicated various epithets to the former deputy reports La Prensa, Among the evidence, they provide -among other elements- the complaint presented by Varela and the statement issued that day by the Judicial Branch, to clarify that the fight did not occur in the presence of the three judges of the trial court or in the courtroom. The events, as well documented by the media present, occurred in the corridors of the First Judicial District, in Plaza Ágora, and in the parking lot.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/martinelli-files-300000-complaint-against-attack-victim-1
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Panama “Giant Slayers” face Canada in World Cup qualifier
Posted 13/10/2021
Inspired by the historic home win against the United States, the giant of Concacaf three days ago, Panama’s National Soccer Team will take to the BMO Field in Toronto tonight to face Canada.
The duel between Panamanians and Canadians is the sixth date of the Octagonal Final of the Concacaf qualifying rounds with a view to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Thanks to its victory against the Americans, Panama is third in the standings with 8 points. Canada is in fourth place with 7 points after their 0-0 draw against Jamaica.
The Panama team traveled to Canada on Monday night and arrived at dawn yesterday. Once they had rested, the group underwent training and field reconnaissance in the afternoon, setting the stage for today's game.
"The victory against the United States was important and long-suffering, but now we have to turn the page and now try to score points against Canada," commented attacker César Yanis in the last training session before traveling. “We know it will be a very difficult game against a powerful and fast team, but the team is united. We know that we will achieve great things, ”added Yanis, a Real Zaragoza player in the Second Division of Spanish football.
Taking into account the wear and tear of the first two games of this window against El Salvador and the United States, in addition to the long journey, it is expected that the coach of the Panamanian team, Thomas Christiansen, will make some changes regarding his starting lineup.
“Some changes will have to be made, but it will be a very difficult game, for me the most difficult, a bit also because of the six-hour trip, to get to the hotel at dawn. But it is not an excuse, we are going to compete and try to give another joy ”, said Christiansen in reference to the commitment.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/entertainment/panama-giant-slayers-face-canada-in-world-cup-qualifier
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“Maelstrom of scandal and corruption” - business leader
Posted 13/10/2021
For more than a decade, Panama has experienced a maelstrom of scandals related to corruption and lack of transparency, which has worsened during the pandemic said, Ramon Icaza president of Panama’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, October 12. “We are really concerned about the direction the country is taking and we citizens have to wake up,” he told the General Assembly of the Chamber on Tuesday, October 12.
The businessman then argued that for the functioning of democracy there must be a real rule of law and a citizenry that in all its roles respects the laws and is committed to values such as honesty.
Icaza addressed key issues for the national future, such as electoral reforms, the reactivation of the economy and the need for credit for companies, the sectors to bet on to generate employment, as well as the management of public finances and the evolution of the dialogue to define the future of pensions, the latter subject that he described as "urgent and fundamental."
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/maelstrom-of-scandal-and-corruption-business-leader
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Daily intake of aspirin for over 60s no longer advised
Posted 12/10/2021
The daily intake of aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke should no longer be recommended in the United States for people aged 60 and over, a panel of experts warned on Tuesday, October 12.
"Daily use of aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some, but it can also cause serious adverse effects, such as internal bleeding," said Dr. John Wong, a member of the Preventive Services Task Force of the United States, in a statement.
As for people aged 40 to 59, at-risk but without a history of cardiovascular disease, they must individually make the decision to start this treatment, after consulting their doctor, these experts add.
It is a radical change that affects millions of people because its practice is widespread in the country. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Since 2016, Task Force experts, whose recommendations are widely followed, have recommended aspirin for people in their 50s with an assessed risk of 10% of heart attack or stroke in the next ten years.
They also believed that 60-year-olds at risk could take this preventive treatment based on an individual decision.
But for several years, studies have questioned the American recommendations.
Aspirin thins the blood, which prevents clots and helps reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/daily-intake-of-aspirin-for-over-60s-no-longer-advised
Election Reforms Hopefully to Address Electoral Bribery, Corruption, Impunity
in Panama’s Culture of Corruption and Non-Transparency, and Efforts to Improve
Posted
https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/transparency-international-rejects-panama-electoral-reforms