Panama Economy: Panama’s GDP grew 4.8% in Q1 2026, with the Panama Canal driving the gain as toll revenues rose 5.4%, according to INEC. Maritime & Climate Business: CDL launched the Saving Glaciers and Oceans Alliance at the World Cities Summit 2026, aiming to mobilize public-private partnerships to protect glaciers and oceans, with Panama among the participating diplomats and organizations. Energy & Geopolitics: Senate Democrats urged the Trump administration to stop work on a West Coast emergency oil reserve, arguing it would bypass Congress; the proposal is linked to discussions about oil supply for California. Regional Finance: Barbados opened direct access for businesses to CAF development financing after becoming a full CAF member, shifting borrowing from government-only to private sector expansion and export growth. Global Shipping Risk: Moody’s warned that China’s growing influence in Latin America is increasing dependency and competitive pressure on local manufacturing. Sports With Trade Links: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the World Cup opener vs Panama after a Canadian court upheld Canada’s visa refusal, a reminder that event travel rules can disrupt team economics and planning.