Story perspectives

Panama names first woman canal administrator for 2026-2033

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ilya Espino de Marotta became the Panama Canal’s first woman administrator for 2026-2033.
President José Raúl Mulino and Minister Jose Ramón Icaza attended the inauguration.
Espino said her priority is the $1.5 billion Río Indio reservoir to supply water to half of Panama’s 4 million people.
Officials expect the reservoir to be finished by late 2031 or 2032.
Espino pledged to keep canal operations efficient, neutral, and transparent, leaving diplomacy to Panamanian state.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ilya Espino de Marotta became the Panama Canal’s first woman administrator for 2026-2033.
President José Raúl Mulino and Minister Jose Ramón Icaza attended the inauguration.
Espino said her priority is the $1.5 billion Río Indio reservoir to supply water to half of Panama’s 4 million people.
Officials expect the reservoir to be finished by late 2031 or 2032.
Espino pledged to keep canal operations efficient, neutral, and transparent, leaving diplomacy to Panamanian state.