On the 25th anniversary of the transfer of the waterway to Panamanian hands, the Panama Canal held a solemn ceremony on the steps of the emblematic Administration building.
The ceremony began with a procession led by the school bands marching from the monument of the Eternal Flame to the steps of the Panama Canal Administration building, marking the beginning of a day full of symbolism.
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales highlighted the achievements of these 25 years.
“During three different administrations, we have worked under a common objective: to guarantee a safe and continuous operation of the Canal for the world. First, we demonstrated the capacity of Panamanians to manage it; then, we reaffirmed our commitment to the expansion and construction of the third set of locks. We could not be left behind,” he said.
The Administrator also addressed future challenges, mentioning the importance of ensuring sustainability, water supply for Panamanians and for the Canal, and the need to diversify activities to increase the value of this vital route, promoting human talent and technological innovation.
In his speech, the Minister for Canal Affairs, Jose Ramón Icaza, emphasized the collective effort that has kept the Canal as a fundamental pillar of the national economy, expressing his pride in the achievements made during these 25 years of full sovereignty.
“While we reflect on our achievements, we also look to the future with a firm purpose: to ensure that the Panama Canal continues to be the bridge that connects the world, promoting prosperity for our nation and for all our trading partners,” said the Minister, who stressed the importance of carrying out the actions that will allow the sustainability of the Canal over time.
“The construction of new infrastructure, the expansion of operational capacity and the responsible management of water resources are part of our strategy to ensure that the Canal continues to be a benchmark of sustainability and efficiency,” said Icaza.
During the event, the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, addressed the nation, highlighting the historical significance of the Canal for sovereignty and its positive impact on the world. In his speech, the President emphasized the impact of the act of transfer noting that “since then it has been a source of pride, not only for Panamanians, but an example for the world. In our hands, the Canal has not stopped growing, and it is our hands that contribute to the advancement of international trade along a path of progress. You can rest assured that the Canal will remain in our hands forever,” he remarked.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the recognition of worker Miguel Guerra, the first Panamanian, of Ngöbe Buglé origin, hired by the Panama Canal after the historic transfer of the Canal in 1999.
During the ceremony, President José Raúl Mulino presented Miguel Guerra with the Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, in recognition of all Canal workers who have been key to the successful operation of this inter-oceanic waterway. This tribute underscored the fundamental role of Panamanians in the management of the Canal, highlighting their effort and commitment at every stage of the process.
President José Raúl Mulino and Chancellor Javier Martínez Acha present the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Order to collaborator Miguel Guerra.
As part of the celebrations, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in honor of 25 years of Panamanian management, an enduring symbol of Panama’s leadership and vision in the administration of the Canal.
This protocol act reaffirmed Panama’s commitment to the safety, efficiency and global relevance of the Panama Canal, highlighting the capacity and pride of the Panamanian people to manage one of the most important trade routes in the world.
