The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) – Guyana Chapter recently hosted its inaugural Gala and Awards Ceremony where Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill related that the future of the maritime must be inclusive.
“We are proud of the Women that serve in Our Maritime Sector. The Future of Maritime must be inclusive and that requires all of us: government, industry and academia and community,” he stated.
Themed “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women: Anchoring Excellence”, Minister Edghill told those present, the government has continuously supported the creation of a more equitable maritime sector.
While commending the WiMAC Guyana Chapter Inc. for hosting the landmark event, he outlined some of initiatives by the government which ensure greater inclusion, visibility and leadership for women in maritime.
“The maritime sector will attract much more women in Guyana and I can tell you why. One of the sectors we have been paying keen attention to over our past five years serving was the maritime sector. And I have been able to see how MARAD has expanded its opportunities to encourage more female candidates into more technical careers such as surveying, navigation engineering. We are proud that women now serve in senior technical and leadership roles within MARAD.” He stated.
A total of 14 women within the sector were recognized for their overwhelmingly significant contribution to the maritime sector ranging from leadership to mentorship.
“To every woman honoured here tonight, you represent the strength, resilience and promise of this sector. Your journey is an inspiration to others” Minister Edghill told the awardees and nominees.
The awardees are as follow: Leadership Award went to Romona Arthur; Executive of the Year-Briony Tiwarie-Gabriel; Port Management Excellence Award-Nalini Jamuna; Outstanding Female Ship Captain-Sabita Sookdeo; Sustainable Maritime Champion-Dawn Maison; Blue Economy Advocate-Donnette Streete; STEM In Maritime Award-Shania Stewart; Mentor of the Year-Annette Arjoon- Martins; Diversity & Inclusion Champion-Miranda Thakur-Deen; Maritime Educator of the Year-Coleen Denyse Abrams; Exemplary Seafarer Award-Rebecca Samuels; Maritime Safety Advocate-Sherry-Ann Wilson; Shipping & Logistics Innovator-Keisha Hack; Women-Owned Maritime Business Award-Kerensa Bart. The Executive Council of WIMAC recognized and honored Thandi McAllister as the Maritime Ambassador for her continued advocacy and excellence in maritime stewardship.
However, delivering the keynote address to over 360 guests was esteemed Jamaican legal scholar and maritime governance expert, Dr. Deniece M. Aiken.
As the President of WISTA-Jamaica, Dr. Aiken’s address focused on the critical role of women in shaping a resilient, inclusive maritime future. Offering an inspiring call to action, she encouraged women to seize the ocean of opportunity.
“Let every step you take be purposeful, you belong in this industry and your voice matters. To the awardees, thank you for your courage and resilience. You remind us of what is possible when determination meets opportunity. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition”.
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