More opportunities being created for women in maritime spaces – WiMAC

– as 15 local women honoured for achievements in maritime sector

Fifteen women were honoured with awards for their achievements in the maritime sector, as the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) spoke of how the Guyanese chapter has been playing its role in helping to create more opportunities for women in maritime spaces.

On Friday, WiMAC- Guyana hosted its inaugural Gala and Awards ceremony under the theme “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women: Anchoring Excellence” at the Marriott Hotel. And opportunities are indeed being created, with WiMAC-Guyana President Katina Benn reflecting on how opportunities are being created for local women.
“This Gala is more than a celebration; it is a statement of intent. We are here to honour the resilience, intellect and leadership of women in maritime, while actively creating space for the next generation of female professionals. WiMAC–Guyana is steadfast in its commitment to building a more inclusive, visible and empowered maritime workforce,” Benn said.

Among the 15 women who were honoured at the awards ceremony were noted conservationist Annette Arjoon- Martins, who was awarded as Mentor of the Year, and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) Thandi McAllister as the Maritime Ambassador “for her continued advocacy and excellence in maritime stewardship.”
Also awarded were Romona Arthur, who received the Maritime Leadership Award; Briony Tiwarie-Gabriel, who was awarded Executive of the Year; Nalini Jamuna, who received the Port Management Excellence Award; Sabita Sookdeo, who was awarded the Outstanding Female Ship Captain award; Dawn Maison, who was awarded the Sustainable Maritime Champion, and Donnette Streete, who was awarded as the Blue Economy Advocate.

Additionally, Miranda Thakur-Deen was awarded as the Diversity & Inclusion Champion; Shania Stewart, was awarded the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) In Maritime Award; Coleen Denyse Abrams, was recognised as the Maritime Educator of the Year; Rebecca Samuels, claimed the Exemplary Seafarer Award; Sherry-Ann Wilson, was named the Maritime Safety Advocate; Keisha Hack, was named Shipping & Logistics Innovator, and Kerensa Bart received the Women-Owned Maritime Business Award.
There were a number of distinguished attendees, including Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill. According to him, the People’s Progress Party (PPP) Government is committed to ensuring gender equity and development within the maritime industry.

According to Edghill, “the establishment of the national WiMAC Guyana chapter, which serves as the voice for women in our local maritime sector and actively seeks opportunities for women is something that must be applauded.”
Meanwhile, Jamaican legal scholar and Maritime Governance Expert, Dr Deniece Aiken, delivered the keynote address to the more than 360 guests who were gathered. She charged the awardees to continue their critical role in shaping a more inclusive maritime sector of the future.
“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,” she said.
There have been efforts to ensure that more Guyanese, including women, are afforded an opportunity to embark on a career in the maritime industry.
Earlier this year, it was announced that 20 Guyanese had been selected to receive the prestigious Noble Cadet Scholarship, which ensures that talented students receive the support they need to kick-start their education and training in the marine sector.
Plans are also being developed to launch a local Maritime Academy that will help bring even more Guyanese into the sector. Plans to establish a maritime academy follows the successful establishment of Guyana’s first state-of-the-art oil and gas training facility at Port Mourant, Berbice.
The establishment has created graduates who have already found employment on board the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Graduates include both men and women.