Georgetown, Guyana – June 20, 2025
The tides of change are gaining momentum in the maritime world—and at the forefront is the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Guyana Chapter. With elegance, purpose, and a resounding call for equity, WiMAC–Guyana hosted its inaugural Gala and Awards Ceremony under the theme: “An Ocean of Opportunities for Women: Anchoring Excellence.”
Held at the prestigious Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, the event marked a powerful moment in the country’s maritime timeline—bringing together trailblazing women, industry leaders, advocates, and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebration, recognition, and continued advocacy.
Charting a New Course for Women in Maritime
At its core, the Gala served a dual purpose: to honour the achievements of women shaping the maritime industry both locally and internationally, and to reaffirm WiMAC–Guyana’s commitment to advancing equity and opportunity in a historically male-dominated field.
According to a press release from the organization, WiMAC–Guyana is on a mission to foster an environment that supports capacity building, professional development, and increased visibility for women in maritime. The awards ceremony was a reflection of this mission in action.
By recognising women who have demonstrated unwavering excellence, leadership, and innovation, WiMAC not only celebrates personal milestones—it also sets a public example of what’s possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are equitably distributed.
Celebration, Inspiration, Advocacy
The tone of the evening was electric—full of celebration, inspiration, and advocacy. The ballroom at the Guyana Marriott was filled with dignitaries, maritime professionals, and supporters of gender equity, all gathered to honour the pioneering women navigating and reshaping the sector.
The theme—“An Ocean of Opportunities for Women”—served as more than a tagline. It became a call to action, urging stakeholders across the Caribbean and beyond to continue building platforms where women can thrive. As WiMAC–Guyana emphasized, creating space for women to lead is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a catalyst for excellence and innovation across the industry.
Why Representation in Maritime Matters
The maritime industry has long been a cornerstone of global trade and development, yet women remain vastly underrepresented in its leadership and technical ranks. WiMAC–Guyana is actively working to shift that narrative—championing gender equity not just as a goal, but as a foundation for growth in the industry.
Their work extends beyond symbolic gestures. Through training initiatives, mentorship programs, and visibility campaigns, WiMAC–Guyana is helping more women gain access to maritime careers, boardroom decisions, and opportunities that were once out of reach.
The Gala, therefore, was not only a night of reflection but a bold declaration: the future of maritime in the Caribbean is inclusive, innovative, and female-powered.
Honouring the Trailblazers
While the full list of awardees was not released in detail, the evening highlighted individuals whose contributions have had significant impacts on the maritime sector—both in Guyana and beyond. From seasoned professionals to emerging voices, the honorees embody the spirit of resilience, excellence, and progress.
By shining a spotlight on these women, WiMAC–Guyana aims to inspire the next generation of maritime leaders, reinforcing that the ocean of opportunity is vast—and wide open to those with the courage and capability to navigate it.
Anchoring the Vision for the Future
As the event came to a close, one thing was clear: this inaugural Gala is just the beginning. WiMAC–Guyana is positioning itself as a beacon of advocacy and advancement within the regional maritime sector. With continued commitment, collaboration, and leadership, the organization hopes to build a thriving community where women are not just present—but powerful agents of transformation.
In the words echoed throughout the evening, “Anchoring excellence” means grounding the future in equity, opportunity, and unity.
About WiMAC–Guyana
The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) – Guyana Chapter is part of a broader regional initiative to promote gender equity within the maritime industry. Focused on training, policy advocacy, mentorship, and community-building, WiMAC–Guyana works to remove systemic barriers and increase female participation across all levels of the sector.
By empowering women with tools, resources, and recognition, WiMAC is not only reshaping careers—it’s reshaping the entire landscape of maritime leadership in the Caribbean.
As the anchor drops on the first of many celebrations, one message remains steady across the waves: the future of maritime is female—and it’s already underway.