Belize Hosted 2nd Regional Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) Conference in Belize

Published On - November 14, 2018

News

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Belize Port Authority hosted the “2nd Regional Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Conference” during the period 16 – 19 October 2018 in Belize at Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza Hotel.

WiMAC was launched in April 2015 under the auspices of IMO, with the participation of 16 Caribbean countries, and is committed to increasing the performance, participation, and contribution of women in the maritime sector.  Its objectives include:

 

  • Promotion of the maritime sector as a viable career option;
  • Mentoring of women in the sector;
  • Motivating and empowering women in the sector through training
  • and development initiatives;
  • Providing a forum for networking, exchange of ideas and initiatives on industry development through the hosting of development platforms, conferences, and seminars;
  • Foster a Caribbean research agenda and build a body of knowledge and best practices on the maritime sector.

The 4 days’ conference provided a platform to raise awareness of the work and many achievements of WiMAC and the launching of a mentorship model for the Association, as well as a model for integrating gender sensitivity in the Caribbean maritime sector.  Participants attending the events were from maritime & shipping administrations, port operators, shipping agents, partners, experts, stakeholders and dignitaries.

Winners of WiMAC’s Regional Essay Competition were also acknowledged at the opening ceremony.

 1st Place Winner –     Geniva Lambey (BELIZE) – student of St. Catherine’s Academy High School, was awarded a tuition scholarship to pursue a degree in any discipline of her choice at the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), among other prizes.

2nd Place Winner–       Kerice Henry (JAMAICA) – student of Hampton School, all expenses paid to attend WiMAC’s Conference 2018.

3rd Place Winner –      Christie Jacques (HAITI) – student of Institution Sainte Rose de Lima, will was awarded with a tablet.

WiMAC network represents a key source of human capital for the sustainable development of the Caribbean maritime sector, and provides a springboard for creating regional training and sustainable development opportunities for maritime women.   This is the second conference delivered in support of WiMAC since its establishment.

WiMAC: “Charting the Course for Generations of Women.”

 

 

Geniva Lambey (Belizean National) Placed 1st in WiMAC Regional Essay Competition

Interview with Mrs. Claudia Grant, WiMAC President