Ms. Rikki Lambey a Belizean National who is a port State control officer Grade III of the Belize Port Authority (BPA) has been awarded a fellowship to pursue a “Master’s Degree in Maritime Affairs with specialization in Shipping & Logistics” at the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden. Ms. Lambey will be leaving Belize on 3 September, 2019 and is expected to complete her degree in November, 2020.
WMU is a postgraduate maritime university founded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The aim of WMU is to further enhance the objectives and goals of IMO and IMO member States around the world through education, research, and capacity building to ensure safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans.
Ms. Lambey has been working at the BPA since August, 2016. Her main duties as a port State control officer include the inspection of foreign vessels entering Belize’s territorial waters, conduct of marine casualty investigations and enforcement of international and domestic laws to reduce the number of substandard vessels operating in the maritime environment.
Upon completion of her Master’s Degree, Ms. Lambey will be returning to Belize to continue her employment at BPA. She intends to share her knowledge and expertise gained abroad to assist the organization in the development of maritime programs in educational institutions in Belize.
Ms. Lambey was asked what is the message she would want to convey to others who aspire to
seek a career in the maritime field?
“My advice to individuals looking to enter the maritime world is to be fearless and take the leap into the industry. I advise them to never doubt themselves and that there is a place for them in the industry, take the risk and explore their options.”
Ms. Lambey is also a member of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) and encourages other females especially high school students to explore the endless possibilities and opportunities available within the maritime industry in Belize and the world.
Ms. Lambey has expressed sincere gratitude to Mrs. Merlene Martinez, Ports Commissioner of the Belize Port Authority, Ms. Helen Buni, Principal Programme Assistant, Technical Cooperation Division of IMO and the Regional Maritime Advisor, Colin Young, and for their continued support and assistance rendered to facilitate her attendance at WMU.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Belize Port Authority pray God’s blessings on Ms. Lambey in her journey for her development and that of her country Belize.