DEPT. OF MARINE SERVICES & MERCHANT SHIPPING

Senator the Honourable Samantha Marshall, Minister of State with responsibility for the Ministry of Social Transformation and the Blue Economy presenting the WiMAC Antigua and Barbuda Certificate of Incorporation to President, Ms. Shenica Sebastian.

The launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Chapter of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) took place at the Tradewinds Hotel, marked by an official ceremony and cocktail reception. The event coincided with International Women’s Day and was graced by the theme and motto: “Inspire Inclusion – Count her in – Invest in Women – Accelerate progress.” 

Senator the Honourable Samantha Marshall, Minister of State responsible for the Ministry of Social Transformation and the Blue Economy, delivered the keynote address. Emphasizing the importance of promoting inclusion and providing equal access to opportunities for women, she expressed her support for the Antigua and Barbuda Chapter's role in advancing this cause.

His Excellency Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), voiced his endorsement of WiMAC's objectives, pledging his commitment to support the local chapter. Mr. Jamie Saunders, Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, and Dr. Evette Smith Johnson, President of WiMAC, also offered encouragement and support.

Ms. Shenica Sebastian, President of the WiMAC Antigua and Barbuda Chapter Inc., highlighted the challenges overcome in establishing the chapter, celebrating its registration as a non-profit organization. She expressed pride in joining other established chapters across the Caribbean committed to influencing the maritime space collectively.

WiMAC was launched in 2015 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with the vision of empowering women for sustainable maritime industry development.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the WiMAC Antigua and Barbuda Chapter aims to promote the maritime sector as a career option for women, collaborate with the Directorate of Gender Affairs, conduct research to address information gaps, and increase membership through recruitment drives.

Enrollment is available to female nationals or residents employed or involved in the maritime sector, as well as affiliated organizations, individuals, students, and corporations sharing and endorsing WiMAC's objectives. The Association seeks support for investing in gender equality and expediting progress in empowering generations of women in the maritime 

The Chapter honored Senator, the Honourable Samantha Marshall, for her dedicated efforts in advancing and safeguarding the interests of Antigua and Barbuda's citizens. Her ongoing work in formulating policies aimed at enhancing social and economic targets for the benefit of all, particularly the most vulnerable, was recognized. Similarly, Dr. Tricia Lovell, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer and recent graduate of the World Maritime University with a PhD in Maritime Affairs, was commended for her extensive 20-year experience in the Maritime Industry and contributions to Antigua and Barbuda's Maritime Sector.