At just 16 years old, Juzel Prince walked through the gates of MatPal Marine Institute carrying a dream that few young women in Guyana dared to imagine.
Today, the deck cadet is encouraging other young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in the maritime sector, saying the industry offers opportunities for those willing to challenge stereotypes, step outside their comfort zones and pursue their ambitions.
Speaking at the MatPal Marine Institute Career Exhibition on June 19 at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, Prince reflected on a journey she said was marked by long commutes, demanding training, and personal growth.
“This journey was not easy. Every morning, I traveled all the way from Berbice just to attend classes. Rain or shine, sleepy eyes, long roads, no excuses… MatPal became more than just an institute to me,” she said
As a young woman considering a maritime career, Prince recalled rarely seeing women working aboard vessels outside traditional support roles. That reality only strengthened her determination to pursue a different path.
“Growing up, I heard countless stories about the sea, stories filled with sacrifice, discipline and hard work. I listened to men speak about leaving home before sunrise and returning exhausted with salt on their skin and determination in their bones. Somewhere between those stories, a dream anchored itself inside me,” the 18-year-old cadet said.
“The truth is, I had never heard about women working on vessels unless they were cooks. But deep down, I knew I wanted more,” she added.
Prince’s decision led her to MatPal, and what began as a pursuit of a career soon became a personal transformation.
“Behind every cadet, behind every laugh is a cadet silently fighting to succeed. I still remember training in that seven-foot pool, staring fear directly in the face, but quickly learning that the sea does not care about fear. That experience taught me somehow you never truly know how strong you are until you are forced to stay afloat,” the young cadet said.
As Guyana’s maritime sector expands alongside rapid growth in offshore oil and gas activity, demand continues to rise for trained seafarers, vessel crews, marine technicians and offshore support personnel.
Prince said the opportunities now available to young Guyanese are far greater than they were only a few years ago.
“MatPal shaped me not only professionally but also personally. It taught me confidence, perseverance, and how to stand tall even when the odds are against me… So to every young person listening, especially the girls who believe their dreams are too big, do it anyway because one decision, one step and one opportunity can completely change your life,” Prince said.
In October, Prince will join her classmates graduating from the MatPal Marine Institute, entering the maritime workforce alongside able seafarers, wipers, oilers, bosuns, cooks, mates and engineers.
