The Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Guyana Chapter recognized women across Guyana’s maritime sector during its 2026 Gala & Awards Ceremony in Georgetown on May 18.
Held under the theme “From Policy to Participation: Women Driving Maritime Excellence,” the event brought together government officials, maritime professionals, private sector representatives and regional stakeholders to recognize contributions in shipping, logistics, education, safety, sustainability and leadership.
WiMAC Guyana is part of the regional Women in Maritime Association Caribbean and focuses on increasing women’s participation and leadership in the maritime industry through advocacy, networking, mentorship and professional development initiatives.
Among the award recipients was First Lady Arya Ali, who received the Maritime Ambassador of the Year Award. Other awardees included Coleen Abrams, Safina Lutchman, Saskia Tull, Renatha Khan-Bovell, Miranda Thakur-Deen, Jennifer Falconer and Vanessa Merchant.
Additional awards went to Natasha Warner, Sabita Sookdeo, Ronetta Menezes, Christina Persaud, Maria Fraser, Diana Fernandes, Keranga Seales-Greene, Oneka Douglas, Vinatadabbie Ragghu-Prashad, Donnette Streete and Sonia Gumbs-Luke.
According to WiMAC Guyana, 29 nominees were also specially honoured for their contributions to the sector.
Katina Benn champions gender equality in Guyana’s Maritime sector | OilNOW
The organization also recognized five men for supporting WiMAC Guyana’s work since its establishment in 2018. Those honored were Captain Stephen Thomas, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department; Philip Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of John Fernandes Ltd.; Captain Joseph Lewis, government-appointed Surveyor of Ships; Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana; and Brian Tiwari, Executive Chairman of BK Group of Companies.
WiMAC Guyana President Katina Benn said the organization remains focused on creating more opportunities for women in the maritime industry.
“Tonight is therefore more than a celebration. It is a reminder that progress is possible when vision is matched with action,” Benn stated.
“Every nominee, every sponsor, every partner, and every supporter gathered here this evening represents a shared commitment to building a maritime sector where women are not only visible, but valued, empowered, and represented at every level.”
Benn also highlighted WiMAC Guyana’s initiatives focused on mentorship, training, leadership development and maritime education for women and girls.
The keynote address was delivered by Mervel Kotzebue of DP World, who spoke about regional maritime cooperation, operational excellence and the role of women in the global shipping and logistics industry.
WiMAC Guyana said this year’s awards program expanded to include 20 categories recognizing contributions across the maritime industry.
In a LinkedIn post after the event, Cheong said he was “humbled” to receive a Special Recognition Award. He also acknowledged SBM Offshore Guyana nominees Preya Singh, Krystal Primus and Faudia Ramjohn.
WiMAC Guyana was first launched in April 2015 by former Maritime Administration Department Director General Claudette Rogers and relaunched in May 2022 during the inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime.
