The honoured 20 women for their contributions to Guyana’s maritime industry during its 2026 Gala and Awards Ceremony, with First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Arya Ali among those recognised for advancing women’s empowerment and leadership in the sector.
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 celebrate achievements within the maritime industry.
First Lady Arya Ali received the Maritime Ambassador of the Year Award in recognition of her advocacy and support for women’s empowerment and national development. Other awardees included Coleen Abrams for Diversity and Inclusion, Safina Lutchman for Exemplary Seafarer, Saskia Tull for Blue Economy Advocate and Renatha Khan-Bovell for Executive of the Year.
Additional awards went to Lyndelle Barnes for Female Rising Star, Miranda Thakur-Deen for Maritime Educator of the Year, Jennifer Falconer for Maritime Leadership and Vanessa Merchant for Maritime Safety Advocate. Natasha Warner received the Mentor of the Year Award, while Sabita Sookdeo was recognised as Outstanding Female Pilot.
Ronetta Menezes received the Search and Rescue/Emergency Response Excellence Award, Christina Persaud was named Shipping and Logistics Innovator and Maria Fraser received the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Maritime Award.
Diana Fernandes was honoured as Sustainable Maritime Champion, while Keranga Seales-Greene received the Women-Owned Maritime Business Award.
Oneka Douglas received the Digital Transformation and Innovation in Shipping Award, Vinatadabbie Ragghu-Prashad was recognised for Ports and Terminals Excellence, Donnette Streete received the Outstanding World Maritime University/International Maritime Law Institute Alumna Award and Sonia Gumbs-Luke was honoured for Climate Resilience and Shipping.
WiMAC Guyana said 29 nominees were also specially honoured for their contributions to the maritime sector. The organisation also recognised five men for their longstanding support and advocacy since WiMAC Guyana’s establishment in 2018.
Those recognised 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, Country General Manager of SBM; and Brian Tiwari, Executive Chairman of BK Group of Companies.
In opening remarks, Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Guyana President Katina Benn said the event underscored the importance of advancing opportunities for women within the maritime industry while fostering greater collaboration across the sector.
“Tonight is therefore more than a celebration. It is a reminder that progress is possible when vision is matched with action,” Benn said. “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 said the organisation continues to focus on mentorship, training, leadership development and maritime education initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls.
Keynote speaker Mervel Kotzebue of DP World spoke on regional maritime cooperation, operational excellence and the evolving role of women in the global shipping and logistics industry.
WiMAC Guyana said this year’s programme expanded to include 20 award categories recognising women whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen the maritime sector locally and regionally.
