Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association to play developmental role in Caribbean shipping

By Monique Morrison*

In the dynamic landscape of Caribbean shipping, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) has emerged as a pivotal force, advocating for gender diversity, and fostering inclusivity within the maritime industry.

As the maritime sector in the Caribbean continued to evolve, WISTA’s role in providing a platform for women professionals, particularly those in management. to thrive and contribute to the region’s maritime prosperity has become increasingly important.

WISTA’s impact on Caribbean regional shipping has been multifaceted, spanning advocacy, networking, professional development, promotion, and collaboration. The Association serves as a beacon of advocacy, championing the cause of gender diversity and equality within the maritime domain. In the Caribbean, where traditional gender norms may prevail in some sectors, a WISTA chapter has the capacity to spearhead initiatives to challenge stereotypes; address wage disparities; and advocate for equal opportunities in maritime careers.

By raising awareness and promoting inclusive policies, WISTA fosters an environment in which women leaders can fully participate and excel. This is particularly important as many women across the world get into management roles and then come up against the proverbial “glass ceiling”.

Networking

WISTA provides international access networking opportunities for Caribbean women. Through its chapters and events, WISTA facilitates active interaction between women operating in various maritime roles – including ship captains, port managers and maritime lawyers. Such networking opportunities foster mentorship and knowledge exchange thus creating a supportive community in which women can readily share experiences, insights, and resources.

In the Caribbean milieu, where collaboration and cooperation are essential for success, WISTA’s networking platform enhances connectivity and synergy among maritime industry stakeholders even beyond our regional borders.

WISTA plays a crucial role in advancing the professional development of women in Caribbean regional shipping. By planning and delivering seminars, workshops, and training programmes, WISTA equips women with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to excel in their maritime careers. Whether it is navigating complex regulatory frameworks; honing leadership skills; or, leveraging emerging technologies, WISTA empowers women leaders to thrive in an ever-evolving maritime landscape.

In the Caribbean, where specialised expertise in areas such as port management and marine environment protection is increasingly important, WISTA’s access to international professional development initiatives fill critical gaps and enhance the region’s maritime capacity. Moreover, WISTA actively promotes Caribbean shipping on the global stage, showcasing the region’s strategic significance and competitive advantages. Through its international network and partnerships, WISTA amplifies the voice of Caribbean maritime professionals in advocacy for investment, trade, and collaboration opportunities. And, by highlighting the region’s modern infrastructure, geographic proximity to major trade routes and business-friendly policies, WISTA will over time attract attention and investment to the Caribbean, thus stimulating economic growth.

WISTA fosters collaboration and partnership among regional organizations and stakeholders in Caribbean regional shipping. By working closely with entities such as the Women in Maritime Association (Caribbean) (WIMAC), Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), WISTA enhances coordination, shares best practices, and addresses common challenges facing the maritime industry. Through joint initiatives and projects, WISTA and its partners contribute to the resilience and sustainability of Caribbean regional shipping, ensuring its continued relevance and competitiveness in the global maritime sphere.

Transformative

WISTA’s presence in Caribbean regional shipping is significant and, ultimately, transformative. By championing gender diversity; fostering networking; advancing professional development; promoting the Caribbean region and facilitating collaboration, WISTA empowers women professionals and supports the resilience and competitiveness of Caribbean maritime industries. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, WISTA’s role as a catalyst for positive change will remain indispensable. []

* Monique N. Morrison, Attorney-at-Law, is Director of Marketing and Communications at WISTA Jamaica. morrisonlawjamaica@gmail.com

WISTA Jamaica

… launched on March 8, 2024

Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman (centre), joins members of the Executive of the Women in Shipping Trade Association (WISTA) Jamaica in cutting the ribbon to officially launch the local chapter. They are (from left) Director of Membership, Nicole Wickham; Director of Capacity Building and Special Programmes, Kishan Gordon-Chambers; Director of Finance, Clover Moodie; Director of Marketing and Communications, Monique Morrison; Vice President, Anna Hamilton, and Director of Administration, Valrie Campbell. The launch was held at the offices of the Shipping Association of Jamaica on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024.

Clover Moodie (l) share a light moment with Claudia Grant, Deputy Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica.

Kingston Wharves Group CFO and WISTA Jamaica Director of Finance, Clover Moodie acknowledges Silver Sponsor, Lannaman & Morris, for supporting the WISTA Jamaica launch.

Deputy CFS & EMR Operations Manager at Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited and WISTA Jamaica Director of Membership, Nicole Wickham (left) in discussion with Peta-Gay Hodges.

Acting Director, National Shelter, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Rochelle Graham-Barnes.

Karen Mullings, (left) Public Relations Officer at the Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Acting Director, National Shelter, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Rochelle Graham-Barnes (centre) and Sales and Marketing Director of Seaboard Jamaica at launch of WISTA Jamaica.

Monique Morrison; Attorney-at-Law and Director of Marketing and Communications of WISTA Jamaica, Master of Ceremonies at the launch of WISTA Jamaica, March 8, 2024.

Commissioner of Customs Velma Ricketts-Walker (l) shares a word with Managing Director at Jamaica Trading Services Ltd, Mitzie Gordon Burke-Green

SELFIE MOMENT: Commissioner of Customs Velma Ricketts-Walker *(left)*; Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman (partially hidden); Corah-Ann Robertson Sylvester, CEO of Seaboard Jamaica and President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica; and, Denise Lynfatt, Managing Director of Freight Handlers Limited stop for a selfie.

Deputy CFS & EMR Operations Manager at Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited and WISTA Jamaica Director of Membership, Nicole Wickham; and Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman.

What is WISTA?

10 FACTS

WISTA, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, is a global organization founded in 1974, dedicated to promoting the advancement and empowerment of women in the maritime industry.
WISTA provides a platform for networking, professional development, and knowledge-sharing among women working in various sectors of the maritime industry, including shipping, trading, logistics, and law.
Membership is open to women in the shipping, logistics and trading sector at the management and executive levels.
WISTA actively advocates for gender diversity and inclusion within the maritime sector, working to address challenges and barriers faced by women in the industry.
WISTA holds consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is an active participant in maritime negotiations and policy development at the international level.
WISTA offers educational and training programs, as well as scholarship opportunities to support the professional development of its members, including scholarships, workshops, and leadership training initiatives.
WISTA and IMO have partnered on various initiatives including the Global Women in Maritime Survey, the Maritime Speakers Bureau – a database of female experts in a wide range of maritime subjects who are available for speaking engagements to promote diversity at maritime conferences and events.
WISTA is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the maritime sector, advocating for responsible practices and innovation in shipping and trade.
As a recognized voice for women in maritime, WISTA plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, driving positive change, and empowering women to achieve their full potential in their careers.
WISTA Jamaica was formally launched on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024. []