WIMAC

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SEAsters all across the Caribbean region joins to congratulate the new WiMAC Governing Council with Dr. Evette Smith-Johnson as the WiMAC President.

WiMAC LeadHERship! ten years strong, looking beyond the horizon of opportunities 🛟⛵⚓🛟⚓⛵

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It's elections time SEAsters

Thank you 💗Thank you 💗 to over 95 SEAsters participating in the WiMAC 8th Annual General Meeting and Elections (virtual) are elections.

Special thanks to the observers ensuring we have a smooth process.

WiMAC LeadHERship! ten years strong, looking beyond the horizon of opportunities 🛟⛵⚓🛟⚓⛵

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We are here SEAsters

Showing up and showing out for the WiMAC 8th Annual General Meeting and Elections (virtual) are over 95 SEAsters participating from our 8 chapters, our Student Chapter (Caribbean Maritime University) and representatives from all the countries from across the Caribbean and further afield. It was so SEAmazing to hear all of your voices during introductions; all of the different accents that flavor our Caribbean region.

We started with a warm welcome from WiMAC President Dr Evette Smith-Johnson and the introduction of the current Governing Council.

We are grateful to have remarks from Ms. Mariana Noceti, Principal Programme Assistant, Latin America and Caribbean Section, Technical Cooperation Implementation Division, International Maritime Organization and Mrs. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram Regional Coordinator, Caribbean.

Special thanks to Mrs. Tesha Walker Brown for her motivating discussion regarding mental health in the work place " we cannot pour from an empty vessel" , " we lead better seasters when we are mentally well", and "It's ok to say I am not okay seasters" . Seasters shared hearts and claps as well as comments on how timely and necessary this message is.

WiMAC LeadHERship! ten years strong, looking beyond the horizon of opportunities 🛟⛵⚓🛟⚓⛵

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Hi Seasters

This is a reminder to check your email for the 8th AGM and Election registration link.

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WiMAC Belize Virtual Speed Networking Mixer 🌊

Let’s kick off the new year by connecting with our amazing WiMAC community across the region! 💙✨

Inviting all Chapters to join us for a 1-hour Virtual Speed Networking Mixer, hosted by WiMAC Belize, where members can meet, share experiences, and strengthen regional connections in a fun and interactive way.

📅 Monday, January 19th
⏰ 1:00 PM Belize | 2:00 PM Jamaica | 3:00 PM Barbados
💻 Platform: Zoom

This session is open to all WiMAC members and is a great opportunity to:
✔️ Connect with seasters from different Chapters
✔️ Start the year inspired and engaged
✔️ Build meaningful regional relationships

Let’s show up, connect, and make 2026 a year of collaboration and impact! 🌟

🔗 Zoom link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83747206271?pwd=R2Zd0FZY4T5X7n7yrDdD1MjhasCnBG.1

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President and Governing Council wishes our across the Caribbean region and the world a year of fair winds, steady sails and following seas for the year of 2026.

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Wishing you a SEAson filled with joy, love, and all the blessings
of a SEAsterly Christmas from the WiMAC President and Governing Council.

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Let's celebrate

WiMAC President Dr. Evette Smith-Johnson, the Governing Council and our entire SEAsterhood congratulates our SEAster Mrs. Suhaily Epistola , on becoming the First Female Surveyor/Port State Officer, in Curaçao. On October 30th, 2025 she made her oath before the Acting Governor, Mrs. Caprilles Russel.

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"Today, as we join with UN Women to Orange the World through the 16 Day Campaign, I call upon our community, our partners, and every stakeholder in the maritime sector to unite in the urgent and unwavering commitment to end gender-based violence in all its forms. Violence, discrimination, and harassment—whether on land or at sea—have no place in a society that values dignity, equality, and human rights.

As WiMAC, we stand firm in our advocacy for safe spaces where every woman, every seafarer, and every individual can live and work without fear. Our seafarers, who spend months away from home, face unique challenges that affect their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Ensuring their safety, wellness, and protection—especially for women at sea—is not only a responsibility but a moral obligation.

We must continue to support the strengthening of policies, education, and support systems that empower survivors, prevent abuse, and promote respect and accountability. Let us continue building a culture where wellness is prioritized, voices are heard, and safety is guaranteed.

Together, let us raise our voices, take action, and foster a maritime world where every SEAster—at sea and on shore—can thrive free from violence."

Dr.Evette Smith-Johnson, WiMAC President

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Hi let's all wish Professor Kitada wave of appreciation from across the Caribbean Sea 🌊 we are collectively grateful for her support and work within this space ❤️

IMO Gender Equality Award to go to Professor Momoko Kitada!

Find out about renowned World Maritime University - headquarters Professor who has inspired generations of students.

Read all about her here: https://tinyurl.com/yd9e7j5y

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we are celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child

Our President, Dr. Evette Smith-Johnson, shares this message "Today, we honour the boundless potential of every girl — especially those whose dreams rise like waves across our maritime world. The ocean of opportunity belongs to them too. As we navigate toward a more equitable future, we must ensure girls have access to education, mentorship, and the confidence to lead in every arena — from the bridge of a ship to the boardroom. Empowered girls are the captains of tomorrow’s progress. Let us invest in them, believe in them, and chart a course where no girl is left adrift!"

WIMAC-Suriname Chapter WIMAC Barbados WIMAC Belize Chapter WIMAC-Antigua and Barbuda Chapter WIMAC - Guyana Chapter Inc.
WIMAC Dominica Chapter

⚓️🛟Message from Regional Presence Office ⚓️🛟
Dear MARADs,

As we celebrate World Maritime Day 2025, we are reminded of how deeply the sea connects us all. For the Caribbean, the ocean is more than just a pathway for trade; it is the lifeline of our economies, the guardian of our environment, and the bridge that unites our islands and our people.

This year’s theme, in alignment with the IMO’s vision, calls us to look ahead with optimism and determination. Across our region, we have shown that when we work together, we can strengthen our maritime industry, protect our blue economy, and create opportunities for generations to come.

On this day, let us reaffirm our shared commitments:
⚓️To build a safe and secure maritime space for all;
⚓️To champion green and sustainable shipping that safeguards our precious seas;
⚓️To invest in our people, especially the seafarers and maritime professionals who keep the Caribbean moving; and
⚓️To continue embracing regional solidarity, knowing that together we are stronger.

On behalf of the Regional Presence Office, may this World Maritime Day inspire us to keep steering towards innovation, resilience, and sustainability, so that the Caribbean can continue to shine as a beacon of maritime excellence.

With warmest regards,
The Regional Presence