Cayman to host women’s shipping conference
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International) will for the first time host the annual general meeting and conference from 29 October to 1 November. The event is expected to bring more than 200 maritime experts from 30-plus countries to discuss global shipping market trends and issues.
The various workshops and technical seminars to be presented include Business Negotiation in a Global World; Empowering Women in the Maritime Community – Diversity/Gender Bias; Technology/The Digital World/ Autonomous Ships/Cyber Security; and Environmental Challenges/IMO (International Maritime Organisation) 2020 and Beyond/Greenhouse Gases/Maritime Pollution.
The theme for the conference is “Founded Upon the Seas”, a nod to Cayman’s seafaring and shipbuilding heritage and its motto, “He Hath Founded It Upon The Seas”.
Sherice Arman, WISTA Cayman Islands president, said in a press release that it is only fitting that Cayman has been given the opportunity to stage the event as the country’s profile in the industry continues to increase globally.
“WISTA Cayman Islands is thrilled to have the opportunity to host WISTA International’s AGM and conference,” she said. “Our islands boast a strong seafaring tradition. For generations, Caymanians were known as first-class shipbuilders and master mariners with many employed as captains, navigators and crew for the world’s largest shipping companies. Fast forward to today where our maritime industry is still flourishing, and the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry continues to lead the industry in several key areas of the sector.”
Arman added, “The Cayman flag is rated as one of the highest quality flags in the world and the registry is often recognised by international regulatory bodies for its technical excellence, and its leadership in regulatory and advisory services. We are looking forward to this opportunity to network with our peers, engage with global decision makers, share our experiences and ideas and seek out new business synergies that will not only benefit Cayman’s maritime industry but also empower women in the maritime community around the world.”
Premier Alden McLaughlin noted the connection women in Cayman have historically had with the maritime industry. “In fact, as far back as the early 1900’s the Hydes sisters from West Bay and the Merren sisters from George Town were registered vessel owners,” he said in the release. “When the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) was established in 2006 its first chairman of the board was Ms Sharon Roulstone. Today, it is women who hold the majority of mid-management and above roles in our Maritime Authority and at a recent vessel registration training workshop hosted by MACI, 69% of the attendees were female, representing a variety of local maritime sector services providers and government agencies.
“I’m delighted that WISTA International has chosen the Cayman Islands as the location for their AGM and conference and I trust the attendees will enjoy our warm hospitality and the beauty of our islands.”
For more information about the 2019 WISTA International AGM and Conference go to its website or email Sherice.Arman@maples.com
Category: Local News
