The Cayman Islands chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) will be hosting the 2019 WISTA International AGM & Conference from 29 October to 1 November. This is the first time that Cayman is hosting the event which will bring over 200 maritime experts from 30-plus countries to discuss global shipping market trends and share information and ideas about important issues such as sustainable oceans, IMO 2020 and beyond and clean and green technologies. The theme for the conference is “Founded Upon the Seas”, a nod to Cayman’s great seafaring and ship building heritage and the Cayman Islands’ motto, He Hath Founded It Upon The Seas, which can be found on the coat of arms.

WISTA Cayman Islands President, Sherice Arman, said 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. Our islands boast a strong seafaring tradition. For generations, Caymanians were known as first-class ship builders 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.

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 Hon. Alden McLaughlin said “Women in the Cayman Islands have a long history 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. 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.”

Topics that will be addressed during the various workshops and technical seminars include Business Negotiation in a Global World; Empowering Women in

the Maritime Community – Diversity and Gender Bias; Technology; Autonomous Ships and Cyber Security and Environmental Challenges; IMO 2020 And Beyond; Greenhouse Gases; and Maritime Pollution.

For more information about the 2019 WISTA International AGM & Conference visit www.wistainternational2019.com or email [email protected].

About WISTA International

Formed in 1974, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) is a global organisation connecting female executives and decision makers around the world. WISTA International serves as a connector for its network of more than 3,000 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry.

WISTA International promotes increased competency and diversity throughout the maritime sector. Forty-six countries support a National WISTA Association (NWA), each of which in turn is a member of and is guided by WISTA International. NWAs provide in-country and regional networking, business and skill building opportunities, corporate visibility, and also facilitate relationships within the industry.