Director of The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), Sen. the Hon. Ja’Ann Major said this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action’ calls upon Bahamians to expedite efforts toward achieving gender equality.
“In the maritime industry—a sector historically dominated by men—this call resonates profoundly,” the Director said during the Women in Maritime luncheon, hosted by Nassau Cruise Port Ltd. in collaboration with Arawak Port Development Limited, to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Port on Friday, March 7, 2025.
“Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future and gatherings like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime industry but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.”
She noted as the Director of the BMA, she has the privilege of contributing to the strategic direction and oversight of the nation’s maritime affairs. “What we are witnessing in the Bahamas today is a remarkable shift, where women are breaking barriers and setting new standards in maritime excellence.”
She explained that Bahamian women are emerging as pioneers and leaders and effecting meaningful change within the industry.
“We have strong female representation in leadership — we have a female Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, whose vision and dedication are steering our maritime policies toward greater inclusivity and sustainability. We have Ms. Jaqueline Simmons who chairs the Board of Directors of the Bahamas Maritime Authority where she and I are the only women on that board.”
The Director said many times during meetings with local and international partners, there are fewer than a handful of women who have a seat at those tables but slowly things are changing.
“We also have Ms. Katie Clarke, one of our senior directors of the management team at the Bahamas Maritime Authority. As a young associate new to practicing in the maritime field, she was always so helpful and encouraging. We have Ms. Lonna Bethel, Assistant Port Controller at the Port Department, who exemplifies operational excellence. Then we have women like Dr. Brendamae Cleare who is the President of the LJM Maritime Academy and at the forefront of cultivating the next generation of maritime professionals.
“With women in these key leadership positions in the Bahamian maritime industry we not only foster diversity but ensure that women’s voices are heard when shaping the future of this vital sector.”
She noted that there are more Bahamian women pursuing careers as maritime attorneys, ship registrars, surveyors, logistics specialists, and seafarers.
“Many institutions have provided scholarships and specialized training and certification programs tailored to women aspiring to build careers in the maritime industry. When I think of trailblazing Bahamian women in this industry, I think of Captain Ivanna Seymour who is the first Bahamian captain of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, which is the second-largest cruise ship in the world.
“Think about that for a minute, a Bahamian woman at a mere 32-years-old is the first Bahamian Captain of the second largest cruise ship in the world. Captain Sandy Campbell, Marine Manager at Ship Mate who has circumnavigated the globe at the Helm of some of the world’s largest gas tankers as a merchant mariner. Capt. Chantal Adderley, another trailblazer who is one of only three female marine pilots in our nation.”
The Director said gender bias still exists and as a result, there is oftentimes limited access to mentorship, work-life balance concerns and very few policies in place to support women in the industry.
She said, “To combat these challenges, it is imperative to foster supportive networks and mentorship, provide targeted education and training programs which are tailored for women so that they are able to excel in this industry, we must advocate and never stop advocating for policies that promote equality and last but certainly not least, we must celebrate the accomplishment of women in this industry to inspire future generations and reinforce the value that we as women bring to this industry.”
By LLONELLA GILBERT/ Bahamas Information Services
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