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 Sherice.Arman@maples.com.

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.