Thinking outside the box – MARAD Director
─ encourages more women to join the sector
─ ‘diplomacy’ a must when facing challenges
DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 11, 2019
Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Claudette Rogers never envisioned herself as heading the department; her desire was to become a maritime lawyer. However, Rogers recalled when the office was established in 2003; the post was not available at the time, so she decided to take the path that led to where she is today.
“I began working at the Transport and Habour Office as a Welfare Officer in 1997 then left to attend the World Maritime University in Sweden to further her career,” Rogers shared. The Director-General said family support is essential and her relatives were always ready and willing to lend a hand, which she appreciated.
Upon her return, Rogers was appointed Deputy-Director with responsibility for safety. She was subsequently appointed and then confirmed to the post of Director-General.
Rogers noted that experience has taught her that ‘diplomacy’ is a must when confronting these obstacles in what is perceived as a male-dominated profession.
“Generally, when a woman is involved, particularly in what I describe as a man’s enclave, you would always understand the challenges to get their co-operation, their support, their commitment. They always believe you got to be extremely strong.”
She said despite the challenges she never fell short of her responsibilities and duties.
“I like taking initiatives, I like to think outside the box, I am not confined. This is what I am, and this is where I’ll stay. Even if I must stand alone, I am prepared to say what I am thinking.”
The forward-thinking Director recalled when a training programme was available for both male and female ship captains/pilots, she challenged a few young women to take up the mantle. This move saw four women Vanessa Merchant, Sabita Sukhdeo, Sherlyn Wilson and Abiola Hinckson successfully graduating from the course to assume the position of ship captains.
Rogers views this as one of her greatest accomplishments and is especially proud that Guyana now boasts female captains, flag and port stay inspectors.
She elaborated that while much is not known about the maritime industry, there are several activities in the shipping fraternity, especially in light of the fact that Guyana is embarking on establishing its oil and gas sector. Rogers determined that more awareness and sensitisation seminars are key to getting more young people to understand that there is a place for them in the maritime industry.
She advises that young people should get on board and get involved – “the future is now, seize every opportunity while they can, as training is needed and necessary for expertise in this field,” Director Rogers counselled.
Kipenie Jordan
Images: Ameer Sattaur