Wista Bermuda has launched a new event series “Wista Bermuda – 30 Minute Dialogue” in which they aim to engage with leaders from around the globe for leadership development.

Wista Bermuda, the local chapter of Wista International, is a networking organization whose mission is to attract and support women, at the management level, in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors.

For the inaugural dialogue, Wista Bermuda was honoured to have executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association Dr Jason Zuidema discussing two critical issues: seafarer’s welfare in the age of COVID19 and keeping the global economy moving.

Angelique Burgess, president of Wista Bermuda said: “The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on the health and safety of seafarers worldwide.

“They’ve had to experience an emotional roller coaster ride over the past year and a half including being stranded on ships for months beyond their contract, airline travel restrictions that made it difficult for the seafarers to return home and resulting fatigue and mental health issues.

“Organizations like the North American Maritime Ministry Association provide vital advocacy for the seafarers, especially during these challenging times.”

Dr Zuidema noted: “A critical part of managing the pandemic for all countries has been to keep supply chains moving. That is not just about taking care of ships, ports trucks, and cargo, but about people.

“Seafarers, especially, have sacrificed much to make sure ships continued to run on time, delivering the goods we need. We have a duty to help draw attention to their importance as key workers so they can get crew change, shore leave and vaccinations."

The dialogue was open to local representatives from every maritime discipline. Attendees included Wista Bermuda members, representatives of Polaris Group of Companies, the Shipping Registry, Meyers, Bermuda Sailors Home, Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Bermuda Coastguard unit, Marine and Ports, Csm Bermuda Forwarders Ltd., Winchester Global Trust, Shoreline Ltd. and Bermuda Container Lines.

Wista Bermuda is a chapter of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (Wista International) a global organisation formed in 1974, for female executives and decision-makers around the world.