MEDIA

08 Mar 2026

Nassau Cruise Port Convenes Maritime Leaders for Second Annual International Women’s Day Forum

Leaders from across the maritime, tourism, security, and environmental sectors of The Bahamas gathered at the second annual Nassau Cruise Port International Women’s Day leadership forum, underscoring the growing influence of women in shaping the future of the nation’s port economy.

The “Give to Gain” event, held at the British Colonial Nassau, brought together representatives from government, industry, education, and nonprofit organizations to discuss leadership, sustainability, and crosssector collaboration within the maritime ecosystem.

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Transport, Ministry of Tourism, Investment & Aviation, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas Immigration Department, Bahamas Road Traffic Department, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, Higgs & Johnson, Fowlco Maritime & Project Services, the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas National Trust, among others.

The event featured a keynote address from the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Energy and Transport, who encouraged women across the maritime and transportation sectors to think boldly about their leadership potential and to act with urgency in driving the future of the industry.

“You cannot be what you cannot see,” said Coleby-Davis. “The Bahamas is a global maritime powerhouse, and at the heart of this industry are women who are proving every single day that leadership knows no gender. Make sure what the next generation sees when they look at you is limitless.”

In her welcome remarks, Dorothy Duckie, Regional Director of Human Resources at Nassau Cruise Port, highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women across maritime careers—from operations and logistics to environmental stewardship and leadershi —while emphasizing the role of collaboration in strengthening the industry.

The program featured two panel discussions examining the future of the port economy and the shared responsibility of industry partners in building a resilient and sustainable maritime sector.

The first panel, “Women Powering the Port Economy: Cruise, Cargo & Tourism,” explored leadership pathways and collaboration across the cruise, cargo, and tourism sectors. Panelists included Amanda Freedman, Commercial Manager & Events Curator, Nassau Cruise Port; Vandia Toote, General Manager of Romance and Celebrations, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment, & Aviation; Maya Nottage, Regional Marketing Director, Nassau Cruise Port; Dr. Richard Wiefelspeutt, President, LJM Maritime Academy; and Glennett Fowler, President & CEO, Fowlco Maritime & Project Services. The discussion highlighted workforce development, economic growth, and opportunities for women across the maritime industry.

The second panel, “Beyond the Port: Building a Resilient and Sustainable Maritime Future,” focused on maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. Panelists included Lieutenant Commander Thora Gardiner, Human Resources Officer, Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Joey Gaskins, Regional Public Affairs Director for The Bahamas and Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line; Portia Sweeting, Director of Education, Bahamas National Trust; and Lionel Turnquest, Director of Projects & Facilities at Nassau Cruise Port. The discussion highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in safeguarding marine environments, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring sustainable growth across the maritime industry.

In keeping with the event’s theme, “Give to Gain,” Nassau Cruise Port partnered with PACE Bahamas, an organization dedicated to supporting young mothers in continuing their education. Attendees were invited to bring donations of feminine hygiene products and baby supplies, which were presented to representatives of PACE Bahamas during the event.

“The strength of our maritime sector lies not only in infrastructure and operations, but in the partnerships and leadership that drive it forward,” said Maya Nottage, Regional Marketing Director at Nassau Cruise Port. “Events like this create space for meaningful dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration while recognizing the important contributions women continue to make across our industry.”

Now in its second consecutive year, Nassau Cruise Port’s International Women’s Day forum reflects the port’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive leadership, strengthening partnerships across the maritime ecosystem, and supporting initiatives that benefit the wider community.