–becomes first woman to captain a T&HD ferry

By Wendella Davidson

THE recent achievement of Vanessa Merchant, a young single-mother, who has broken the barriers in a male-dominated work environment, has been lauded by Regional Executive Officer of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Jennifer Ferreira.

Merchant, 36, etched her name in the annals of Guyana’s history on May 1 last, by becoming the first female to captain a Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) ferry, the MV Malali.

According to Ferreira, having learnt that during training, the young woman became pregnant but refused to see her pregnancy as an obstacle and is now mother to a beautiful daughter, Ameka Sam, is a compelling reason to celebrate her on Mother’s Day.

She hopes that identifying Merchant on such an auspicious occasion will serve to motivate and give strength to other young women.

“As the REO of the Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, I would like to congratulate Ms. Vanessa Merchant on her attainment as captain of the MV Malali, which plies the Essequibo River as it transports passengers from the Essequibo Coast and Wakenaam and Leguan Islands. Having created history in what is regarded as a male-dominated work environment, I am particularly proud of her, and would urge her to keep up the good works,” said Ferreira.

Merchant, as a young girl growing up in the East Coast Demerara community of Vryheid’s Lust, always had a fascination for undertaking things that boys liked, and others considered too challenging for a girl child.

So, after completing nursery, primary and secondary schooling at the Vryheid’s Lust nursery and primary schools, and Bladen Hall Secondary School, respectively, she began searching for something to occupy her time, and at the same time earn a livelihood.

She eventually landed a job at T&HD, but that was not really her cup of tea, as it was a desk job, and she wanted something more challenging. She tried to be transferred to the workshop, but her supervisor would have none of it.

NO OFFICE GIRL

Merchant recalled often going home and lamenting about how boring her work day was, because she had to be sitting at a desk, to the extent that her siblings made fun of her, telling her that she had too much of a boyish attitude.

As the days, months and years went by, she began to admire the T&HD senior ship personnel with their crisp white shirts and epaulettes signifying their respective status.

She longed to see herself dressed like them, so, when the masters in navigation course was made available for both men and women, she, without hesitation, jumped at the opportunity and the rest is now history.

For Merchant, the last of four girls, being on the course was quite a testing period, but the challenge that the training brought with it, and her yearning to be adorned with the highest stripes in the field was her greatest motivation.

During the training, Merchant became pregnant with her daughter, and, as if to compound matters, she started having trouble with one of her feet, which at times severely curtailed her mobility. But even though she several times she felt depressed, she credits her Christian upbringing with enabling her to get on her knees and pray fervently, asking God to give her the courage and strength to see her through.

The young lady is ever grateful to her siblings who, upon noticing her determination to succeed, stood by her side through thick and thin, and took turns to assist in taking care of her daughter.

The five-year training entailed fire-fighting, survival at sea, ship security, oil and chemical tanker cargo operations (tanker familiarisation) and shipboard awareness, all with no prior knowledge of what maritime entails and one instance Vanessa took the position of the mate aboard a Trinidad-bound vessel.

EXCITING JOURNEY

For her, it was one of her most exciting journeys yet, as she recalled having to manoeuvre the ship in a storm with rough waters and waves that got high as the navigation bridge or control.

But, as she recalled that aspect of the training, her face lit up with a smile of confidence.

“I was not fearful. I was able to ride the waves; God sent his angels to be my steering partner,” she said.

Having successfully completed the training and examinations, Merchant now possesses a Master’s in Navigation, and is one of three female ship’s captains in Guyana. Attaining the status of captain is a dream come true for this mother.

She describes the job as, “Very demanding, and with lots of challenges, as it is a male-oriented field, where it is felt that women have no place.
“So I am here to show other women that there is place for you in the navigation arena.”

Captain Merchant is encouraging other women to “take up the challenge and take up unconventional roles. Be bold in whatever career you choose. Be strong and do not be intimidated, as this is no longer just a man’s world!”

For now, her only challenge is having to work in an environment that is not conducive to women.

“I try to focus a lot on what I do. I try to be stern; I try to be brave, because, remember, I am Captain Merchant, and am the person solely responsible for giving guidance that entails mapping paths to get to destinations, and ensuring that all occupants onboard my ship, including the crew, are safe and are happy to be aboard,” the proud mother said.