NV Havenbeheer Suriname/Suriname Port Management Company (SPMC) is proud to share that, effective October 1st, 2025, our colleague Ms. Mary-Ann Abdoelkariem has been appointed Executive Secretary of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC). This week, PMAC representatives, Mr. Glenn Roach; former Executive Secretary, Mrs. Linda Profijt-del Prado; former Executive Assistant, and Dr. Everton Walters CBE.; Consultant, officially completed the handover process in Paramaribo.
Suriname has been an active member of PMAC since November 7th, 2010, and we are honored that the PMAC Headquarters is now established in Suriname.
The PMAC was founded in 1998 but originated as the Port Management Association of the Eastern Caribbean (PMAEC) in 1988. Today PMAC connects 27 member ports across the region, supported by a strong network of 41 regional and international Associate Members specializing in port related services, technology, training, and innovation.
The Mission of PMAC is āTo foster operational and financial efficiency and enhance service levels across Caribbean ports through the sharing of experience, training, information, and ideasā. The Vision is āTo be recognized as an authoritative resource and leader in promoting professionalism, research, collaboration, and innovation in Caribbean port administration and operationsā.
PMAC fulfills a crucial role by providing industrywide training, coordinating best practices, monitoring global maritime developments, and offering representation at multilateral levels.
Indeed, the establishment of PMACās headquarters in Suriname brings tangible benefits:
- Greater strategic influence: Suriname will play a more active role in enhancing regional port policy, innovation, and cooperation across the Caribbean.
- Direct access to high-level expertise: With PMACās teams and leadership present locally, SPMC can collaborate more closely on modernization, digitalization, port resilience, and efficiency initiatives.
- Capacity building for Surinamese professionals: PMACās internationally certified training programs will strengthen our workforce and broaden opportunities for knowledge exchange.
- A stronger voice in global maritime developments: PMACās strategic partnerships with Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (CIP-OAS), Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), and other global bodies ensure that Suriname is directly connected to international standards and industry developments.
- Enhanced visibility for our port and country: Hosting the PMAC headquarters highlights Suriname as a central hub for Caribbean port development and cooperation.
SPMC congratulates Ms. Mary-Ann Abdoelkariem on her appointment. While she continues her responsibilities at the Corporate Strategy & Commercial department within SPMC, her additional role at PMAC strengthens our contribution to regional collaboration and aligns with our commitment to advancing Surinameās maritime sector.
We look forward to working closely with PMAC as we continue building a more resilient, innovative, and globally connected Caribbean port community.
