St. Kitts and Nevis – March 30, 2026 — Ms. Thema Ward has been named the first recipient in Nevis of the Tricia Greaux Ocean Governance BEACON Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions and decades of leadership in the maritime industry. During the International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony and Cocktail hosted by the Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment, Department of Gender Affairs Nevis, Ms. Thema Ward was awarded.
Tricia Greaux is commented on Ms. Ward’s professional acumen and women empowerment representation, stating:
“I have been privileged to serve with Ms. Thema Ward on a number of professional engagements in environmental, marine and maritime spheres, we are also both SEASTERS of WiMAC and I am proud and honoured that she is the first Tricia Greaux Ocean Governance Beacon Awardee for Nevis.”
Ms. Thema Ward is a highly competent ocean governance leader and environmental professional serving as Senior Environmental Officer in the Department of Physical Planning and Environment on the island of Nevis. With an academic foundation in Geography and Environmental Management, she holds a Master’s degree in Ocean Governance from World Maritime University in Sweden, equipping her with advanced expertise in marine policy, maritime regulation, and sustainable ocean development.
In her current role, Thema provides technical leadership on environmental and maritime matters, reviewing Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), preparing strategic work plans, and contributing to the development of environmental policies and regulatory guidelines. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring institutional compliance with national environmental legislation and international environmental agreements, strengthening governance frameworks that support biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and responsible maritime operations.
As the designated technical focal point for numerous terrestrial, marine, and biodiversity initiatives on Nevis, Thema coordinates cross-sectoral projects and committees that advance integrated coastal and ocean management. Her leadership reflects a science-based, solutions-oriented approach tailored to the unique realities of Small Island Developing States.
Regionally, Thema has been an active member of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) for nearly a decade. She currently serves as the National Liaison for Saint Kitts and Nevis and Co-Lead of the WiMAC Interest Group for SKN, championing gender equity, professional advancement, and greater female participation in the maritime sector.
Beyond her governmental responsibilities, she collaborates closely with the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and the Nevis Turtle Group to support conservation and heritage protection initiatives. A committed mentor, Thema actively engages in peer-to-peer guidance within the environmental and maritime community and serves as a mentor in the Department of Gender Affairs Mentorship Programme, supporting young women from vulnerable backgrounds.
Through strategic oversight, technical expertise, and community engagement, Thema Ward exemplifies strong ocean governance leadership dedicated to advancing sustainable environmental management and resilient maritime development in Nevis and the wider Caribbean region.
About the Tricia Greaux Ocean Governance BEACON Award
The Tricia Greaux Ocean Governance BEACON Award is a newly established honor recognizing outstanding women in the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance sectors. The award is presented in partnership with the Department of Gender Affairs – St. Kitts and the Department of Gender Affairs – Nevis.
The award was launched in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8, 2026, reflecting a commitment to celebrating women whose leadership and contributions have shaped marine and maritime spaces across the Federation.
Two BEACON Awards are being presented during the International Women’s Day ceremonies on both islands.
