There were broad smiles across the room, and tears from one unexpected honouree, as veteran shipping executive Denise Lyn Fatt was surprised with a mentorship award presented by her mentees during the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) on May 18, observed globally as International Day for Women in Maritime.

The tribute celebrated more than professional achievement. It recognised a lifetime of investing in people.

For 50 years, Lyn Fatt has been a respected force in Caribbean shipping and logistics, helping shape the industry through leadership, advocacy and service. Her career began shortly after university and evolved into decades of influence across shipping operations, agency management and entrepreneurship. She later co-founded Freight Handlers Limited and went on to become the first female vice-president and eventually the first female president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), breaking barriers in one of the region’s traditionally male-dominated industries.