The United States Coast Guard has conferred on Ms. Carla Bikker the Medal of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty for her 25 years of dedicated service as Operations Manager, and now newly appointed Director of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO)/ United Nations Environmental Programme's (UNEP) Regional Activity Center (RAC)/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Information and Training Center (REMPEITC).
Ms. Bikker has supported eleven U.S. Coast Guard consultants' transition into their RAC position, assisted with residency, customs, household goods, translation, and a host of other support services. In addition, she trained each consultant on IMO guidelines and procedures, ensuring seamless transitions between consultants.
Since 1995, Ms. Bikker played a pivotal role as REMPEITC led transformative regional initiatives by fostering international cooperation, conducting capacity-building activities, and developing regional frameworks for integrated regional response to an oil spill incident. During this time, over 10,000 participants throughout the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) have attended more than 350 REMPEITC workshops, conferences, exercises, and trainings.
Ms. Bikker also helped foster relationships with neighbouring countries. These efforts have materialized into important operational plans, such as the Multilateral Technical Operating Procedures for Offshore Oil Pollution Response and the Regional Caribbean Island Oil Pollution Response and Cooperation Plan. Her efforts ensured the responsible expenditure of $2.4 million dollars of IMO funds to further IMO's global sustainable development goals.
Her influence has been a key driver for enacting lasting change by developing numerous Memoranda of Understanding, which established lasting RAC relationships with regional governments and other supporting international organizations. Ms. Bikker displayed keen political savvy and attention to detail in the development of plans to ensure a smooth RAC transition when Curacao gained independence from the Netherlands and established a new government, ensuring REMPEITC's success during a tenuous time. Her vision and exceptional devotion to duty helped to establish REMPEITC as a center of excellence 25 years ago. Her sustained commitment continues to establish cooperative relationships and build capacity throughout all 33 countries in the Wider Caribbean nations.
Join us in congratulating Ms. Carla Bikker on her prestigious award from the U.S. Coast Guard and for her 25 years of sterling service and commitment to RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe.
