Transport Minister declares Jamaica is making headway towards becoming leading maritime state

Jamaica: Jamaica is making headway in its quest towards becoming a leading maritime state, declared Transport & Mining Minister Robert Montague.

Robert Montague announced this is happening against the backdrop of “careful consideration of international standards, protection and preservation of the nation’s natural environment”.

“We must guarantee that shipping activities in our entire marine space and for our flagships cruising internationally are in acquiescence with the IMO’s international regulations for safety and protection as well as the prevention of marine contamination, including air emissions by ships,” the Minister asserted.

During a recent virtual ceremony, the minister was addressing this statement to launch Jamaica’s bid for a seat on the IMO’s 40-member Council.

Mr Montague stated the IMO’s application of global standards by robust treaties and regulations had placed the bar for member nations to follow.

He remarked that these treaties and regulations, which must lead to international trade being essentially continuous, have been adopted and effectively implemented by nations, including Jamaica.

“The flexibility of international shipping has, again, proven that the application of hale uniform rules and standards will ensure uninterrupted vital trade for our lives and livelihood, despite this new difficulty faced over the past 15 months,” he stated.

The Minister continued “that the import and export trade had been assured because ships have kept sailing, even while there have been significant welfare difficulties with crewing.

“Our plans to position Jamaica as a viable transportation centre, a subset of the Logistics Hub, will remain despite the obvious economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has the potential to draw more shipping and allied services and to be a driver of economic advancement,” Mr Montague stated.

He pointed out that Jamaica is also active in the global fight against climate change in several fora, including at the IMO.

This, Mr Montague recorded, supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for instant action to be taken towards combatting climate change and its consequences.

Jamaica also hosted the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port-State Control. This discussion involves collaboration and co-ordination among CARICOM and other regional nations towards fulfilling the uniform IMO Port-State control inspection needs for the region.