Jamaica Re-elected on IMO Council

Jamaica has been re-elected to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for 2009-2011. The elections were held at the 26th IMO Assembly, held at the IMO’s headquarters in London this week.
Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Mike Henry, who headed the Jamaican delegation, noted that this was a significant victory for Jamaica.
“This achievement once again shows that Jamaica has a credible ranking in the maritime world and will again serve to raise our profile at a time when the Government is looking at establishing Jamaica as a shipping centre for the provision of a number of new services, to build on the success of Kingston Container Terminals, cruise tourism, the Caribbean Maritime Institute, the Jamaica Ship Registry, bunkering and logistic services,” he noted.
Jamaica’s responsibilities as a flag port and coastal State span national, regional and international dimensions.
Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Rear Admiral Peter Brady, was also among the Jamaican delegation. “Jamaica now has an obligation to represent not only local interests, but also those of the region and other developing countries,” he pointed out.
“The Category C represents those States that have special interests in maritime activities and whose election to the Council ensures the representation of all major geographic areas of the world,” Mr. Brady added.
Jamaica’s successful bid was made possible through the work of a team, which comprised both Government and private sector support, including the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Jamaica Producers Limited, Port Side Towing Limited and Lannaman and Morris.
This is Jamaica’s second consecutive successful bid for a seat on the highest decision-making body of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, a United Nations specialised agency, with responsibility for maritime safety, security and the protection of the marine environment.