Jamaica Re-Elected to Serve on IMO Council for 2024/2025

Jamaica successfully secured a seat on Category “C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, on Friday, December 1, following elections held at the 33rd Assembly in London, England.

Jamaica successfully secured 120 votes from 168 votes, with a 20th position in the 33rd IMO Council’s Election.

This means the country will serve another two-year term on the Council, 2024-2025.

Reacting to the votes at the IMO Council, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Honourable Daryl Vaz, expressed gratitude for the support received from fellow member states.

“Jamaica is honoured to be re-elected to the IMO Council, and grateful for the trust placed in our nation by our international partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively to address the challenges facing the industry and continue to contribute to the sustainable development on the global space”.

Minister Vaz notes that the re-election is a significant achievement which reaffirms the country’s continued commitment to promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability on the global stage.

He further notes, “Jamaica’s re-election to the IMO Council is a testament to the nation’s longstanding dedication to the principles and objectives of the IMO. The delegation played a crucial role in advancing discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of international shipping.”

Minister Vaz is leading a delegation to the 33rd Assembly of the IMO Assembly in London, England from November 27 through to December 6, 2023.

The delegation includes Mrs. Corah Robinson Sylvester, Chairman of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General, MAJ, Miss Tanya Bedward, Principal Director of Transport Policy in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, along with other envoy officials from Jamaica’s High Commission to London and teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT).

The 33rd Assembly is open to all 175 IMO Member States and three Associate Members.

It is attended by observers from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Category “C” comprises 20 states that have special interest in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council ensures the representation of all major geographic regions of the world.

The Assembly is the highest Governing Body of the Organization and responsible for approving the work of the various committees, proposes the budget, appoints the Secretary General for the Assembly’s approval, and makes policy recommendations including IMO’s Strategic Plan.

In December 2022, Jamaica launched its Campaign for re-election to IMO Council for 2024-25.

Securing an IMO Council seat provides Jamaica with an opportunity to represent the interests of Caribbean states, small island developing states, and least developed countries and solidify Jamaica’s place at the international Maritime level.

Jamaica was re-elected to the IMO Council in 2019.

The country has been a member of the IMO since 1976 and was first elected to Council in 2007.