Jamaica/Canada Cooperate on Maritime Security

Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Stephen Hallihan, says local authorities have identified legal framework as a key priority for maritime security, as part of a partnership agreement signed between Jamaica and Canada in 2007.
He was giving the keynote address on the final day of a two-day Canada-Jamaica Maritime Security Policy Workshop, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Friday (April 16).
The Maritime Security Partnership aims to deliver capacity building assistance in Jamaica, to enable the country to maintain compliance with international maritime security standards, and establish a Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Maritime Security in Jamaica.
Mr. Hallihan said Cananda continues to assist Jamaica and other countries in the hemisphere in meeting maritime security challenges. He noted that, under the partnership, Transport Canada has provided expert advice to the Jamaican Government on improving the associated legislative framework.
He expressed the hope that the workshop “dovetails” into a JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) – focused initiative, with the Canadian forces, which will enhance maritime domain awareness and provide better surveillance of Jamaica’s territorial waters and its exclusive economic zone.
“Canada remains a very committed partner with Jamaica in many sectors, but with a special focus on national and regional security. Our countries benefit from strong networks, based on government to government, business to business, and people to people ties,” the High Commissioner stated.
The workshop discussed Jamaica’s maritime security policy issues and options, and made recommendations for the challenges facing the sector.
Friday’s session examined maritime security in Jamaica and Government and private sector perspectives. The forum attracted lead players from the local maritime and shipping industry and related businesses.