Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Maritime Authority to push for Blue Economy Legislation
Montego Bay, March 20, 2019 – Jamaica – Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Peter Brady, says the agency will be pushing for legislation governing exploration and development of a sustainable blue economy.
The blue economy refers to the utilisation of the resources of the ocean for economic benefits, while ensuring the sustainability and productivity of those same resources. It includes tourism; shipping; commercial fishing; and activities in the oil, gas, minerals and mining industries, among others.
Rear Admiral Brady told JIS News that high among the MAJ’s priorities is integrating blue economy strategies in the National Transport Policy, which covers all aspects of transport in Jamaica – air, water, road, railway, including infrastructure and services.
It is currently under review by the Transport and Mining Ministry, which is closely working with the MAJ to form the framework for the marine aspect of the policy.
“We have been exploring and exploiting the blue economy over the years, but we haven’t done it with the seriousness that it deserves, meaning that we haven’t done it in a sustainable way. But when you look at just how shipping is important to the region, all of our countries depend on shipping for our livelihood or our economy,” said Rear Admiral Brady.
He noted that “more than 90 per cent of trade in the Caribbean goes by sea, and in the case of Jamaica, that is more than 70 per cent of the value of trade, which is of tremendous importance to us and we need now to ensure that we do it properly”.
He further emphasised the importance of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) treaties, which Jamaica has signed on to and is now in the process of enacting the required laws in order to reap certain benefits.
“One very important one deals with compensation and liability. If a ship, for instance, breaks up around the coast of Jamaica and starts to spill oil on the beaches, we can claim up to $250 million of compensation through instruments of the IMO’s International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds),” Rear Admiral Brady explained.
“We have a piece of preparatory legislation in place to put that into domestic law to give us the kind of weight and legitimacy to make those claims on the parties that will be responsible for the compensation,” he added.
The MAJ, in collaboration with the Transport and Mining Ministry and the IMO, recently staged a High-Level Symposium for Transport Ministers of the Caribbean Region at the Iberostar Hotel in Rose Hall, St. James.
The event attracted transport ministers, permanent secretaries, transport senior officials and maritime representatives.
“We (were) very happy with the turnout,” Rear Admiral Brady said.
“Minister Montague deftly handled the discussion on matters of very high priority, leading for the final adoption of the Jamaica High Level Symposium 2019 Resolution. This resolution addressed a number of issues of great importance in the region, including the blue economy, maritime legislation, port state control, maritime transport policies, marine environmental protection policies and more,” he outlined.
He said that the MAJ will be coordinating with the other States in the region on training and capacity-building of maritime administration.
This is in addition to the training of Jamaican senior officials at the IMO’s World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta.
Rear Admiral Brady is the Chairman of the WMU board of governors.
Contact: Okoye Henry
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Peter Brady (right), with Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague (centre); and Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Kitack Lim; at the High Level Symposium for Transport Ministers of the Caribbean Region, held recently at the Iberostar Hotel in Rose Hall, St. James.
Okoye Henry Photos
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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