Dr. Peter Phillips , Minister of Transport and Works"EVERY YEAR World Maritime Week is celebrated worldwide by member nations of the IMO to highlight the day-to-day activities of shipping and to sensitise those sectors unfamiliar with the marine transportation of its importance to their existence and livelihood. It is the IMO's twin responsibility to develop and adopt public international laws, rules, standards and guidelines regarding shipping safety and environmental protection from vessel source pollution. This includes providing rules and standards for the competency and training of seafarers, the human element. The successful outcome of their work has only been made possible because of the co-operative efforts of the member States who come together in framing, implementing and enforcing the standards, rules and regulations that govern international shipping. In other words, it is a partnership, which is at the heart of the theme selected for this year's message, 'Building Maritime Partnerships'.
This theme reflects a strategy that has been embraced in the local shipping industry for many years. Maritime affairs is far reaching and complex, from that which is required on the regulatory side, to the business opportunities that must be seized on the commercial front. Government by itself cannot create opportunities for expansion and development of the maritime sector and therefore needs the input and support from the industry.
We realise that both international and local shipping are dynamic with technology influencing how ships operate and how trade is carried out. International shipping has become a complex issue and the only way we can capitalise on the opportunities out there is to have a solid, competent and efficient local industry that constantly looks outward and keeps abreast of global trends and activities. That can be achieved if we remember the value of building further the co-operative relationships that have brought us this far.
As we are spurred on by the lMO's theme on building maritime partnerships, I encourage and challenge the local maritime industry to strengthen these partnerships and work together for a higher level of success in Jamaica's shipping".