Day of the Seafarer

Seafarers make a “significant contribution” to the global community while a career at sea offers the possibility of “a remarkable journey”, according to Rear Admiral (ret’d) Peter Brady, the Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, who has experienced his own successful nautical life voyage.

Jamaica’s seafarers have been commended for their contribution to facilitating world trade, despite challenging circumstances encountered.

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the seafarers continue to provide essential services, even under unprecedented and difficult conditions.

He noted that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which challenged their resolve, highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of seafarers who served the country by ensuring that global supply and trade continued.

Jamaica’s shipping industry, and by extension the Caribbean and the world’s, has been privileged to benefit from the expertise and influence of countless individuals who have, over the past several decades, made invaluable contributions to the sector. 

Their accomplishments are astounding, ranging from the physical development of the ports to the progress of its industrious workers and their advancement as individuals and a whole. For over eight decades, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) has strived to acknowledge their collective efforts and we continue that enduring task of identifying and honouring these towering figures of the maritime sphere.

Jamaica’s shipping industry, and by extension the Caribbean and the world’s, has been privileged to benefit from the expertise and influence of countless individuals who have, over the past several decades, made invaluable contributions to the sector. 

Their accomplishments are astounding, ranging from the physical development of the ports to the progress of its industrious workers and their advancement as individuals and a whole. For over eight decades, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) has strived to acknowledge their collective efforts and we continue that enduring task of identifying and honouring these towering figures of the maritime sphere.

Jamaica has affirmed its commitment to the marine environment and blue economy as it was re-elected to Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Declaring, through a prerecorded statement played at the opening of the IMO’s 32nd Assembly, that “Jamaica stands ready to partner with the IMO”, The Hon. Robert Montague, Minister of Transport and Mining, said: “Jamaica remains mindful of the vulnerabilities of our location but also our responsibilities to join with the international maritime community to preserve and protect the marine environment and the blue economy. With the impacts of climate change, Jamaica remains ready to assist our Caribbean partners. We continue to show leadership in the region in partnering with the IMO to find viable solutions to reduce emissions.”