Jamaica underscored the importance of being at the heart of international maritime regulation by holding a reception in London last Thursday to launch its campaign for re-election to Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2024-25 biennium.

Jamaica has been re-elected for a seventh term to serve in Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Council is the governing body of the IMO when the Assembly, which meets biennially, is not in session.  It approves the work of the various committees, proposes the budget, appoints the Secretary General for the Assembly’s approval, and makes policy recommendations including the IMO’s strategic plan.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, remains confident that Jamaica will be successful in regaining a seat on the 40-member Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2022-2023 biennium.

“We will again return to the polls in early December of this year to regain our place on the IMO Council, allowing us to continue advocating for the development of uniform standards for international shipping, while advancing the issues of the Caribbean region, small island developing states (SIDS), and Least Developed Countries,” he said.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says Jamaica is making progress in its quest towards becoming a leading maritime state.

He said this is occurring against the backdrop of “careful observation of international standards, [and] protection and preservation of the country’s natural environment”.

“We must ensure that shipping activities in our entire marine space and for our flagships sailing internationally are in compliance with the IMO’s international regulations for safety and security as well as the prevention of marine pollution, including air emissions by ships,” the Minister stated.