A DELEGATION of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), led by president Harry Maragh, is currently representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Shipping Association's fourth annual Executives Conference being held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The conference, which started yesterday, ends tomorrow.
Other members of the SAJ delegation include Vice-President Michael Bernard, General Manager Trevor Riley and Communication and Services Manager Sydney Lowrie.
This annual event presents a unique opportunity for leaders of the Caribbean's maritime industry to share and increase their knowledge about issues, developments and trends in the maritime industries of the Caribbean and to update intelligence and contacts.
The fourth annual conference of leaders and managers in shipping (an event which evolved out of the Caribbean Shipping Association's semi-annual general meeting) is covering topics and issues critical to operations and business success. During the first two days of the conference, being held in Kingstown at the Kingstown Medical College, delegates will receive presentations and discuss critical issues such as:
TRADE UNIONISM AND PORT OPERATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN
Will the region be able to sustain industrial calm and port dependability? How should port operators, agents and stevedores deal with the real possibility of increased aggressiveness on the part of regional trade unions? Will present-day approaches to industrial relations practice continue to serve the shipping industry well?
GENERAL COVERAGE AND PORT INSURANCE INCLUDING MITIGATION COVERAGE
You think you are well covered, but are you? Will your present insurance arrangements cover your needs? Shouldn't you review your insurance coverage before you need to make a claim? What elements and features of coverage should you be discussing with your broker?
THE EFFECTS OF THE CSME ON CUSTOMS LAWS
The Caribbean region is well into the process of transformation to a single market and economy dubbed the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Specifically, how will this initiative affect regulations governing the movement of goods by sea? Is your staff prepared to deal with the change in Customs regulations? What are the changes that Customs will be implementing in this new single economy? Will the forms and systems you now have and use work in the new situation? Are there problems ahead for your business?
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AS REGARDS DUMPING
The United Nations is cracking down on pollution of the seas. How will this affect your balance sheet? What demands are going to be made of the cargo and cruise ships which ply the Caribbean Sea? What is expected of the agents and the ports which receive these vessels?
ISO REGISTRATION - CHALLENGES INVOLVED FOR PORTS
Are your operational standards up to mark? Are you certified for doing business in the 21st century? Does your operation have an environment protection component, documented as required by the ISO?
Other topics to be covered by expert presenters on the first two days of the fourth annual Caribbean Shipping Executives Conference include:
Cost recovery relative to port management.
Human resource management - impact on profitability.
Terminal capacity in the Caribbean - remaining competitive.
Efficient succession planning - managing continuity.
CRUISE INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM
Tomorrow will be dedicated to cruise shipping and the Caribbean cruise industry in particular. Items for discussion at this Cruise Symposium include:
How to develop and effectively market a cruise destination.
Cruise ship ports - berthing challenges and congestion issues
The Shipping Association of Jamaica is a founding member of the Caribbean Shipping Association that was established in 1971 to facilitate the development of an efficient, viable Caribbean shipping industry.
Taken from The Daily Gleaner Tuesday May 24, 2005
