PICKERSGILL

It is an honour for me to make a contribution to the activities to mark Maritime Awareness Week. I note with interest this year's theme, 'Strategic Cooperation: The Way Forward For The Shipping Industry.'

Your theme underscores the need for effective alliances in a globalised world, especially where issues of security and standards are paramount. The future of the world's shipping industry will be determined by the nature and strength of strategic cooperation across national, regional and international boundaries.

There is a need worldwide to promote the marine industry as an attractive career option and as an important contributor to the world economy. The global response capacity of the industry is critical to the survival of world trade and travel, and as such it must be in a position to attract qualified personnel and reward them well in order to retrain their services.

Our local shipping industry is confronting the challenges of planning for the capital, technological and human resource investments necessary to cope with global trade and changes in standards. We have benefited from establishing partnerships beyond our shores and have been largely successful in responding to emerging issues.

Government's pledge

The Government of Jamaica will continue to support the development of the industry in the areas of the regulation, operation and development of ports, tertiary maritime training and education and marine administration. We have acceded to or ratified at least nine International Maritime Organisation safety and security instruments and 11 Marine Environment Protection instruments. Over the past five years we have demonstrated our resilience and the depth of our competence in our response to developments in maritime security.

I am proud of the achievements of the local industry. There is much to celebrate as you observe a week of celebrations and join with the rest of the world to mark World Maritime Day.

ROBERT PICKERSGILL, MP

Minister of Housing,

Transport, Water & Works