Jamaica launches bid for re-election to International Maritime Organization Council
Chair of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, addresses delegates at the launch of Jamaica’s candidature for Category C of the IMO Council, held at the organisation’s headquarters in London on November 2.
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica has formally launched its bid for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2028–2029 biennium, as the country marks 50 years of membership in the international maritime body.
- The candidature was officially launched during a reception at the IMO headquarters in London on November 2, where Jamaican officials appealed for continued support from member states.
- Chair of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Corah-Ann Robertson Sylvester, highlighted the country's longstanding commitment to international maritime cooperation, safety, security and environmental sustainability.
- “Over the past 50 years, Jamaica has consistently upheld the objectives and principles of this august organisation, demonstrating its commitment to implementing international maritime standards and promoting a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable shipping sector,” she said.
- “As we launch this candidature, our message is simple: we are ready to continue serving, ready to contribute and ready to work with you.
Jamaica has formally launched its bid for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2028–2029 biennium, as the country marks 50 years of membership in the international maritime body.
The candidature was officially launched during a reception at the IMO headquarters in London on November 2, where Jamaican officials appealed for continued support from member states.
Chair of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Corah-Ann Robertson Sylvester, highlighted the country's longstanding commitment to international maritime cooperation, safety, security and environmental sustainability.
“Over the past 50 years, Jamaica has consistently upheld the objectives and principles of this august organisation, demonstrating its commitment to implementing international maritime standards and promoting a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable shipping sector,” she said.
“As we launch this candidature, our message is simple: we are ready to continue serving, ready to contribute and ready to work with you. We, therefore, respectfully ask for your support for re-election,” she added.
Robertson Sylvester said Jamaica's five decades of involvement in the IMO have provided the country with a strong understanding of the challenges facing developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which depend heavily on maritime transportation for trade and economic connectivity.
She emphasized that Jamaica's continued representation on the Council would help ensure that the interests of Caribbean nations and the wider developing world remain part of international maritime policy discussions.
The MAJ chair also pointed to Jamaica's growing maritime infrastructure and capabilities, including its container transshipment facilities, four modern cruise ship terminals, floating drydock and expanding bunkering industry.
She noted that Jamaica became the first Caribbean country to facilitate liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, reflecting its efforts to support cleaner shipping operations.
As part of its commitment to reducing emissions in the maritime sector, Jamaica is also preparing to formally submit a report on Alternative Marine Fuels in Jamaica, commissioned by the IMO under its GreenVoyage2050 Programme.
Robertson Sylvester further highlighted the country's contribution to maritime education and training through the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), which she described as the only IMO-accredited university in the English-speaking Caribbean.
She said the institution continues to train maritime professionals who serve aboard vessels around the world, strengthening Jamaica's contribution to the global shipping industry.
The MAJ chair also underscored Jamaica's commitment to international maritime regulations, noting that the country has ratified all major IMO conventions governing maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
Jamaica has also accepted amendments to the IMO Convention, reaffirming its support for the organization's work and the representative structure of its Council.
On environmental protection, Robertson Sylvester highlighted Jamaica's partnership with the IMO through the GloLitter Project, now known as PROSEAS, which focuses on addressing marine litter and pollution.
She also pointed to the country's participation in initiatives aimed at reducing maritime emissions, improving energy efficiency and strengthening the protection of marine ecosystems.
Jamaica's latest bid for re-election comes during the 50th anniversary of its membership in the IMO, a milestone being marked through several commemorative activities.
In July, the country hosted the IMO Secretary-General in Kingston, providing an opportunity to showcase developments in Jamaica's maritime sector, including its port facilities and maritime university.
The visit also included engagements with seafarers and other maritime stakeholders, highlighting Jamaica's continued involvement in international shipping and maritime development.
