MARITIME WEEK CELEBRATED

One of the trucks taking part in the 'Maritime Industry Road Show

The week of September 21-25 was observed in Jamaica as Maritime Awareness Week.

To mark its observance, a number of activities were held. This with a view to spreading the word about the importance of the maritime industry to the wider populace.

On Sunday, September 21, there was a church service launch at the Kingston Parish Church. At this service various stakeholders from the industry were in attendance. Following that on Monday, September 22 nd, a Cultural Diversity March Show was held. There was also the opening of an Exhibition detailing the progress of the maritime sector in Jamaica taking place on this day. Both events were held at the Caribbean Maritime Institute.

Tuesday, September 23, saw the staging of the Maritime Industry ‘Road Show’. This began at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road and wended its way along the streets of Kingston culminating at the Kingston Waterfront. As part of this march, RJR’s HOTLINE programme was aired from the truck bearing participants in the March. Dr. Orville Taylor was the host of that programme. A number of key stakeholders from the maritime industry were interviewed on this programme. A marching band was also part of this event.

On Wednesday and Thursday, September 24 and 25 respectively, a Panel Discussion under the theme ‘Trade Facilitation through the Efficient Movement of Import and Export Cargo’ was held at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

Thursday’s activities also included a forum hosted by the Shipping Association of Jamaica. The theme of this was ‘Fulfilling Jamaica’s Maritime Potential: The IMO a Solid Partner’.