Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill says Government continues to support of the maritime sector through the development of policies and skills training.
He pointed to nine bills including international maritime safety, security and marine environmental protection standards that were taken to Parliament last year, with eight being passed.
“My team here at the ministry has been working assiduously to develop the policy and legislative framework necessary for the enhancement of the maritime environment, as part of the national strategy for ensuring safe shipping for Barbadian registered vessels operating on both domestic and international voyages.
“Shipping is vital to keeping our economies and societies afloat. It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting doors and communities . . . . According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2023, the industry directly supported over 1.5 million jobs worldwide,” he said.
Working conditions
Gooding-Edghill said the men and women who ply their trade on maritime vessels often work in lifethreatening conditions, underscoring the need for internationallyaccepted safety guidelines and satisfactory working conditions.
He was speaking yesterday during a presentation ceremony for the 2024 Minister’s Award Of Excellence
held at the Ministry of Tourism, One Barbados Place, Warrens, St Michael.
The awards, recognising achievements in the courses of maritime operations, and marine diesel engineering at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), were presented to students Shawn Seales and James O’Neale.
The two will be able to ply their trade throughout a six-month internship offered by the Barbados Port Inc. in partnership with the ministry. They will be
assigned to the Marine Services Department where they will gain work experience and exposure to the port’s business lines and operation.
Achievements
SJPI principal Ian Drakes thanked the ministry for legislation permitting the institution to attain a level befitting the principles of the International Maritime Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
Seales, recognised for excellence in marine diesel engineering, is a second-time winner of the award. In 2022, he was honoured for his achievements in marine operations, (JRN) an experience that bolstered his love for the maritime sector.
“There are many opportunities in the maritime industry, for me and especially with my two sons. I’m trying to lead by example so that they could follow in whatever area that they want to follow in. For me, it’s showing the example that I can do whatever I need to do at my age of 42,” he said.
O’Neale, 17, awarded for excellence in marine operations, said he explored studies in the maritime field on the recommendation of a friend and quickly found his place in the course.
“It was fun. I learned how to swim for the first time, and having to do safety work in the ocean was fun. Also being able to leave the school compound and go to the Coast Guard. I would love to do another year of it, but so far it was good,” he added. (JRN)
