Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 17, 2019 (SKNIS): Over the past three days, stakeholders in marine and maritime transport engaged in meaningful discussions to facilitate the development of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Maritime Transport Policy.
The National Workshop on Maritime Transport Policy workshop was held at the Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room from May 14 to 16.
Minister of Transport, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd, stated that adopting an integrated maritime approach will further strengthen the sustainable development of the nation’s coastal areas and unleash the potential of its marine and maritime economy for growth and job creation.
“Adaptation of an integrated National Maritime Transport Policy for St. Kitts and Nevis will provide new momentum for growth in the marine and maritime sectors and should aim towards ensuring that all key players work together in an efficient and effective manner,” said the minister. “We cannot afford to delay the process further and we need to work together and holistically in order to reach our targets.”
The workshop is also aimed at developing the National Maritime Transport Policy in support of the sustainability of maritime transport in St. Kitts and Nevis, said Minister Liburd.
The minister added that the policy must take into account the multifaceted challenges that are rapidly changing the marine and maritime industry.
“In this context, the government will do its utmost, at the Cabinet level, to ensure that your views are all taken into consideration,” he said. “I believe that it is only in this way that we can aim to adopt political, social and economic priorities that are based on broad social consensus.”
Minister Liburd stated that a National Maritime Policy will usher in a new way of managing the waters of the Federation.
“Through this tool, policy areas such as energy, transport, tourism, environment, research, home affairs and fisheries to name a few, will all be coordinated in a more holistic manner,” he said.
The Minister of Transport said that it is anticipated that “not too long we will receive a policy document, which we hope will be compiled as soon as possible and presented to the Cabinet for its approval.”
The Department of Maritime Affairs is leading the process of developing this policy.
