The Department of Maritime Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, successfully convened a national Maritime Boundary Delimitation Workshop from 16 to 18 June 2025 at the Customs and Excise Department Training Complex, Bird Rock.
The three-day capacity-building initiative brought together key maritime stakeholders from across government agencies to strengthen national understanding of the legal, technical, and strategic components of maritime boundary delimitation, a critical aspect of ocean governance with direct implications for national sovereignty, marine resource management, and regional cooperation.
Facilitated by internationally recognized experts, including Mr. Kenroy Simmonds (Legal Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat), Ms. Rosemarie Cadogan (International Legal Consultant in integrated ocean and environmental governance), and Mr. Martin Pratt (Director of Border-map Consulting and expert in boundary-making and dispute resolution), the workshop was designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to support informed decision-making in future maritime boundary negotiations.
Participants engaged in a series of technical presentations, scenario-based exercises, and collaborative discussions, covering key areas such as:
· Principles and procedures under international law, particularly UNCLOS;
· Methods for defining and delimiting maritime zones;
· Legal and geopolitical considerations in bilateral and multilateral maritime claims;
· Practical approaches to managing overlapping maritime interests.
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), St. Kitts and Nevis must navigate complex maritime challenges to assert its rights, protect its resources, and promote sustainable development. The training workshop forms part of a broader effort by the Department to build institutional and human resource capacity in line with international legal obligations and national development priorities.
“This training was not only timely, but essential,” said Mr. Wayne Edmeade, Director of Maritime Affairs. “It enabled our stakeholders to engage with the complex realities of maritime boundary issues in a structured, informed, and practical way. The knowledge gained will greatly support our ongoing efforts to secure our maritime rights and effectively manage our ocean space.”
The workshop, supported by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC), underscores a shared commitment to strengthening ocean governance frameworks across member states Through initiatives such as this, St. Kitts and Nevis is better positioned to participate in boundary negotiations, protect its marine interests, and contribute to regional stability.
The Department of Maritime Affairs expresses its profound gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and the expert facilitators for their dedication and support. The training marks a significant step forward in building the national capacity required to uphold maritime interests for the benefit of current and future generations.
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