Guyana is hosting the fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administration (DIHMAR5) for the first time, bringing together maritime leaders from across the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation, improve port state procedures and advance maritime safety and environmental protection standards.
The session, which got underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal on Sunday, is being viewed as a significant milestone for Guyana and the wider Caribbean, underscoring the region’s commitment to building a safer, more secure and sustainable maritime sector.
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the meeting comes at a critical time for the Caribbean, where maritime transport remains central to economic activity and international trade.
He added that it accounts for more than 80 per cent of goods across the planet, citing United Nations trade data.
“It shows the importance of working together. It also shows the importance of Guyana being recognised regionally and internationally for the work that we are doing and the collaborations and partnerships that we are building.”
He believes the discussions over the next two days would play an important role in shaping policies, standards and partnerships that influence shipping, logistics, economic growth, food security, environmental stewardship and regional resilience.
“It provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, coordinate responses to emerging challenges, strengthen emergency capacity and remain aligned with developments in global maritime governance,” he said.
The minister said Guyana remains committed to developing a modern, safe, secure and sustainable maritime sector capable of supporting national and regional development.
In addition, the launch of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Caribs Smart Project aims to address legislative gaps that hinder the implementation of key IMO conventions across the region.
The project is a two-year technical cooperation initiative funded by Saudi Arabia, benefitting 13 Caribbean countries, including Guyana.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill used his address to showcase Guyana’s rapid development and growing influence on global issues such as food security, climate security and energy security.
He urged delegates to broaden discussions beyond administrative matters and focus on opportunities within the blue economy.
“I hope the conversations this week will not just be administrative. We have to discuss the blue economy, the maritime sector and shipping. The sustainable use of our oceans, rivers and waterways is key,” he said.
The minister encouraged regional maritime leaders to also explore ways of strengthening sustainable maritime development while ensuring the responsible use of the Caribbean’s marine resources.