OECS eye improved maritime transportation

Eastern Caribbean public- and private-sector institutions are in agreement about creating a more coherent maritime transportation system that would provide a reliable and affordable high-integrity service for intra-regional movement of cargo and passengers.

In a recent video conference involving representatives from regional Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Air and Seaport Authorities, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) shipping stakeholders, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Board and the OECS Secretariat, participants discussed the improvements to the maritime transportation system in the region.

Gerard Bergasse, president of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Keats Compton, Saint Lucia Consul General to Martinique; Neville Wade, shipping and logistics specialist; and Clarvis Joseph, director of the OECS Distribution and Transportation Company discussed the creation of a regional maritime transportation system, as well as the types of vessels and their capacity, and the utilisation of port facilities.

Participants identified opportunities for a sea-transportation sub-sector, while ECCB Governor, Sir K. Dwight Venner highlighted the urgency of engaging the OECS Business Council in moving the process forward.

Video conferences between the ECCU and private- and public-sector institutions are held monthly.