Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Caribbean First Eastern Sub-Regional Workshop was held in Antigua and Barbuda from March 13-14, 2018. OECS countries were represented in this workshop. St. Kitts and Nevis was represented by Mr. Nigel Williams – Department of Maritime Affairs and Ms. Tricia Greaux – Department of Marine Resources.

Opening remarks were given by Ms. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, Director and Head Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) Caribbean who expressed her gratitude for the participation of the countries. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and probably the last that can do something about it…Climate change is the single biggest thing that humans have ever done on this planet, and the one thing that needs to be bigger than that, is our movement to stop it!” Mr. Jose Javier Leegarra- Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.

Mr. Colin Young- Regional Maritime Advisor, International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicated “Today we live in a world in which new technology seems poised to have a transforming impact on all our lives. Shipping is no exception. Technology holds the key to a safer and more sustainable future for shipping.” Presentations included; an overview of the Caribbean MOU on Port State Control, MTCC Caribbean and Climate Change Mitigation,  Data verification with the use of full mission engine room simulators, MTCC Caribbean’s data collection process and pilot project challenges and proposed mitigation strategies. Results were shared from the 1^st Regional Workshop in relation to the Eastern sub-region, and discussions about the approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships were explored.

The second day consisted of country report presentations on the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. Followed by Final plenary and certification distribution. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner – Director/ Registrar General, Antigua and Barbuda Department of Maritime Services and Merchant Shipping  “The onus is on all of us here present to go back to our respective countries, our various agencies and to ensure that full support is given to this initiative. We must commit to ensuring the effective implementation of the MARPOL convention and specifically Annex VI.”

Mr. Jose Javier Leegarra

Mr. Colin Young

Ambassador Dwight Gardiner

Ms. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram

Head table

All participants of the workshop

OECS Country Representatives