Jamaica has launched its campaign for re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2028-2029 term. This campaign seeks inclusive representation, practical maritime capabilities, and a strong voice for developing countries.
Campaign Launch in London
The campaign was launched at an event in London attended by Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of IMO, ambassadors from various countries, permanent representatives, heads of delegations, and members of the diplomatic community. This event was held to commemorate Jamaica's fiftieth year of membership in the IMO and looks ahead to next year's elections.
Korah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, the head of the Jamaica Maritime Authority, highlighted the country's long history with the IMO and its understanding of the economic challenges dependent on maritime transport. She stated, "Jamaica is a trusted member state and a credible partner in international maritime affairs. It is essential that the interests and concerns of small island developing states, least developed countries, and other developing nations are reflected in the work of the IMO."
Jamaica's Role in Global Maritime Regulations
At the center of Jamaica's campaign is the country's role in translating international maritime regulations into action across the Caribbean. As a flag state, port, and coastal country, Jamaica has ratified all major IMO conventions, which include safety, security, and the protection of the marine environment. The country is also home to the Caribbean Maritime University, the only IMO accredited university in the English-speaking Caribbean.
This regional role is supported by a growing maritime cluster that includes container transshipment facilities, cruise terminals, a floating dry dock, and an expanding bunkering sector. Jamaica is the first Caribbean country to facilitate LNG bunkering and has conducted assessments of alternative marine fuels through the IMO GreenVoyage2050 program.
Jamaica is committed to continuing support for the fair and sustained implementation of IMO instruments, inclusive decision-making, technical cooperation, maritime safety, and environmental sustainability. The country's campaign also emphasizes its commitment to women in maritime, which includes training female seafarers and hosting secretariats for women's maritime unions in the Caribbean and the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control.
Jamaica announced its candidacy for election to Category C of the IMO Council at the organization's headquarters in London. The event featured individuals such as David Osborn, Director of the Marine Environment Division of IMO; Azara Permpeh, Director of the Administrative Division of IMO; Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Jamaica Maritime Authority; Korah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, Chair of MAJ; Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of IMO; and Sith Denton-Watts, Deputy High Commissioner of Jamaica in London.
Looking ahead to next year's elections, Ms. Robertson-Sylvester said, "Our message is simple: we are ready to continue serving, ready to engage, and ready to collaborate with you. Therefore, we respectfully ask for your support for our re-election."
