Strong port regulatory body in the works for improved maritime sector

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar on Thursday said an independent port authority body will be developed as Guyana positions itself as a global maritime and aviation hub.

The minister was speaking at the World Maritime Day Exhibition held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. This year, the exhibition aims to promote opportunities within the local maritime sector and to celebrate the men and women within the industry. World Maritime Day is being held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

He said Guyana will become a transshipment hub and the maritime sector must mimic international frameworks.

“The security apparatus need to be uniformed, and we are working in that step to ensure that the things that come into our country and leave our country are not contraband so that we can protect the image of the maritime sector and Guyana as a whole,” he said.

As such, Indar said an independent port authority is needed.

“That will ensure transparency, accountability, and war class efficiency across all maritime operations,” Minister Indar posited.

Head of Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Captain Stephen Thomas said this port regulatory body would be an entirely new agency.

With than 80 per cent of the global trade operated by sea, the maritime sector is critical for national development.

Minister Indar also said there are massive plans to develop port facilities and infrastructure. He added that the rivers and channels are being expanded to facilitate larger vessels for more efficiency.

“The economic benefits of deepening and widening the channels, making sure that we have larger vessel dried docks to make sure that the vessels that are operating here don’t have to go to Colombia or to go back to Louisiana or any other place for dry docking,” he said.