Gov’t focus on strengthening blue economy amid global maritime instability

Global maritime instability has put countries on guard and Guyana is also strengthening its efforts to build a resilient blue economy to deepen shipping capacity.

Speaking on Sunday at the Fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations, President of the Shipping Association of Guyana Komal Samaroo said disruptions to global trade routes, particularly instability in the Red Sea and mounting tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, carry direct consequences for the Caribbean.

“For the Caribbean, where maritime is essential for food transport, energy and trade, these disruptions can have serious consequences for economic stability and the wellbeing of our citizens,” Samaroo said.

He said CARICOM faces challenges when trade routes are disrupted and it affects the cost of living and access to essential goods.

He called for more support to build greener shipping while ensuring any energy transition is equitable, affordable and responsive to the realities of developing nations.

Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Thandi McAllister, said the meeting gives Guyana and regional partners the opportunity to strengthen collaboration on maritime safety, environmental protection and capacity building. She said issues like climate change, cyber-attacks and unsafe ship practices affect the entire Caribbean region when one country is affected.

“We are all impacted. The sea is one,” McAllister said.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said the sustainable use of the waters and ocean resources demands urgent attention.

“It is believed that the next time the world goes to any war, it will not be about oil, it will be about water,” the minister said.

He said it is paramount that these discussions center around carving a course for developing the blue economy while safeguarding waterways for future generations.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said Guyana is actively working to position itself as both a maritime and aviation hub, with port modernisation and digitisation already underway. He disclosed that $6 billion has been invested to dredge the Demerara channel, a critical artery for the country’s shipping and trade flows.

“Efficient maritime infrastructure is an essential conduit for transporting goods,” Indar said.

He also said that modern port legislation is also in progress to establish an independent national port authority and ensure smoother movement of goods. He added that a Norway-funded sustainable maritime transport initiative supports Caribbean states in strengthening maritime administrations.