Members of the Caribbean Shipping Association and other relevant business persons will for the next three days deliberate and share information on developing shipping in the region.

The 14^th annual Caribbean Shipping Executives Conference commenced today and will run from May 11 to 13. The event is being hosted by the BVI Ports Authority and over one hundred and twenty delegates are in attendance.

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool commended the Caribbean Shipping Association for doing its part to foster the development of the vital shipping industry.

Minister Vanterpool stated, “With our Caribbean islands as strategically positioned as they are in this part of the world, it is definitely to our benefit to work together to maximise these advantages, as it relates to trade, travel and transport.”

Honourable Vanterpool also encouraged delegates to be mindful of the important role they all play in this vital industry, which impacts the livelihood of so many Caribbean nationals.

Delegates will deliberate on topics such as Drug Trafficking in the Caribbean, Building a Competitive Caribbean Through Trade Facilitation, Panama Canal Proposed Tariffs and Corporate Social Responsibility in Shipping and Port Industry.

President of the Caribbean Shipping Association, Mr. Grantley Stephenson, stated “As we draw closer to one of the most impactful maritime events in this hemisphere; the opening of the giant lock gates that are a key part of the Panama Canal’s multibillion-dollar expansion, we recognise the sense of urgency that must accompany our deliberations here at this year’s conference.”

Mr. Stephenson added, “I have no doubt that our deliberations here will provide lasting benefits for all participants as we gear through this agenda for this critical conference over the next three days. I urge you to ask the deepest question foremost in your mind, how do we keep moving forward as a critical sector for global growth.”

Delegates will also be able to experience the BVI through various networking events and tours, one of which will be a ‘BVI Night’ at the newly expanded Cruise Pier.

The annual conference is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) along with an official member. The BVI Ports Authority became a member of the Caribbean Shipping Association in 1991.