Guyana on Sunday welcomed maritime officials and industry stakeholders from across the region for the opening of the Fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR), a forum aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and advancing maritime development.
According to the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, the meeting, which is being coordinated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, brings together maritime leaders to discuss regulatory issues, capacity building and sustainable growth within the sector.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar underscored the importance of maritime transport to global commerce, describing it as a critical driver of international trade and economic activity.
Indar said the government remains committed to positioning Guyana as a regional hub for commerce and trade through investments in the maritime and aviation sectors. He also pointed to the impact of geopolitical tensions and conflicts on international shipping routes and urged participants to focus on practical solutions to challenges facing the industry.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who also addressed the gathering, called for greater attention to the blue economy and the sustainable use of marine resources.
According to the ministry, Edghill urged regional leaders to identify opportunities for expanding economic activity linked to oceans and waterways while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Thandi McAllister, welcomed delegates and said Guyana’s maritime sector is poised for growth through strengthened governance, digital infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Carlos Salgado, Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Section on Technical Cooperation and Implementation at the IMO, said maritime development extends beyond technical issues and requires resilient institutions and skilled human resources. He noted that the organisation remains committed to supporting member states through effective regulatory frameworks and capacity building initiatives.
Salgado described the DIHMAR forum as an increasingly important platform for regional collaboration and leadership in the maritime sector.
President of the Shipping Association of Guyana, Komal Singh, said Guyana is playing an increasingly important role in maritime activity within the Caribbean and urged delegates to pursue tangible outcomes from the meeting.
Among the areas identified by Singh for consideration were enhanced maritime information sharing, investment in climate-resilient port infrastructure and the establishment of a regional emergency response framework.
The meeting is scheduled to continue until June 24 and is expected to focus on strengthening regional maritime cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of the Caribbean maritime sector.
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