MINISTER IAN GOODING-EDGHILL PRESENTED THE MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

The government has strengthened its focus on the maritime industry, enacting eight shipping-related laws in 2024 to drive economic growth, according to International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill.
Speaking during the recent presentation of the Minister’s Awards for Excellence to top students in Marine Diesel Engineering and Marine Operations at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, the Minister emphasized the vital role of shipping in global trade and the national economy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the local maritime sector and developing its workforce.
He noted, “The Secretary-General [International Maritime Organisation], Arsenio Dominguez, in recognising World Maritime Day in 2024, stated that: ‘Shipping is vital to keep our economies and societies afloat. It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting goods and communities.’ I too am in agreement with this statement as we live in a society which simply could not function if it were not for shipping.”
He added, “My team here at the ministry has been working assiduously to develop the policies and legislative framework necessary for the enhancement of the maritime environment as part of the national strategy for ensuring safe shipping for Barbadian registered vessels operating on both domestic and international voyages; and for ensuring matters concerning decent shipboard living and working conditions for the seafarers working onboard or onshore are prioritised,” he said.
During the last year, nine bills concerning shipping have been sent to parliament, with all except one being passed into law.