The Bahamas was successful in its re-election to the Council of The International Maritime Organization during elections at The 29th IMO Assembly held in London. A release from the Bahamas Information Services also states that in addition to its re-election to the IMO Council in Category C, The Bahamas also improved its international standing on the Council. Out of the 154 votes cast by IMO member states, The Bahamas obtained 124 votes.
Minister of Transport and Aviation the Honourable Glenys Hanna Martin, who placed the vote for the country, stated that it was a hard won effort which enhanced the position of The Bahamas since the elections two years ago. Hanna Martin added that this further cements The Bahamas’ rise to the top in leadership in the maritime sector. “We are sitting on the Council of the International Maritime Organization which is a very prestigious achievement on behalf of The Bahamas because this is the UN agency that governs maritime activities worldwide – some 90 percent of world trade is done by sea.” She said through the archipelago’s seat on the council, The Bahamas brings substantive involvement - in its own right - in representation on important matters discussed and to standards and policies that this body influences. In fact, in the last two years on the IMO Council, The Bahamas has contributed substantially to committees and sub-committees which handle global issues facing the maritime industry.
Minister Hanna Martin is not only pleased with the outcome of the IMO elections, but also the continuous recognition The Bahamas has been given by member states. “It is clear that there is an appreciation of our contribution by the wider body, when you look at the confidence that has been reposed on us by countries all over the world, Africa, Europe, Asia and through the region. We feel very good about it and it sets the tone for all of us to understand that as a people we are really capable of anything we put our minds to”.
The Minister took the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – and all its overseas missions including The Bahamas High Commission London, The Bahamas Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York - and The Bahamas Maritime Authority offices in London and Nassau.
Photo (Courtesy of BIS): Minister of Transport and Aviation, The Honourable Glenys Hanna Martin during the election process at the IMO Assembly in London on Friday, November 27th.