Jamaica appoints new representative to International Seabed Authority

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has announced the appointment of Dr Kathy-Ann Brown as permanent representative of Jamaica to the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Dr Brown presented her credentials to Michael Lodge, secretary general, ISA, on July 4. During the presentation, she underscored her country's pride in hosting ISA and its commitment to the ensuring that the authority achieves its mandate.

She also expressed appreciation for the "significant work undertaken by the ISA in ensuring that deep-seabed mining is conducted in a manner that preserves and protects the marine environment".

She also referenced the importance of the inclusive mechanisms for the development of Regional Environment Management Plans (REMPs) under the auspices of the ISA.

The senior official, who is also the deputy solicitor general and director of international affairs in the Attorney General's Chambers, is the fourth Jamaican permanent representative to the ISA, following its establishment. She succeeds Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith, who served in the post from 2016 up until late 2017, when she took up the post as ambassador to Belgium and permanent representative to the european union.

Michelle Walker, head of Legal Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has been appointed as one of Jamaica's deputy permanent representatives to the ISA, joining Coy Roache, managing director, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited who has been reconfirmed as the other deputy permanent representative.

The ISA, established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is housed in downtown Kingston.

The 24th Session of the ISA General Assembly is set to begin on July 23.