Newly-elected CSA president optimistic despite pandemic challenges

Despite the impact of the pandemic, newly-elected president of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), Marc Sampson, said the achievements of the industry since, have consolidated its role as the backbone of the global economy.

Sampson, the lone nominee for the post, was speaking at the association’s 51st annual general meeting (AGM) and conference held virtually on Tuesday, January 25.

Willian Brown, former chairman of the regional association’s group and president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, was elected as vice-president.

During his inaugural address, Sampson said, “The past two years have proven challenging for most industries across the world; the regional maritime sector has not been spared those impacts. Few among us could have planned for the global fallout that would ensue and persist even now. The fact that we are having our AGM and conference virtually is a stark reminder that we are not yet in the clear.”

Sampson added, “This meeting is also the clearest indicator that we have adapted and become stronger for it. Our businesses continue and our industry solidified itself as the backbone of the world’s economy.”

He said despite the CSA’s innovation during the pandemic, it should not be taken for granted that the achievements of the industry have come at a cost, including personnel and financial costs.

“That notwithstanding, we are going through it and will come out on the other side with a renewed sense of purpose that has characterised the CSA’s five decades of existence. Our ability to act and move in one accord is what will continue to distinguish us.”

Immediate past president of the CSA, Juan Carlos Croston, said the association’s achievements over the past two years have set an example for other regional organisations by fulfilling its duty to each member and increasing its collaborative activities for tangible mutual benefits.

“The Caribbean Shipping Association continues to be a vibrant institution because it is the sum of all its members. Our strength comes from our member associations, organisations and companies – and from each one of you. It is a tribute to you all that, from the start of the pandemic, we set an example to other regional organisations by fulfilling our duty to keep every member informed and updated and to be involved in collaborative activities that continue to be of tangible mutual benefit. We stand by each other, and our unity is helping us to weather this storm.”

Croston continued, “We lobbied and offered practical solutions to tackle the burning issues such as the safe repatriation of seafarers, appropriate arrangements for crew change and the need for greater harmonisation of laws and regulations to ensure safe movement of vessels, crew, passengers and cargo.

“Building resilience in the face of adversity has always been high on the agenda of the CSA and our focus on the human element in shipping is proving to be the correct approach in ensuring the sustainability of our industry.”

He also mentioned the association’s Caribbean Research Institute’s (CRI) first report, which will be available in a matter of days, calling its finalisation “another example of the critical role each member plays in actively participating in our programmes”. Croston added, “Your input helps us to prepare reports that enable informed decision-making for timely implementation of programmes and plans at the corporate level and at the national and regional levels. I, therefore, look forward to your continued support in providing thorough and timely reports to the CRI.”

Other election results include Eduardo Pagan’s return as Group A chairman with Nazilia Simone Phillips, Desmond Sears and Rhett Chee Ping selected as Group A representatives.

Mark Williams was elected chairman of Group B, with Christyan Peralta selected to serve as its representative.

Maria del Mar Rodriguez was re-elected as Group C chairman, with Robert Bosman elected as Group C representative while JC Barona was voted as Group D chairman with Sabine Bajazet chosen as the Group’s representative.

The conference also included presentations by president of McCann Consulting Victoria McCann, who spoke on ‘Creating a workplace mentoring programme’; Daniel Van Der Vliet, executive director of Smith Family Business Initiative, who discussed ‘Changing the narrative surrounding family business’; and leadership expert and author Eduardo Braun, who explored ‘People first leadership’ and using culture and emotion to drive results.

The CSA is the voice of the Caribbean shipping industry and was established in 1971 to facilitate the development of an efficient, viable Caribbean shipping industry.