Commitment to training & development mandate underscored at CSA

Grantley Stephenson, president of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), has assured delegates attending the 44th annual general meeting, conference and exhibition of the CSA that the association remains committed to its mission to execute training initiatives to safeguard the future of the shipping industry in the region.

Stephenson was speaking during the opening of the conference held from October 13 to 15, 2014 in the Dominican Republic. The conference was hosted by the CSA in partnership with the Dominican Republic Shipping Association at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana.

"The Caribbean Shipping Association must continue to help to define and clarify the changing world in which its members' businesses operate and prepare the next generation of Caribbean shipping executives in the way that we have been prepared to lead," Stephenson said, adding that "the present members are heirs to those visionaries who set the stage for one of the most successful attempts at collaboration in this region."

GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE

The CSA president added, "For that reason, we are grateful for the increased levels of assistance provided by members of the association towards the training programmes that we have initiated during my presidency. For example, our Training Trust Fund received contributions amounting to US$52,500 based on an appeal made at our AGM in Panama last year."

Between 2013 and 2014, the CSA has, through partnership with stakeholders in the regional shipping fraternity, provided several training courses. With the support of Manzanillo International Terminal in 2013 and SPRC, Cartagena, in 2014, 21 Caribbean port executives participated in study tour programmes at these ports. In 2014, 14 persons received port agency training in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, in collaboration with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, 29 persons participated in the customs, terminal and port agency seminar in Barbados.

"Participants in these programmes represent the broad spectrum of our membership: from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St Kitts/Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Martin, Turks & Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago," Stephenson said.

Addressing the topics for discussion at the conference, the CSA president stated that "the association is proud to provide the services and information that are relevant to the business imperatives of our members. This conference will continue to bring members together with some of the finest business thinkers, consultants and speakers - as well as with each other - so that we can share and gather new learning that is relevant and appropriate as we chart our future courses." The president also thanked experts who will be presenting at the conference for their vision, knowledge and experience that will be shared with the delegates.

He implored the members of the CSA, observers and guests to remain engaged throughout the conference to help the CSA to shape the future of the industry.

Over 350 delegates from the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe are in attendance at the three-day conference. The CSA, the voice of the Caribbean shipping industry, was established in 1971 to facilitate development of an efficient, viable Caribbean shipping industry. Conferences hosted by the CSA provide a forum in which matters relevant to the growth and development of Caribbean shipping are discussed.