JAMAICA-Jamaica re-elected to IMO Council.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for another two years.

A government statement said the island successfully secured a seat on Category “C” of the IMO following elections held at the 33rd Assembly in London last weekend.

Jamaica secured 120 of the 168 votes for a 20th position and will serve for a two-year term on the IMO Council starting in 2024.

“Jamaica is honored to be re-elected to the IMO Council and grateful for our international partners’ trust in our nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively to address the challenges facing the industry and continue to contribute to sustainable development in the global space,” said Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, who is leading the Jamaica delegation to the IMO meeting that ends on Wednesday.

Vaz said that the re-election is a significant achievement that reaffirms the country’s continued commitment to promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability on the global stage.

“Jamaica’s re-election to the IMO Council is a testament to the nation’s longstanding dedication to the principles and objectives of the IMO. The delegation played a crucial role in advancing discussions and initiatives to enhance the safety and efficiency of international shipping.”

The 33rd IMO Assembly is open to all 175 member states and three Associate Members.

Category “C” comprises 20 states with particular interest in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council ensures the representation of all major geographic regions of the world.

The Assembly is the highest Governing Body of the Organization. It is responsible for approving the work of the various committees, proposing the budget, appointing the Secretary-General for the Assembly’s approval, and making policy recommendations, including IMO’s Strategic Plan.

“Securing an IMO Council seat provides Jamaica with an opportunity to represent the interests of Caribbean states, small island developing states, and least developed countries and solidify Jamaica’s place at the international Maritime level,” the statement said, noting that the country has been a member of the IMO since 1976 and was first elected to Council in 2007.