Director-General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Rear Admiral Peter Brady (second left) converses with George Anomeritis (right), Greek Minister of Merchant Marine at Posionia, last month. Others looking on are other representatives of MAJ (left to right) Bertrand Smith, Eric Deans and Capt. Robin Lee. Occasion was the Posionia 2002 in Greece. JAMAICA PUT its best foot forward at Posidonia 2002, the world's largest shipping conference and exhibition held in Greece during June, showcasing the Jamaica Ship Registry (JSR) to potential clients.
Convened biennially by the Greek shipping fraternity at the home port of what is deemed the world's largest shipping community, the conference presented the opportunity to raise Jamaica's profile in shipping community not only in Greece but also around the world. It provides a focal point for seminars, private business meetings and other industry events.
The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), which operates the Registry, sees its first appearance at the prestigious event "as timely especially in an era where shipowners are looking for an international registry that truly promotes quality and service". The 18th staging of the Posidonia four-day exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to further promote the benefits of Jamaica's dynamic registry and to conduct private meetings with ship owners, bankers and their attorneys. Nearly 1,500 exhibitors from 73 countries participated and more than 30,000 visitors attended.
The JSR booth attracted the interest of many shipping players who participated at the forum, demonstrating its abilities and capacities to compete with some of the world's established registries. The MAJ has already indicated "positive and encouraging" activities ensuing from Posidonia.
The MAJ's local delegation comprised Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Capt. Robin Lee, Bertrand Smith and Eric Deans, accompanied by their international counterparts, Nicholas Papalios and Christors Roussos from Primal Registration Services, the MAJ appointed representative in Greece. The delegation also interacted with a select group of shipping moguls at a specially organised reception.
The conference saw various government and private sector experts reviewing key issues affecting the global economy and maritime transportation. Speakers included the Greek Minister of Merchant Marine George Anomeritis; Loyola de Palacio, Vice President of the European Commission; Harald Kuznic, head of shipping at Landesbank Marine Environment Protection Association.
