KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Seth George Ramocan has expressed hope that Jamaica will be successful in its bid for re-election to the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council later this year.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade disclosed that the High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim on February 2 at the Council’s headquarters – the same day Jamaica launched its candidature to the IMO Council, Category C for the period 2018-2019.

During the exchange, Ramocan underscored the priority being placed on ensuring Jamaica’s successful election to the Council and used the opportunity to highlight the country’s longstanding and active role in the IMO. He also noted the importance of the maritime sector to Jamaica’s economic and social development.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Lim noted Jamaica’s enviable record of attendance and the important contributions made in IMO meetings and consultations.

He recalled in particular that Jamaica’s interventions were always well received and respected by other member states. He also mentioned Jamaica’s impressive maritime infrastructure, and the training available for seafarers at the IMO approved Caribbean Maritime Institute, which is poised to gain university status this year.

Lim commended Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Rear Admiral Peter Brady for his leadership role and contribution to the development of the maritime sector in Jamaica and his exceptional representation and work at the IMO.

Jamaica was elected to the Council during the 2008-2009 biennium and in the four succeeding biennia from 2010-2015.