Castries – Monday, April 07, 2014 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), in collaboration with the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation held a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at the Leisure Inn Conference Room, New Development, Soufriere. The meeting was held to educate and inform boat owners in the south on a number of topics including the issuance of special permits to ply and/or fish commercially, to ascertain their specific training needs, to enhance Maritime Security awareness and to provide information on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements.

In a brief interview, Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs indicated that “Over the years, we have seen an increase in boating commercial traffic and other water related recreational sports and activities and with Jazz, Summer and Carnival around the corner, we felt that this was a perfect opportunity to highlight to stakeholders the importance of Maritime Safety.  We want to ensure that all of our seafarers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard all parties participating in marine related activities.”

There were approximately thirty participants at this workshop including representatives from Hotel Chocolat, Sugar Beach Resort and the President of the Soufriere Water Taxi Association. Facilitators included Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs, Commander Milton Desir, Sgt. Peter Joseph, ASP Westley Joseph, Police Marine Unit and Mr. Adrian Hiliare, Director of Seaports. The Division of Maritime Affairs is currently working on other workshops and seminars for seafarers. For more information, please contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.