Castries – Wednesday, July 07, 2010 – Wednesday, June 30, 2010, concluded a two-day regional seminar on the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems. The seminar, being the first to be held in the English speaking Caribbean was hosted by Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority (SLASPA), in collaboration with the Curacao-based, Regional Activity Centre/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Information (REMPEITC) and Training Centre and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Over thirty delegates from across the region and St. Lucia participated in the seminar.

Anti-Fouling Systems (the process of counteracting or preventing the building up of deposits on underwater surfaces, such as the undersides of boats Systems on Ships) were thoroughly discussed. Facilitators made detailed presentations on the Anti-fouling Systems Convention which prohibits the use of harmful substances in anti-fouling processes. The seminar concluded with draft recommendations being sent to the IMO on the way forward towards the accession and implementation of the AFS Convention in the various Caribbean territories.

SLASPA is the local agency with responsibility for the Maritime Sector, through its Maritime Department, SLASPA has undertaken several initiatives over the past few years which include provision of training for local industry stakeholders and more recently the publishing of the Shipping Regulation. “SLASPA is committed to the protection of the marine environment, therefore when presented with the opportunity to host this seminar, we did not hesitate”, said Christopher Alexander, SLASPA’s Director of Maritime Affairs. “By all accounts, the seminar was deemed a success as all delegates were able to give their own perspective and where they stood in the process towards accession. This gave a clear indication of areas to focus upon to bring the individual countries to meeting the requirements that the convention contains. Persons were sensitized by international facilitators as to the implications of not acceding to the convention and ecological benefits derived by accession,” continued Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs.

The seminar concluded with a fun fill sunset cruise to the South of the island while visitors were served with a taste of St. Lucian cuisine and entertained with the sweet sounds of local music.