Castries – March, 25, 2009 - Officials from the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Port of Palm Beach, Florida signed a sister port agreement on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, marking SLASPA’s first sister port agreement.

Signing on behalf of SLASPA was Mr. Sean Matthew, General Manager/CEO while Mr. Edward Oppel Chairman of the Board of Commissioners signed on behalf of Port of Palm Beach. The event was hosted by the Port of Palm Beach and represented by officials from both Ports along with representatives from Tropical Shipping.

“SLASPA is indeed pleased to enter into this agreement with the Port of Palm Beach said Sean Matthew, General Manager. In recent times, we have been focusing on business development, customer service, technological and operational improvements. We therefore see this as a perfect opportunity to work with the Port of Palm Beach to share best practices and general industry information. We look forward to maximizing the benefits of this agreement”.

Sister Port Relationships strengthens the economic and commercial bond between the respective countries. The agreement between SLASPA and the Port of Palm Beach aims to advance each port through the exchange information for the enhancement of trading relationships; exchange technological and operational methodologies; cooperation on the international issues involving shipping, trade and security of each facility; benefit the marketing and visibility of the respective ports in international markets; enhance the understanding of international trade issues and commercial relationships; and finally enhance cultural information for the benefit of the respective communities.

The Port of Palm Beach who is the land lord port for one of SLASPA’s main customers, Tropical Shipping is the fourth busiest container port in Florida and the eighteenth busiest in the continental U.S. In addition to intermodal capacity, the Port is a major nodal point for the shipment of bulk sugar (domestic usages), molasses, cement, utility fuels, water, produce and break-bulk items.