Following national consultation in May 2012, the Department of Maritime Affairs has released its draft national maritime policy for inputs from the general public.
According to the Director of Maritime Affairs Mr. McClean Hobson, ” the need for a national maritime policy has become necessary in light of the large number of sub-sectors which comprised the maritime sector in St. Kitts and Nevis. If we are to gain maximum benefits and ensure that these sectors are sustainable, we must put the structures in place to effectively manage such sectors. In other words, we must seek to develop a more integrated approach to the management of the marine sector. Instead of each agency with a responsibility for managing this sector doing what it pleases, a national maritime policy will help to keep all the agencies reading from the same hymn sheet going forward.”
St. Kitts and Nevis is the first country in the Caribbean to develop a draft maritime policy and although it is in a draft form, it is already serving as a model for other Caribbean countries. In fact, elements of it are being applied to develop the OECS Regional Ocean Governance Policy.
Persons wishing to give there feedback or make comments may visit www.stkittsnevisregistry.net to review or down load the draft policy.
Comments and Feedback should be send to the Director of Maritime Affairs, McClean Hobson at maritimeaffairs@yahoo.com or fax to 1869 466 1999 by August 30, 2013.
DEPARTMENT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS
ST.KITTS AND NEVIS