MARAD head wants separate Port Authority

─discussions underway with Public Works Ministers

The establishment of a Port Authority independent of the country’s maritime regulatory body is on the agenda of new Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Stephen Thomas.

DG Thomas told DPI that approval of the project would clear up a role conflict.

“The port section may separate because in most jurisdictions the port is managed separately from the regulatory agency. So, that is one of the things that I would like to see,” he explained.

Within MARAD, there is a Ports and Harbours Division that is regarded as the operational arm. That division is responsible for the management and development of the nation’s ports and harbours.

According to DG Thomas, separating that operation from MARAD’s regulatory oversight function would be ideal.

Talks to that end, he said, are in their infancy stage and he is committed to pursuing it.

DG Thomas added that he would be guided by Minister of Public Works. Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Deodat Indar on any changes within MARAD.

Meanwhile, the MARAD head also issues an appeal for vessels operating offshore to be registered to work from Guyana.

“We want all the ships that service our oilfield to ultimately operate from Guyana … We want to capture all the marine [traffic].”

Mr. Thomas was appointed Director-General on September 2.

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