{"id":360963,"date":"2026-05-14T11:20:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T15:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=360963"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:20:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T15:20:06","slug":"oecs-workshop-advances-regional-agenda-for-port-reform-and-maritime-digitalisation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/oecs-workshop-advances-regional-agenda-for-port-reform-and-maritime-digitalisation\/","title":{"rendered":"OECS workshop advances regional agenda for port reform and maritime digitalisation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Regional leaders, maritime officials, and international development partners gathered in Saint Lucia from April 28 to 30, 2026, for a major workshop focused on advancing port reform, digitalisation, and customs cooperation across the Eastern Caribbean.<\/p>\n

The high-level policy and strategy workshop was organised by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission in partnership with the World Bank and the European Union. The event was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel and brought together ministers, permanent secretaries, senior port and customs officials, regional stakeholders within the maritime and logistics sectors, and international experts.<\/p>\n

According to an OECS press release, the workshop formed part of preparations for a Caribbean Connectivity and Logistics Regional Programme being supported by the World Bank. It also contributed to shaping European Union support for the maritime transport sector under the Global Gateway Strategy. Discussions focused on modernising maritime gateways throughout the Eastern Caribbean while strengthening customs and port collaboration.<\/p>\n

Addressing the opening ceremony, Shawn Edwards, Saint Lucia\u2019s Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Energy, stressed the urgency of transforming regional port systems, describing ports as essential to the survival and development of small island states.<\/p>\n

“We face high freight costs, limited shipping options, and infrastructural challenges, even as global shipping trends move towards larger vessels and increased consolidation. These realities make it clear: reform, digitalisation, and cooperation are no longer optional. They are essential for our long-term economic growth and resilience.”<\/p>\n

Minister Edwards said the region\u2019s ports must continue adapting to meet the demands of an evolving global economy.<\/p>\n

Chairman of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, Darwin Telemaque, also called for decisive action to modernise port operations and regulatory systems throughout the region.<\/p>\n

“The region is craving critical regulatory reform,” Mr Telemaque stated, noting that many ports remain burdened by structures inherited from the 1950s and 60s. “It is time to free the private sector and the citizens from the shackles that have burdened them at our ports”.<\/p>\n

Alexander Agosti, Country Representative for Eastern Caribbean Countries at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of maintaining political commitment to improving port efficiency. He noted that weak port performance increases the cost of doing business and limits economic opportunities throughout the Caribbean. Agosti also reaffirmed the World Bank\u2019s support for building regional cooperation and strengthening the capacity needed to implement long-term reforms.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador-designate Fiona Ramsey announced funding mobilisation through the Global Gateway Strategy to support the modernisation of maritime transport infrastructure in the region.<\/p>\n

“We live on a blue planet, so it’s really not surprising that 80% of our international trade by volume is transported by sea. That rises to 90% in the Caribbean when we just look at trade within the region,”<\/p>\n

Ambassador Ramsey remarked, while emphasising the importance of regional integration to avoid unnecessary duplication of expensive infrastructure and create economic opportunities for businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

Also addressing the gathering was Ricardo James, Head of Trade Policy Development at the OECS Commission, who stressed the need for stronger implementation of existing regional agreements and frameworks, including those established under the Revised Treaties of Basseterre and Chaguaramas.<\/p>\n

“The frameworks that we have in place need to be activated, need to be reactivated, we need to use them to take the actions that we need to set an agenda and a work programme for addressing the issues we have in transport,” Mr James noted.<\/p>\n

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The OECS reports that throughout the three-day workshop, participants engaged in discussions examining the challenges and opportunities associated with port reform, digitalisation initiatives, and improved customs cooperation. Port and customs officials from across the region shared experiences related to technological upgrades and operational coordination, while representatives from the World Bank, the International Maritime Organization, and the European Union delivered presentations on ongoing studies and technical support initiatives available to member states.<\/p>\n

Participants reportedly agreed on the need to accelerate legislative, policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms aimed at improving maritime transport governance, boosting efficiency, and encouraging investment in port infrastructure and logistics systems. Discussions also highlighted the importance of improving coordination between customs and port operations through updated legal frameworks, restructured business processes, and the adoption of more digital, data-driven systems.<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants underscored the urgency of implementing practical reforms to strengthen port governance, secure sustainable financing, and advance digital transformation throughout the Caribbean. The meeting also highlighted the importance of regional coordination among OECS and wider CARICOM member states in improving connectivity, transparency, and resilience within the maritime sector.<\/p>\n