Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, has underscored the importance of modern infrastructure, digital transformation and regional cooperation in strengthening Guyana’s maritime sector and supporting the country’s continued economic expansion.
The Prime Minister made the remarks, during a featured address at the official launch of Guyana’s hosting of the Caribbean Shipping Association’s 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, which is scheduled to be held in October 2026.
Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana’s maritime sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by increased commercial activity, investment and demand for transportation, logistics and port services.
“Since 2020, vessel traffic has increased by approximately 42 per cent, while import volumes have more than tripled as commercial activity has expanded across the economy. These figures point to the growing importance of efficient ports, stronger logistics networks and modern maritime systems capable of supporting a country whose economic profile is changing rapidly.”
He noted that Guyana’s position as both a CARICOM member state and a South American nation provides opportunities for the country to serve as an important link between Caribbean markets and continental trade.
The Prime Minister explained that the Government is investing in roads, bridges and supporting infrastructure to improve connectivity and facilitate the efficient movement of goods. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the maritime sector through improved vessel monitoring, electronic systems, stronger regulatory oversight, legislative reforms, dredging and expanded port capacity.
“These initiatives are all intended to prepare Guyana to compete within an increasingly sophisticated global maritime environment while strengthening our contribution to regional trade and logistics.”
Prime Minister Phillips said cooperation among the Government, private sector and regional organisations will be essential to developing reliable and cost-effective supply chains and improving the Caribbean’s overall competitiveness.
He commended the Caribbean Shipping Association for providing a forum through which industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts can exchange knowledge and address common challenges relating to port operations, maritime safety, environmental stewardship, logistics and workforce development.
“Hosting this conference allows Guyana to contribute directly to those conversations while learning from the experiences of our Caribbean neighbours and international partners.”
PM Phillips also congratulated the Shipping Association of Guyana, led by its Chairman, Dr Komal Singh, on securing the privilege of hosting the major regional event.
“As Guyana continues to grow, the maritime sector will remain central to our future. It deserves continued attention, sustained investment and the benefit of shared regional experience.”
The Honourable Prime Minister expressed confidence that the October conference would strengthen cooperation across the Caribbean maritime community while providing delegates with an opportunity to experience Guyana’s culture, hospitality, natural environment and expanding economic opportunities.
Prime Minister Phillips was joined, last evening by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Parliamentary Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), MP Thandi McAllister.
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