The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority has entered into a partnership with the Port of Miami-Dade. The agreement was formerly signed last Wednesday, May 25, at the Administrative Complex in Kingstown by Khalid Salahuddin, Deputy Port Director Port of Miami-Dade and Ports Minister Sir Vincent Beache, Port Manager Paul Kirby, and Chairman Vini Robin for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. {{more}}

Sir Vincent pointed to “tremendous benefits” which will be derived from the pact, among them being, training and easier access to information. He also noted that Port Miami-Dade was one of the busiest in the world.

Salahuddin, a native of Panama, called the local Port a “strategic and important Port,” and said he expects that his organisation would get as much as it offers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Local Port Manager Kirby regarded the signing as “historical and important” and said that “sharing marketing opportunities and joint venture relationships” was important to the exercise. While Kirby has a vision of Port Kingstown being a hub for the Miami Port, he anticipates benefits in technology, which the arrangement will provide.

A Joint Working Committee to “hammer out” details of the new arrangement is being set up.

The signing came as a culmination of a busy week for marine related activities. The Caribbean Shipping Association wound up its executive conference last Wednesday. The three-day event opened at the Kingstown Medical College on Monday 23.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has called for closer co-ordination between Customs and Ports. This call came as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Shipping Association which wrapped up here last Wesdesday, May 23. He used the occasion to urge the 15 participating regional ports to form one holding company to bargain with Florida Cruises. The Prime Minister also asked for closer coordination between the Customs and Ports.

The Prime Minister noted that with the introduction of the International Shipping Port and Security (ISPS) code, the Port would handle traditional spheres of customs operations. The Prime Minister cited areas of conflict, which can arise if they don’t work closer and with understanding.

He also referred to the high cost of port security, in light of the new measures as a result of the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States of America.