Saint Lucia recently took centre stage in regional maritime governance by successfully hosting the 4th Regional Meeting of Directors/Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR 4) in Castries from June 30 to July 2, 2025.
The event was co-hosted by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Department of Infrastructure, Ports, and Transport (DIPT), in partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The three-day meeting brought together maritime leaders and technical experts from across the Caribbean to strengthen collaboration, align with international maritime standards, and promote innovation and resilience in the sector.
Key Outcomes of DIHMAR 4:
- Operationalization of the 2026/2027 Thematic Technical Cooperation Plan
- Strengthened Compliance with IMO Instruments
- Capacity Building in Marine Casualty Investigation
- Enhanced Regional Cooperation and Thematic Synergies
- Establishment of Results-Based Frameworks
SLASPA and DIPT were praised for their outstanding hospitality and logistical coordination, which helped foster meaningful dialogue and collective decision-making among participants. Their leadership underscored Saint Lucia’s growing influence in regional maritime affairs.
The meeting reaffirmed the Caribbean’s shared commitment to building a safer, greener, and more resilient maritime sector, one anchored in accountability, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking policy development.
DIHMAR 4 also served as a reminder of the critical role of regional cooperation in navigating global maritime challenges and opportunities.