On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, it is with pleasure that I extend warm congratulations to The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) on its 25th Anniversary. The BMA has a distinguished history of professionalism, a history of growth and of accomplishment.
Our people and our Bahamas have been tested. We experienced the ferocity and destruction of an unprecedented hurricane. We are fighting to emerge stronger from the scourge of a global pandemic.
Throughout, our vision has been to restore the safety and the well-being of our people, ensuring that every Bahamian, every family, every child, has the opportunity for advancement, that every generation can enjoy a better life with greater opportunities and ownership.
The BMA has been an influence for the good. Each year it contributes to the national good. Each year it provides an important focal point for the maritime sector in our country, as well as leadership in the maritime sector around the world.
We thank our ship owners for their support of our Ship Registry. We pledge to them that our commitment to service is at every level of government.
The maritime sector is the third-largest contributor to our economy. We will continue to build on this. We will utilize The BMA’s expertise and its international partnerships to help meet the next generation of maritime challenges.
We must also ensure that shipping remains an increasingly positive force – in The Bahamas and worldwide – for the international economy and for the marine environment.
I commend BMA Chairman Denise Lewis-Johnson for her service during the pandemic. She and her small team, supported by The BMA and the Port Department, have along with many others, helped keep Bahamians safe.
This dynamic team has helped The Bahamas to serve our partners in the cruise industry in this hour of need, providing shelter to their ships in these most challenging of times.
I thank the talent of The BMA, here at home and around the globe, for their dedication and service. I wish the next 25 years to mark further success for The BMA.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority will continue to support and enhance our industry partnerships. It will also continue to navigate and promote a maritime future emblematic of our leading role in maritime regulation and supportive of the people of our wonderful Commonwealth.
