The Caribbean Marine Association (CMA), held its second Annual General Meeting at Marigot
Bay, Saint Lucia on June 23rd, 2011. The meeting was held with the financial support of the
Centre for Development Enterprise (CDE), under a wider project to the CMA “Capacity Building
of the Caribbean Marine Association for Policy Dialogue and Promotion of the Sector Towards
the Goals of Many Islands, One Sea”
The CMA is the regional association representing the voice of the national marine trade
associations throughout the Caribbean. At present, there are eight national member
associations in the CMA. The main objective of the CMA is to promote and protect the
interests of the recreational marine industry throughout the Caribbean region. Priorities
include: increasing awareness of the industry, harmonization of legal and regulatory
frameworks, protecting the marine environment, enhancing visitor safety and fostering
harmonious cooperation between member countries and their governments
Immediate Past President, Hon. Keats Compton advised those present that the CMA welcomed
the support of the CDE to re-invigorate the organization. The CMA was first launched in 2005
with two years of steady activity. Despite active progress made by the CMA in that time, due to
financial and human constraints, the CMA became dormant in 2009.
At this meeting, the several areas of priority for the CMA in the immediate to long term were
identified:
- Establishment of a dedicated and sustainable CMA Secretariat
- Increased membership base of the CMA including; national marine associations, marine
businesses and individuals within the marine industry - Marketing and promotion of the industry through the CMA website and through
national and regional branding and events - Training for the industry tanks
Utilisation of surveys and statistics for lobbying and advocacy to Governments and key Regional organisations on:
- Environmental issues (TBT Anti-fouling, moorings in protected areas, holding tanks)
- Safety and Security
- Harmonisation of Customs and Immigration processes in the Region (E-Sea Clear)
through phased projects and cooperation with the Caribbean Customs Law
Enforcement Council (CCLEC) with the ultimate goal of a single clearance and
seamless cruising throughout the region
The new Board of Directors, representing each Member Marine Trades organisation of the CMA
were appointed to serve for a period of three years, to 2014:
- President: John Duffy, Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association (ABMA)
- Vice President : Bob Hathaway – Marine Industries Association of Saint Lucia (MIASL)
- Secretary : Kass Johnson-Halliday – St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA)
- Treasurer: Anita Sutton – Marine and Yachting Association of Grenada (MAYAG)
- Immediate Past President: Keats Compton – Marine Industries Association of Saint Lucia
(MIASL) - Board Member: Shamine Johnson – Marine Operators of the Bahamas (MOB)
- Board Member: Sam Welch – Marine Association of the British Virgin Islands
- Board Member: John West – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Recreational Marine Association
- Board Member: Donald Stollmeyer (interim) – Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and
Tobago (YSATT)
For the initial six months under the new Board directorate, the CMA Secretariat will be hosted
by the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association.
For more information on the Caribbean Marine Association, visit the website at: http://www.caribbeanmarineassociation.com
Or contact CMA President John Duffy at: info@caribbeanmarineassociation.com
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