The Caribbean region is set to benefit from two new, targeted projects aimed at strengthening maritime governance and implementation of IMO instruments, with funding secured from international partners, namely Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Project 1: Carib-SAP (Model Strategy Toolkit)
The first initiative, named Carib-SAP, addresses the lack of comprehensive national strategies required under the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code), particularly among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Carib-SAP proposes the development of a Model Overall Strategy Toolkit, which will serve as the foundation for a future regional maritime strategy. The project will proceed in two phases, with Oman funding the preparatory first phase. This preparatory work will focus on the foundational analytical and consultative activities necessary to create the Toolkit and prepare for the broader Caribbean Regional Maritime Strategy and Action Plan.
The overall project objective is to provide Member States with practical resources to prepare and implement their national strategies. This is intended to establish a coherent and inclusive Regional Maritime Strategy for the Caribbean that supports regional coordination, strengthens IMO instruments implementation, and promotes digitalization, safety, security, environmental protection, and sustainable blue economy development.
Project 2: Carib-SMART-Law (Legislative Capacity)
The second project, Carib-SMART-Law, is funded by Saudi Arabia and focuses on strengthening maritime legislation, enforcement, and specialized drafting capacity. Gaps in these areas can often delay the adoption and implementation of IMO instruments.
Building on recommendations from the CARIBSMART Preparatory Project, CARIBSMART-Law will operate over 24 months to enhance legislative drafting, improve policy alignment, and build institutional capacity across participating States. This is designed to enable countries to effectively ratify, transpose, and enforce priority IMO instruments.
Based on the needs and country's commitments to participate in the project, the project will provide direct support to the participating States, including assistance with drafting maritime laws, developing inter-agency protocols, and refining national maritime policy strategies, all coordinated through the IMO's Regional Presence Office.
Beneficiary countries for Carib-Smart: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
Beneficiary countries for Carib-Smart Law: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
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