CSA pledges USD10,000 for Hurricane-ravaged Haiti at opening of annual conference
From Caribbean Shipping Association
A pledge of financial assistance to hurricane-ravaged Caribbean territory Haiti from President David Jean Marie marked the ceremonial opening of the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 46th Annual General Meeting, Conference & Exhibition at the Hyatt Regency Port of Spain, Trinidad on Monday, October 17, 2016.
“There is a need for urgent humanitarian assistance to Haiti, given the level of destruction. In addition to the efforts we may be making individually or through our companies and countries, the General Council wishes to have the CSA involved in tangible ways. We have therefore commenced a drive to raise funds by pledging an initial USD 10,000, and we invite all our members and associates to contribute through the Secretariat. We will soon be writing you in this regard,” he said.
Turning to the current trends causing upheaval in the shipping industry, Jean Marie issued a rallying call for members to innovate, adapt and transform their businesses in order to survive.
He pointed to sustained weakness in global trade growth, intense competition, a mismatch in supply and demand, and historically low freight rates which have forced the industry to drastically cut costs and seek out operating efficiencies wherever possible. That drive for efficiency has led to mergers and acquisitions becoming a disruptive feature of the current global transformation of maritime trade. Those bearing the financial brunt of the rapid changes, include much of the CSA’s membership base, i.e. NVOCC’s, agents, brokers, freight forwarders, truckers and other transportation intermediaries.
Caribbean shipping interests have no choice but to adjust and transform accordingly, said the CSA President.
“We cannot and will not roll over and die. Instead, we must look for ways to diversify our businesses and form partnerships within the Caribbean context. The geography of our region dictates that shipping will survive to the end of time – so as players in this business we must create opportunities for ourselves.”
He added that the CSA has, and will continue to play a pivotal role in harmonizing the Caribbean shipping industry into an integrated community through fora such as this conference, continued lobbying efforts and a robust training agenda to grow the cadre of maritime professionals across the region.
