Caribbean shipping October conference in Guyana to take up trade matters

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 16:42 by Writer

The Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition scheduled to be held in October in Guyana is expected to focus on several key areas including supply chain management and regional trade facilitation, according to Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), Komal Singh.

The CSA confab, slated for October 25–28, 2026, would also focus on sustainable shipping practices and reducing carbon footprint, strengthening regional logistics given the increase in demand in the shipping industry for movement of cargo within the region and around the world, challenges facing the industry such as port congestion and draft restriction, as well as digitalisation and innovation in logistics and supply chain management.

Speaking at the recently-held 2026 US-Caribbean maritime and ports forum in Miami, Florida, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tropical Shipping, Tim Martin said several administrative and technical bottlenecks need to be cleared across the Caribbean where his line operates to improve trade efficiency including modern freight equipment, high operational efficiency, advanced technology to support customs clearance.

“Customers want their cargo as fast as possible and today in some of the ports in the Caribbean, vessels would discharge on a Friday, customs is closed on Saturday and Sunday. They start the clearance process on Monday and they don’t get their cargo until Wednesday so if you look at the time value of m0ney, with such a delay throughout the Caribbean it has a tremendous impact on the long-term profitability of local business,” he said.

The Bahamas-based Nassau Container Ports, which provides transshipment, logistics and regional connectivity, also offered a number of recommendations to make that hub more competitive.

President and Chief Financial Officer of Arawak Port Development Limited, Dionne Bethel said cybersecurity and intra-port security improvements were needed.

SAG said the CSA has already begun preparations for Guyana to host the regional conference for the first time.

CSA General Manager, Capella Ras and Operations Manager, Dionne Mason-Gordon were in Guyana from February 18-19 in preparation for hosting the more than 350 key maritime stakeholders from around the world.

During the visit the delegation engaged in strategic discussions with the SAG Chairman and members of the local organising committee (LOC).

The meetings focused on logistical coordination, venue readiness and compliance with CSA conference standards.

The SAG chairman underscored the importance of bringing the prestigious event to Guyana, noting the local maritime sector’s strong commitment to delivering a seamless, well-executed and fruitful conference.

Mr Singh confirmed that the LOC has already begun comprehensive preparations to ensure all CSA requirements are met. “This event comes at a time when Guyana continues to have exceptional economic and infrastructure transformation coupled with an abundance of opportunities for Guyanese, investors and by extension the Shipping Industry, Mr Singh was quoted as saying in a SAG statement.

“We are looking forward to an exceptional gathering that will bring together maritime leaders and stakeholders from across the Caribbean and around the world,” said Ms Ras. “Guyana’s readiness and the dedicated efforts of its organising team promise a memorable and impactful conference,” she added.

 The CSA officials also toured several hotels and conference venues earmarked for the event.

They were accompanied by SAG Trustee Andrew Astwood and Secretary/Manager Ian D’Anjou.