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Statement by
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Most Honourable P. J. Patterson, O.N., P.C., Q.C., M.P.
to the
Special Session of the Assembly to Mark the Tenth Anniversary
of the Establishment of the International Seabed Authority
25 May 2004, Kingston, Jamaica
President of the Assembly to the International Seabed
Authority, Secretary-General of the International Seabed
Authority,
Honourable Ministers,
Mr. Ralph Zacklin - Legal Counsel of the United Nations,
representing
His Excellency Kofi Annan, Secretary-General
Your Excellencies,
Delegates
Specially Invited Guests,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of
seeing a vision realised that I extend a warm welcome to
Jamaica to this distinguished gathering. We meet here
today to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the
coming into force of the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea and the establishment of the International
Sea bed Authority.
UWI LIBRARIES
Over the past ten years, Jamaica has sought to justify the
trust placed in us by the international community by
making Kingston the home of the International Seabed
Authority. In all modesty, I think we can claim to have
fulfilled our mandate.
Twenty-one years ago the International Community
ushered in an era of effective management and regulation
of the resources of the ocean, the magnitude of which
was unparalleled 1n modern history. This was
accomplished in a climate of significant ideological,
political and economic changes which had engulfed the
world and, for the very first time saw the interests and
needs of developing countries taken into consideration.
2
UWI LIBRARIES
The International Seabed Authority has made an indelible
mark on the way we conduct affairs with respect to
resources of the world's oceans. In so doing, it has
created the bedrock - no pun intended - for cooperation
between the developed and developing States and a
nexus between the countries of the industrialized North
and those of the developing South.
The work of the Authority over the past ten years has
been arduous. The many meetings, dominated by
proposals, counter-proposals, drafts, redrafts, heated
debates and other exchanges, coupled with long hours
have all been worthwhile. This is manifested not only in
the presence of the many representatives here today, but
also in the quality of the work accomplished.
3
UWI LIBRARIES
During that period, the International Seabed Authority has
called Jamaica home. We have done all we can to ensure
that it settled into its new home easily and comfortably.
The signing of the Headquarters Agreement in 1999 and
the completion of a Supplementary Agreement, slated to
be presented at these deliberations during this Assembly,
is a strong signal of our long-term commitment and
dedication.
I pause here, Mr. Chairman, to pay tribute to the many
representatives of the Legal and Technical Commission,
the Finance Committee and the staff of the Secretariat for
their commitment, skill and the sense of purpose which
has characterized the work of the Authority. Permit me
also to pay special tribute to the first Secretary-General of
the International Seabed Authority, His Excellency Satya
Nandan, under whose leadership the achievements of
these ten years have been realized.
4
UWI LIBRARIES
Today, because of the tremendous work by the Authority,
'Regulations on Prospecting and Explorations for
Polymetallic Nodules have been adopted, which by its
own account has enabled the Authority, for the first time,
to finally enter into legally binding contracts with pioneer
investors, thereby incorporating them under the umbrella
of a practical, tangible and organized regime - a specific
intent of the Convention.
In the majority of instances, the work of the Authority is
pioneering and requires extensive marine scientific
research. To this end, we applaud the decision of the
Authority to establish international collaboration in marine
scientific research, and the establishment of a series of
workshops and seminars on specific issues related to deep
seabed mining.
These activities will increase the level of knowledge and
understanding of deep sea ecology, redounding to the
benefit of generations to come.
5
UWI LIBRARIES
A major challenge facing many developing States is that of
taking full advantage of the opportunities to help in the
policy direction. The Voluntary Trust Fund, which was
established to assist in this regard, is a step in the right
direction and a signal of the further strengthening of a
partnership for development between developed and
developing States. We would like to encourage those
States which can contribute to the fulfilment of the dream,
to take on board the interests of the vulnerable.
Mr. Chairman, ten years ago we were all parties to a
memorable achievement. Today we commemorate the
perpetuation of that vision, ensuring that the future must
continue to serve the interests of mankind as a whole.
6
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Since the entry into force of the Convention on the Law of
the Sea in 1994, Jamaica has pursued a maritime policy
concordant with these new international regulations. The
country now has in place a National Council on Ocean and
Coastal Zone Management mandated, among other
things, to provide the conditions of governance required
for effective integrated coastal zone management. To this
end, the Council has finalized a Policy, which was
approved by Parliament in 2004, and continues to give
advice on ocean and coastal matters, in furtherance of the
goal of integrated management.
7
UWI LIBRARIES
The establishment of the Maritime Authority of
Jamaica is another link in our maritime development
strategy, geared towards effectively regulating and
developing the marine activities of the island. To secure
the boundaries of our territoria I waters and Exel usive
Economic Zone, we continue our efforts to increase our
fleet of patrol vessels to better manage our maritime
space. Jamaica is committed to preserving the "common
heritage" and will continue to play its part in any capacity
necessary to achieve this end.
8
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On behalf of the Government and People of Jamaica, I
express our delight in having been bestowed with the
singular honour of welcoming to these warm shores, the
many delegations and participants these past years, and
stress our willingness to continue in the role of host for as
long as it is the desire of the international community for
us to do so.
We remain committed to providing the most suitable and
appropriate environment for the Authority to conduct its
work in the years ahead. UWI LIBRARIES
