By Nakasia Logan
June 25 marks the annual Day of the Seafarers, a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of those who navigate the seas to keep global trade flowing smoothly.
This year, a seminar was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to honor these essential workers.
The event highlighted the vital role seafarers play in the maritime industry, with speakers acknowledging the challenges and dangers they face.
Marine Engineer Consultant Latchman Persaud, who has been in the industry for half a century, emphasized the importance of safety in this demanding profession.
Persaud stressed that while the job can be overwhelming, adhering to safety protocols learned during training and through experience is crucial.
With Guyana’s growing economy and increasing maritime activities, Persaud expressed hope that more Guyanese would join the profession, which is currently understaffed.
He also recognized the efforts of various institutions in training new seafarers, noting that the country is about 95% behind the required number of professional seafarers.
Persaud is optimistic that with continued training and support, this gap can be filled in the next five to six years.
Director of Legal Services at MARAD, Thandi McAllister, echoed similar sentiments and commended the government for its initiatives in training more maritime officials under the GOAL programme.
She highlighted that more than 150 cadets are currently benefiting from maritime education through this program.
The seminar also revealed that there are over eleven thousand seafarers registered with the Maritime Department.
This year’s Seafarers Day is celebrated under the theme “Seafarer’s Contribution to Making the Maritime Sector a Safer Workplace.”