THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will be hosting a number of activities in Parika and Georgetown in observance of World Maritime Day 2017 on Thursday.

In a statement MARAD said every year World Maritime Day is celebrated to bring attention to the importance of shipping, maritime safety and security, the protection of the marine environment and to emphasise a particular aspect of the work of the International Maritime Organization.

The theme for World Maritime Day 2017 is “Connecting Ships, Ports and People.” This year’s theme was adopted to focus attention on the existing co-operation between ports and ships, and enhancing a safe and secure transportation system in the maritime sector.
Among the activities planned by MARAD are: an essay competition; a Safety walk – September 23, 2017 – from Parika Outfalls to Parika Stelling; Church service – September 24, 2017 – St. Andrews’s Kirk; Maritime Exhibition – September 28, 2017 – Parika Stelling; Marine Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony – September 29, 2017 – Umana Yana
MARAD said too that it has collaborated with MATPAL Marine Institute, the Shipping Association of Guyana, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and other industry stakeholders to host this year’s exhibition. The general public is invited to this year’s maritime exhibition.