Dion Foulkes News

Speaking at a worship service marking the beginning of a week of activities to celebrate World Maritime Day, Maritime and Labour Minister Dion Foulkes indicated he believes the maritime industry can significantly expand to rival the financial services sector once opportunity is taken to tap into its potential. Minister Foulkes said The Bahamas has a healthy climate for Maritime Affairs, and it is his Ministry's responsibility to see that it remains. Minister Foulkes indicated that The Bahamas takes pride in its International Ship Register which ranks third in the world, boasting of more than 45 million gross tons and is the premier register for cruise and passenger ship fleet. [Source: The Freeport News]

The Bahamas is hoping to boost its ship registry from the third largest in the world to number one with the help of one of the country’s closest and most significant trading allies, the Bahamas Journal reported. It is one of the reasons why the government sought to renew its commitment with officials of the Port of Palm Beach, the 4th busiest port in Florida and the 18th busiest in the United States. Minister of Maritime Affairs and Labour Senator Dion Foulkes officially made that move Tuesday, a key step in fulfilling one of the promises outlined in the governing party’s Manifesto 2007 – to establish linkages in the economic sector.