By Amar PandayThe Shipping Association of Guyana on Monday,Jordan Hamilton Toronto Shirts, last, held its Annual Dinner and Presentation at the Pegasus Hotel, under the theme “International Shipping Challenges for the Caribbean”.Andrew Astwood,Mikel Merino Dortmund Shirts, Chairman of the body, in his remarks to a gathering of stakeholders,Rasul Douglas Jersey, said that there has been much work since the entity’s incorporation in 1995 and the new Association has been operating through a guided strategic plan launched in 2003.He said that there has been constant collaboration and dialogue with the main stakeholders: the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Revenue Authority, GDF Coast Guard,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, the Private Sector Commission and several other Government and private sector organizations, locally and regionally, notably the Caribbean Shipping Association and the Caribbean Maritime Institute.Astwood declared that as the Association commenced activities in 2010, high on the Agenda continued to be the deepening of the Demerara harbour.It was moreover stressed that albeit Guyana is poorly ranked in this area by the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, much has been achieved in 2010 with respect to putting into action the 83 recommendations of a Public Private Dialogue Report completed in 2009 on import export procedures.Several new initiatives including the computerization of information related to the clearance of goods processed, a new customs warehouse and the acquisition of a container scanner soon to be commissioned were launched. In this regard, Astwood submitted “we must recognize the work of the National Competitiveness Strategy Unit in this process and commend the GRA for responding positively to the recommendations.”With regard to the Guyana Brazil Road Corridor, it was revealed that opportunities for trading activities in Guyana and the involvement of the Shipping sector were explored.? Much discussion was held in this area and the SAG has pledged its commitment to the Government to be involved in the development of a container terminal in the industrial zone at Lethem.Astwood submitted that safety and security are of immense value to shipping and that the Association’s work with MARAD continued to ensure terminals conform to ISPS regulations. He added that two visits from the US Coast Guard yielded positive reports on the Shipping sector’s preparedness.He pointed out that in an effort to stimulate improvement in operating standards within the industry, there were also deliberations in the areas of:a.?? ?Training where consultations were held with the University of Guyana and the Critchlow Labour College and regionally with the CMI.b.?? ?Vehicle Weight Limitation Regulations.c.?? ? Establishing standards for handling rates for shipping services – It was pointed out that the level of freight charges continues to be a concern to shippers. Reportedly, this item represents 12.4% of total cost to export cargo to the US, compared with an average 4% in other Caribbean ports. Astwood said that “while this issue is not directly within our control, it was recognized that deeper sailing draft for vessels leaving the port could contribute to some reduction in freight charges over time.”d.?? ?Night Retracting of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.e.?? ?Regulations for the Exportation of Scrap Metal.The shipping Association’s chairman further submitted that the entity has been relentless in its efforts to have the draft situation in the Demerara Harbour attended to as a matter of urgency, particularly because of the negative effect it continues to have on trade.“We have been involved and given support to the establishment of a deep water harbour for which the Berbice River has been identified. However,Marco Fabian Jersey, we cannot allow for over 85% of our country’s trade to be frozen and kept in waiting for such development. Solutions for Demerara must become a priority if we intend to sustain activities in the main port.”Astwood continued that “as we look to the future and embrace plans for the year ahead, it is my hope that members continue to give the support necessary to make the Association a dynamic and vibrant one and be able to position itself to play a greater role in the industry.”Carlos Urriola, President of the Caribbean Shipping Association, who gave the feature address, delivered a presentation entitled Global Economics, Trade & Maritime Transport – Possible Impact on Guyana.Urriola’s presentation examined the state of the shipping sector from a regional