FEATURE
Q&A
Dwight Gardiner with Minister of Tourism John Maginley the various obligations of the State under the international maritime conventions are met from various points of views; I am able to lobby other maritime stakeholders in Antigua and Barbuda to ensure that the State meets these obligations in their entirety under the conventions; and I have a holistic view of the requirements of the Department to operate as a leading maritime administration while improving my leadership abilities.) The aforementioned factors have resulted in benefitting and or enhancing the expansion and diversification of the Department. BF: How do you establish and maintain partnerships locally and overseas that are needed for the success of ADOMS? DG: I do this by forging and maintaining vital relationships through consultation and communication—these are key factors in establishing and sustaining partnerships. ADOMS has been working assiduously over the years to involve all of our local partners in the maritime affairs committee--a body set up to ensure the participation of all local maritime stakeholders in maritime affairs of the State. Regarding our overseas partners, we have two offices in Germany as German ship-owners generate 85% of ADOMS’ business. Therefore, we are in constant communication and consultation with our German partners to ensure that the needs of our clients are satisfactorily addressed—timely, effectively and efficiently. To stay current and in touch with our partners, attendance at the meetings of the International Maritime Organization, the governing body of the maritime industry headquartered in London, is very 50 |
BusinessFocus • December/January 11/12
crucial. Information obtained from these meetings and consultations with our colleagues at the meetings directly impact and determine the various actions undertaken by the Department. I have also established and maintained partnerships through the various international and regional positions that I am fortunate to hold while ensuring that ADOMS stays focus on its vision, mission, strategies and objectives; all of the aforementioned work in harmony and are critical to the ongoing success of ADOMS. BF: Can you name some of ADOMS’ vital partners? Some of ADOMS’ vital partners include every organization in Antigua and Barbuda which has the potential to impact the national maritime policy, inter alia, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard; Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority; Fisheries Department; Office of the Attorney General; National Solid Waste Management Authority; Environment Division; Financial Services Regulatory Commission; Local law firms and management companies; International maritime financial institutions; International classification societies; and International maritime law firms and ship-owners; all of the aforementioned are considered to be vital partners of ADOMS. BF: ADOMS has attained several international certifications. What was necessary to achieve these milestones? DG: Paramount in the achievement of these milestones is the Government of Antigua and Barbuda sharing ADOMS’ vision, mission and strategy and providing the necessary ongoing support in the execution of the vision, mission and strategy. Most strategically, ADOMS’ embarkation on an aggressive recruitment drive to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills,