NV Havenbeheer Suriname/Suriname Port Management Company (SPMC) has announced that the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) has officially established its headquarters in Suriname. With this transition, Suriname becomes the central location of a regional organization representing 27 Caribbean ports and an international network of 42 associate members active in port-related services, technology, innovation, and training.

The formal handover took place in November in Paramaribo during a visit by a PMAC delegation led by former Executive Secretary Mr. Glenn Roach, former Executive Assistant Mrs. Linda Profijt-del Prado, and Advisor Dr. Everton Walters CBE. SPMC, a dedicated PMAC member since 2010, thus takes on a more prominent position within the Caribbean port community.

PMAC was founded in 1998 and evolved from the former Port Management Association of the Eastern Caribbean (PMAEC), which was established in 1988. PMAC's mission is to improve the operational efficiency and service levels of Caribbean ports through collaboration, information exchange, training, and the development of best practices. The organization also plays a key role in connecting Caribbean ports with international standards and global maritime developments.

The decision to locate the secretariat in Suriname was influenced by several factors. SPMC, as a member, has demonstrated strong support and active involvement, and PMAC strives to strengthen transnational diversity within the organization. Furthermore, broader socio-economic developments within the Surinamese port and maritime sector made the country a logical and strategic choice. The appointment of a qualified and motivated Executive Secretary also aligned with this approach and supported the final decision.

With the secretariat now located in Paramaribo, Suriname can significantly benefit from this regional presence. The country will gain greater strategic influence in shaping Caribbean port policy, innovation, and collaboration. Suriname and SPMC will gain direct access to PMAC expertise in areas such as modernization, digitalization, efficiency improvements, and port resilience. PMAC's presence also enhances capacity-building opportunities for local professionals through internationally certified training programs and ongoing knowledge exchange. Furthermore, the secretariat's establishment strengthens connections with global maritime organizations and increases Suriname's visibility as a hub for port development in the Caribbean.

The new secretariat is located at NV Havenbeheer Suriname, Havenlaan Zuid 5, in the Port Service Center. The office layout is currently being finalized, and contacts with stakeholders and members have already begun. Collaboration between SPMC staff and the PMAC team will focus on knowledge sharing, joint activities, and local coordination, supported by PMAC's regional expertise and extensive network.

PMAC has already begun implementing activities in Suriname. Recently, 12 employees from affiliated ports were sponsored to participate in the Risk and Incident Management in a Port Environment course of the Suriname Port Training Institute (SPTI), held from December 2–4 in Paramaribo. This initiative was made possible by the MoU signed by PMAC and SPTI during the 2025 PMAC Annual General Meeting (AGM). In the coming year, PMAC will continue to support its members with training and development opportunities, contributing to the professionalization of the Caribbean port sector. The next major milestone is the 29th PMAC AGM, which will take place in Trinidad & Tobago in June 2026.

As newly appointed Executive Secretary, Ms. Mary-Ann Abdoelkariem wants to spend her first year immersing herself in PMAC's operations, strengthening relationships with existing members, and identifying their needs. She also wants to encourage more organizations to join PMAC and benefit from the training, expertise, and regional collaboration it offers.

PMAC is issuing an open call to the Surinamese business community. The organization is committed to ports and port-related industries and encourages companies to connect with PMAC, explore available training opportunities, and contribute to the future of the Caribbean maritime sector. The PMAC AGM, registration is free for members, offers valuable insights into regional developments, best practices, and emerging opportunities in the Caribbean, and also serves as a powerful networking platform.

PMAC looks forward to welcoming interested parties to its new headquarters in Paramaribo. Appointments can be made via secretary@pmac-ports.com.

Original Source: https://vsbstia.org/?p=11069