The Tribune

Arawak Port Development Company (APD) will host The Bahamas’ first ever Maritime Festival on May 11 at its Nassau Container Port facility to highlight the industry’s various service providers.

The event will take place from noon to 10pm, and is also intended to celebrate BISX-listed APD’s 10th anniversary. Mike Maura Jr, APD’s president and chief executive, said the festival was an opportunity for the port community, including the Government agencies affiliated with the maritime industry, to expose the services they offer and allow valued stakeholders to promote their maritime initiatives.

“As we sat and reflected on ten impactful and wonderful years here at the Nassau Container Port, we’re reminded every day that our success here at APD is very much part of the hard work, the dedication and commitment of all our maritime partners and stakeholders. We would not be as good as we are without working hand in hand with our partners,” said Mr Maura.

“We’re taking this opportunity on May 11 to celebrate our maritime space, and to introduce this essential sector to the wider community. The Bahamian maritime industry offers so much, and on May 11 the public will be introduced to career possibilities throughout the private sector, government and NGO maritime areas, and hopefully leave better educated on this important national asset.”

The festival will feature a wide variety of maritime operators, national security services and environmental agents. Each organisation will present its vital purpose, unique history and plans for the future. This event is free to the public, who can meet representatives from the Bahamas National Trust, BREEF, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Customs, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Health, Bahamas Maritime Authority, LJM Maritime Academy, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Tropical Shipping, Abaco Shipping and RORO Company.

Attendees will also be able to tour the shipping companies’ container vessels and learn about how they operate, plus board a Royal Bahamas Defense Force vessel. The latter’s Commando Squadron will conduct a live demonstration, and its band will provide entertainment.

Other stakeholders, including The Royal Bahamas Police Marine Unit, will conduct demonstrations on the water, while the Bahamas Customs Department will give attendees an intimate look at its operations.

APD is also promising to make its festival green, restricting the use of single-use plastic and Styrofoam at the festival site. “We are extremely focused and dedicated to our marine environment and trying to make what we do better for our country and safer for our country,” Mr Maura said.

For every person that attends the festival, APD will make a donation to three local charities: LJM Maritime Academy; Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Youth Programme; and Bahamas Reef Environment & Educational Foundation (BREEF).