Maritime Authority of Jamaica appoints new leader

He already represents MAJ on numerous IMO committees, at the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds and at maritime-related International Labour Organization meetings.

Mr Smith is the current head of the MAJ delegation to two major IMO committees - the Legal Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee. He also serves as a member of the IMO panel of experts on the STCW Convention and his expertise in maritime law led to his engagement by IMO and in the Caribbean region on matters related the implementation of IMO treaties and merchant shipping legislation.

His appointment comes as MAJ is deepening international and regional partnerships and acceding to the International Convention on the Facilitation of Maritime Traffic.

“Partnerships will play a big role in the modernisation of the Jamaican shipping industry and the promotion of sustainable shipping in our waters,” said Mr Smith.

“The MAJ looks forward to deepening its partnerships with private and public stakeholders in the local and international shipping industry.”

Mr Smith is an attorney-at-law and a graduate of the Norman Manley Law School and the World Maritime University in Sweden. Prior to his appointment on 2 April 2024, he served as the MAJ’s director for legal affairs and was a member of the senior executive team.

Mr Smith is only the second director general of the MAJ since its inception in 1999. He succeeds rear admiral Peter Brady.