By Our Staff Writer
MONROVIA: With the sun streaming on Capitol Hill, Senators lined up in the Senate Chambers waiting to hear the vision of the new Commissioner-designate of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Leighe.
Whether they knew it or not, these Senators were experiencing a new era of maritime vision: powered by Cllr. Leighe.
Recently, the Liberian Registry reached a historic milestone when it overtook Panama as the largest open-ship registry in the world in terms of gross registered tonnage.
The Liberia Maritime Authority, continues to actively engage and participate at the highest level of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an effort that was recently crowned by the historic re-election of Liberia to Category-A of the Council of the International Maritime Organization, which is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping.
Commissioner Leighe disclosed his leadership is “committed to relentlessly protect and uphold this excellent record, which serves as a major attraction for vessels flying the Liberian flag.”
Cllr. Leighe, speaking during his confirmation hearing at the Senate on Thursday, said while the picture of our Maritime Program on the international front is so envious and attractive, the domestic maritime program remains a far cry from a success story.
He stressed that the task at hand is to harness the opportunities presented domestically to create a viable maritime program that promotes and sustains economic growth.
But, Houthi rebels and the lingering effects of the Russia-Ukraine War on global trade seems to be a challenge for the new LMA boss.
He said, the Maritime Authority remains engaged with the relevant international actors to develop and implement measures to ensure the safety and security of all seagoing vessels, including Liberian flagged vessels.
Accordingly, the Liberia Maritime Authority is faced with challenges including the development of coastal transportation and inland water transportation network.
Cllr. Leighe adds that other issues vision for Liberia maritime activities will include ship bunkering services, drydocking and ship support services, ship demolition and recycling.
Leighe said, if the needed investments are made in the areas mentioned above, they will yield to creating a “blue economy for Liberia.”
This will ultimately support sustained economic growth, poverty reduction, and employment for thousands of Liberians across the country, the new Maritime boss told Senate.
“This, we are convinced, will not only increase Maritime’s contribution to the national budget, but it is certain to create investment and job opportunities for many jobless young Liberians,” he added.
Last week, the new Maritime Commissioner-designate assured the Senators that, he will work diligently and exert “my utmost best efforts, utilizing the expertise of the team at the Liberia Maritime Authority.” He indicated that the President’s guidance is needed “to promote growth and development of the Liberian domestic maritime sector.”
“To this end, I intend to align the interim strategy of the Liberia Maritime Authority to create the necessary synergy with President Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda,” said Netto Zarzar Leighe.
