The workshop which is expected to train operational
level personnel and other actors to combat maritime crimes, including piracy
and armed robbery was sponsored by the European Union (EU) through its Support
to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) programme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the workshop, Mr
Augustus Addy-Lamptey, the Project Coordinator of SWAIMS said the project was
expected to enable the participants to collaborate effectively to combat
maritime crimes such as maritime security, functional areas, legal and policy
framework, blue economy, maritime crisis, the Yaounde Architecture, and
managing complexities.
He tasked the participants to take full advantage of
the course to enable them help in fighting the maritime crimes in their various
jurisdictions.
“I am glad about the turnout and the commitment from
the various participants because they demonstrated a lot of technical know-how
throughout the duration of the workshop.“I believe it will serve them well if
they can take advantage of what they have learnt here in the discharge of their
duties in their various jurisdictions,” said Mr Addy-Lamptey.
For his part, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the
Regional Maritime University, Dr Jethro W. Brooks was optimistic that the
continuous capacity building of maritime workers could help in eradicating
these crimes.
He called on the participants to be worthy ambassadors
in the sub-region to help sanitise the maritime industry.
“The course is very important and I entreat all of you
to be worthy ambassadors in the sub-region so we can sanitise the maritime
industry.
“This I believe with the continuous training of
workers would go a long to help in eradicating maritime crimes.”