Jamaica – Key statements

Date: 29 July 2022

November 2023

1/11/23

  • Look forward to further deliberation on the question of underwater cultural heritage, note concerns of other delegations on reference to UNESCO and acknowledge them but thank facilitator for including them in the outcome report. Requires further consideration

July 2023

25/7/23

  • Jamaica acknowledged the consensus that “exploitation should not take place until draft regulations are in fact adopted and agreed and that there should be a comprehensive regulatory framework with robust protection for marine environment”

19/7/23

  • Jamaica supported coherence with other ocean governance regimes 

10/7/23

  • Jamaica acknowledged that the work of the ISA continues to face some public scrutiny and States have an important responsibility to champion one of the fundamental principles of UNCLOS, namely the protection of the common heritage of humankind. Jamaica is committed to this principle and will therefore work to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from any harmful effects that may arise from activities undertaken in the Area.

March 2023

23/3/23

  • The Delegation supported a functionally independent, properly financed inspectorate, headed by an Inspector General and staffed by a qualified team of inspectors

19/3/23

  • The delegation stated that “We will work to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment, from any harmful effects that may arise from activities undertaken in the area. To the development of appropriate rules, regulations and procedures. This is a core component of the authorities mandate, which we fully embrace and promote.”

July/August 2022

29/7/22

  • Stated that the EPC should be operationalized before the first plan of work for exploitation is agreed

26/7/22

  • The delegation highlighted that some contractors seem to be relying on work in other contract areas which is not consistent with individual obligations in contract Areas and should be kept under careful review.
  • They also stated that it remains unacceptable that some contractors do not feel it necessary to respond to the Legal and Technical Commission and cannot understand why it would have difficulty, such as more details on programme of activities to understand how developing its baselines. They stated that this lack of response in any area requires further action and should be brought to the attention of sponsoring states and kept under review by Council.
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