Minister of the Environment & Natural Resources, Hon. Vaughn P. Miller, makes his remarks at the at the 30th anniversary of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and its 29th Session in Kingston, Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources the Hon. Vaughn P. Miller called on the International Seabed Authority to develop robust environmental regulations, stringent monitoring mechanisms and a comprehensive framework for impact assessments to minimise the potential adverse effects of deep-sea mining.  Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and its 29th Session in Kingston, Jamaica, Minister Miller said the platform is set for “critical discussions that will shape the future of our shared ocean resources”. The ISA is the United Nations governing body for activities in the areas of ocean beyond national jurisdiction.

The Bahamas chose between two candidates for Secretary General of the ISA that offer different views on the future of deeps-sea mining. The last election was held in 2016, which saw Michael Lodge of the United Kingdom return to office. Ms. Carvalho emerged as the new Secretary General of the ISA. She is the first woman and the first scientist to hold the position.

(L-R) Nicholas Higgs, Bahamian Marine Biologist; Karen Rolle, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Captain Godfrey Rolle, Chairman, Bahamas Maritime Delimitation Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; David Davis, Permanent Secretary, MENR; Hon. Vaughn P. Miller, Minister of the Environment & Natural Resources; Rhianna Neely-Murphy, PhD, Director, DEPP and Fayne Thompson, MENR Consultant

(L-R) Letícia Carvalho, New Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Hon. Vaughn P. Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources