In a landmark achievement for Caribbean maritime leadership, Jamaica has been decisively re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with an unprecedented 129 votes—the highest tally the nation has ever received in the organization’s electoral history. This decisive victory occurred during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly at the organization’s London headquarters in November 2025.
The resounding endorsement reflects Jamaica’s growing influence in global maritime affairs. Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, characterized the re-election as recognition of Jamaica’s dedicated advocacy not only for national interests but for the entire Caribbean region and other member states. Speaking from London following the newly constituted Council’s meeting, Smith emphasized that the upcoming biennium presents both significant challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding the complex transition toward maritime decarbonization.
This electoral success marks Jamaica’s ninth consecutive term in Category C of the IMO Council, the governing body that oversees organizational operations between biennial Assembly sessions. The Council wields substantial authority, including approval of committee work, budget proposals, recommendations for Secretary General appointments, and development of strategic policy frameworks including the IMO’s strategic plan.
Jamaica’s sophisticated electoral campaign was orchestrated by a specialized Steering Committee comprising multiple government entities: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Jamaican High Commission in London, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications.
The IMO Council’s composition ensures global representation through three distinct categories: Category A includes ten nations with the largest international shipping services; Category B comprises ten states with the most significant interest in seaborne trade; and Category C consists of twenty countries representing diverse geographic regions with special maritime transport interests.
The newly elected Council convened its 136th session on December 4th in London, where leadership positions for the next two-year period were determined through internal elections.