Port CEO Darwin Telemaque wants bold change across the Eastern Caribbean. He plans to address regional leaders soon. Moreover, he will speak at the Group Growth Summit.

He argues that maritime policies remain too fragmented. Therefore, he urges leaders to adopt one unified port system. He compares this idea to the success of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda has already taken steps forward. The country developed the Maritime Single Window platform. This system allows ships to clear electronically.

In addition, the technology now supports several islands. These include St Vincent, Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis. It also includes Montserrat and Anguilla. Telemaque said teams across these islands received training.

As a result, the region moves closer to a shared customs space. Goods could soon move freely across borders. However, port systems must match that progress.

Telemaque stressed key economic benefits. For example, the plan would remove extra duties on regional goods. It would also cut ship clearance times.

Currently, boarding teams take about 45 minutes per ship. However, electronic clearance could happen 12 hours earlier. This change would improve efficiency quickly.

Consequently, tourism workers could gain more income. Taxi drivers, for instance, would get more working hours. Visitors would also enjoy longer shore time.

Telemaque believes these gains could add up to millions over time. Therefore, he sees strong value in fast reform.

Still, he admits challenges remain. National sovereignty concerns may slow progress. However, he insists that sovereignty alone cannot drive growth.

Instead, he promotes a shared maritime space. He points to past regional cooperation during Cricket World Cup events. That model, he says, showed what unity can achieve.

Ultimately, Telemaque wants a stronger, more competitive region. He believes shared systems will boost investment. They could also improve connectivity across islands.

In closing, he highlighted long-term impact. A unified port system could serve future generations. Just like the central bank, it could outlast today’s leaders.