Senior government officials in Mauritius are working to enhance maritime security governance and national-level decision-making, with IMO support.
A Tabletop Exercise and National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC) workshop held in Port Louis (28 - 30 April) aimed to strengthen interagency cooperation among participating government departments, ministries and agencies, and to reinforce the structure of the NMSC.
This enhanced structure is expected to support more inclusive and coordinated decision-making, ultimately contributing to improved maritime safety and security, regional stability and sustainable development.
During the opening ceremony, Hon. Dr. Arvin Boolell, GOSK, Minister for Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, reaffirmed Mauritius' commitment to maritime security and ocean governance. He proclaimed the country’s bold vision to transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Big Ocean State, stating:
“This vision underlines Mauritius’ determination to harness the full potential of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone, ensuring that the seas are not just a space of vulnerability, but a domain of opportunity and prosperity. A safer, well-governed maritime space is essential to achieving a thriving blue economy.”
This strategic ambition reflects a growing understanding of the critical link between maritime security and sustainable economic growth.
A total of 27 participants took part in the workshop, which forms part of a series of activities under the European Union-funded project on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (“Port Security Project”). The project, implemented jointly by IMO, INTERPOL and UNODC, benefits nine participating countries including Mauritius.
“Inter-agency collaboration and information sharing are not optional, but essential to effectively counter the dynamic and transnational nature of maritime threats,” said IMO’s Mr. Kiruja Micheni. “Mauritius' commitment to institutionalizing a whole-of-government approach sets a strong example for the region.”
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy & Fisheries, including Junior Minister Hon. Gilles Fabrice David, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Devina Ramma; and Secretary for Shipping Development Dr. Kiran Shamloll, as well as representatives from a range of national agencies and authorities involved in maritime security.