The National Office of Disaster Services, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Services and the International Maritime Organisation, launched a five-day workshop this week to review and update the country’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
The workshop — which brings together representatives from multiple government agencies, including the Fire Department, APUA, Global Ports Holdings, tourism, health, the environment and the Coast Guard — aims to enhance pollution preparedness and response mechanisms while addressing critical gaps in the current framework. Speaking at the opening session, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Sarah Stuart, emphasized the importance of marine protection for the twin-island state.
