NASSAU, Bahamas, Oct 15, CMC – Bahamas has become the second Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to indicate that it will not be voting in support of a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing reducing emissions in the maritime sector.
Earlier, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said St. John’s was not in favour of voting in support of the measure being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) hat was approved in April this year.
The matter is set for adoption during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting that is taking place until October 17.
“The Bahamas had some time ago written to the IMO to ask for the vote to be postponed, and if the vote is not postponed, we expect to abstain,” said Foreign Affairs Minister, Fred Mitchell.
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, said while the IMO Net-Zero Framework “is not perfect,” it “provides a balanced basis for our further work ahead of its entry into force in 2027.
“This process has been inclusive and thorough,” Dominguez added, urging delegates to approach the talks “with diplomacy and respect”.
(Details in Full News Section)
CMC/2025