Participants in a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, held at the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), concluded their training Thursday eager to move forward on a number of initiatives.The 21 individuals from 16 different departments and organizations have noted their interest in having the plan reviewed, engaging in additional training and supporting each other in an effort to enhance oil spill preparedness and response on the island.The workshop was organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) in collaboration with NODS and with support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).It was facilitated by Senior Managing Director of the Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Miguel Moyano and Science, Technology and Stakeholder Engagement Officer from Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) Michael Hernandez.

OSRL, a UK registered company, is reported to be the world’s largest industry-funded cooperative for oil spill preparedness and response.

Regional Coordinator for the IMO Vivian Rambarath-Parasram has pledged her organization’s support towards further development of the region’s efforts. She also had high praise for ADOMS which she noted has been very dynamic in the region.

The training had representatives from the West Indies Oil Company, the Ministry of Health, National Solid Waste Management Agency, the Department of Environment, Fire and Police forces, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard, NODS, the air and sea ports, ADOMS, Antigua Cruise Ports, the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, Fisheries Division and the Met Office.

Participants were presented with certificates at the end of the training.