On Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020, at a meeting with the senior management, the Honourable Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen Thomas as the new Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). Ms. Claudette Rogers was repositioned as the Adviser on Maritime affairs.

 

The administration was tasked to conduct a review of all its systems and functions, within the next 10 days, as well as to assess the capacity and skill sets of its employees. The announcement of the new appointments as well as the policy directions that were given were warmly received by the management, rank and file workers.

 

Various members of staff expressed gratitude for the role Ms. Claudette Rogers played and wished her well in her new role as Advisor while remaining a member of the Senior Management Division at the Administration.

 

Similarly, words of welcome were offered to the incoming Director General at every engagement held.

Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill held separate meetings with senior management at his office, staff at MARAD’s headquarters and the boat house officers at Stabroek.

Mr. Stephen Thomas, who is well positioned to facilitate this new policy direction comes to the portfolio with key experiences and educational background such as:

• Mr. Thomas served over three decades in the ports and maritime sector, with the majority of it being as a senior officer with the Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD) and the Maritime Administration Department;

• Mr. Thomas Served as Cadet, Mate and Captain on T&HD and other companies’ vessels;

• He possesses intimate knowledge of the various maritime and riparian communities, their culture and economic activities;

• He’s familiar with the port and maritime issues throughout Guyana and the major stakeholders;

• As Harbour Master, Mr. Thomas was responsible for the management of all the harbours in accordance with the Transport & Harbours Act.;

• He assisted T&HD in such areas as surveying their vessels, investigations, training of shipboard crews, and generally advise management on an ad hoc basis;

• May 2016 - “Developed the Preliminary Design Proposal for a Ferry Vessel” for the Government of Guyana;

• 2010 – Developed and prepare the National Maritime Search and Rescue Plan for Guyana;

• 1995 – Chairman of Committee that was responsible for examining and approving the dredging of the Berbice Ships’ Channel and the development of the Berbice Deep-Water Shipping Facility.

 

Education:

• Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – 2008

• Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics

• Lloyds Maritime Academy, London, United Kingdom – 2003 – 2004

• Diploma in Marine Surveying

• Inter-America Development Bank, Georgetown, Guyana - 1998

• Project/ Programme Development

Certificate

• Inter-America Development Bank, Georgetown, Guyana - 1998

• Project management

Certificate

• Organisation of American States, Miami, Florida, U.S.A 1995

• Inter-American Course on Port Security

 

Certificate

• World Maritime University, Malmoe, Sweden – 1991 – 1992

• Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Ports & Shipping Administration

• Transport & Harbours Department - 1992

Certificate of Competency as Master - Home (Caribbean) Trade

• Transport & Harbours Department – 1986

• Guyana Pilot Licence

• Transport & Harbours Department – 1984

• Certificate of Competency as Master - Guyana Coastal Waters

• Guyana Defence Force, Marine Operations Command, Georgetown, Guyana – 1981

• Coxswain Leading Seamen Advanced Piloting Course

• Certificate

• Guyana Defence Force, Marine Operations Command, Georgetown, Guyana – 1979

• Pre-Sea Training Course

• Certificate