2009 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy sponsored Maritime Law Seminar

                                                                                                                           

Freetown
Date:March 24,2009                                                                                                 
Contact:APAO Lindsay Kennedy
Tel: 022-515-000 or 076-515-000

 

The United States Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) concluded a week-long seminar entitled “Conventions of the Sea” on Friday with 40 Sierra Leoneans from all branches of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police, and various ministries receiving certificates.

Taught by officers from the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, the course dealt with the law of the sea, maritime law enforcement, domain awareness, security and terrorism, piracy, international fisheries law, and other topics intended to educate and empower Sierra Leone officials.  The five-day event at the Kimbima Hotel in Freetown also served as a forum for the various government officials to share points of view and learn from each other what their duties are within the nation’s maritime law enforcement scheme.

Participants ranged from junior enlisted sailors from the Maritime Wing to high-ranking military, police, and government officials. However, from the beginning, the American instructors emphasized that the forum was interactive and everyone was encouraged to participate in what turned out to be some very lively discussions.

“As we all know, Sierra Leone possesses vast marine resources,” said Deputy Chief of Mission from the United States Embassy during opening remarks on Monday.  Experts estimate Sierra Leone is losing millions of dollars a year in uncollected fishing fees and fines for illegal and over fishing.

All of the participants expressed their enthusiasm about the opportunity to be exposed to the ins and outs of maritime law. Squadron Leader P.J. Schenks, RSLAF Air Wing, said that he was recently made part of a team put together to assist with maritime law enforcement, but that he had no expertise in this subject before last week. “The timing of this training was very lucky indeed,” he said. “Exactly what was needed at the right time.”

Reid and one of his colleagues, Commander Kathleen Duignan, will remain in Freetown to conduct another seminar on International Human Rights on March 23-24. Both seminars are part of a collaboration between the American Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office and the Ministry of Defense in an effort to improve the RSLAF’s capabilities. The American Embassy is committed to working hand in hand with the government and people of Sierra Leone to help bring peace and economic security to Sierra Leone.

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