Caring for Seafarers in West Africa
ICMA West Africa regional conference, 25-28 January 2010
West Africa opening ceremony
Chaplains, ship visitors, volunteer welfare workers and seafarers’ centre staff from West Africa gathered in Grand Bassam, Cote D’Ivoire, for the ICMA West Africa Regional Conference. This joint conference was also attended by members of the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW), port and national welfare boards, union representatives and officials from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). More than 40 people attended this three day event.
The first day of the gathering was devoted to ICMA, the second to matters common to both ICMA and the ICSW and the third to the meeting of the ICSW’s Regional Welfare Committee.
Rev Martina Platte
Rev Martina Platte of ICMA member Deutsche Seemannsmission in Hong Kong led a workshop on supporting seafarers after trauma. Piracy and hostage-taking were highlighted. This presentation was made possible by a grant from the TK Foundation which previously supported the ICMA Southern Africa regional conference also in trauma counselling training. ICMA appreciates the crucial support of the TK Foundation in raising our awareness of trauma among seafarers and for providing guidance on how to assist them.
Fr Celestin and Doug Stevenson
ICMA chairman, Mr Douglas B. Stevenson, gave a presentation on the history, values and principles of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006). This led to lively discussion on justice for seafarers.
Executive director of ICSW, Mr Roger Harris, presented a paper on ICSW plans for the post-ratification phase of the MLC 2006 with a view to preparing welfare providers for its implementation.
Dr Asif Altaf spoke on the prevalence of HIV AIDS in the transport workers sector. He urged delegates to consider how they could care for seafarers who have the virus and also help prevent its spread. This must always be done with respect for the seafarers’ cultural background and beliefs.
Fr Ed Gbe
Members of the ICMA West Africa region elected Rev Edward Gbe from Monrovia, Liberia, as regional coordinator. Father Ed is affiliated to ICMA member the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey. He trained for chaplaincy in New York. ICMA congratulates Fr Ed upon his appointment.
ICMA thanks the outgoing regional coordinator, Bishop René-Marie Ehouzou of Apostleship of the Sea in Porto Novo, Benin. We also thank Fr Celestine Ikomba, AOS chaplain of Abidjan, and the volunteers and choir from his parish, for their work as the local organising team.
We wish to thank Mr Nazi Kabore from the ITF regional office and Mr Roy Paul from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust for their assistance to ICMA with the administration and organisation of the conference. The event was made possible with a generous grant from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
Building work on Abidjan Seafarers' Centre