Grenada elected to serve on executive committee of IOPCF

Grenada was elected to the 15-member Executive Committee of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPCF) for a second time, during the Annual Meeting which concluded in London last week Friday.

Director of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Ambrose Phillip, who is the National Focal Point for the IOPC Funds, said he was delighted that Grenada was granted the opportunity to serve in this important position for a second time, and pledged positive support and contribution to the work of the international organisation.

As a member of the Executive Committee, Grenada will be directly involved in the decision-making process, in par- ticular, the treatment of claims for damage from oil pollution which are not otherwise covered by the IOPCF’s Claims Manual. The Executive Committee also recommends revisions of the limits for compensation for oil pollution damage.

Grenada became a member of the 1992 Funds in 1998 and was the first Caribbean State to be elected to the Executive Committee on October 24, 2003. Representing Grenada at the meeting were Ms. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commissioner and Ms. Feona Sandy, First Secretary, High Commission for Grenada. Grenada also served as the Chair of the Credentials Committee at the meeting.

The other countries on the newly elected committee are Angola, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Japan, India, Liberia, Panama, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia and the United Kingdom.

The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds is part of an international regime of liability and compensation for oil pollution damage caused by oil spills from tankers. Under the regime, the owner of a tanker is liable to pay compensation up to a certain limit for oil pollution damage following an escape of persistent oil from his ship. If that amount does not cover all the admissible claims, further compensation is available from the 1992 Funds if the damage occurs in a State which is a Member of the Funds. Additional compensation may also be available from the Supplementary Fund if the State is a Member of that Fund.

The 1992 Funds has an Assembly composed of all 108 Member States and an Executive Committee elected by the Assembly. The main function of the Executive Committee is to approve settlements of claims for compensation in cases where the Director of the IOPC Funds is not authorised to make such settlements. (LS)