Page 42 - Chargement... GPMG ANNUAIRE - 2021 - By bucerep

INTERVIEW (CONTINUED)
We have also developed permanent relations with organisations such as the Dockers’ GEMAG, and
administrations such as the French Customs authority, the Harbour Master and the DDE of the time.

THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UMEP AND THE GRAND PORT MARITIME
The latest ports reform in France and our overseas regions saw the creation of the GPM in January
2013 after a preparatory period in 2012. As soon as Philippe LEMOINE arrived, appointed in Paris in
a preparatory role, and further to the first working meetings, we realised that things were going to
change and that a veritable development plan for DDC for the years to come was going to be put
forward.

It was therefore quite natural for us to position ourselves alongside GPM’s management and its President
Philippe LEMOINE, and that we, UMEP GUYANE, representatives of the local port community, be
considered as essential partners in this set-up.

The first strategic plan for 2014-2018 proposed by GPM initiated 5 years of numerous and major works,
in particular the refurbishment and modernisation of the port platform, which had been lacking for
many years. One of our members, Philippe MARRE, was elected president of the first Development
Committee.
THE POSITION OF THE UMEP IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The strategic plan covering the period 2019/2023 should of course conclude the projects underway but
also innovate additionally to modernise, bring dynamism and develop further French Guiana’s ports, in
particular that of Dégrad-des-Cannes.

UMEP GUYANE is ready to take its place in everything relating to the development of the Dégrad-des-
Cannes port platform, including the coastal link to the Guiana Shield.

I would like to recall that the UMEP GUYANE aims to be a unifying force for the port community but also
to proactively and continuously bring forward proposals. It is certain that the GPM’s second strategic
plan for the period 2019/2023 must necessarily take into account the circular economy and blue growth
in the frame of the sustainable development of our port platform.
THE PLACE GIVEN TO YOUTH TRAINING IN UMEP’S POLICY

Professional training remains a central issue for our port community, especially here in French Guiana,
an overseas region that suffers from a high unemployment rate. Numerous jobs are offered across the
GPM port activities and within the UMEP, the port community and the different administrations. And
we must continue to develop these.

Professional training is currently ensured through the French national education programme (Education
Nationale) with the several different diplomas proposed in French Guiana in the areas of international
logistics and transport. On its side, the UMPF offers to place at our disposal its training center via the
UPR (Union Portuaire de Rouen). The UMEP in LE HAVRE is also preparing its maritime and port training
centre.

We should not forget all the in-house training courses offered by the different DDC port companies
to the youth of French Guiana wishing to start a very promising career. We should also highlight the
significant commitment of our different port companies, including the UMEP, who host each year
several students on internships, thus validating their studies.

The UMEP will continue to participate in future port job fairs.
40