Cuba Deputy Chief of Mission address Virginia Maritime Association
Signaling improving relations and prospects for trade, Juan Lamigueiro Leon, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Cuban Interests Section, Embassy of Switzerland, Washington, D.C. addressed an audience of over 900 at the Virginia Maritime Association’s (VMA) 95th Annual Maritime Banquet on May 14 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
The VMA presented its "Distinguished Service Award" to the professional Independent Port Truck Drivers. The Port of Virginia is an economic engine that relies on the over 5,700 truck drivers, mostly owner-operators, that make a living delivering containers to and from the Port. The VMA expresses appreciation for the distinguished service of these small business men and women, The professional Independent Port Truck Drivers, that faithfully go to work each day to deliver their cargo, despite the challenges they face.
The VMA also presented its “Port Champion” award to Captain Chris Keane, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. Captain Keane has effectively fulfilled his responsibilities for port safety and security, search and rescue, law enforcement and regulatory compliance with an appreciation for facilitating the efficient flow of waterborne commerce. He has tirelessly pursued strategies to recognize and address increasing and competing uses of the waterways.
(Photo attached is of Captain Keane and Virginia Maritime President Raymond Newlon- credit to Pamela Manning)
The VMA is a trade association of over 400 companies, employing over 70,000 Virginians, founded in 1920 with the mission to promote, protect and encourage international and domestic commerce through the ports of Virginia.