Greetings!
Today we are celebrating Sailor's International Day.
We must never forget that one of the major fundaments of Batumi and the major driving force of local economy and the major breadwinner of the families here, now as well as during the past decades have been our fellow citizens that sailed in the world ocean under various flags of nations.
Now several thousand Georgian sailors are fulfilling this extremely challenging mission of sailors all around the world. Many of you are obtaining this profession here in Batumi and are dreaming and planning to see the whole world, to support your families, your city and your country with your hard work.
Even in the 60ies, the 70ies, the 80ies sailors were those people, who had seen the world. Unfortunately Abkhazia was first occupied informally and later formally... But the rapid development of Georgia's unoccupied part despite all constraints after overthrowing feudal regime was conditioned exactly by this fact - the biggest majority of this society had already seen how free economics functioned and what meant labor and economic activities in liberal conditions. In 70ies the sailors used to get apartments and they created parallel economy with these apartments. Even today for example apartments that are sold in Batumi, small groceries that open here are merits of our sailors that spent their incomes on their families and city, however their incomes are not that high. We think that this profession is considered to be a high-risk profession. Recent events once again proved it and sure we think about it much. This is why today, like never before it is necessary for you to be well prepared. Corruption schemes and ineffective use of this sector is left in the past.
Now we have strict approach to standards, we are very strictly controlling all procedures to be in adherence with international norms, we have to adhere to these norms in order not to make anyone have doubts in your qualification, in your diploma, your certificate; the citizens of your country must have a right to choose this profession and reach success.
This is a romantic profession and at the same time it is very much needed.
This is a profession of a brave personalities and many children dream about this profession.
At the same time this is a profession of very developed, intellectual and interesting persons.
I want to congratulate you on this day and wish you success.