UN General Assembly
1982

governs the uses of the sea. A major achievement of the Conference which we wish to highlight is the exemplary use in its proceedings of the device of consensus as a system of decision making. It is indeed remarkable and commendable that in a Conference in which as many as 150 countries participated and which extended over eight years, the negotiations were almost entirely conducted and concluded without a vote being taken. Jamaica has a great sense of pride at having been selected as the site of the International Sea Bed Authority, of the Preparatory Commission for the International Sea Bed Authority and for the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and of the ceremony for the signing of the Convention from 6 to 10 December 1982. I want to assure you that Jamaica is sensitive to the obligations which go with the conferment of those honours. As you are aware, the Preparatory Commission comes into being on the signing of the Convention by 50 States and will commence its work within 90 days