REPRESENTATIVES OF the local and regional shipping industry turned out in their numbers to bid farewell and pay tribute to Monica Silvera, Executive Vice President of the Caribbean Shipping Association and Public Relations Manager of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, who passed away on June 1, 2002.
At the funeral service last Saturday at the Stella Maris Church in Kingston, tributes came from all walks of life for Mrs. Silvera, whose death has sent shock waves across the region.
In his tribute, President of the CSA, Capt. Rawle Baddaloo hailed Mrs. Silvera's dedicated work with the CSA over the past 20 years, noting that "Monica has been our friend, sister, mother and confidante. The CSA will never forget her, our first female Executive Vice President, our first female Chief Executive Officer," adding that the CSA's 32nd Annual General Meeting in October will be dedicated to her memory.
President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Grantley Stephenson said her contribution to the Association was 'immeasurable'. "She was a solid team player, providing level-headed advice and uncanny wisdom to the management team and was a confidante and counsellor to individuals...-". She worked at the SAJ for over 21 years.
Phillip Edwards, President of the Shipping Association of Barbados, in his words of remembrance, described Mrs. Silvera as the 'heartbeat of the CSA', while a member from Martinique described her as "a beautiful, powerful and elegant great lady". In his tribute, President of Puerto Rico Shipping Association, Fernando Rivera said her dedication was the cornerstone of the success of our organisation..."
