THE MONTEGO Bay port community has strengthened its resolve to tackle problems affecting the shipping business in the 'second city', with the formation of that city's Chapter of the Shipping Association of Jamaica.
Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, launched the chapter last Thursday in a ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay, involving a wide cross-section of representatives from Montego Bay port and business communities. At the time of the launch, about 25 companies had expressed an interest in joining the Chapter.
Commending the SAJ for the initiative, the Minister said the move was timely, especially as the shipping industry was confronted with major challenges at the local and international levels, citing issues such as security and the effects of September 11 attacks on the United States, as well as drug trafficking. The Montego Bay port community itself is struggling with issues relating to the deplorable condition of the container yard, inadequate warehouse space, the lack of equipment on the Terminal and matters relating to pilotage and the security of facilities.
Mr. Pickersgill said, "We will have to invest more in human resources, because more skilled and multi-disciplined workers will be required by the sector. We cannot afford to sit on any laurels with regard to the improvements that have undoubtedly taken place in the local sector over the past decade.
The Minister emphasised the need for greater collaboration among the various operational arms of the local shipping sector "to strengthen and advance the prosperity of the sector."
President and chief executive officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Noel Hylton, also welcomed the SAJ chapter. He said given the role of the SAJ and the vibrancy of the MoBay shipping community, the development could only redound to the growth and development of the port community in MoBay.
Noting the Authority's support of the new Chapter, Mr. Hylton cited SAJ's commitment to work with the community towards the goal of expanding and upgrading the regional maritime sector, and the overall well being of the city and region. He challenged the port community and the SAJ to work aggressively to enhance the position of the Montego Bay.
President of SAJ, Grantley Stephenson, said the Chapter would provide a range a support services for its new members, including networking, training and human resource development, collaboration on labour issues information technology as well as lobbying and public relations.
"As we proceed, we will evaluate, improve and implement the kind of strategies that will make this union impactful and mutually beneficial," stated the president.
The SAJ is a registered trade union with a mandate to supply and manage labour for the port of Kingston. The association is currently implementing "a strategic development plan to re-engineer its operations, to transform itself into an organisation that is more relevant to the needs of its members and more impactful on the national stage."
