SAJ's Finance and Administrative Manager, Belva Barned (right) presents a citation to Mr. Ludlow Stewart, as a token of appreciation for his work to the Association's Managing Committee over the years. The presentation was made at a cocktail reception in Mr. Stewart's honour on July 19.THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica (SAJ) recognised three-time president and former Managing Committee member, Ludlow 'Luddy' Stewart at a cocktail reception held in his honour, last Friday, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.
Mr. Stewart, also a former President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), retired from the SAJ Managing Committee - which oversees and manages the activities of the Association - after serving on that body for 28 years, with three terms as president - 1978 - 1980, 1988 -1990, and 1995 - 1997. Currently, he is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of R.S. Gamble & Sons Limited and its subsidiary company, Arnold L. Malabre & Company Limited, which are members of the Association.
A wide cross-section of representatives of the shipping industry, including former presidents, private sector personalities, trade unionists, family members and friends participated in the function, and a citation extolling his virtues and accomplishments was read and presented to him, along with a painting, as tokens of appreciation.
Among those paying tribute were, President of SAJ, Grantley Stephenson, Past President Reginald Smith, former General Manager, Alvin Henry, and Corah Ann Sylvester, Vice President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), who described Mr. Stewart as 'a man of vision' who was responsible for many improvements in the regional shipping industry.
In his comments, Mr. Stephenson lauded Mr. Stewart for his contribution to the Association, citing specifically, his instrumentality in the establishment of the SAJ outreach clinic to serve neighbouring communities and retired port workers.
Mr. Stewart was also hailed for his role in initiating the historical reform of labour practices on the Port of Kingston, which culminated in the landmark Labour contract in 1998. He was the Chief Negotiator on the Joint Industrial Council for 10 years while holding the office of Vice President of the SAJ, and was integral to the introduction of Incentive Awards for port workers and negotiating with Victoria Mutual in the 1980's for port worker housing. He has also served on boards of the Association's related companies and organisations and was a Director and Deputy Chairman of Port Computer Services Limited, a subsidiary of SAJ.
Among the awards and accolades, he has received over the years are: Honorary Harbour Master for the Port of New Orleans- 1983; the Shipping Association of Jamaica 'Personality of the Year' for 1985, and the Government of Jamaica bestowed on him, the Order of Distinction (Officer Rank) in 1989. In 1995, he was inducted into the Caribbean Shipping Association's Silver Club.
In expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Stewart thanked the SAJ, noting his pleasure to have been able to serve the Association over the years, while indicating the willingness to continue serving.
"SAJ has been good to me and good for me ... the exposure and the experience I have gained is second to none," Mr. Stewart observed.
