LEFT: Grantley Stephenson, chairman and CEO of Kingston Wharves Limited (left), presents Everard Cox, the company's first employee, with a special award. RIGHT: Vilma Davidson (left) receives her award for 34 years of service to Kingston Wharves Limited from Judith Stephenson.
FOR THEIR 60th anniversary, Kingston Wharves (KW) deserved to throw quite a party. There was little breathing space left at the Hilton Ballroom on Friday night as the guests came out to celebrate with one of the leading multi-purpose ports in the world.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke lauded the company and underlined its importance to the country.
"I don't know anybody in Jamaica who is not served by the wharves," he said. He took the gathering on a historical journey as he remembered the days before Kingston Wharves came about and the hard times, when workers were receiving a shilling a day. He expressed satisfaction at the expansion and underlined KW's importance overseas.
"Jamaica has become an important transnational point. We have the capacity to match the present and design the future," he said.
Staff members who have served for 35 years or more were presented with their glass trophies. The evening, however, belonged to Everard Cox, the company's very first employee, who received a special award for his years of service.
The blue and silver decor, complete with an aerial view of the wharves behind the head table, added to the ambience. Entertainment during dinner was provided by Wayne Armond and Richard McDonald. Entertainer Richie Stephens performed in cabaret before turning things over to the Renaissance Disco.
