Derrick Kellier (second right), Minister of Labour and Social Security, is welcomed by Basil Downer, recruiting centre operations manager of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), during the minister's recent tour of the Port of Kingston. Also pictured are: Michael Bernard (right), president of the SAJ, and Gresford Smith (background), industrial relations consultant in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. - Contributed

Derrick Kellier, Minister of Labour and Social Security, has commended the Joint Industrial Council (JIC) of Port Bustamante for promoting industrial harmony at the Port of Kingston and helping to ensure the vibrancy of Jamaica's shipping industry.

Minister Kellier toured the Port of Kingston last week after participating in a special meeting of the JIC. The Port Bustamante JIC, the oldest such council in the island, is where the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) negotiates and implements the terms of the Joint Labour Agreement with the unions representing port workers. This has facilitated the creation of a harmonious working environment at the Port of Kingston, through enlightened human resource development practices, good industrial relations and the timely embrace of new technology.

Health and safety

In his address to the JIC, the Labour Minister said that workplace health and safety was a key area of emphasis for his ministry. The inspection of ships and docks, and the maintenance of proper health and safety practices at these facilities, fall under the Factories Act and Regulations, which are administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

In welcoming Minister Kellier, SAJ President Michael Bernard and union representatives expressed their appreciation at the minister's interest in the work of the Joint Industrial Council and its many achievements over the years.

After the meeting, the minister was taken on a tour of the Port of Kingston where he observed the expansion of Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), the Caribbean's leading multi-purpose port. Grantley Stephenson, chairman and CEO of KWL, informed the minister that in March 2006, KWL launched a J$2 billion (US$26.6 million) infrastructure development project. The project is scheduled for completion next year and involves the rebuilding and expansion of berths eight and nine.

Hew berth

The completion of these berths will enable Kingston Wharves to accommodate larger vessels. Currently, KWL can accommodate vessels with a maximum draft of 10 metres. Under the redevelopment project, the depth of the new berth will be 15 metres, allowing some room for a substantial increase in vessel size.

Mr. Stephenson told the minister that, apart from an increase in berthing capacity and draught, other anticipated spin-offs include a growth in the volume of containers handled.

He said that Kingston Wharves foresees that this development project will provide significant growth for business in the Port of Kingston. Noticeably, there is an impressive increase in the number of vessels calling at Kingston.