Noel Hylton with his award after winning The Gleaner's 'Man of the Year' award. LAST THURSDAY, the President and chief executive officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Noel Hylton won The Gleaner's 'Man of the Year' award.
The ceremony was held at a luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston and marked the 24th Annual Gleaner Honour Awards.
Mr. Hylton has been instrumental in transforming the country's ports into world-class docking centres and has adopted First World practices. Below is the full text of his acceptance speech on winning the prestigious award:
The past year has been marked by far-reaching initiatives in many areas that are important to public life.
Jamaica can only be thankful to The Gleaner, as a leader in media, for having chosen to reflect on not merely the newsmaker of 2003, but persons whose achievements contribute to national development.
So for myself, it is an honour to be named among this group of outstanding individuals whose work in areas such as science and technology, public service and education observes our warmest commendation.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
As we recognise the outstanding achievements of those present here, I think it is appropriate to remember that there are many others in our country working quietly and steadily and making valuable contributions to our nation.
The Port and Shipping activities in which the Port Authority is involved include cargo and cruise shipping operations, free zones and marina operations as well as various statutory responsibilities. 2004 should be a good year for the Port Authority. We project growth in every area of our operations.
TRANSHIPMENT
The Port of Kingston is now ranked 63rd among the world's top 100 ports.
On the 27th December, 2003 the Kingston Container Terminal surpassed one million euros for the calendar year, a first in the history of the Container Terminal. This year, we project a eight per cent growth in volume.
CRUISE SHIPPING
We took over responsibility for cruise shipping some two years ago. Last year, we broke all records. For example,
For the first time ever in a calendar year, Jamaica welcomed over one million cruise passengers.
At the same time, the Port of Montego Bay welcomed the greatest number of cruise passengers ever.
Cruise shipping in Port Antonio is restored.
This year, we expect to see an increase in arrivals over last year. In fact, we are poised to sign two five-year contracts with two of the world's largest cruise lines. These contracts will provide for a guaranteed number of passengers each year.
We propose to complete a US$100 million expansion programme of the Container Terminal and start expanding the cruise ship facilities in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios and continue the expansion of the Marina at Port Antonio. Design work will shortly commence on a cruise ship berth for the Port of Lucea.
Hopefully, we will achieve all our objectives.
Once again, I wish to say thanks to the chairman and the Board of the Gleaner Company on behalf of my fellow nominees.
