By Sean Ashley, Gleaner Education Awardee
Gleaner's 'Man of the Year' Mr. Noel Hylton (second left) converses with his young charges Dionne Brown (second right), O'Neil Simpson (right), and Sean Ashley (left), during a tour of the Kingston Container Terminal recently. - Carlington Wilmot /Freelance Photographer
WE ARRIVED at the port in the mid afternoon and one of the workers agreed to give us a tour. I was already enthralled at the idea of touring the legendary port, and the earlier glimpses whetted my appetite for more.
As the warning truck cruised in front of us, we were busy sightseeing. The large establishment offered multiple marvels for my eager mind. I gaped in awe at the gargantuan stature of the automated cranes which dwarfed our seemingly minuscule truck by comparison. The abundant durable metal containers were also quite immense but the colossal fuel tanks put them to shame. However, by far, the most incredible thing was the stark scarcity of human activity. The port was virtually desolate.
I later learnt while touring the computer centre, that the port was over 90 per cent automated. The guide mentioned that all computers, cranes and electrical equipment were integrally linked. I inquired whether a virus could decimate the entire system. He looked perplexed for a while, as if contemplating the fact, then replied that a single virus could demolish the whole establishment. How easily could one of the leading revenue earners of Jamaica's economy be destroyed!
After the intriguing expedition, we posed for pictures. Silhouetted against the incandescent sun with the gentle sea breeze wafting through the air, the port looked particularly majestic. As we shed the protective garb, I said farewell to the concrete jungle of the port.
