Maragh
AT THE 66th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), held on Friday, December 3, Harry Maragh was returned unopposed to serve a third consecutive term as president of the association.
In his report to the AGM, Mr. Maragh noted that in 2003-2004, the SAJ 'continued to make significant contributions toward the growth and development of Jamaica's maritime industry'.
He noted that the SAJ provided approximately $130 million to the Port Authority of Jamaica to help defray the substantial cost of the required security improvements that enabled the port to gain certification under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. The port of Kingston gained ISPS certification ahead of the July 1 deadline and was one of the first ports in the hemisphere to have gained such certification.
Other achievements noted by Mr. Maragh include:
The successful implementation of the demurrage and detention company, Assessment Recoveries Limited;Expansion of Port Computer Services to offer additional and enhanced computer services to its clients, both in the shipping industry and elsewhere;Maintenance of the canine service to continue the fight against illegal drugs;Launch of the SAJ website www.jamports.com;Maintenance of harmonious industrial relations at the ports; andStrengthening of the SAJ's relationship with key partners, such as the Port Authority of Jamaica and the customs department.Michael Bernard was returned unopposed to serve a third consecutive term as vice- president of the SAJ, while members elected to the managing committee were: Donovan Martin, Roger Hinds, Paula Pinnock, Charles Johnston, Corahann Robertson-Sylvester, Kim Clarke and Joseph Lowe.
The SAJ's managing committee operates like the board of directors of a corporate enterprise, and is democratically elected at the AGM.
President Maragh welcomed the members of the new managing committee and thanked outgoing members, James Worton, who declined nomination, and Ruel Gibson, who was not returned, for 'their sterling service and valuable contribution to the work of the committee in 2003-2004'.
SAJ'S CONTRIBUTION
During the SAJ's 66th AGM, general manager, Trevor Riley showed members the first cut of a video documentary on the history and contribution of the SAJ to the Jamaican society. He also noted that the first draft of the History of the Shipping Association of Jamaica had been completed and is currently being edited for publication in 2005.
The SAJ's 66th annual general meeting was held at the association's offices in Newport West, Kingston.
