The Shipping Association of Jamaica's recent Christmas party held at the Caymanas Golf Club was a fun-filled affair, but there was still time for a little business as the camera caught (from left) General Manager Trevor Riley, President Harry Maragh and managing committee member Joseph Lowe in discussion. - Contributed
WE GREET year 2005 with the confidence that comes from knowing that the entire membership and staff of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) stand united in our commitment to the development of Jamaica's maritime industry.
The challenges of the past year have served to strengthen our resolve as we worked together with our partners in the Port Authority, Customs Department, trade unions, and with port users and trade support organisations, to continue to contribute to the development of the shipping industry and the nation as a whole.
Indeed, we are happy with our record of achievements in areas, such as port security where SAJ contributions to security improvements helped enable the port to gain certification under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code ahead of the July 1, 2004 deadline, making ours one of the first ports in the hemisphere to have gained such certification.
We continue to give top priority to the maintenance of harmonious industrial relations at the ports and are proud to note that other industries and sectors are adopting approaches similar to those that we have established.
NEW HORIZONS
In 2004, the SAJ was the driving force behind the implementation of the demurrage and detention company, Assessment Recoveries Limited (ARL). We take this opportunity to thank all ARL clients for their cooperation, which is so crucial to the success of this new system.
We also expanded Port Computer Services (PCS) to offer additional and enhanced computer services to its clients, both in the shipping industry and elsewhere.
We are exploring new opportunities to position PCS as the provider of the best computer solutions, employing some of the best and brightest minds, along with cutting-edge technology, to ensure the company's competitiveness in the global economy of the 21st century.
We continue to maintain the canine service to strengthen the fight against illegal drugs, so that the integrity of our ports and our exports are protected.
Last year also saw the launch of the SAJ website www.jamports.com as we seek to improve accessibility to the services of our association and to strengthen the SAJ's relationship with key partners and the public.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
The recent challenge of congestion at the port (part of a worldwide phenomenon) and our collaborative approach to its solution, was another demonstration of the value and efficacy of cooperative action a path our association has always taken.
In the year ahead, we will build on what we have achieved so far while breaking new ground in the provision of services to our members and in promoting the best interests of Jamaica's maritime industry.
As we prepare for the CARIC0M Single Market and Economy (CSME) and improve our readiness for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), the SAJ will be ensuring that our members are not only kept abreast of developments, but their interests are promoted in the negotiations and planning.
READY FOR CHALLENGES
Already, we have been engaging our members in workshops and discussions on these crucial issues and as active members of the Caribbean Shipping Association and the International Maritime Organisation, we will ensure that the voice of SAJ is heard in the regional and international fora.
And even as we square our shoulders to meet the challenges of the year ahead, let me take this opportunity to thank the members of the SAJ, our hardworking managing committee and our dedicated staff and port workers, who have done so much to make our association strong and vibrant.
The SAJ also thanks our valued partners the Port Authority of Jamaica, the Customs Department local businesses engaged in trade and trade support organisations for their continued cooperation.
Together, we will take our
maritime industry into a future of enduring prosperity.
HARRY MARAGH
President
Shipping Association of Jamaica
