Michael Bernard (left), president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), shares a congratulatory handshake with Marjory Kennedy, president of the Jamaica Exporters' Association, after both were returned to head their respective organisations last week. Sharing the moment is Roger Hinds, vice-president of the SAJ. - Contributed

The managing committee (MC) of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) was returned en bloc to continue leading the association in 2008. The motion was carried unanimously during the SAJ's 69th annual general meeting held on Friday, November 30, in the SAJ Conference Room in Newport West.

Michael Bernard, director of Shipping Services (Stevedoring) Limited, will therefore, continue in the post of president of the SAJ, with vice-president being Roger Hinds and Harry Maragh serving as immediate past president.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Bernard thanked the members of the SAJ for their resounding expression of confidence in the work being done by the current managing committee. He said that the major areas of focus for his administration would continue being the promotion of greater interaction and dialogue among members, strengthening the training component for workers in the industry while promoting industrial harmony, and the establishment of an industrial park for the port community.

President's Report

In delivering his President's Report, Mr. Bernard gave an overview of the year's activities.

Among the SAJ's achievements for the year 2007 were:

Programmes for the development of a highly-skilled workforce;

Successful lobbying for the support of industry partners for the establishment of the Newport West Industrial Park;

Launch of the 'History of the SAJ' publication, authored by Anthony Johnson;

Expansion of the 'Lunch and Learn' series to include Montego Bay and new topics and presenters;

Staging of short courses for industry personnel to upgrade skills;

Close collaboration with both the Government and private sector organisations to ensure that the maritime industry's interests are represented in trade negotiations at the regional and international levels;

Successful staging of the annual Shipping Industry Benefit Golf Tournament that was hugely successful in raising funds for the Marcus Garvey Basic School;

Continued active role in leadership positions of the Caribbean Shipping Association.