Robertson-Sylvester re-elected SAJ president

CORAH ANN ROBERTSON-SYLVESTER was re-elected as president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) during its 86th annual general meeting (AGM) on December 6. The CEO of Seaboard Freight and Shipping Jamaica Limited was re-elected unanimously at the association’s Newport West headquarters.

Andre Rochester, group lead for business and logistics processes development at Maritime and Transport Services Limited, was re-elected vice-president. William Brown, chairman and CEO of Cascades Ventures Group, continues in his role as immediate past president. The managing committee remains largely unchanged, with Richard Kinlocke, CEO of Gateway Shipping Group, succeeding Condell Stephenson.

Robertson-Sylvester thanked Stephenson, port captain of Hoegh Autoliners, for his dedicated service over the past four years, acknowledging the immense value of his “institutional knowledge” and assuring members that his expertise would remain invaluable in the year to come.

Other re-elected members include Anna Hamilton, CEO of Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company; Denise Lyn Fatt, managing director of Freight Handlers Limited; Kim Clarke, managing director of Maritime and Transport Group of Companies; Roger Hinds, chairman of Transocean Shipping Company Limited; Neil Smith, CEO of Shipping Services Limited; and Jedrzej Mierzewski, CEO of Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited. SAJ General Manager Trevor Riley serves as an ex-officio member of the committee.

During her address, Robertson-Sylvester highlighted several sectoral achievements, including the historic arrival of the first vessel for dry docking at the German Ship Repair Jamaica (GSRJ) Shipyard. “This significant milestone highlights Jamaica’s growing capabilities in maritime services and vessel repair and positions us as an increasingly competitive player in the global shipping industry,” she said.

She also addressed the implementation of the Data Protection Act (2020), which came into effect on December 1, 2023, marking a fundamental change for businesses across the country. “As an industry where data is processed daily, the SAJ has been proactive in ensuring that we meet the requirements of the law and support our members in this new regulatory landscape,” Robertson-Sylvester said, adding that data security is, not only to comply with the legislation, but also to maintain the trust of stakeholders.

A central focus of Robertson-Sylvester’s mandate was the improvement of the Newport West community, which serves as a critical hub for Jamaica’s maritime and logistics operations. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges facing the area, she said the association worked closely with local authorities, including the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation and the National Works Agency, to address infrastructure issues such as poor road conditions, flooding, and illegal parking. She said, although recent heavy rains have undone some of the road repairs, the SAJ is committed to further discussions with the government and stakeholders for more lasting improvements. Additionally, the SAJ engaged the European Union to explore international partnerships for infrastructure development under the Global Logistics Hub Initiative, which was explored at its recent Distinguished Lecture.

Delivered by Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, the lecture facilitated important dialogue on challenges and opportunities facing the industry, including decarbonisation, technological innovation, and shifting global trade patterns. Robertson-Sylvester said the insights shared during the lecture will play a crucial role in shaping the SAJ’s strategic priorities moving forward.

Regarding the SAJ’s corporate social responsibility initiatives over the past year, she noted that the association partnered with Food For The Poor to provide relief to communities affected by Hurricane Beryl, mobilising donations of food, hygiene products, and financial assistance. Additionally, the SAJ continued its long-standing efforts to support the elderly in Greenwich Farm and students at the Marcus Garvey Basic School.

Looking ahead, Robertson-Sylvester expressed optimism about the potential for Jamaica’s maritime industry to expand and thrive. “The future of Jamaica’s maritime sector is filled with opportunity. Together, we will continue to build on our proud legacy, drive innovation, and promote sustainable growth within the maritime sector,” she said.