Remembering Michael Bernard

FOR MORE than 50 years, Michael Bernard was a steady force in Jamaica’s maritime sector, earning respect through his leadership and dedication. His quiet strength and ability to connect with people made him a pillar in both local and regional circles. His passing marks the loss of not just an industry veteran, but a man who genuinely cared for the people around him.

Bernard’s shipping journey began in 1968 at Sprostons (Jamaica) Limited, a subsidiary of Alcan Jamaica. His early years saw him quickly move through the ranks, proving himself both in the administrative and operational aspects of the business. When Jamaica Fruit and Shipping merged with Sprostons in 1976 to form Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company, Bernard transitioned seamlessly. He was later seconded to Shipping Services Stevedoring Limited as managing director when it was formed in 1993. He remained there for two decades before his return to Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company as a director.

Those who knew him best describe a man of great integrity, warmth, and humility. Executive chairman of Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company, Charles Johnston, said, “Mike was very much a people person, the person who staff went to with their problems. He listened and he helped and he cared. He loved music, he loved to dance and was always opening the dancing at office parties.”

Bernard was a dedicated member of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), where he was president from 2006 to 2008. The staff remember him as a leader who made a personal connection with everyone. “Each time he came to the SAJ for a meeting, he would walk through each department and greet every team member. He will be remembered as a very personable, caring gentleman with a ready smile.”

The association’s CEO, Trevor Riley, said “Michael Bernard was the consummate gentleman. He served the shipping industry in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean with passion and zeal and won support for the work of the Shipping Association of Jamaica by his humble, warm and engaging presence.

“This natural gift was fitting for the time in which he carried out the functions of president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, 2006 to 2009, during which many fundamental changes were brought to labour relations on the Port of Kingston, including further changes to gang (work team) sizes among stevedores, telephone recruiting and the return of the SAJ to providing crane and straddle operators and stevedore coordinators to the port,” Riley said, adding, “These changes demanded skilful engagement with the workers and their trade unions, and the management team was happy to have Mike on board as we navigated the complex industrial relations environment that evolved.”

For those in the regional community, Bernard was a trusted advisor and a respected voice. David Harding, president of the Shipping Association of Barbados and former Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) president, said “The people who didn’t like him are the people who hadn’t met him”.

Harding continued, “I said through another medium that if there were only two gentlemen in CSA, Mike was both of them. A stalwart of a human being, a stalwart of the SAJ and CSA, a friend’s friend; a man’s man … my friend Mike Bernard. Rest in peace, brother, you had toiled in an industry that respected you and shall now honour you. We shall meet again.”

Roland Malins-Smith, founder and retired president of Seafreight Lines Limited, said, “Our Caribbean shipping community has lost a strong advocate and friend. Mike Bernard brought to us a rich professional experience, a willingness to get involved and resolve issues, and a personal warmth and sincerity which enriched our gatherings. A soft-spoken and deeply religious man, Mike was also well known as the one who got things done long after the meetings were over. He was thoughtful and thorough. We will miss him.”

Bernard’s reputation for kindness and wisdom was echoed by Marc Sampson, immediate past president of the CSA, who noted simply, “Mike was a quiet gentleman and someone who persons could always approach for advice.”

His contributions were widely respected, earning him roles on various boards, including Coastal Towage Limited, Interseas Limited, the National Quarantine Commission, Jamaica Employers’ Federation and the Marine and Allied Cooperative Credit Union. He also served the CSA as a group representative and chairman and Port Awards Committee chairman.

As the industry mourns his passing, it also honours his legacy. His presence will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to shape the industry for years to come.