SAJ commits new, expanded service offerings to members

THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica (SAJ) will continue to use its expertise developed in labour management to support its members through a new suite of services. This was the central message given to members by the association’s President Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester at a special town hall meeting hosted by the association on Friday. The meeting, held at the SAJ’s Fourth Avenue offices, served to outline major changes to SAJ’s operational model, introduce new leadership, and present its vision for the future.

The SAJ, a member-based body representing terminal operators, stevedoring contractors, shipping agents, and trucking companies, has officially ended its historic role as a labour provider to the Port of Kingston – a function it had performed since 1939.

Robertson-Sylvester described the move as a pivotal moment for the 86-year-old organisation, noting that the decision followed extensive discussions with stakeholders and was driven by evolving port management strategies.

“At the start of this year, the SAJ made the difficult decision to end its labour provision to the Port of Kingston after extensive negotiations,” she said. “Although the service was well regarded, changes in port operations and a shift toward self-managed labour led to the transition.”

She noted, however, that while the SAJ is no longer directly managing port labour, it continues to lend its expertise to the industry through a joint venture with Kingston Wharves Limited in Caribbean Stevedores Limited.

The town hall meeting also marked the formal presentation of Terrence Brooks, the new general manager of the SAJ to the association’s membership. Robertson-Sylvester stated, “Mr Brooks understands our bones, he understands our DNA. He knows what we were and recognises that we are moving into a new phase.”

In his address, Brooks outlined the SAJ’s new strategic direction, which centres on a diversified suite of services anchored in the association’s long-standing strengths in workforce management, security, and business support. These include canine and security services, HR consulting, finance services, professional training and development, as well as data protection services.

“With our decision to move away from labour-related services, we’ve strategically refocused our efforts on core strengths, expanding our canine and security services, growing our HR and finance offerings, and investing in training and data protection,” said Brooks. “This transformation is about building on what we do best – people-focused solutions that serve our members and the wider logistics community.”

The SAJ president took the opportunity to express heartfelt thanks to former general manager Trevor Riley for his years of dedicated service to the association. As the longest-serving chief executive in the SAJ’s history, Riley played a pivotal role in the organisation’s transformation – strengthening its resilience and expanding its range of services. He will continue to support the association in a consultancy capacity, ensuring continuity and contributing his expertise as the SAJ advances its strategic goals.

During the meeting, Robertson-Sylvester also introduced Yahneake Sterling Russell as the association’s new senior manager for business development, marketing, and member engagement. In her new role, Sterling Russell will lead efforts to strengthen member relationships and drive strategic outreach.

“We are here to support you,” Sterling Russell said. “This next phase for the SAJ will be shaped by collaboration, and we look forward to engaging each of you as we build together.”

In addition to its operational updates, the SAJ provided an update on its infrastructure advocacy efforts in Newport West. Robertson-Sylvester announced that the association had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Customs, the National Works Agency, and Kingston Wharves Limited jointly to fund road repairs in the area. The SAJ has committed to raising $10 million through contributions from its members.

“We’ve done everything in our power to push this issue forward,” she said. “Now, we need our members’ support to deliver on that commitment.”

Brooks confirmed that repairs will focus on key intersections at 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 9th Avenues, as well as Newport Boulevard and adjoining roads.

Detective Inspector Garrick of the Newport West Police also addressed the meeting, noting that the police have launched a public order initiative to tackle lawlessness in the community. He called on SAJ members to support the effort and invited them to participate in a Labour Day project aimed at cleaning up the port community.

The SAJ stated that it is transitioning into a modern, service-oriented organisation, and the association’s leadership encouraged members to take an active role in shaping its future.

“This is a moment of transformation,” said Robertson-Sylvester. “With the support of our members, we can continue to advocate, serve, and lead Jamaica’s shipping industry into the future.”