Remembering the life and legacy of Alrick Mitchell

ANYONE WHO worked at Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) over the past half-century knew the name Alrick Mitchell. He was the one who seemed to know every vessel, every foreman, and every operational detail that kept the port moving.

Mitchell passed away on September 17, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of service and mentorship that shaped generations.

Born in Kingston on April 13, 1950, his KWL career began in 1970 as a delivery clerk. It was an unassuming start to what would become one of the most respected tenures in the company’s history. His dedication earned him a scholarship to the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, where he studied maritime commerce from 1978 to 1981. On returning home, he joined Kingston Terminal Operators as planning manager and later operations manager before assuming that same role at KWL in 1992, a post he held until his retirement in 2011.

His years at the wharf spanned dramatic changes including the shift to containerisation, the rise of automation, and the modernisation of port systems. Through every change, his focus remained on precision in operations and respect for the people who made them possible.

Grantley Stephenson, deputy chairman of Kingston Wharves Limited, said “Alrick was a dedicated worker and it did not matter what time of day it was or what day of the week, if there was work to be done Alrick just got on with the job, never any complaints.”

He noted Mitchell had an “ability to get along with everyone”.

“Alrick could always be relied upon to get the job done in time. His commanding voice and familiarity with certain local words and phrases motivated his workers. Alrick never forgot his people and on account of the heavy workload at Christmas time, on or about the second Saturday each January, he would organise to have curry goat and fish for all his staff.”

That sentiment was echoed by Ryan Peart, KWL general manager of terminal operations, who said, “Alrick was truly the boss of all bosses. Having dedicated 41 years to Kingston Wharves, he became deeply versed in every aspect of terminal operations, warehousing, and people. He embodied servant leadership – always approachable, always willing to share his vast knowledge with anyone eager to learn. Exceptionally well read, Alrick wasn’t only an expert in port and terminal affairs but was also insightful about many aspects of life, which made his leadership both effortless and inspiring,” Peart said.

“He was a genuinely good man, witty, sharp, and known for his unique choice of words that often sent you searching for a dictionary. Alrick loved the wharf, and the wharf, in turn, loved him back. He will be missed.”

Condell Stephenson, port captain at Hoegh Autoliners, started at KWL a year prior to Mitchell. “He would leave his house at midnight and go to the wharf just to make sure everything was going to plan,” Stephenson said. “He had a good rapport with all the workers and could get them to do just about anything because they respected him.”

Their friendship deepened during their time studying in the United Kingdom. “He was an avid reader and very protective of his books,” Stephenson said. “He could find mirth in every situation, and when he told a story, you sometimes wondered if you were even at the same event because he would embellish everything.”

Former KWL employee, Valrie Campbell, who joined the company in 2001 and later became general manager of group operations, said Mitchell’s advice shaped her own leadership journey. “He guided me through the intricacies of terminal operations and stevedoring, introduced me to the movers and shakers, and offered insights that helped me grow with confidence and clarity,” she said. “He was, in every sense, a walking encyclopaedia, his lessons both technical and historical.”

Their professional exchanges were not always easy, particularly in her role as security manager. Campbell remembered their spirited debates as essential lessons in balance and resolve. “Security and operations often find themselves at odds, but those moments of friction were formative. His unapologetic candour and commanding presence taught me volumes about terminal operations and the realities of management. He was eloquent, bold, and never afraid to speak his mind, no matter the audience.”

Shipping Association of Jamaica general manager, Terrence Brooks, said, “He knew every detail of Kingston Wharves’ workings and managed them with a calm precision that came only from years of hands-on experience. He had a deep respect for the people who kept the port moving and always made time to share his knowledge, whether it was explaining a process or guiding a younger colleague through a challenge.

“What set him apart was his consistency and his pride in getting the job done right. His approach combined discipline with a quiet sense of care for the men and women who worked alongside him.”