SAJ kickstarts 85th Anniversary Celebration - Highlights

Maritime and transport officials, along with members, staff, and well-wishers of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), gathered at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Port Royal on Sunday, January 28, to commemorate the association's 85 years of existence. This event marked the beginning of a year-long series of activities planned to celebrate the SAJ'S anniversary.

The service was followed by brunch at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal.

SAJ President Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, addressing attendees, described the day as a time for reflection and gratitude towards those who contributed to the association's growth. She highlighted the SAJ'S evolution from its humble beginnings as a response to uncertainties on the Kingston waterfront, transforming into a multifaceted organisation. Robertson-Sylvester said this organisational development has turned the SAJ into a vibrant operational and commercial force.

William Brown, the Caribbean Shipping Association vice-president and the SAJ’S immediate past president, expressed gratitude for the SAJ'S role in forming the CSA and its continued support, which has contributed to the CSA becoming the "voice of the Caribbean shipping industry."

Professor Gordon Shirley, President of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), commended the SAJ for its rich legacy of supporting the local industry. He noted the close collaboration between the two organisations since the establishment of the PAJ in 1972.

The liturgist and preacher Reverend Father Barrington Jones led the proceedings, with readings from Dionne Mason-gordon, SAJ’S operations manager for member services, and retired port worker Wongsetta Edwards.

Attendees at the service included custos rotulorum for Kingston, Steadman Fuller; rear admiral (ret’d) Peter Brady, director general of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Sacha Vaccianna-riley, executive director of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, as well as members of the SAJ, representatives of its managing committee, management, and staff.