Grantley Stephenson, chairman and chief executive officer of Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) has said that the shipping industry will rise again despite the current economic downturn affecting the industry at this time. Since last year, terminal operators have reported a decline in business at the country's main sea ports.

Stephenson was speaking at the Shipping Association of Jamaica's (SAJ) 70th anniversary exhibition of photographs and artefacts at the Manchester Parish Library on April 3. Commenting on the current economic climate, Stephenson said, "all is not lost, the port of Kingston is, and will continue to be, the industrial and commercial hub of our nation. Visionary management is needed at this time to contain costs as much as possible, while preserving as many jobs as we possibly can".

Cost-saving measures

The KWL chairman noted that at his facility, cost-saving measures have already been implemented including a redesign of several processes to create greater efficiency, optimisation of existing assets as well as the creation of a strategic team to identify new businesses and process efficiencies.

The terminal has reported a significant decline in business since the start of the year. However, the use of technology, Stephenson noted, will play an integral role in moving forward. He pointed out that stakeholders in the shipping industry are partnering with Government ministries and agencies that provide licences and permits, such as Customs to facilitate the implementation of a trade community system. This technology will facilitate an improved trade system by providing faster Customs clearance while reducing costs for customers and increasing efficiency among entities in the industry.

"Just as stakeholders in the shipping industry are moving to secure the future of trade, the parish of Manchester can create its own silver lining in the grey cloud of recession by exploring new alternatives," Stephenson said. He added that Manchester's cool and refreshing climate makes it ideal for the health industry - natural therapies, organic farming, nature tours and community tourism.

Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay and Justice Herbert Brown (representing the custos) congratulated the SAJ on achieving 70 years of sterling service to the shipping community and the nation on a whole.

"True to your mission, you have not allowed stormy weather or rough seas to keep you anchored in port, but instead you have set sail taking your product to various ports," Mayor Ramsay said of the SAJ's exhibition.

She congratulated the SAJ on the emphasis the association places on training and the work it has done through the Joint Industrial Council to maintain industrial harmony on the port over the years. "While your organisation was born out of unrest, there seems to be infrequent industrial action on the ports, so you must be doing something right," Ramsay said.

For his part, Justice Brown noted that the outstanding service rendered by the SAJ to trade and national development on a whole, while building a positive image for Jamaica in the global marketplace is commendable.

The Shipping Association of Jamaica launched its 70th anniversary exhibition of photographs and artefacts on January 27. Since then, its history has been showcased across the island in parishes such as Portland, St Ann, St James and Manchester. The exhibition will return to the SAJ's Newport West offices, where it will be used in the development of a maritime museum.

Students of Knox College perform Bob Marley's 'Turn Your Lights Down Low' during the opening ceremony of the Shipping Association of Jamaica's 70th anniversary exhibition of photographs and artefacts at the Manchester Parish Library on April 3.