SAJ’s legacy drives continued growth in regional shipping
I‘A turning point arrived in Kingston in the 1960s. A landmark agreement established regular wages and improved working conditions for port workers. This not only strengthened labour relations, but also improved the reputation of Kingston’s port.’
N CELEBRATION of its 85th anniversary, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) reflects on its journey and chronicles its rich history and contributions to the maritime sector. Today, Shipping Industry continues to explore its role and trace its inception as a trade union, to being a catalyst for change in the maritime community.
The SAJ’s legacy extends far beyond its own successful journey. Its foresight and initiative played a decisive role in promoting regional unity and revolutionising the labour environment, ultimately contributing to the establishment of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) in 1971.
Prior to World War II, the Caribbean maritime landscape resembled a fragmented archipelago. Island nations operated in isolation, lacking a regional vision. Colonial interests dominated the scene, and the 1950 Commonwealth Shipping Committee focused solely on minimal inter-island communication, hindering the Caribbean’s potential for international trade.
A turning point arrived i n Kingston in the 1960s. A landmark agreement established regular wages and improved working conditions for port workers. This not only strengthened labour relations, but also improved the reputation of Kingston’s port. This success story, demonstrating the power of cooperation, resonated across the region, making regional partnership a more attractive prospect.
Inspired by this progress, the SAJ took a bold step in 1969. Recognising the value of a unified voice for the Caribbean maritime industry, the SAJ spearheaded a meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with representatives from five national shipping associations. The SAJ’s Peter Evelyn and Noel Hylton played a key role in leading this initiative. This steering committee, fuelled by the SAJ’s vision, paved the way for the official launch of the CSA in 1971. The SAJ, recognising the potential for regional growth, agreed to host the CSA’s secretariat which would be domiciled in Jamaica.
Initially, the CSA focused on advancing dialogue and information exchange among regional shipping interests. By its 10th anniversary, the association had established itself as a valuable forum, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing on critical issues affecting the Caribbean maritime sector.
The 1980s saw the CSA take a more proactive stance. The association championed initiatives to stimulate regional trade and advocated for essential training programmes to equip Caribbean maritime professionals with necessary skills. This proactive approach led to recognition of the CSA as a comprehensive regional voice for the shipping industry. Membership expanded to encompass all aspects of the industry, from private stevedores to shipping lines, reflecting the CSA’s commitment to inclusivity.
Today, both the SAJ and the CSA stand as proof of the power of regional collaboration. With the SAJ’s continued support of the CSA as a national association and through its secretariat, the 85th anniversary is a celebration not just of its own achievements, but also of the collaborative spirit it ignited. The CSA, an indirect development of the SAJ’s vision, continues to champion progress and unlock the capacity of the region’s maritime industry.