The SAJ’s visionary founders

IN 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 development of the Shipping Association of Jamaica is inextricably linked to the names of nine men who contributed extensively to its progress and the strides made by the SAJ during its infancy. From their impact on labour negotiations and influence on changes to the port’s operations – including mechanisation and the streamlining of port workers’ benefits – their vision and commitment left an impact on the association, and the industry at large.

Coming into existence on the heels of labour unrests and uncertainty, the SAJ would distinguish itself from comparable associations through its evolution to accommodate the needs of its members and offering support in untraditional avenues that aided the industry’s overall advancement.

Heralded by Charles E. Johnston, founder of the Jamaica Banana Producers Association and Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Limited, his business partner Captain Sibrandt Duhn List and Luis Kennedy, an associate of both men, the SAJ would come to realisation on January 2, 1939, with List as founding chairman.

Thomas Bradshaw, Percival A. George, J.E.L. Webster and Richard F. Williams would join Captain Sibrandt Duhn List as part of the SAJ’s steering committee in the initial two years as they sought to bolster the fledgling association. Captain Duhn List, Williams, C.N. Hislop, CW Varney, George and Webster were among the initial members of the first managing committee, which was completed by Frederick W. Harris.

In these early years, the association concentrated much of its focus on settling labour disputes which were at times overshadowed by the threat of World War II, which began in 1939. Apart from its success in managing the industrial relations environment, the association made significant contributions in other areas, including taking responsibility for the security of the wharves in 1939 and the establishment of a central clearing house to collect charges on unpaid cargo at members’ wharves. This paved the way for the association’s revenue diversity, no longer relying solely on members’ dues to operate.

The wartime effect of import shortages, price controls and import quotas were among the challenges deftly handled by the founding fathers and other significant figures at the time. Kennedy would be integral in this thrust, serving on the committee for an unprecedented 12 years following his addition in 1944.

Under their watchful eyes and steady guidance, Kingston Wharves Limited was founded in 1944, a major feat in the consolidation of three wharves – Princess Street, Orange Street and East Street to the Grace/JFSCo operations at Hanover Street –to aid in stemming losses brought on by diminished cargo volumes due to the war.

Despite those challenges, the SAJ would add yet another substantial feat to its growing list of achievements that decade when it began direct employment of all port labour, which once more increased its commercial operations and viability.

The association’s gleaming past and burgeoning future would not have been possible without the Herculean efforts of its founding fathers, whose contributions continue to benefit the SAJ, the port and Jamaica today.

For their outstanding professional accomplishments and contribution to the development of the local and Caribbean shipping industry, these nine men were inducted into the SAJ’s Hall of Fame in 2022.