Grantley Stephenson (left), SAJ President presents an award to Alvin Sinclair, Negotiating Officer of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, in recognition of the BITU's 50 years of contribution to the JIC for Port Bustamante. - Contributed THE JOINT INDUSTRIAL Council for Port Bustamante recently recognised 16 persons for long and dedicated service to the Council, which is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary. These individuals have contributed between 10 and 40 years of service.
The awards were presented recently during the JIC's 50th Anniversary Awards Dinner at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
Topping the list of persons was Hopeton Caven, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress who was honoured for for more than 40 years - the longest serving member of the Council, while former portworker delegate/Union Officer, Eric Wright was recognised for more than 30 years. Former SAJ general manager, Alvin Henry, led the group of persons receiving the awards for 20 and more years. The others were John Mock Yen, Michael Silvera, Dalphyne Jackson and SAJ MC members, Hylton Clarke and Alister Cooke.
Trade unionist Alvin Sinclair of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, SAJ Industrial Relations Manager, Russel Keith, and Condell Stephenson, were lauded for over 15 years of service and presented with plaques of recognition. Ten-year recognition went to Basil Downer, Manager of SAJ's Recruiting Centre and Michael Bernard, another member of the Managing committee. Recording secretaries, Marcia Anderson, Dionne Gordon and Lavern Slowley were also given certificates of appreciation.
The JIC for Post Bustamante is one of the oldest, largest and most active JIC in the country. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Council had a week-long series of activities.
The Council, which comprises representatives from the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union; the United Portworkers and Seamen's Union, the Trades Union Congress and the Shipping Association of Jamaica, has been responsible for improving the working conditions on the Port of Kingston and introducing systems, which have helped to enhance the competitiveness of the Port. The three unions were also noted for their involvement with the JIC over the years.
