Lawson Calderon THE LOCAL SHIPPING and business communities have been dealt a major blow, with the passing of St. Lucian consultant, Mr. Lawson Calderon, who had been doing significant work in organisational development and re-engineering in the region.
Mr. Calderon, who did consultancy work with the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) over the last year, drowned along with SAJ General Manager, Pauline Gray, after the car in which they were travelling was swept away by heavy flood water in the Cassia Park Gully last Saturday.
Both the shipping industry and local manufacturing sectors are in shock at the deaths, which have put a dent in programmes to support the growth and viability of the local shipping and manufacturing sectors.
Lawson, who was President of the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association, was responsible for carrying out a diagnostics study, formulation and execution of a Strategic Development Plan for both the CSA and SAJ and was about to embark on work with the Jamaica Manufacturers Association.
Mr. Calderon had considerable experience in corporate turnaround work, strategic planning, organisational strengthening, the design and implementation of ICT-based Management Information Systems, and other areas of business administration.
PROVIDING GROUNDWORK
SAJ President, Harry Maragh, while expressing condolence, said the local port community is grateful for the extent of work Mr. Calderon conducted, which had provided the groundwork for significant developments as it relates to the application of Information Communication Technology to enhance processes and systems to support the viability of shipping.
In his comments, JMA President, Clarence Clarke, said Mr Calderon's death had set back plans to provide support and integration for regional manufacturing associations, especially in the Eastern Caribbean.
Mr. Calderon was qualified in O&M, economics, finance, Law, and Manpower Development. He also lectured in management, law and finance, operated an exporting manufacturing company and had done consultations in the United Kingdom, and CARICOM since 1974. His track record Included work for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD); United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). He has also done work for most regional governments and dozens of private sector clients in many industries. Mr. Calderon is survived by his children and wife Paula.
