Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) again did Jamaica proud by being voted 'Best Multi-Purpose Terminal in the Caribbean' for the second consecutive year.

The prestigious award was accepted by Garth Kitson, general manager-operations at KWL, at the 37th annual general meeting, conference and exhibition of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) held in Santo Domingo last week. The award was made at the CSA's gala banquet at the Renaisssance Jaragua Hotel on October 17. SPRC CARTAGENA was named the 'best container terminal' at the function.

A strong 25-member delega-tion of Jamaicans was in the capital of the Dominican Republic, joining over 200 other delegates representing the Caribbean shipping industry during the October 15-17 conference.

A range of important topics and issues were presented and discussed at the CSA conference, including an update on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, which featured a presentation by Sacha Vaccianna, trade expert with the Shipping Association of Jamaica. Delegates also looked at 'Current Trends in Maritime Transport' and the implications for Latin America and the Caribbean; 'Ship Size and the Effects on Shipping in the Caribbean'; and 'Environmental Issues' critical to maintaining the pristine condition of the Caribbean Sea.

The conference was highlighted by a number of events and activities, including port tours and the election of president and vice-president for the ensuing year. Fernando Rivera of Puerto Rico was returned as CSA president.