Charles Johnston - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Charles H. Johnston, chairman of the Jamaica Producers Group (JPG) and the Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Limited, will be the newest inductee to the prestigious Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) Hall of Fame.

Johnston, who has given more than 30 years' contribution to Jamaica's shipping and agriculture industries, will be added to the honour roll, consisting of some of Jamaica's most revered businessmen, at the induction ceremony scheduled for October 30.

"I'm honoured to join a list of very distinguished Jamaicans," Johnston told The Gleaner when asked for a response to the recognition.

Receiving accolades is nothing new for this astute businessman, as he was conferred with the Order of Distinction, commander class, in 2006, for his contribution to agriculture, specifically, the banana industry.

Born in Kingston in December 1941 to Ernest Johnston (deceased) and Anna Johnston, a housewife, Johnston attended Jamaica College before going off to Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Economics.

Shipping all my life

He has been a director of the JPG for 30 years, 18 of which he has spent as the chairman. He has been at the Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Limited since 1964. "I've been in shipping all my life," said Johnston, who is a firm believer in pursuing what one enjoys.

He is married to Lisa McGregor and has four children. Johnston enjoys tennis, swimming and reading and is a member of the Kingston Cricket and Liguanea clubs.

susan.gordon@gleanerjm.com