Michael Bernard (centre), president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), smiles after cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the SAJ's Cyber Café with Davy Danni (partially hidden), while Terrence Brooks, operations manager - recruiting,...

To fulfil its ongoing commitment to improve the flow of information to its workforce, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) recently opened a Cyber Café for stevedores in its employ.

Located at the SAJ's Recruiting Centre, the Cyber Café is outfitted with four computers, and has a wireless Internet system that allows for the use of laptops.

Speaking at the opening of the cyber centre last Wednesday, Michael Bernard, president of the SAJ said, "Any tool that enhances communication will undoubtedly influence how people learn from each other."

"We believe that an informed workforce is an empowered and productive contributor to the development of our industry and our society," Bernard added, noting that information garnered from access to the Internet will keep the SAJ on the cutting edge of development.

Trevor Riley, SAJ's general manager, noted that the opening of the Cyber Café is part of the vision of management to educate the workforce. "We believe in a workforce that is informed and educated, and we believe in providing an opportunity for that - we have to give the best service in a context where you understand what your contributions mean to the country," Riley said.

Strong encouragement

For his part, operations manager, Terrence Brooks, who has direct responsibility for the Recruiting Centre, and who pioneered the project, encouraged the stevedores to use the computers and the access to the Internet to broaden their horizons. "We work at the gateway to the world, computers will expand that horizon. I am happy to have the opportunity to assist with the process. It is an exciting time to be working for the SAJ. I encourage you to embrace the changes," Brooks said.

Responding on behalf of the unions, Barrington Dawes, deputy general secretary of the Trade Union Congress expressed his gratitude to the SAJ for providing such a facility for workers. "It suggests that management is committed to the development of human capital," he said. However, Dawes had a stern warning for management, "(you) must be prepared to tolerate constructive criticism from the knowledge gained," he said.

Gavonnie Phipps, responding on behalf of the stevedores, thanked management for the Cyber Café. "It will go a far way in enhancing our surroundings ... the information gathered will be put to good use. In the near future, you will see the fruits of your labour," Phipps said.

Also attending the launch were Alvin Sinclair, vice-president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union; Roger Hinds, vice- president of the SAJ; Diana Reynolds, HRD manager of the SAJ and members ofthe stevedoring and administrative staff of the SAJ.

Cruise AND outports schedule

vessel Port Date

GATEWAY SHIPPING JA. LTD. (Formerly GraceKennedy and Co. (Shipping) Ltd.)

Mariner of the Seas Ocho Rios 08/10

JAMAICA FREIGHT AND SHIPPING

MV Seaboard Voyager Montego Bay 07/10

MV Seaboard Sun Montego Bay 10/10

LANNAMAN AND MORRIS (SHIPPING) LTD

Carnival Conquest Montego Bay 08/10

Coral Princess Ocho Rios 10/10

Carnival Triumph Ocho Rios 10/10

Carnival Destiny Ocho Rios 13/10

SEABOARD JAMAICA

Seaboard Voyager Montego Bay 07/10

Seaboard Sun Montego Bay 10/10

SEAFREIGHT JAMAICA LIMITED

Hafentor Montego Bay 13/10