Alvin Henry, former general manager of the SAJ, said the exhibition captured the history of the association and shipping in Jamaica in an exciting way. "It will serve in a major way to educate the younger folks as to what the industry was like in the early period. It is also an excellent base for the start of a maritime museum," Henry said.

The items which resonated with Mr Henry were the artistic representation of the 'malampi,' a device for moving cargo from ship-side to storage and vice versa, as well as the newly established SAJ database, which provides information on past and present employees of the association.

SAJ managing committee member, Corah Ann Robertson Sylvester concurred, saying the photographs and artefacts were an excellent way to present the history of the industry. "I will encourage my staff to visit the exhibition because you can't be working in the industry and not understand where it started and the people who made us what we are today," Mrs Robertson Sylvester said.

Looking to the future

The SAJ's exhibition was launched on January 27 at the Kingston and St Andrew parish library, as part of the association's 70th anniversary celebrations. The exhibition examines seven decades of shipping through the eyes of the SAJ. It also provides a look into the future of our industry with respect to the business of logistics.

The exhibition celebrates the contribution of the founding fathers of the SAJ and the leaders who followed. The work of current leaders who are shaping a new paradigm for the SAJ as it looks to the future, is also featured. Events which led to the formation of the modern trade union movement and events which led to Jamaica's independence were also highlighted.

Trevor Riley, general manager of the SAJ, noted that the exhibition is the first step towards the establishment of a maritime museum in Jamaica. Photographs and artefacts featured in the exhibition, he said, will be housed at the SAJ's Newport West offices.

Exciting evening

The evening was an exciting one which featured students, past and present, from the SAJ's adopted school, Marcus Garvey Basic, who paid tribute to the association in song and dance. Principal of the school, Vivienne Mitchell, presented SAJ President Roger Hinds with a congratulatory plaque, thanking the association for its contribution to the school over the years.

Mrs Robertson Sylvester presented the SAJ president with a citation congratulating the association on achieving 70 years of excellent service to the shipping industry.

The exhibition will travel to Port Antonio between February 27 and March 10, moving on to St Ann's Bay, Montego Bay and Mandeville before returning to its permanent home at the SAJ.

Roger Hinds (right), president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), accepts a congratulatory 70th anniversary citation from Corah Ann Robertson Sylvester, chief executive officer of Seaboard Jamaica and Charles Johnston, executive chairman, Jamaica Fruit and Shipping, during the launch of the SAJ's 70th anniversary celebrations on January 27, at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library, Tom Redcam Avenue. - Contributed photos