Dean of the Consulor Corps, Grantley Stephenson (right), enjoying the entertainment with (from left) wife, Judith; colleague, Charles Johnston; and sister, Lorna Parkins. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

When you're recognised for your hard work, it's okay to celebrate.

And that was the mood from CEO of Kingston Wharves, Grantley Stephenson, who on Saturday last, celebrated the Order of Distinction Commander Class, which he received for his contribution to the development of the shipping industry.

Man of the moment, Grantley Stephenson, with daughter, Lori-Ann (centre), and her friend, Christina Taylor.

A true shipping man, having served at Jamaica Merchant Marine and Jamaica Freight and Shipping, Stephenson actually studied electrical engineering. Go figure. There were only two toasts; one from his sister, Lorna, and the other from shipping mogul and good friend, Charles Johnston. The Stephenson family was also joined by members of the consular corps as Stephenson is the dean of that body.

All around the Mona Visitors' Lodge were decorations of shipping memorabilia including a ship and anchor, with aqua-coloured fish nets. The cuisine was also lavishly spread (and excellently prepared by Jan Angus), while Wayne Armond and Richard McDonald performed the musical duties.

Garth Kitson (left), Kingston Wharves general manager of Operations, congratulates boss, Grantley Stephenson, on his CD award.

Guests included Drs. Laura and Dhiru Tanna; Clovis Metcalfe, Honorary Consul to Barbados, Winston Bayley; Honorary Consul to Thailand; Thalia Lyn and husband, Michael, Honorary Consul to Nicaragua, William Tavares-Finson and wife, Sandy; Honorary Consul to Poland Hugh Wright; Milton Brady; Horace and Norma Clarke; Honorary Consul to Lithuania Lois Lake-Sherwood; Francis Kennedy and wife, Marjorie; Alicia Kinlocke; Honorary Consul to Ukraine Kenny Benjamin; Ambassador Madge Barrett and husband, Arthur; and Indera Persaud, honorary consul of Guyana.