Roger Hinds, president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), said businesses in the maritime sector should seek to fill the gap between their potential and where they are now, to take advantage of opportunities that exist in this economic downturn.

Hinds was speaking at the opening of the SAJ's 70th anniversary exhibition of photographs and artefacts at the St James Parish Library on March 20. He said booms and downturns are inevitable in the market economy. As such, businesses should never get complacent in times of growth or panic in times of depression.

"Let us find the opportunities that hide in challenges and use our creativity and teamwork to reap the benefits," Hinds said.

Highest standards

Jamaica's position on the map, he pointed out, makes it a prime location for transhipment and logistics. As such, stakeholders in the industry must offer services that are second to none, as this will keep customers coming back in both good and bad times.

"we, therefore, need to ensure that we add value to goods that pass through our ports; that we select the right people for the job; that we train them continuously; that we are internationally competitive in cost, productivity and efficiency and that we insist on the highest standards of professionalism," said Hinds.

St James, the SAJ president noted, has much to be proud of, especially its strong foundation in the tourism and trade industries, which, he believes, will rise again.

Acting custos of St James, Enel Brydson, and Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Cecil Davis, welcomed the SAJ team to the parish and congratulated the association on its 70th anniversary.

Congratulations

Brydson congratulated the SAJ and other stakeholders in the shipping industry on maintaining security at the country's ports and encouraged the association to continue its good work.

Davis congratulated the SAJ on its initiative to capture the history of the industry and for sharing the information with the people.

"It is a marvellous and interesting effort. As citizens, we owe it to ourselves to identify with our past and make our present more knowledgeable," Davis said.

The SAJ's all-island exhibition will end at the Manchester parish library on April 3, before returning to its home in Kingston.

Members of the St James Parish Library cultural group performs a medley of songs during the launch of the Shipping Association of Jamaica's 70th anniversary exhibition launch at the library. - Contributed