Remembering shipping icon Laurence Paul Scott

THE LOCAL and regional maritime industry mourns the passing of Laurence Paul Scott, a giant of Jamaica’s shipping industry and former chairman of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ).

Scott’s substantial contributions heralded a transformative period for the nation’s shipping industry, beginning with his career at GraceKennedy Shipping in 1958. The ambitious Scott would make his presence felt early, becoming honorary secretary of the Joint Industrial Council, a post he held for two years. His experience with the entity’s industrial relations mandate would serve him well for what was to come.

Shortly after, he was promoted to chairman of GraceKennedy Shipping, which paved the way for his entry at the SAJ in 1960. Within a year, he was elected vice-chairman of the association and just four years later became its youngest-ever chairman at 29 years old.

His rise within the SAJ coincided with the Port of Kingston’s movement from the Port Royal Street piers to more efficient and modern facilities at Newport West in 1966, a shift in which he was involved.

Scott’s five years at the SAJ’s helm assisted the development of skilled labour and overall improvements in the working conditions and labour arrangements of port workers.

He contributed to negotiations with union leaders and worker delegates, which helped pave the way for numerous benefits for port workers, including a health and medical scheme, pension plan, paid vacation leave, guaranteed weekly wages, and an incentive scheme.

For his arduous commitment to Jamaica’s maritime community and the development of its modern port community, Scott was inducted into the SAJ’s Hall of Fame in 2022. Prior to that, he was also specially recognised by the SAJ as one of three past presidents, along with Geoffrey Collyer and Robert Bell, who contributed to the development of the shipping industry during its 75th anniversary celebrations in 2014.

Scott will be remembered for his decades-long service to the industry and his dedication to its continued innovation, productivity, and accord.