The SAJ’s legacy of corporate responsibility

In celebration of its 85th anniversary, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) will reflect on its journey and chronicle its rich history and contributions to the maritime sector. The series will explore its role and trace its inception as a trade union, to being a catalyst for change in the port community.

From its establisment, the SAJ has woven the principles of good corporate citizenship into the fabric of its mandate, recognising the vital role it plays in promoting sustainable practices and community development.

The SAJ’s commitment to social responsibility is integral to its identity, with a lasting impact on both the shipping and logistics sector and the broader society.

Notably, the SAJ has emphasised in-house programmes designed to improve the qualifications and quality of life of its staff. Over the years, these programmes have included comprehensive, on-the-job training initiatives, opportunities for overseas courses to widen employees’ knowledge base, and assistance in qualifying for institutions such as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. The SAJ goes beyond traditional training, organising seminars to keep its workforce, and that of its members, updated on industry advancements. Additionally, the SAJ has promoted a culture of learning through initiatives like the maritime quiz competition, creating a dynamic and engaged community.

Since 1977, the SAJ has offered scholarships to staff and their children wanting to pursue tertiary education. What’s more, the association’s educational assistance was expanded in 1985 to offer scholarships to the children of port workers to attend secondary school based on their performance in their exit examinations. Combined, there have been hundreds of beneficiaries of scholarships and bursaries to continue secondary and tertiary-level education under the SAJ’s higher-learning mandate.

The SAJ has not only focused on enhancing the qualifications of its internal workforce, but also made significant investments to numerous external programmes. In 1985, the SAJ’s Training and Welfare Department was established and became a crucial hub for its educational outreach efforts, aligning with the association’s core objectives of human resource development and the improvement of employee welfare. This emphasis on education and training reflects the SAJ’s overarching goal to enhance the efficiency of its employees to the highest degree, ensuring a skilled and empowered workforce.

Numerous organisations have also benefited from the SAJ’s largesse over the years through the provision of grants. Among the beneficiaries are the Tivoli Gardens High School, Stella Maris project, Sts Peter and Paul Church, UWI Department of Management Studies awards, Meadowbrook United Church, among others.

One early initiative of the department saw it organise a Summer Employment Programme for 100 high school students, who were placed in service organisations at the SAJ’s expense during its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Additionally, the SAJ adopted the Marcus Garvey Basic School in Greenwich Farm, demonstrating its commitment to the nearby community’s educational well-being. Its three-decade relationship with school is a testament to its commitment to the youth and the community, with the institution benefiting from salary assistance, a feeding programme, aid with its Toddlers’ Camp, an annual children’s treat and other support. The SAJ also hosts a twice-monthly free clinic for the elderly, who also benefit from an annual treat of necessary grocery items.

As the association moves forward with the next phase of its existence, it continues to place importance on its corporate social responsibility by investing in its workforce and supporting initiatives that contribute to industry growth and sustainability.