SAJ opens new recruiting centre

The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) last Wednesday opened its new state-of-the-art recruiting centre at its Fourth Avenue property.

The new recruiting centre will improve the amenities available for port workers, including sport and leisure. Speaking at the opening ceremony, president of the SAJ, Roger Hinds, said the opening of the new recruiting centre is another important milestone in the history of the SAJ. "This new recruiting centre demonstrates the SAJ's commitment to its workforce, as it not only brings us all under one roof, but it also provides a more modern facility in which we can all work and play," Hinds said.

The SAJ president noted that the project resulted from the creative vision and hard work of the management and staff of the association. The SAJ, he said, aims to maintain its relevance to the industry and is aware that the key to achieving that goal is to have a motivated workforce.

"The holistic development of our port workers is key. Not only should the workforce be motivated, but it must be highly trained in technical and physical capacities, as well as in mental capacity," Hinds said.

The new recruiting centre houses the SAJ's cyber café, which is a facility conceptualised three years ago to engage the workforce in learning and using computers. The centre is equipped with a holding area for workers between shifts, as well as a locker room with facilities for workers to shower and change. Additionally, port workers will now have immediate access to the association's gymnasium, mini football field and canteen.

Improved welfare, morale

For his part, Noel Hylton, president and chief executive officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, in a speech read by Harbour Master Captain Hopeton Delisser, congratulated the SAJ on its initiative to improve the staff welfare and employee morale.

"This recruiting centre represents part of the Shipping Association's efforts to foster and promote the professional and personal development of its employees through ongoing training," Hylton's speech said.

He further noted that, with all employees under one roof, the feeling of oneness would improve employer/employee relations and interactions, thus having a positive impact on productivity.

The SAJ's recruiting centre is just under 3,000 square feet and can house up to 60 workers for recreational and relaxation purposes, and up to 150 for meetings.

The building was designed by architect, Kadian McFarlane. Quantity surveyor was Robert Blankson; structural engineers were Peter Jervis and Associates and contractor was MCCDAR, represented by Melford Chisholm.