GRANTLEY STEPHENSON COPS JIM MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The awards which have been in existence since 1986 are used as a forum to recognize managers in organizations who have provided outstanding service in leadership roles.

In the citation on Grantley Stephenson, he was described as a central figure in the shipping industry for over forty years, thirteen of which have been spent as the CEO of Kingston Wharves. He has been credited with the implementation of growth strategies which have led to Kingston becoming a key transshipment hub and port for leading shipping lines in the Caribbean and Latin America. He is also a part of the diplomatic Corps having been appointed Dean of the Kingdom of Norway in Jamaica.

In his acceptance remarks, Stephenson said he was humbled at the award and proud to be part of a distinguished band of persons who sought to promote international best practices. He paid tribute to his wife and children who have unequivocally supported his ambition.  He said, likewise his work family has assisted in the implementation of sustainable growth strategies and whom he said provided him with important lessons in character building and management skills.

“Our company understands the implications of our own success for the country’s economic growth and development, particularly in the field of logistics,” he asserted.

He also lauded his colleagues in the Caribbean Shipping Association, citing Mr. Charles Johnston, Chairman of the Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company and Jamaica Producers Group Ltd as one of those who played a seminal role in his development over the years.

Former Managing Director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) was the other selectee as ‘Manager of the Year’. She was described as a giant in community development. She was at the helm of JSIF for some eighteen years during which she led the organization to ISO 14001certification and presided over 1,600 infrastructure projects.  

“I feel very fortunate for being awarded for my passion – community development”, was how Mrs. Gillings summed up her feelings in her acceptance remarks. In speaking to her contributions to national development, she said that she refused to accept that there was any country that was beyond repair. To this end, she opined that communities should be integrated into the national growth strategy.   

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen in lauding the efforts of the Jamaica Institute of Management for recognizing excellence in the Jamaican landscape, said that the organization was ‘punching way above its weight’.  He also congratulated the recipients, recognising them as ‘persons who have done’, rather than the proverbial ‘haves and have nots’ for which many societies are famed.

Guest Speaker at the function, Father Richard Ho-lung, himself a former recipient of the ‘Manager of the Year’ Award paid tribute to the awardees noting that they contributed significantly to making Jamaica “one of the most beautiful countries in the world”.

In describing Jamaica as a ‘country of contradictions’, Father Holung highlighted the fact that though ‘challenges abound, there are those who never cease to offer kindness’. He encouraged his audience never to give up and to acquaint themselves with the love of God as this is the only way the nation will fulfill its potential.

Also receiving an award at the ceremony was Jamelia Jalaalwalikraam who was presented with the George Philip Memorial Scholarship. She is in her final year at the University of Technology where she is reading for a degree in Finance and Banking.