Kingston Wharves Celebrates Excellence

The Kingston Wharves Group recognised more than 80 employees at its recent Annual Excellence Awards for their outstanding contributions. Awardees were drawn from Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) and two of its subsidiaries, Security Administrators Limited (SAL) and Newport Stevedoring Services Limited (NSSL). The ceremony was held at the AC Hotel.

The awards recognised the employees’ performance during 2025, when the company celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Delivering the keynote address at the awards function, CEO, Mark Williams, lauded the awardees for their role in the company’s success, emphasising that that KWL’s recent record financial performance and success over the past eight decades have been driven not only by infrastructure, but by people.  

“Ports do not run on infrastructure alone—they run on people. Every safe operation, every efficient turnaround, every satisfied customer is the direct result of your dedication, professionalism, and pride in your work,” the CEO stated.

He noted that the company’s achievement was a shared one, observing that, “Excellence does not just belong to a few…. Every employee plays a role in delivering the service and reliability that define us. Every partnership we build strengthens our ability to succeed.”

Underscoring that each award represented more than individual achievement, Mr. Williams highlighted the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence. “Our awardees represent the very best of what we stand for: safety, reliability, innovation, and service,” the CEO added.

The event also underscored the company’s focus on fostering a strong organizational culture rooted in collaboration and inclusivity. Employees across all departments—operations, logistics, administration, and support services—were acknowledged as critical contributors to the company’s continued success.

The awardees were recognised in three main categories, Service Excellence. Operational Excellence and Safety Champions. Special Awards were given in the categories Employees of the Year and Rookies of the Year for all three companies. Other awards were Manager of the Year, Execution Excellence Award and the CEO Award was also presented to an individual whose exceptional contribution and leadership have had a significant impact on the organization.

Ryan Peart, General Manager for Terminal in his remarks reminded the awardees that Operational excellence was not always visible in grand moments. More often, it was built in the ordinary moments through discipline, consistency, accountability, and pride in one’s work. 

“It is found in people who show up every day ready to give their best. People who remain focused under pressure. People who understand that how we do our work matters just as much as the work itself,” Mr. Peart stated.

He reminded the awardees that the work they did at KWL mattered. “It matters to our customers. It matters to our partners. It matters to the wider economy. And it matters to the reputation we continue to build an organisation committed to service, reliability and continuous improvement. 

Managing Director of Security Administrators Limited, Captain George Reynolds addressing the safety champions, stated: “Being awarded in the category of Safety Champions is especially commendable, because it means that you are in the forefront of the company’s effort to build a safety culture; one that speaks to an essential function of our operations.  This award is called Safety Champion, but its takes great skill and competence to operate safely, so it speaks to the quality workers you all are.”

Captain Reynolds applauded all the awardees, noting that every employee across the group was a standard bearer for safety and security, complementing the strong safety and security policies and protocols that KWL had in place.

Congratulating the awardees, Christal McGillive-Brown, Managing of Newport Stevedoring Company Limited challenged them to continue to elevate their standards, “As we celebrate this milestone with you, I want to challenge each of you, not only to maintain the high standards you have set, but to raise the bar even higher. 

“Be the ones who lead by example, the ones who inspire their colleagues. Be the ones who ask, “How can we do this better? How can we be more efficient?” Because true service excellence is built in the small, consistent changes we make, daily,” Mrs. McGillive-Brown stated, adding, “As we move forward, let us continue to work with purpose, pride, and a greater level of dedication.”

In welcoming the team, Group HR Manager, Ava Baker noted, “I am especially proud to be part of a team that understands a simple but powerful truth: our greatest asset is our people. Our goal has always been to build an engaged and competent team—one that not only meets expectations but consistently exceeds them.”