“It’s a family business that has stood the test of time,” says Anna Hamilton, CEO of Jamaica Freight and Shipping, the company’s shipping agency arm formed in 1976. The evolution from banana exports to fullservice logistics signifies Jamaica’s transformation into the Caribbean’s largest container handling hub. Kingston’s port now processes 2.8 million TEUs annually, with 90% serving as transshipment cargo connecting global trade routes. Johnston represents the fourth generation of family leadership, following a direct line from her greatgrandfather Charles Edward through Edward Charles to current chairman Charles Edward Johnston. “We are going a bit diversified now,” she explains, noting how the company has expanded beyond its agricultural roots while maintaining core values. Hamilton emphasizes that although family-owned, the operation runs on professional principles: “In terms of Jamaica Freight and Shipping, it is run as any other organization would be run.” THE EVOLUTION OF TWO COMPANIES The transformation from banana exporter to shipping conglomerate began taking shape in 1976 when Jamaica Freight and Shipping emerged from a strategic merger. “There was a bauxite company in Jamaica called Reynolds Jamaica Limited and their shipping arm merged with Jamaica Fruit and Shipping, and Jamaica Freight and Shipping was born,” Hamilton explains. This pivotal moment coincided with Jamaica’s growing importance as a transshipment hub, strategically positioned just 32 nautical miles from the Panama Canal. Jamaica Fruit’s diversification points to a broader industry trend toward integrated logistics services. “German ship repair has been a dream of Charles Johnston for 20-odd years,” Johnston notes, referring to the Kingston dry dock project that now serves vessels calling at one of the region’s busiest ports. The facility operates alongside Kingston Freeport Terminal, where CMA CGM has invested $400 million in infrastructure improvements since taking over operations in 2016. The separation of roles between the two companies creates operational clarity. “Jamaica Fruit would handle most of the family investments as the holding 17 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06 JAMAICA FREIGHT & SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx