be essential as digital transformation reshapes shipping, with technologies like blockchain and AI impacting the industry. WOMEN LEADING IN MARITIME BUSINESS Sue-Ann Johnston’s appointment marks a watershed moment in Jamaica Fruit and Shipping’s centurylong history.“I’m the first woman,” she states simply, acknowledging her groundbreaking role as CEO. The significance isn’t just about family succession— women remain underrepresented in global shipping leadership, making her position noteworthy in an industry where female executives hold less than 2% of senior maritime roles worldwide. Hamilton’s journey illustrates the magnetic pull of the shipping industry. “I entered the industry some years ago in sales. I remember someone saying to me early on,‘You will either fall in love with shipping, or you will hate it so much that you will leave and never come back,’” she recalls. After seven years, she did leave, but the industry’s grasp on her was too strong to ignore.“Even though I was gone, I was never really gone. I was always trying to find out what was happening in the industry.” Johnston is very complementary towards Hamilton’s work with Jamaica Freight. “She’s doing a great job. She’s had to hold her own,” Johnston observes. “She’s in a very male-dominant industry.”This mutual support between the two female CEOs creates a powerful dynamic in Jamaica’s shipping sector, where women increasingly drive innovation and growth. STRATEGIC VISION AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTIES Hamilton is first to admit that along with continued growth, there are challenges ahead that face the shipping industry. “Congestion is one issue that ports in the region and globally are all facing, “ Hamilton clarifies. “It does affect us because vessels then end up bypassing.” Regional ports face similar pressures. Sue Ann Johnston, CEO of Jamaica Fruit ShippingCo. Ltd GSRJ Shipyard gsrj.com.jm info@gsrj.com.jm +1 (876) 618-6240 Connect With Us GSRJ Shipyard is committed to raising the bar for ship repair and maintenance in the Caribbean by delivering safe, high-quality, on-time service at competitive prices, while supporting local growth through strong partnerships, training, and industry development. QUALITY. TOP INDUSTRY STANDARDS 24 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx