Eleven Stevedoring Services Ltd employees have completed comprehensive port-worker training.

In collaboration with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Maritime University, these dock-workers are now equipped to work on docks across the Caribbean.

Training was conducted on-site in Bermuda, with CMU Jamaica campus professors Radcliffe Spence and Prince Layne. Polaris Holding Company Ltd, the parent company of SSL, first engaged CMU as a training partner in 2015, with the first on-island cohort in 2017.

In a strategic response to a changing workforce, as several long-serving staff retired, Polaris and SSL welcomed a young cohort of dock-workers in recent months who required specialised training to excel in their roles. The programme featured an entry-level track, one tailored for more experienced SSL employees and a management-level track.

A spokesman for Polaris said the maritime industry demanded vigilance and a deep understanding of technical safety protocols, especially given the potential risks associated with cargo handling.

“It was imperative that the influx of new workers receive comprehensive training to bolster the company’s commitment to maintaining a strong safety track record, particularly in the area of logistics and the supply chain,” the spokesman said.

Polaris chair Cheryl Hayward-Chew said: “This initiative represents our dedication to ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism within our organisation. We understand the importance of equipping our workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles.”

Chief executive Randy Rochester said the training also emphasised their responsibility to prioritise the wellbeing of their employees and the safety of operations.