CSA pays tribute to Noel Hylton

Members of the Caribbean Shipping Association have been paying tribute to the organization’s first secretary and first executive vice president, the Hon. Noel Hylton, OJ, who died on 24 February after a period of illness.

Mr Hylton was instrumental in the formation of the CSA. In 1970 he was among representatives from five national shipping associations in the region who met in Barbados and decided to form a Caribbean-wide association.

As the Shipping Association of Jamaica’s then general manager, Mr Hylton served as secretary to the steering committee and undertook much of the work of establishing and registering the CSA and its secretariat in Kingston, Jamaica. The aim of the steering committee was to bring together shipping interests across the region to integrate interests and exchange advice, experiences and information.

Later, as the CSA’s first executive vice president, Mr Hylton oversaw the development of documentation and the establishment of procedures for the new organization. In addition, he oversaw the task of organizing the content and logistics of the association’s first general meetings.

“Mr Hylton was instrumental in the formation of the Caribbean Shipping Association,” said current CSA president David Jean-Marie. “He visited and lobbied the shipping leaders of the region and subsequently participated in the organization and legitimization of the association. What we know today as one of the most influential shipping organizations in the region, which impacts the direction of thought of leaders among its represented countries and beyond, is in large part due to the industry and vision of Mr Hylton, especially in those important formative years. I am grateful that the maritime industry has had someone of his stature to guide it through its developmental years. I wish to express deepest condolences to his family on behalf of the CSA General Council and, indeed, on behalf of Barbados Port Inc. He was a great man and we continue to carry on his legacy with pride, conviction and purpose.”

Dedication

Mr Jean-Marie added that, as a consequence of his hard work and dedication, Mr Hylton was also very fondly remembered by members of the CSA.

Alvin Henry, who succeeded Noel Hylton as secretary and then executive vice president of the CSA, described him as one of the founding fathers of the Caribbean Shipping Association. “Noel was pivotal to the formation and development of the CSA,” said Mr Henry. “He was instrumental in getting other shipping managers from the other countries in the Caribbean involved in the CSA.” And he added: “The CSA today owes a debt of gratitude to Noel for his sterling contribution in its formation and development in the early years.”

CSA past president Luis Ayala-Parsi was equally moved by the news. “The port of Jamaica lost its main believer and supporter,” he shared. “I lost a very good friend with whom I shared many fond moments. My condolences to the family and all of you [Jamaicans].”

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