Johnston to be inducted in PSOJ hall of fame

Published: Wednesday October 29, 2008

Charles Johnston, chairman of Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company and of the Jamaica Producers Group, will be officially inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame tomorrow evening, making the 15th inductee since inception.

The Private Sector Hall of Fame was established by the PSOJ to honour Jamaican businesspersons who have made significant contributions to the development of the private sector and the country, and has been in place since 1992. Nominees should have served in Jamaica's private sector for at least 25 years. Awards are made annually and made only to individuals.

Johnston has been at the helm of Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Ltd since 1976 and has successfully steered the company into the 21st century with a course steadily set for the future. He has proved himself as a pioneer in the local shipping industry, expanding the Jamaica Producers Group into the UK market and acquiring a Dutch juice company recently.

A graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, he has led the diversification of JPG into a Global food trading company, and aims to develop new marketing opportunities outside the UK.

Johnston was honoured with the presentation of the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, by Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall in 2006; this for his contribution to agriculture and specifically to the banana Industry.

The Jamaica Freight & Shipping of the 1980s represented three companies -Jamaica Producers Shipping Company among them. The Group now represents many more lines, contributing to approximately 60 per cent of the cargo passing through Kingston Wharves terminal, and owns Shipping Services Stevedoring.


Source: Jamaica Observer
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20081029T000000-0500_141902_OBS_JOHNSTON_TO_BE_INDUCTED_IN_PSOJ_HALL_OF_FAME.asp