Caribbean National Weekly

PortMiami executives visit Jamaica to strengthen maritime and trade ties

By CNW Reporter··1 min read
PortMiami executives visit Jamaica to strengthen maritime and trade ties
Key Points(5)
  • On Friday, August 22, 2025, PortMiami executives Sonless Martin, Global Trade & Business Development, and Stanley Rigaud, Intermodal Cargo Development Administrator, traveled to Jamaica for high-level meetings with maritime and logistics leaders.
  • The discussion focused on enhancing mutual understanding of each organization’s role and identifying opportunities for collaboration, given the close geographic and commercial links between Miami and Jamaica.
  • Jamaica is a key market within PortMiami’s Caribbean trade network, with the port serving as the island’s largest U.S.
  • In 2024, PortMiami handled 18,368 TEUs of exports and 3,256 TEUs of imports to and from Jamaica.
  • Following the meeting, the delegation toured Kingston Wharves’ terminal facilities.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, PortMiami executives Sonless Martin, Global Trade & Business Development, and Stanley Rigaud, Intermodal Cargo Development Administrator, traveled to Jamaica for high-level meetings with maritime and logistics leaders.

The first session brought together senior representatives from JAMPRO — including Nicholas Sutherland, New Market Development, and Rochelle Lewis, Senior Consulting Officer – New Market Development — alongside executives from Kingston Wharves Limited: Jeffrey Hall, Chairman; Clover Moodie, Group Chief Financial Officer; Rodrigo Olea, Chief Operations Officer; Alfred McDonald, Business Development Manager; Everton Thomas, Operations Manager; and Simone Murdock, Corporate Services and Client Experience Manager.

PortMiami

Also participating was Renee Pesci, Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council of Miami and the Coalition of Chambers of Commerce in Miami-Dade County. The discussion focused on enhancing mutual understanding of each organization’s role and identifying opportunities for collaboration, given the close geographic and commercial links between Miami and Jamaica.

Jamaica is a key market within PortMiami’s Caribbean trade network, with the port serving as the island’s largest U.S. trading partner. In 2024, PortMiami handled 18,368 TEUs of exports and 3,256 TEUs of imports to and from Jamaica. Following the meeting, the delegation toured Kingston Wharves’ terminal facilities.

Executives also met with Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), including newly appointed CEO Carlos Cabrera and Clifford Anglin, Manager of Gate Operations and Special Cargo. The visit concluded with a courtesy meeting with RSD Shipping Agency representatives Kerry Lediard and Jamie Thomas.

PortMiami described the trip as highly productive, with discussions laying the groundwork for continued collaboration to strengthen maritime and logistics connections between Miami and Jamaica.

Related Stories

St. Vincent announces emergency measures to offset rising global prices

St. Vincent announces emergency measures to offset rising global prices

Bahamas imposes travel ban on visitors from three African countries over Ebola concerns

Bahamas imposes travel ban on visitors from three African countries over Ebola concerns

CARICOM foreign ministers condemn intensified US measures against Cuba

CARICOM foreign ministers condemn intensified US measures against Cuba

St. Lucia PM cautious on restoring death penalty amid growing public calls

St. Lucia PM cautious on restoring death penalty amid growing public calls