Remembering Fernando Rivera: A visionary leader in Caribbean shipping

The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) joins the regional maritime community in mourning the passing of Fernando Rivera, a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication helped shape the modern Caribbean shipping landscape.

Rivera, a proud son of Puerto Rico, held an enduring passion for regional development and maritime progress. His distinguished career spanned over five decades and included pivotal roles in both the public and private sectors of the shipping and petroleum industries.

His involvement with the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) began in 2001 as a Group A Representative on the General Council. He was appointed vice president in 2003, served as president from 2006 to 2009, and later took on the role of general manager. During his leadership, the CSA deepened its role as a unifying voice for regional shipping interests, benefiting from his steady guidance and commitment to integration.

Rivera also served as president of the Puerto Rico Shipping Association from 1993 to 2002, the longest serving president in the organisation’s history, and continued as its executive director until 2009. His work helped strengthen port operations and foster partnerships across jurisdictions.

Rivera worked closely with many colleagues from the SAJ, all of whom remember him fondly for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the maritime industry.

Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president of the SAJ and past president of the CSA, remembers Rivera as a friend and colleague who always offered a listening ear and was generous in sharing his knowledge and experience.

“I met Fernando in 1995 at the CSA AGM in Trinidad and Tobago when we were both members of Group A, and we served together on the council for many years. When I became president, he was vice president. Fernando was always focused on what was best for the association. He was more than a colleague; he was a friend.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Grantley Stephenson, past president of both the SAJ and CSA. Stephenson worked with Rivera over a period of six years, first as vice president and later as president.

“It was truly a joy working with him. He was always supportive, generous with his knowledge, and willing to share the wealth of experience he had gained over the years. I thoroughly enjoyed our time working together and valued his steady presence and insight.”

Dionne Mason-Gordon, member services officer at the SAJ and conference and operations manager at the CSA, was among those who worked closely with Rivera during his tenure at the association. She described Rivera as a father figure who offered unwavering guidance and support.

“I had the pleasure of working with Fernando from 2011, when he was asked to act as general manager until his retirement in 2020. During our time working together, we never once had a disagreement,” Mason-Gordon said. “Seeing him at the 23rd CSEC earlier this month, I had no idea it would be our last conversation. However, I am so happy I got the opportunity to see him one last time. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.”

The 23rd Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference, held in Fort Lauderdale earlier in May, was the last CSA event Rivera attended. He was warmly welcomed by colleagues and friends; many of whom were unaware it would be their final moment together. His presence, as always, lit up the room with stories, smiles, and lasting connections.

The SAJ extends heartfelt condolences to Rivera’s family, colleagues, and friends. We honour his extraordinary service and the indelible mark he left on the Caribbean maritime community.

The funeral service for Fernando Rivera was held on June 1 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the SAJ represented by its president, Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester.