Pioneer in shipping industry passes

Daphne McLaren, chairman of the Maritime Group of Companies, has died. McLaren was the sister of the late Hylton Clarke and aunt to vice-president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), Kim Clarke.

She entered the shipping industry straight out of high school in 1958 and joined A.E. Parnell Limited where she worked as secretary to the then owner Alfred. E. Parnell. Parnell taught McLaren the ins and out of the shipping business and under his guidance, she assumed tremendous responsibilities.

Mrs Mac, as she was affectionately called by many, had a vision for the shipping industry, and, along with her brother, Hylton, incorporated Maritime and Transport Services Limited, a shipping agency, in 1966. In 1974, McLaren and Hylton became majority shareholders of A. E. Parnell, and her growth in the shipping industry continued. She served as director and secretary for several companies: Maritime and Transport Services Ltd; Maritime Towing Company Limited; Maritime General Insurance Brokers Ltd; A. E. Parnell and Company Ltd; Arnold L. Malabre & Co Ltd, R.S.Gamble (1998) Ltd; A director of Terminal Services Limited; and Mount Royal Co-operative Society Limited.

Shipping, in her own words, was her life, and during her time, she witnessed many changes in the industry. In a 1987 shipping feature article in which she was quoted, she said, "perhaps the major change in my mind was the abandonment of the finger piers and the establishment of new and modern port facilities at Newport West. This was indeed a landmark progress and security for the industry."

"She will be missed for her generosity, advice, outspokenness and sense of humour," nephew Kim Clarke said. He noted that she was known for her work ethic and good discipline.

Group operations manager for the Maritime Group, Joseph Lowe, said McLaren would be sadly missed by all staff. "She will be remembered as a no-nonsense person, very kind and someone who always had the interest of the staff at heart," Lowe added.

A thanksgiving service for the life of McLaren will be held on September 10, 2 p.m., St Andrew Parish Church. Interment will be at the church cemetery.