Reginald Thorpe, a veteran safety expert in Jamaica’s bauxite industry, has been honoured for 37 years of service. Losing his mother and grandfather at six, the Clarendon native overcame early adversity. Moving to Brown’s Town, St. Ann, he attended Brown’s Town Secondary School and later pursued agriculture at Brown’s Town Community College.
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“I must say categorically, I am, indeed, first of all thankful to God because I am a firm believer in God. Secondly, I am humbled by the fact that the Government can recognise the contribution that I have given over these years. For me to be singled out to receive this award, I am very much honoured. I am very grateful, and I will receive it with much dignity and pride,” Mr Thorpe commented.
Rising through the ranks
Mr Thorpe began his career at Kaiser Bauxite Company, which later evolved into Discovery Bauxite Operations Limited, as a truck driver. He later operated the bauxite train, transporting materials from mines to port. In 2003, after reviewing the company’s Job Safety Procedures, he was redirected to the Safety Department. “I don’t think you are serving much purpose here (as a train driver). You need to go to the Safety Department,” the General Manager reportedly told him.
His dedication led to a position on the All-Bauxite Safety Council and recognition with the J.J. Gagnon Trophy in 2004. By 2006, he trained in Japan as a certified technical trainer, acquiring skills that underpin his current role supervising mobile equipment at Discovery Bauxite.
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Service beyond the industry
Mr Thorpe also serves as a Justice of the Peace and community builder. “For example, every Labour Day (May 23), I would be instrumental in painting pedestrian crossings, installing safety mirrors in communities or in towns to ensure safety. I would also be involved in going into schools and doing safety talks for the students,” he told JIS News.
Leadership, humility, and calm perseverance guide him. “‘If you do not understand my silence, you will never understand my words’ was one of the things I used as my philosophy throughout life to guide me… in the sense that I am not the type of person who reacts emotionally on a lot of things. I shy away from quarrels; I do not fight; I try to remain as humble as I can throughout my life,” Mr Thorpe said.
National honour
On National Heroes Day, October 20, Mr Thorpe received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service, recognising 37 years of contribution to health and safety in Jamaica’s bauxite industry. He looks forward to sharing this moment with his wife, Jessica, two sons and twin daughters. “All of them will be sharing this moment with me. They are all happy and they are all proud of me,” he said.
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