EVEN though she started out studying navigational science, circumstances didn’t allow her to complete her studies. Today, Otasha Smikle is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the OTISS Group, a multifaceted logistics company, which is made up of three divisions.

“Circumstances did not allow me to pursue that career far enough, I figured if I can’t be out there at sea on a ship, I might as well meet the ship by the shore. One way or the other I would be in the shipping/logistics industry,” said Smikle.

“I’m the type of person who doesn’t wait for opportunities to find me — I create them. So I took the initiative to explore what made the most sense for me in the industry. After carefully evaluating my options, I chose customs brokerage, clearance, and freight forwarding as my entry point. It felt like the perfect fit, and I’ve never looked back. With that being said, I’ve always kept my perspective broad. While customs brokerage was my starting point, I recognised opportunities to expand horizontally within the logistics and supply chain process.”

Smikle has been operating her business since November 2017. Ambitious and determined, she first started out working as an accounting clerk with an accounting firm.

Having studied at the Caribbean Maritime Institute and later at the Management Institute for National Development, where she earned her requisite qualifications, Smikle decided to get her business off the ground.

OT International Shipping Services (OTISS) was first established and later OTISS Auto & Transport and OTISS Express. All three operate under the OTISS Group.

Said Smikle: “My journey in the shipping industry has been both dynamic and deeply rewarding. Like any industry, it comes with its ups and downs, but what makes it unique is its historical significance and ongoing relevance. Shipping is one of the oldest commercial industries — it has been around for centuries — and yet it continues to evolve as the backbone of global trade. As a business owner, being a part of this sector has given me a front-row seat to how essential shipping is in connecting economies, businesses, and people. Virtually everything that crosses borders relies on the efficiency, compliance, and resilience of the shipping process. That level of responsibility is something I take seriously — it pushes you to be innovative, to think strategically, and to stay adaptable in a constantly changing environment.”

She also highlighted the challenges.

“Despite the challenges, what keeps me motivated is knowing that I’m contributing to something that truly drives global commerce. It’s a journey that has taught me not just about logistics and trade, but about leadership, problem-solving, and the power of persistence. Every experience has been a step forward in growth, and I’m excited about where the industry is heading and how I can continue to evolve with it.“

OT International Shipping Services handles everything, from customs clearance to cargo delivery, with full compliance and accuracy, while OTISS Auto & Transport offers personalised motor vehicle imports, sales, rental, and chauffeur services. The new kid on the block, OTISS Express, was pretty much designed for fast, on-demand delivery and local logistics.

With the recent announcement that Amazon will now be shipping items directly to Jamaica, Smikle said this move has its positives.

“Amazon shipping has changed the landscape a lot. People are ordering more frequently and expecting faster, more affordable delivery. It’s pushed us to be more efficient and to raise our standards even higher. But instead of seeing it as competition, we’ve leaned into the shift — it’s brought more awareness to the need for reliable customs clearance and last-mile delivery, which is where we shine. It’s helped us position ourselves as the go-to local partner for handling Amazon and other e-commerce shipments with care and precision,” Smikle reasoned.