The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation: Anchor Awards 2022

A very special thanks to our Patron His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali President, The Co-operative Republic of Guyana

ACMF Board of Directors

we are committed to island life.

Tropical Shipping is proud to support the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation and the next generation of mariners.

TROPICAL.COM

THE TROPICAL SHIPPING TEAM Congratulates Eddie Gonzalez President, Seaboard Marine and ACMF on its 5th Anchor Awards Anniversary

Message from the Gala Chair

RICK MURRELL President and CEO Saltchuk Logistics

G

reetings, all, and welcome to the Anchor Awards. Congratulations to the ACMF board for its work in support of the maritime sector, particularly in the education and training of Caribbean nationals to work in the industry.

The waters of the Caribbean and Bahamas are a transit gateway for tens of thousands of ships serving the global community’s need for food, fuel, and materials for the daily lives of people all over the world. It is most appropriate that students of the Bahamas and Caribbean nations should be trained and skilled in the field of ocean transportation so that they can participate in the excellent careers provided by ocean shipping.

The focus of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) is to help aid those students from the region who, with a love of the sea, seek their future in ocean transportation.

A very specific need is our working with shipping companies to provide sea time for those accredited cadets so they can complete their full certification requirements. ACMF is there to help with an excellent employment open position portal (www.acmf-carex.com) that helps companies with recruitment needs and provides contacts and placement opportunities for our Caribbean and Bahamas maritime students.

ACMF offers thanks and deep gratitude to all those companies and organizations that contribute to ACMF and these students’ education thereby helping them achieve their dreams of a productive and enjoyable future.

Enjoy the evening.

Message from the President

GENEIVE BROWN METZGER, LLD HON. President and Executive Director American Caribbean Maritime Foundation

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e welcome all of you to the Fifth Annual Anchor Awards, and with sincerest appreciation Mr. Rick Murrell, President and CEO of Saltchuk Logistics; and Distinguished Honoree Mr. Eddie Gonzalez, President and CEO of Seaboard Marine.

As I look over these short five years since the founding of the ACMF, I’m humbled by the extraordinary success we’ve had in delivering on our mission “to alleviate poverty and transform lives through maritime education and community development.”

We awarded our first set of scholarships from The Bahamas—5 in total—in 2018 and to date, we are proud that eighty-six aspiring Caribbean nationals from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Grenada are on their way, with the help of the ACMF, to achieving their dreams to work in the maritime industry.

Without a doubt this would not have been possible were it not for the steadfast leadership of the ACMF board, and the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and strategic partners. If you will allow me the liberty to single out the small group of founding members, Fern Khan, Deniece Aiken, and Tamika Bent, who bought into my vision of a foundation solely focused on funding the education of the next generation of Caribbean maritime professionals. I also acknowledge the law firm of Milbank Tweed that worked on our non-profit application and incubated the foundation for the first two years as our general counsel.

Since then, many others have come along and have shared so generously of their time and resources.

I invite you to read about the success of our students, ACMF initiatives such as the first of its kind jobs board (ACMF-CAREx), the mentorship effort, our cadet program, and the annual maritime LINK-UP Webinar which now attracts hundreds of students from across the Caribbean.

And most of all, be sure to say hello to our scholars, several of them present from Guyana and Jamaica, along with representatives from our academic partners.

Thank you all so very much and have a great time.

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Congratulations 2022 ACMF Anchor Award Honoree

EDWARD “EDDIE” GONZALEZ President & CEO, Seaboard Marine

You have always risen to the challenge of the times to pilot Seaboard Marine with vision and dexterity, navigating the company toward growth, achievement and a limitless future.

Our heartiest congratulations to you on this stellar award by the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation. It is a well-deserved recognition.

From your partners at Kingston Wharves Limited.

195 SECOND STREET | Newport West | Jamaica The Caribbean’s Leading Multi-Purpose Multi-User Terminal.

TEL: 1876-618-1068 | FAX: 1876-923-5361 www.kingstonwharves.com | customer.services@kwljm.com

Academic Partner

PROFESSOR ANDREW SPENCER President Caribbean Maritime University

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s an academic and management professional it gives me great pleasure to pen this message in support of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, ACMF. My unique career experiences help me to recognise that while academic work is tremendously valuable, the acquisition of knowledge and skills is even more impacting when it can be put to work.

That for me is one of the key reasons the work of the ACMF is so important. Since it was founded, the Foundation has provided millions in scholarships and grants to students who otherwise may never have seen their potential transformed into success.

The ACMF has also worked to increase industry support for the CMU by creating opportunities for donors to visit and build relationships with the university to aid in the provision of internships, work experience as well as jobs. In short, it allows our students to put the knowledge and skills gained at the university to work.

This partnership underscores the critical importance of the maritime industry in reducing poverty, addressing gender equality issues and spurring economic growth in the Caribbean.

We’re exceedingly grateful for this partnership which has helped set the groundwork for students not only to better their lives but the lot of our nation and region!

CONGRATULATIONS to the ACMF on the occasion of its Anchor Award

And to Honoree Edward Gonzalez President & CEO of Seaboard Marine Roland and Loretta Malins-Smith

Academic Partner

DR. BRENDA CLEARE President LJM Maritime Academy (The Bahamas)

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he contribution of the ACMF and its many partners is, each year, bringing greater awareness about and development to the maritime industry in the region. The education and training and employment opportunities resulting from the network which ACMF embodies auger well for the sustainability of the maritime sector in the Caribbean and by extension, the global maritime community. We at the LJM Maritime Academy are delighted, therefore, to be involved in aspects of these initiatives and thus I am honoured and privileged to provide these remarks.

Since 2018, the partnership between LJM Maritime Academy and ACMF has been fortified.

Each year since then, several graduates from the Academy have been the beneficiaries of scholarships to the Caribbean Maritime University to complete bachelor degrees. Their performances have made each entity proud and we are pleased that they are gainfully employed in the maritime industry locally and internationally. The ACMF also funds several students enrolled at the LJM Maritime Academy.

I wish, on behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the LJM Maritime Academy to extend warm congratulations to each of the 2022 Anchor Award recipients. Your stellar contributions are being recognized and the reward for same is well-deserved.

May God continue to bless the endeavours of ACMF and may its impact be visible well into the future of the regional and global maritime sectors.

Academic Partner

COLEEN ABRAMS Chief Executive Officer MATPAL Marine Institute, Inc.

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ATPAL Marine Institute Inc., was established as the first and premier maritime education and training institution in Guyana 23 years ago in October 1999, and as the Chief Executive Officer, Coleen Abrams has been at the helm for the past seventeen (17) years.

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified and accredited organization, with a robust quality management system which allows MATPAL to reinforce its reputation for outstanding delivery of the training modules delivered to persons enrolled at MATPAL, we prepare Guyanese to serve in integral roles within the regional maritime sphere, and Guyana’s maritime and nascent oil and gas industry, hence offering trainees the required technical knowledge as well as deeper insights about these industries where they will be required to apply their newly gained skills.

Pivotal to ensuring that young and aspiring Guyanese males and females become competent towards the building of local content capacity and capability within the maritime and oil and gas industry, MATPAL signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) in March 2022, towards receiving sponsorship for our signature program – Proficiency in Shipboard Navigation and Operations four-year degree programs for young Deck and Engine Room Cadets. Thus, through this joint effort, we continue to promote excellence through maritime training, as the support and commitment of the ACMF fosters growth and development of its beneficiaries.

Thank you American Caribbean Maritime Foundation for partnering with MATPAL.

Academic Partner

PROFESSOR PRAKASH PERSAD President The University of Trinidad and Tobago

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t has been an honor once again for The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to be one of the academic institutions to partner with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF). As the maritime sector transitions towards progressing sustainable maritime transportation for the Caribbean region, providing graduate ready students with the intellect and technical competence of contemporary developments within the industry is even more vital than ever. The University is also actively involved in determining the regional needs for enhanced food transportation throughout the Caribbean.

Collaboration in the region has become a necessity to address the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as a direct result of climate change impacts. In this respect, the ACMF continues to demonstrate its commitment towards the advancement of the region’s seafaring industry.

As President of UTT, I wish to congratulate the honoree of the ACMF Anchor Awards for 2022 and request his continued commitment, not only towards maritime education and training, but also towards the development of a sustainable maritime transportation corridor in the Caribbean region.

The University expresses it gratitude to the ACMF for this noteworthy partnership, and wishes continued success in all your future endeavors.

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A Message from...

MARC SAMPSON President of the Caribbean Shipping Association

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hroughout its existence, the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) has been exemplary in its commitment to create impactful opportunities within the region.

Its earnest contributions have moved the dial to reduce poverty, advocate gender parity and generate prospects for education and development in the Caribbean.

Commendably, the ACMF’s partnerships with the Caribbean Maritime University, the University of Trinidad and Tobago, LJM Maritime Academy and MatPal Marine Institute continue to provide much-needed assistance to students wishing to pursue careers within the field.

The ACMF’s Anchor Award honoree, president and CEO of Seaboard Marine Edward Gonzalez, has offered invaluable service and inspiration, culminating with this welldeserved recognition.

The Caribbean Shipping Association is proud of its association with the ACMF and lauds its unwavering commitment to the region and its development.

The Family of Lannaman & Morris Shipping Ltd. Congratulates Distinguished Honoree

Eddie Gonzalez

President, Seaboard Marine On receiving the Anchor Award

Honoree

EDWARD GONZALEZ President and CEO Seaboard Marine

E

dward Gonzalez is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the ocean transportation industry. Mr. Gonzalez is President and CEO of Seaboard Marine, a leading ocean transportation company. After serving as Vice President of Terminal Operations, Mr. Gonzalez was appointed President and CEO of Seaboard Marine in 2005.

As President and CEO, Mr. Gonzalez expanded Seaboard Marine’s service network to include new domestic and international ports and improved transit times between the U.S., the Caribbean Basin, and Central and South America. In addition, under Mr. Gonzalez’s leadership over the past seventeen years, Seaboard Marine has implemented several new and innovative modifications in the ocean transportation industry that have increased terminal efficiency, fleet utilization, equipment quality, and trade-lane capacity, all contributing to the company’s steady rise as a leading ocean transportation provider in the Western Hemisphere.

Sincere Gratitude to our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors LORETTA AND ROLAND MALINS-SMITH

Sincere Gratitude to our Sponsors

Grand Sponsors

Co-Chairs

Anchor Awards 2021

Anchor Awards 2021

Program Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Ft. Lauderdale Friday, November 4, 2022 • 6p to 10p

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Mr. Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations Americas, Royal Caribbean Group WELCOME Gala Chairman Mr. Rick Murrell, President and CEO, Saltchuk Logistics ACMF President Geneive Brown Metzger, LLD Hon INVOCATION PRESENTING SPONSOR Mr. Andy Thorne, CEO, Kestrel Group GREETINGS Mr. Marc Sampson, President, Caribbean Shipping Association Dr. Ibrahim Ajagunna, Vice President, Caribbean Maritime University Ms. Coleen Abrams, President, MatPal Marine Institute INTRODUCTION OF PRESIDENT ALI Mr. Glen Khan, Chairman, Laparkan Group of Companies KEYNOTE His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana DINNER IS SERVED TRIBUTE TO THE HONOREE Mr. Edward “Eddie” Gonzalez, President, Seaboard Marine ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN CARIBBEAN MARITIME FOUNDATION Ms. Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Director, Government and Community Affairs/Tropical Shipping USA, and Member ACMF Board of Directors VOTE OF THANKS

Menu Cocktails & Amuse Bouche on the Veranda Dinner Mesclun Greens Grilled Filet Mignon with demi-glace and fresh crabcakes Grilled pencil asparagus and garlic smashed potato Fresh Rolls and Sweet Butter

Dessert Italian Tiramisu Red & White Wine Coffee & Tea

Caribbean Cadets Need Sea Time:

An Essential Component For Their Success

By Roland Malins-Smith

O

ur Foundation’s mission is to alleviate poverty and transform lives through maritime training, and in the last five years it has helped over 90 financially challenged but deserving students, many of whom intend to find careers at sea.

In our industry, a graduate degree or diploma in marine engineering or navigation is but the first step in the process of securing the necessary qualification for employment on ships. Each graduate must spend a year at sea as a cadet, earning practical experience under supervision of an officer, following the guidelines set out in the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) before returning to school to sit exams for the Certificate of Competency.

At a time when the shipping industry anticipates a chronic shortage of seagoing officers within three years, supporting the education of Caribbean officers would seem to be a sound investment. Yet securing sponsorship from a shipping line or shipowner to work as a cadet aboard ship can be a huge challenge, and this is not just a Caribbean problem. Worldwide, shipowners have been lax in preparing young men for careers at sea.

Our Foundation recognizes this as a major impediment to the development of a Caribbean officer

corps; and has been working with shipowners to establish a cadet program for our graduates, notably with Rick Murrell, CEO and President of Saltchuk Logistics. “Armed with academic success, the Caribbean cadets need time at sea; and I am calling on vessel operators in the Caribbean Region to work with the non-profit American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) to secure on-board time and experience for these deserving young Caribbean mariners,” says Mr. Murrell.

Thanks to Mr. Murrell, who led the effort with a donation from Tropical of $70,000 for cadet stipends on board, we are beginning to see opportunities open for these young cadets with cargo and cruise liners.

Adding to the ACMF’s scholarship and grant program, the foundation launched a first of its kind web-based jobs board, ACMF-CAREx, to provide easy access to information on our graduates as well as available postings, sponsorships, and cadet opportunities. But there is much that remains to be done, and we invite the participation of interested shipowners and cruise lines.

Please email Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, ACMF President, if you would like to provide sea time opportunities for Caribbean Cadets.

ACMF IMPACT

At Sea with Two ACMF Scholars First Year Experience With The Royal Caribbean Group Tre’von Ferguson

2nd Officer, Ovation of the Seas My name is Tre’von Ferguson, and my dream has now become a reality working for the Royal Caribbean Group. I’m currently working in the capacity of 2nd Officer onboard the Ovation of the Seas. My career thus far has been everything I’ve imagined. I’ve had the opportunity to embrace and learn multiple different cultures, travel to dream destinations while simultaneously learning skills to progress in my career. The ACMF scholarship was the driving force to turn my childhood dream into a reality by funding my tertiary education at the Caribbean Maritime University. Every day at sea I wake up with excitement and passion to learn something new and to take on new challenges. An overwhelming feeling of uncertainty is normal when embarking a new ship thankfully, with the aid of hands-on experience, training, and my colleague’s assistance, I was able to overcome those challenges. I am grateful for the investment of the ACMF in me and I look forward to a prosperous career.

Shanté A. Pearson

ACMF Royal Caribbean International Scholar Second Officer, Grandeur of the Seas Since joining the Royal Caribbean Family a year ago, my experience thus far has been beneficial in regards to enabling me to gain a more in-depth knowledge about various aspects relating to my field of work as well as allowing me to enhance numerous skills that will aid in my career progression. During this time I sailed onboard the Grandeur of the Seas, where I was fortunate enough to encounter amazing crew members and officers who were supportive and encouraging throughout the entire duration, generating an environment which allowed for continuous growth. There were quite a few challenges faced along the way, however, for every challenge faced, a solution was found and a lesson learnt. Having the ability to travel the world, working along with individuals from a multitude of different countries, cultures and backgrounds, while doing the job that I love, is a privilege that will never be taken for granted. I thank the ACMF for the full scholarship and look forward to my future spent here at Royal Caribbean where I will continue to uphold an embrace the Royal Way of being PASSIONTE, FRIENDLY AND COMMITTED. I am Shanté and I AM ROYAL.

ACMF BY THE NUMBERS

8

679,120

4

Academic partner institutions Number of Caribbean nations where our Total amount of US dollars where ACMF scholars and grantees ACMF scholars and grantees originate: awarded for scholarships attend: Caribbean Maritime UniGuyana, Jamaica, Bahamas, Grenada, and grants. versity, University of Trinidad and Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago; MatPal Marine Institute; Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and LJM Maritime Academy.

St. Lucia—and counting.

Members of the ACMF Board of Trustees.

25

13

86

ACMF scholars and grantees—and counting.

ACMF scholars include two (2) Valedictorians and twenty-three High Honors graduates, so far.

39

3.4

Average GPA of ACMF scholars and grantees to date.

Fully loaded laptops donated to students for remote learning during the pandemic.

6

10

Number of years delivering on our mission to transform lives through education and community development.

41

ACMF scholars and grantees who have graduated to date.

48,000

US dollars donated to help build the 100-person capacity Roland Malins-Smith Lecture Hall at the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica.

Number of years celebrating the Anchor Awards.

Recipients of ACMF COVID-19 emergency relief grants who avoided dropping out due to financial challenges.

50

3

Percentage of ACMF scholarships and awards that go to women.

976

Percentage of growth in ACMF scholarship and grant awards between 2018 and 2022.

Marking the third year of the ACMF Maritime Link-Up webinar.

645

Number of youth and maritime professionals across the Caribbean who have attended the annual ACMF Maritime Link-up webinar which launched in 2020.

Scholarship Recipients and Grantees as of 2022 ACMF David Harding Scholarship Lanferman, Oswayne Lutchman, Safina Morrison, Shemar Phillipson, Careena ACMF Hugh Mulzac Scholarship Bennett, Rasheed Campbell, Dwayanique Donaldson, Toni Thompson, Nicolette ACMF in partnership with JWN Foundation Simpson, Glenardo ACMF Joy Levi Scholarship Blake, Dhalia Antonnette* Strachan, Nyshauna Marrie-Antonette ACMF Nassau Cruise Port Scholarship Swann, Caleb ACMF Arawak Port Development Scholarships Jonassaint, Vernice ACMF CANTA Webinar Scholarship Bruno, Oniscia Gobinsingh, Alisa ACMF Remy Vyzelman Scholarship Daley, Ali-Kaye Lateica

ACMF Roland Malins-Smith Scholarship Anderson, Lehan Nevae Cooper, Kadeijah Kasie-Ann Dacres, Ashley Brianna Forbes, John Anthony* Gordon, Kemeisha Nekeisha Griffiths, Abigail Rocostaje Hawthorne, Howayne Anthony James, Terence John* Jopp, Shauna-Kay Rushae Matheson, Anthony Morrison, Dadrian Shanifque Moxam, Winesha Josephine Rowe, Huntley Antonio Eliah Smith, Zoya Derricha Thompson, Horace Thompson, Samantha Melissa Trought, Jordan George Williams-Brown, Keyan Latoya* ACMF Royal Caribbean Scholarship Brown, Trinity Campbell, Devard Dean, Dane Dean, Tyresha Ferguson, Trevon Hanna II, Wenzel Hepburn, Christian Pearson, Shante Rahming J., Ricardo Roye, Dale Russell, Kendrick ACMF Tote/Tropical Shipping Scholarship Landeis, Danielle Vanessa*

* Class of 2022 graduates

ACMF Fern Khan Grant Anderson, Lauryn Beckord, Saijew Brown, Delroy Jordane Chambers, Teshane Leslie* Evans, Jenine Sylinda Foster, James Francis, Athena Tene Gordon, Andre Gordon, Philesha Katrina Goulbourne, Romario Kalero* Harris, Qwyan Nicalos Huggarth, Shyana Tashana* Johnson, Jonathan Matterson, Delroy Marsh, Romane Messam, Romane McLean, Horatio McLean, Horatio Ramsay, Corey Tyler* Richards, Chantell Richards, Kadian Latoya Roach, Chelesa Rochelle Samuels, Sehanna Roshana Scarlett, Daniel Smith, Bianca* Swaby, Oshane Kamal Theobalds, Andre Thomas, Joydeen Walsh, Aleshea Williams, Geovanni Wright, Mikhail Covid Relief Grant Carty, Shanaye* Hill, Sonya* Hinds, Janelle McNaughton, Gabriel* Mundell, Michael*

Panton, Kevan Rose, Andre Smith, Bianca Wright, Akeme Wright, Alex Antonio

Congratulations to Our Scholars and Valedictorians Shanté Pearson Class of 2020 BSc, Marine Transportation Caribbean Maritime University

Zoya Smith Class of 2021 BEng., Marine Engineering Caribbean Maritime University

USVI OPEN REGISTRATION

Free Registry in the US Virgin Islands:

The Unanswered Questions The recently published proposal for a transformative change in the US shipping industry, authored by the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE) at the Northeastern Maritime Institute (NMI) in Massachusetts, and entitled A Revitalization Plan for US Maritime Trade, Commerce and Strategic Competition has generated considerable controversy and raised questions and issues yet to be fully addressed, much less resolved.

Stephen Metzger PhD Principal International Competitive Assessments

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elease of the proposed plan was then officially launched by the formal signing of a partnership—and subsequently, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NMI, represented by its President, Eric R. Dawicki (also Deputy Administrator of Maritime Affairs, Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration) and the USVI, represented

by USVI Governor, Albert Brian, Jr. Of the six major goals set out by the Revitalization Plan, two are singled out for analysis, which are, directly quoted from the press announcement: • Formation of the US Virgin Islands’ open international ship registry – the first, and only, international US open ship registry.

• Developing a short sea transshipment hub in the Caribbean to alleviate supply chain congestion by moving a portion of east coast distribution from land to

sea and increasing the number of ports importing goods from overseas.

Vessel status under the proposed USVI open registration In an interview Juan Carlos Croston, immediate past President of the Caribbean Shipping Association and now Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Manzanillo International Terminal, Mr Croston pointed out that there is a clear difference between a traditional open registry and one that might be modeled after the Gibraltar-UK registry agreement, wherein any vessel registered in Gibraltar carries the same status as any other UK flag vessel*.

Given the language and apparent intent of the COPE proposal, the intent clearly goes beyond a traditional open registry

often referred to as a “flag of convenience”.

As the COPE white paper, which details the proposal, states, the proposed registry would establish, “A new secondary US flag dedicated to international trade and commerce…”

The white paper also seems to assert that the USVI is granted a full exception to the Jones Act, and thus, “allows the US maintain the regulatory framework of the Jones Act, a ‘Separate, Yet One,’ policy, and at the same time increase US international competitiveness and influence in the global maritime community,…”

Legal challenges are likely James Levantino, an attorney with Vandeventer Black, LLP, and an expert in maritime law wrote in a legal text appearing in JD, Supra that while the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, otherwise known as the Jones

www.caribbean-maritime.com 15

USVI OPEN REGISTRATION

Act, created an exception for the US Virgin Islands in that “cargo commonly transported about the Caribbean could be unladen in the Virgin Islands.”

Presumably, this exception meant that a foreign vessel could enter a US port, pick up good commonly traded in the Caribbean, and unload the cargo in the USVI, a US territory.

Levantino added, however, that the exception could not be interpreted as allowing a USVI-flagged vessel, not conforming to the other restrictions of the Jones Act, to be active in US coastwise trade.

The other key restrictions of the Jones Act are that the vessel must be owned by a US corporation or citizen, must have been built in the United States, and must be manned by seafarers who are US citizens.

Given the legal challenges that are likely, it is also likely that aspects of the Revitalization Plan, especially those

These goals, if achieved would be a major boon to the USVI and would enhance logistic flexibility for the region and the US.”

concerning the legal status of vessels registered in the USVI and operating under a USVI flag, would require legislative action by the US Congress and the President to modify the Jones Act to extend the USVI exception as it now stands.

One knowledgeable industry stakeholder opined that, as now presented, the concept of a USVI open registry with the attributes ascribed by COPE, would require “heavy legislative action”.

The proposed transshipment hub: What’s Needed Creation of a short-distance transshipment hub, presumably in the USVI would be complemented by two of the other stated goals of the Revitalization Plan – specifically, “building public/private/international partnerships to address strategic maritime issues,…” and “establishing a Maritime Venture Capital Fund to finance commercially advanced technologies that solve maritime and ocean industry problems…”

These goals, if achieved would be a major boon to the USVI and would enhance logistic flexibility for the region and the US. For these goals to be accomplished, the hub would have to hold out the promise of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness – which, in turn, would give rise to the return on investment required by private sector investors.

16 Caribbean Maritime | June- September 2022

If the transshipment hub is located in the USVI, which would be the key component of the further outcome of increasing employment opportunities, would it be cost-effective at US wage levels? According to industry sources contacted for this article, the answer is an emphatic, no.

If this is indeed the case, then hub operations would have to be subsidized by public funds, which is why, no doubt, the emphasis is made on public/private partnerships, along with a venture capital fund with a “… focus on environmental vulnerabilities.”

Environmental concerns, climate change, and decarbonization all what economists call negative externalities involving social costs that are borne exclusively or partially by both the private and public sectors.

Thus, the hub investment project, as well any attempt to modify the Jones Act to benefit the open registry, will involve a heavy dose of governmental involvement, all of which suggests a drawn out legislative process encompassing a diversity of stakeholders.

Some industry insiders feel that while acknowledging the UK-Gibraltar ‘model’, there are better examples elsewhere in the world for USVI to consider. For example, NIS-registered ships flying the Norwegian flag enjoy the support of a complete maritime administration with extensive experience and knowledge. Choosing the NIS brings numerous benefits regarding finance, operations, safety, and staff.

There is also the REBECA registry, which is the Spanish international registry, or the Madeira Registry, both are international registries, with a peculiarity that in Spain and Portugal the major decisions are done by the central government which makes any procedure time consuming.

Then, of course, there are the Marshall Islands which have strong links with the US via a compact of free association. Slightly different from the USVI, but a step in same direction and where the government has concessioned the registry to International Registries – a privately held maritime and corporate registry service provider. The MI Ship Registry is now among the world’s top three by deadweight tonnage.

ACMF

and Dinner Committee Leadership

PATRON H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana

GALA CHAIR Rick Murrell President & CEO, Saltchuk

DINNER COMMITTEE Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Co-Chair Ivor English, Co-Chair Emerson Alleyne Alexandra Anagnostis Lori Baer Juan Carlos Croston Rebecca Garcia-Malone Charles Gittens Glenis Hodge Glen Khan Tamara Lowe Roland & Loretta Malins-Smith Maya Nottage Marc Sampson Trevor Smith

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Geneive Brown Metzger, President Fern Khan, Vice President Emerson Alleyne, Secretary Elsie Rosario, Treasurer Capt. Rawle Baddaloo CDR Andrew Coggins Juan Carlos Croston Cynthia Hudson Roland Malins-Smith Jennifer Nugent-Hill Michelle Otero Valdes Trevor Smith Gerrie Ubinck

CONTACT:

executivedirector@acmfdn.org

WEBSITE:

www.acmfdn.org

JOBS BOARD:

www.acmf-carex.org

GENERAL COUNSEL, CARIBBEAN Christopher Bovell, Esq.

VOLUNTEER

Georges Yvan Noel Jr.

WEBMASTER Tajay Marshall

2021

Alyse Lisk SVP, Technology and Operation Excellence TOTE, LLF Harriat Pershad Maragh Chairman Lannaman & Morris Group of Companies (posthumous)

2020

Distinguished Past

Anchor Awards Honorees

Winchester “Win” Thurber CEO Norton Lilly International Rick Sasso Chairman MSC Cruises

2019

David Harding, MBE Past President Caribbean Shipping Association, Former Chairman Barbados Port Inc. Gregory Purdy Senior Vice President, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean International Captain Remy Vyzelman President & CEO DP World/Integra Marine & Freight Services (Suriname)

2018

Michael Bayley President & CEO Royal Caribbean Group Roland Malins-Smith, LLD Hon Founder Seafreight Lines Ltd. Rick Murrell Chairman Tropical Shipping

Congratulations ACMF BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONOREE EDDIE GONZALEZ PRESIDENT SEABOARD MARINE AND TO OUR SISTER ACMF FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT GENEIVE BROWN METZGER

Carol Brown, Marlene and Wayne Slappy, Elise Spellen

PORT EVERGLADES ASSOCIATION WE ARE PROUD TO CONGRATULATE

2022 ANCHOR AWARDS HONOREE

EDDIE GONZALEZ PRESIDENT & CEO SEABOARD MARINE

1850 ELLER DRIVE SUITE 405, PORT EVERGLADES WWW.PORTBIZ.ORG • 954-463-2801 • PEASSN@PORTBIZ.ORG

INTRODUCING ACMF ONLINE JOBS BOARD

ACMF-CAREX (www.acmf-carex.org) is a free maritime jobs platform exclusively for aspiring Caribbean maritime professionals residing in the region. It is accessible for free by employers in the shipping and logistics industry regardless of where the company is based.

Almost 200 ACMF scholars and other Caribbean graduates looking for positions are registered on the site.

Employers may connect with them directly on the platform.

We encourage candidates and employers to take For more information, contact Geneive Brown Metzger, LLD advantage of this unique Hon, ACMF President at executivedirector@acmfdn.org and easy to use platform.

MENTORSHIP THROUGH ACMF “As ACMF develops a mentorship program, it is critical that this time is beneficial for mentees and mentors.”

For the last five years, ACMF has provided scholarships and access to the next generation of maritime leaders. As the organization grows, it’s important to seek new ways to support these students in their professional pursuits.

Mentorship is a critical way that ACMF and current maritime executives can prepare students for the future ahead. As ACMF develops a mentorship program, it is critical that this time is beneficial for mentees and mentors. Mentees will have the opportunity to connect with maritime leaders and prepare themselves for the expectations and demands of a professional maritime career. Mentors will have the opportunity to connect with the next generation of maritime leaders and get exposure to different thoughts and ideas about the future of maritime.

I have had the pleasure of piloting a mentorship program at ACMF. Over the last year I have worked closely with a scholar, supporting her education and professional pursuits. Together we have identified what type of role she would be most interested in and what type of position and company can best support her career development. This is what mentorship should be about – relationships, collaboration, and growth. I look forward to working with future ACMF scholars and establishing a larger mentor program.

Alyse Lisk is SVP, Technology & Operational Excellence TOTE, LLC

ACMF ACADEMIC PARTNERS

Training the next generation of Caribbean Maritime Professionals

Thank You to Our “Sistas” and “Mista” for serving as hosts for the evening

TROPICAL SHIPPING Kenia Carmona Belkis Companioni Luis Perez Glenis Hodge

Women International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Florida Chapter Rebecca Garcia Maija Harju Anna Silva

Women in Maritime Association (WIMAC)

Caribbean Shipping Association

Community Business Volunteer

Tamara Lowe

Milaika Capella Ras

Victoria Lalta

Thank you to the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation for allowing us to be the official event planners for the Annual Anchor Awards.

Notes

SEACOR Island Lines and Kotug Seabuk Maritime are proud sponsors of the 2022 American Caribbean Maritime Foundation Anchor Awards

Integrated cargo transportation and logistics

All terminal towage and bunkering operations for

between the U.S. and the Caribbean

Freeport, Bahamas’ major petrochemicals hub

1300 Eller Drive | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 +1 954 920 9292

SEACORISLANDLINES.COM

#18 Shelly Street | Queens Highway, Freeport, Grand Bahama +1 484 232 4870

KSM-TOWAGE.COM

w w w. s a l t c h u k . c o m

Committed to the Caribbean The Saltchuk Caribbean Regional Giving Committee is proud to partner with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) to sponsor sea time for cadets from the four recognized maritime training institutes in the Caribbean. Together, we help pave the way for next generation maritime leaders.