The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation: Anchor Awards 2023

Honoring

Presenting Sponsor

We're proud to support the work of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation.

Empowering the next generation of mariners helps drive the Caribbean's economic growth and has contributed to our success.

Honoree T

he Caribbean Maritime

and our School of Graduate

University(CMU) is the home of

Studies and Research. Our pro-

world-class leaders. We boast

grammes hold international accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport while also receiving local accreditation from the University Council of Jamaica.

a unique history dating back to September 15, 1980 when the Jamaica Maritime Training Institute (JMTI) was established through a partnership between the Jamaican and Norwegian governments.

CARIBBEAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY

After several transitions, we were granted university status in 2017. While the JMTI started with a complement of five Norwegians trainers, the CMU proudly stands at 340 employees lead by an administration that is fully Jamaican. Since our inception, we have stood as an inspiration for educational excellence in the maritime industry.

At the CMU, we do things differently. This is evident in our adoption of the Blue Ocean philosophy. It inspires our goal to redefine the boundaries of maritime excellence through education, research and technology by integrating career technical education, life skills and academics into producing industry-ready graduates with global competence and certification for a changing workforce.

We serve over 3500 undergraduate and graduate students through three Faculties: the Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies, the Faculty of Shipping and Logistics

Beyond our academic endeavours, the CMU actively engages with the maritime community, collaborating with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners to promote sustainability in the marine space.

Additionally, we are able to leverage these partnerships for our graduates and meet the needs of this vibrant industry.

Some of the partnerships we have forged in the last year include Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Carnival Cruise Line, the University of Guyana, the French Maritime Academy, Kingston Freeport Terminal, Seprod Limited, GraceKennedy, and German Shipyard Jamaica.

Numerous partnerships are underway for the upcoming year, and we are excited about the opportunities they will bring. We continue to be proud academic partners of the ACMF, the Shipping Association of Jamaica and the Port Authority of Jamaica.

We also deliver programmes through the Centre for Se-

We are a global institution with a worldwide reach and outlook. We are continuously reimagining success through increased synergetic alliances, innovation and technology.

curity, Counterterrorism and Non-Proliferation (CSCTN)

We are CMU strong.

and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technology.

PATRON Mrs. Arya Ali First Lady, Co-operative Republic of Guyana

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GALA CHAIR

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Mr. Tim Martin President Tropical Shipping

DINNER COMMITTEE

Dinner Committee and Leadership

Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Chair Emerson Alleyne Lori Baer Juan Carlos Croston Charles Gittens Fern Khan Erica Luke Roland & Loretta Malins-Smith Charmaine Maragh Maya Nottage

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 Gerrie Ubinck

GENERAL COUNSEL, CARIBBEAN Christopher Bovell, Esq.

FINANCIAL ANALYST CONTACT:

executivedirector@acmfdn.org

WEBSITE:

www.acmfdn.org

JOBS BOARD:

www.acmf-carex.org

Georges Yvan Noel Jr.

WEBMASTER Tajay Marshall

PATRON

Presenting Sponsor C=0 M=50 Y=100 K=0

C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=80

Leader

Sincerest Gratitude to our Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors LORETTA AND ROLAND MALINS-SMITH

Grand Sponsors

Co-Chairs

Greetings from Ambassador Beate Stirø As the current Norwegian Ambassador to the Republic of Jamaica, I am delighted to celebrate the Caribbean Maritime University, started as a collaboration between Norway and Jamaica in 1983 as the Caribbean Maritime Institute.

This thriving institution is another testimony of the long-lasting friendship Norway enjoys with Jamaica and other countries in the Caribbean, and its proven success reflects our common interest in an active ocean diplomacy and the development of other disciplines related to a sensible care and management of the seas.

During one of my recent visits to Jamaica I had the pleasure of visiting the University, and it was very satisfying to learn what a key educational institution is has developed into and the important role it plays in the region. I like to congratulate the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation on their scholarship program for CMU, indeed an important contribution to students across the Caribbean region.

I would indeed have been honored and delighted to take part in this celebration of the CMU at the gala organized by American Caribbean Maritime Foundation. Unfortunately, other engagements prevent this from happening, but I am pleased to congratulate you all for your commitment and dedication to this forward-looking “school of the sea” and wish you a wonderful and inspiring evening.

Congratulations to Honoree Caribbean Maritime University

Roland and Loretta Malins-Smith

G

reetings, and welcome to the sixth annual Anchor Awards!

We are thrilled to gather to honor the Caribbean Maritime University and its 43 incredible years of serving the Caribbean shipping industry and beyond. A special acknowledgment goes

Message from the Gala Chair

to the ACMF board for their tireless efforts in supporting the maritime sector, focusing on the education, and training of talented Bahamian and Caribbean nationals who aspire to work in this remarkable field.

The ACMF stands as a pillar of support for these ambitious students, nurturing their dreams and aspirations. ACMF’s dedication particularly shines through in their collaborations with shipping companies, ensuring accredited cadets gain the valuable sea time required to fulfill their certification requirements. When cadets are ready to join the workforce, ACMF provides a powerful employment portal, connecting maritime companies with recruitment needs and offering placement opportunities to these talented students.

We extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all the companies and organizations that generously contribute to ACMF, fueling the education and dreams of the next generation of maritime leaders. Your support empowers them and lays the foundation for a remarkable future filled with success and fulfillment.

As we celebrate excellence and remarkable achievements tonight, enjoy every moment!

TIM MARTIN President and CEO Tropical Shipping

Message from the President

T

alent in your backyard: The Caribbean is Ready

It is my distinct honor to welcome this luxurious gathering of stars of the shipping industry, diplomats, academics, aspiring Caribbean maritime professionals, and friends to another Anchor Awards.

Thanks to all our sponsors; and a special thank you to our Gala Chairman, Tim Martin, President of Tropical.

Post pandemic, the shipping industry is back in full swing—not without having experienced and navigated unprecedented disruptions. Resilience has been the cornerstone of the industry’s success. However, crewing challenges—particularly at the officer level, have been a concern in the industry for years.

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

We, at the ACMF, believe that this presents an opportunity for the Caribbean. There is no pretense among CARICOM nations that the region can compete with the vast number of maritime grads annually from countries that have traditionally been a global supplier of crewing talent. However, the Caribbean can compete on quality of training, diversity of skill sets, and geographic proximity for all workers in the industry.

Jamaica alone, for example, churns out hundreds of officer level talent annually, many with Bachelors in navigation and engineering.

Additionally, the country potentially generates STCW-qualified and ratings candidates in the thousands. Thankfully, cruise and cargo companies are beginning to take a harder look at Jamaica and other Caribbean nations as sources of talent.

This evening is about celebrating the leading training institution in the Caribbean behind the region’s world-class talent, the Caribbean Maritime University, and we are so delighted you are here to celebrate with us.

Be sure to meet some of our talented aspiring maritime professionals and ACMF Scholars who have traveled from Jamaica, Bahamas, and Guyana, to meet you.

T

he triumphs of the region’s maritime industry have come

through hard-fought victories of those who understand the

Message from...

requirements to contend in a global environment; and have an appreciation for what it would mean if we failed.

They are homebred talent. Nurtured here and developed with extraordinary insight for the current needs and future demands of the Caribbean. Their invaluable perception shapes our industry’s path and interconnected economies.

The Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) is proud to partner with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) for its Anchor Awards under the theme “Talent in your backyard”, especially as our organizations continue to earnestly support the development of the region’s human capacity through scholarships, grants, and mentorship for its maritime students.

The Caribbean Maritime University’s selection as this year’s honoree is further recognition of the untapped potential which surrounds us. The CSA lauds the ACMF and wholeheartedly supports its clarion call for greater efforts to identify and mould talent which will shape the maritime and logistics sector’s future.

MARC SAMPSON President Caribbean Shipping Association

Academic Partner

l

n the words of H. Jackson Brown Jr. “Do not work for

recognition but do work worthy of recognition.”

This celebration of excellence exemplifies the thriving partnership between the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF), which fosters invaluable opportunities for students and the maritime sector. In that context, we are immensely humbled and honoured by the fact that the CMU is the sole honouree at this year’s awards ceremony.

The Caribbean Maritime University is immensely proud of our thriving partnership, enabling the perpetual nurturing of new generations of students and maritime professionals across different domains. Our commitment and the ACMF’s unyielding support have provided transformative opportunities through scholarships and grants for our students. We celebrate this year’s remarkable honourees, of

PROFESSOR ANDREW SPENCER PhD Bournemouth (UK), MSc, Hon BSc UWI, JP

President Caribbean Maritime University

which we are a part. This achievement further signifies the synergistic collaboration between the CMU and the ACMF. As we commemorate excellence in the maritime sphere, let us reaffirm our commitment to the advancement of education, research, sustainability, and innovation in this vital sector.

Redefining maritime excellence through education, research and innovation.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technology | Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies

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Faculty of Shipping and Logistics

The Caribbean Maritime University is proud of its heritage, and stands as a pillar of maritime education and training in the Caribbean region.

Being a proud academic partner of the ACMF means we are able to cultivate a labour force that sustains, protects and serves the dynamic maritime industry.

T

he University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is once

again honored to be one of the academic institutions to partner with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation

Academic Partner

(ACMF). As the ACMF observes the theme for 2023 ‘Talent in Your Backyard’, we take this opportunity to applaud the seafarers and futuremaritime graduates, who have persevered and are now ready to take the next steps in their careers.

The Maritime Industry is the beating heart of global trade in the Caribbean, and it is indeed a privilege to witness the abundance of local talent that strives for maritime excellence.

We often seek talent from distant shores when we have a wealth of potential within our own region. Investing in our graduates and harnessing their skills can transform the regional maritime industry. By supporting maritime education, research, and entrepreneurship, we can create a maritime ecosystem that not only benefits our economy but also safeguards our maritime heritage.

As President of UTT, I wish to congratulate honoree, Caribbean Maritime University, and call for recognition of the talent in our own backyard. Let us build our graduates to become the leaders and innovators who shape the future of this vital sector. Together, we can make the Caribbean a hub of maritime excellence.

PROFESSOR PRAKASH PERSAD President The University of Trinidad and Tobago

Academic Partner

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

O

n behalf of the LJM Maritime Academy (LJMMA), its Board of Directors, students, faculty and staff, I extend warm greetings. It is with profound delight that I congratulate the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation on the stellar work it has been doing over the past 6 years. Its efforts have helped to raise awareness of maritime education and training in the Caribbean through its funding of scholarships to deserving young persons and assistance with berthing for those entering this still largely unexplored ‘sleeping giant’ for the region. The Foundation’s contribution has indeed had tremendous impact!

The Academy can definitely join the chorus of the other tertiary-level maritime training institutions in attesting to the fact of that difference. LJMMA has, itself, uncovered talent in the backyards of many families in The Bahamas since it opened its doors in 2014. Such discoveries have raised up young persons who slept in cars, or came from depraved socioeconomic backgrounds to ones who are now officers, Deckhands and Engine Watch Ratings serving on cruise liners, tankers, cargo ships, yachts, working in Port offices and on local mail vessels. Who would have known the results which the forged relationship with ACMF would have made and we at the Academy are grateful and appreciative of the collaboration which has afforded ---- graduates of LJM Maritime Academy the opportunity to complete their Bachelor degrees at CMU and two right at LJMMA. The ability to receive a high-quality maritime education right at home in the communities of the region (Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and The Bahamas) has and continue to make a difference and is aptly reflected in the theme for this year’s event ‘Talent in Your Backyard.’

I congratulate the Caribbean Maritime University for being selected as the honoree this year. The University has been doing a wonderful work in maritime education and training and has been the pacesetter for others in the region to follow. I salute you, President Spencer and your colleagues and students at the University on this distinct honor.

M

ATPAL Marine Institute Inc. has been pivotal in mar-

itime education, training, and certification in Guyana, since its inauguration in October 1999.

Academic Partner

As the foremost Guyanese-owned ISO 900:2015 certified Institution, our focus on producing competent Guyanese Marine Deck and Engineering Officers through our Marine Cadet Program, which commenced March 2016, has yielded great success throughout the years, with a total of seventy-eight (78) Cadets trained to date.

Through the provision of comprehensive training and development, supported in a significant way by the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) through scholarship funding, MATPAL has been indelibly shaping the career paths for these young male and female Ship Officers within Guyana’s maritime and oil and gas industry, and continues to build capacity and capability in our promotion of local content development.

This year, it is with great appreciation that we commend the Caribbean Maritime University of Jamaica, with whom we partner on training and certification initiatives, for their notable and unwavering contributions to the Caribbean region. Their commitment to training and empowering Jamaican and Caribbean students in maritime education is commendable. Through innovative and strategic training over the years, CMU has harnessed local talent and cultivated a pool of skilled maritime professionals. Such initiatives highlight the importance of nurturing indigenous expertise and fortifying the maritime industry within the Caribbean, ultimately bolstering regional development, and these efforts resonate with the idea of realizing potential within our own borders.

COLEEN ABRAMS, BSc, MBA, GCM Chief Executive Officer MATPAL Marine Institute, Inc.

1999-2023

“Talent in your backyard” MatPal Marine Institute Inc. extends heartiest congratulations and continued support to the Caribbean Maritime University as the ACMF Anchor Awards 2023 Honoree.

info@matpalmarine.com www.matpalmarine.com MatPal Marine Institute

Start your career with MATPAL!

s sor

Of fic

Sp ial on

2023

are proud supporters of The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation SEABULKGROUP.COM

SEACORISLANDLINES.COM

Academic Partner

T

he theme for this year’s Anchor Awards, “Talent in Your

Backyard”, speaks of the rich talent and potential in our

Caribbean region. The proximity of our countries is merely like each other’s backyard. This event presents a unique platform to showcase those youths who have gained tremendous support from ACMF, and academic partners who continue to help ACMF create opportunities for our people to gain new skills and expertise to enrich the region and compete globally.

It would be remiss of me not to state how proud we, Atlantic Alliance – AA Maritime and Offshore Training Institute, are, for partnering with ACMF and the Honourable First Lady of Guyana Mrs. Ariya Ali’s office, to provide scholarships to young people in Guyana.

With this backdrop, I wish to congratulate this year’s honoree, Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), as a beacon in our region; an institution committed to excellence in its delivery of maritime education and training. Congratulations to CMU as it continues to innovate and keep abreast with state-of-the-

MIRANDA THAKUR-DEEN Executive Chairman Atlantic Alliance Maritime & Offshore Training Institute Guyana, Inc.

art robotics and emerging strategies to solve regional and global challenges. Congratulations!

2022

Edward “Eddie” Gonzalez President and CEO, Seaboard Marine

2021

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

2020

Winchester “Win” Thurber CEO, Norton Lilly International

Distinguished Past Anchor Awards Honorees

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

by Geneive Brown Metzger, LLD Hon Founder and President, American Caribbean Maritime Foundation

Acknowledging the Founding Members and Earliest Supporters of the ACMF

S

ix years in, the American Caribbean Maritime

versity Press of Mississippi, Fern shares her remarkable

Foundation, has grown from an idea to an organi-

journey growing up in Jamaica, immigrating to the U.S.

zation worthy of the support of the global shipping

as a young adult, and decades of work in academe. The

industry. But like any organization, it began with people

ACMF was honored to name its grant program after her.

who had a passion for a mission and who gave generously

Thank you, Fern.

of their time, talent, connections, and resources.

Murray Fisher, founder of the New

Clocking one-hundred seventy scholars and grant-

York Harbor School and the Billion

ees, dozens of laptop donations, construction funding

Oyster Project in New York, shared

for a classroom, Covid-relief emergency funding, the

his incredible experience as a creator

ACMF has expended over $1,200,000 to help trans-

of one of New York City’s Career and

form lives of aspiring Caribbean maritime professionals

Technical (CTE) schools. He is devoté

and workers in a short six years. We take the time to ac-

of New York’s waterways and its har-

knowledge those persons without whom we would not

bors and wants the next generation to love it as much

have had the underpinning upon which to build a sol-

as he does. So, what did he do…he founded a school

id organization that continues to grow and transform=

whose curriculum would be dedicated to his passion. I

lives.

knew there was a lot I could learn from him, and I picked

People like Fern Khan.

his brain every opportunity I got. He never made me feel

In 2016, Fern had retired a

like I was a bother, although I am sure at times I was. Mur-

few years earlier from the

ray opened up his connections, made available his staff,

deanship of Bank Street

and was an inspiration. Through him, we got access to

College of Education in

the amazing New York Yacht Club, a historical landmark

New York . She had at the

in the heart of Manhattan, for our first two galas—until the

time given fifty-five years to education—serving in sev-

pandemic shut everything down. Fast forward, the ACMF

eral administrative roles, including at Long Island Univer-

moved to Florida but Murray continues to serve on the

sity in New York. A woman of great strength, possessing

ACMF Advisory Board and is just a phone call away.

a reputation among her peers that has not dimmed af-

Tamika Bent.

A brilliant young

ter a decade into retirement. She is, in fact, busier since

attorney, who during the inception of

her retirement than ever—serving on multiple boards,

the foundation, was a sounding board

including as President of Partnership for Afterschool

on legal matters. At the time, Tamika

Education (PASE), on the boards of Goddard Riverside,

was an Associate Attorney at the one

Bank Street College, New Alternatives for Children, and

hundred fifty-year old international

Harlem Education Activities Fund. “Through Jamaican

law firm, Milbank Tweed. She was in

Lens: A Memoir”, to be published in 2024 by the Uni-

their Corporate headquarters on Wall Street, when she

approached her boss, one of the partners on behalf of the

And there’s Richard Scheff and

ACMF—well, I can’t quite say, the ACMF because we hadn’t

Robert “Bobby” O’Connor, then

yet decided on a name for the organization. Now remem-

Managing Partner and Associate, re-

ber, we are nothing more than an idea on paper, and we

spectively, at Montgomery McCracken.

have no funds; so we are asking for this prestigious law firm,

Richard Scheff, a prominent mar-

considered among the largest on the planet, to be our pro

itime attorney, served on the board

bono legal counsel. To our surprise, they agreed.

of Partnership for Afterschool Educa-

Throwing their weight behind the foundation and with

tion with Fern and Fern didn’t hesitate

such generosity, Milbank staffed our board meetings

to ask Richard to take a meeting with

with two attorneys, provided admin to help with clerical

me. He did, and the rest is history. He

work, and provided luxurious conference rooms to cul-

brought on Bobby, to represent him

tivate folks. By 2017, we were off to the races with our

as pro bono counsel to the ACMF.

non-profit status. The firm served as our incubator and

Richard was so committed to our vision and he went a

legal counsel for two years, passing the mantle to the

step further and funded the ACMF first annual event at a

maritime law firm, Montgomery McCracken on Madison

fabulous venue in Rockefeller Center in 2017. I have very

Avenue in New York. I am too embarrassed to reveal the

special memories of that event, which was attended by

exact cost of the counsel they provided which was in

about a hundred guests—executives from Bloomberg,

the hundreds of thousands of dollars and we were never

Chase, Morgan Stanley, and members of the Caribbean

charged a penny. Thank you, Tamika and Milbank. We

diaspora. This event was our official launch of the orga-

will always be in your debt.

nization. Thank you, Richard and Bobby.

CONGRATULATIONS ACMF BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONOREE CARIBBEAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY AND TO OUR SISTER GENEIVE BROWN METZGER ACMF FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT CAROL BROWN, MARLENE AND WAYNE SLAPPY, ELISE SPELLEN CANINE NIECES MISS RILEY, PIPPA AND GUNNY

Program ANCHOR AWARDS HONORING THE

CARIBBEAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY (CMU) MASTER OF CEREMONIES MR. RUSSELL BENFORD, VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AMERICAS ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP

INVOCATION FR. EMILIO ROSOLEN

WELCOME GALA CHAIRMAN, MR. TIM MARTIN, PRESIDENT, TROPICAL SHIPPING ACMF PRESIDENT GENEIVE BROWN METZGER, LLD HON.

GREETINGS FROM THE PATRON MRS. ARYA ALI, FIRST LADY OF THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA

REMARKS MR. WILLIAM BROWN VICE PRESIDENT, CARIBBEAN SHIPPING ASSOCIATION

KEYNOTE MR. MICHAEL BAYLEY PRESIDENT & CEO, ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

DINNER IS SERVED TRIBUTE TO THE CARIBBEAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY REAR ADMIRAL PETER BRADY DIRECTOR-GENERAL, MARITIME AUTHORITY OF JAMAICA ACCEPTING AWARD: PROF. ANDREW SPENCER PRESIDENT, CARIBBEAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY

VOTE OF THANKS MS. JENNIFER NUGENT-HILL DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/TROPICAL SHIPPING USA ACMF TRUSTEE AND 2023 GALA COMMITTEE CHAIR

Menu Cocktails & Amuse Bouche on the Veranda Dinner Mesclun Greens Grilled Filet Mignon and Fresh Crabcakes Grilled Pencil Asparagus and Garlic Smashed Potatoes Fresh Rolls and Sweet Butter

Dessert

Chocolate Decadence Red and White Wine Coffee and Tea

Talent in Your Backyard Romario Goulbourne BEng., Marine Engineering Caribbean Maritime University (2023) ACMF Sponsored Cadet Greetings. I am Engine Cadet Romario Goulbourne a past ACMF scholarship recipient.

The purpose of this email is to inform you that I have started to do 6 months of my cadet sea time on one of Ocean J Towing Limited tug boats locally at Kingston Wharf in Jamaica on Monday, April 24, 2023. My contract will end on October 24, 2023.

Things are going well on board so far. It’s a lot of hard work, but as an aspiring marine engineering officer, that is the standard. I have learned a lot thus far; hence, my competency in the area has already started to improve in this short space of time. At the end of this 6-month period of training, I will be applying for a III/4 Able Seafarer Engine Ratings Certificate of Competency. I will be pursuing further sea time so that I can meet the 12-month requirement.

I just want to say a big thank you to you, the sponsors, the donors, and the ACMF Team for the scholarship and for the good work that your organization continues to do. I really appreciate it. It serves as motivation to continue pushing myself to be a success. Thank you for everything. Continue to do good.

Gavin LaFleur Deck Cadet, MatPal Marine Institute ACMF Seaboard Marine Scholar “I am Ready” Guyana has recently witnessed the beginning of a booming oil and gas industry that holds great potential for the entire region. This essay aims to highlight how excited and ready I am for the opportunities that this industry brings to the Caribbean and highlight the significance it holds for me as a future seafarer.

Firstly, the establishment of an oil and gas industry in my country will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the region’s economy. The industry will catalyze economic growth, creating numerous job opportunities for the local population and ensuring prosperity and happiness. As a future seafarer, I am particularly excited about this development as it means that there will be an increased demand for skilled maritime professionals like me. Maritime Institutions such as the esteemed Matpal Marine will also benefit greatly from the increased demand for maritime training. This will ensure sustained employment for thousands of individuals throughout the Caribbean and We Are Ready!

As a recipient of the ACMF Seaboard Marine Scholarship granted by the generous American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, I am eternally grateful for what’s about to come, and I AM READY! This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a seafarer, enabling me to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to my country’s development and create a prosperous life for myself and my loved ones.

Again, my deepest appreciation for ACMF’s support, which has allowed me to pursue my dreams and contribute to the development of my beautiful Guyana.

Jermaine Henry Deck Cadet ACMF-Sponsored Cadet My Experience On-board It was Agnetha Fältskog who coined the quote, “My path has not been determined. I shall have more experience and pass many more milestones.” Almost any vessel, whether it is a cruise ship, an oil tanker, a military vessel, a general cargo ship, or a heavy load carrier you may find a Deck Cadet amongst her crew. Last November, I was privileged to join the passenger ship, and the largest floating bookfair in the world, MV Logos Hope on the island of Cyprus as Deck Cadet or Officer In-Training.

Prior to joining the vessel, I had to go through a series of preparation, which included mental and physical fitness. Life at sea can be an amazing and an enriching experience with the chance for real career opportunities, so it was indeed a big adventure and challenge for me, leaving Jamaica for the first time, and sailing with a multinational crew. But as time progressed, I realized how amazing and reliable my team was.

The first two months saw me chipping and painting on the outer decks as I had to start where every cadet started, and though it seemed like a simple task it was important for me to grasp the technique of preparing the different damaged surfaces of the deck, mixing paint and applying different coat of paints, which contributed to the beauty of the vessel.

I was also tasked with bridge and gangway watch duties, being officer-on-duty, assisting with preparations for departure and arrival at port, supervising the loading and unloading of cargo, as well as its storage onboard, carrying out inspections on the vessel’s safety and lifesaving equipment’s, administrative work, learning how to manoeuvre the ship, how to negotiate with other vessels in terms of traffic and right of way, and how to handle the vessel under the myriad of different weather conditions. Engaging in these activities contributed to me completing several tasks in my cadet training record book. Being steadfast and diligent in doing my duties, afforded me the opportunity to be promoted onboard as Firefighting Equipment Officer during my last two months. l cannot see myself in another career. I am enthusiastic to be a part of the shipping industry. All this was made possible by God’s help, the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) and the marine faculty at Caribbean Maritime University.

Talent in YourBackyard Scholarship & Grant Recipients through 2023

ACMF Roland Malins-Smith Scholars Lehan Nevae Anderson* Kadeijah Kasie-Ann Cooper* Ashley Brianna Dacres* John Anthony Forbes* Kemeisha Nekeisha Gordon* Abigail Rocostaje Griffiths Howayne Anthony Hawthorne* Chaz Hayles Hayles Terence John James* Shauna-Kaye Jopp* Brittanie Lewis Romane Marsh Anthony Matheson Zane McIntosh Renissa Morris Dadrian Shanifque Morrison* Moxam, Winesha Josephine* Rowe, Huntley Antonio Eliah* Shauna-Kay Rushae Zoya Derricha Smith* Horace Thompson* Samantha Melissa Thompson* Jordan George Trought* Keyan Latoya Williams-Brown* ACMF David Harding Scholars Oswayne Lanferman Safina Luchtman Shemar Morrison Careena Phillipson ACMF Remy Vyzelman Scholars Ali-Kaye Lateica Daley* ACMF Royal Caribbean Scholars Devard Campbell* Dane Dean* Tyresha Dean Trevon Ferguson*

Wenzel Hanna II* Christian Hepburn* Shante Pearson* Ricardo Rahming* Dale Roye* Kendrick Russell* Trinity Brown* ACMF Hugh Mulzac Scholars Rasheed Bennett Dwayanique Campbell Toni Donaldson Deshaun King Ajay Lalu Romane Messam Donte Singh Nicolette Thompson Danae Treasure ACMF Joy Levi Scholars Dhalia Antonnette Blake* Nyshauna Marrie-Antonette Strachan ACMF Belinda Bennett Scholars Asha-Gaye Bennett Aleshea Walsh ACMF Kingston Wharves Scholars Danielle Edwards David Findlator ACMF CANTA Webinar Scholars Oniscia Bruno Alisa Gobinsingh ACMF Seacor/KPM Scholars Kadel Grant ACMF Tote/Tropical Shipping Scholars Danielle Vanessa Landeis*

ACMF Kestrel Group Scholars Domanic Campbell Shaon Francis Jaurel Hendricks Anthonio McGibbon ACMF Nassau Cruise Port Scholars Caleb Swann ACMF Seaboard Marine Scholars Sheldon Agard Crisila Alphonso Winston Alsopp Allan Baichoo Timica Bayley Michael Benjamin Marissa Charles Treshel Cart Shawn Duggin Natalia Edwards Ronetta Fraser Keshana Garraway Lloyd Goppy Deodat Jagdot Dalaton Johnson Ibaran Kheshrie Asmanie Kuma Gavin LaFleur Dianna Leitch Nicola Lovence Rennay McDermott Naipaul Persaud Punesha Ramjit Kovita Ramkhelawan Tarek Roberts Renita Ross Eve Sattaur Dominique Saul Areema Shanideo

Tremayne Venture Jenel Walker Zecharia Williams Ronetta Wright Trevon Yaw ACMF Shipping Association of Barbados Scholars Onelia Bryan Kobie Ritchie ACMF Scholars in partnership with JWN Foundation Glenardo Simpson* ACMF Arawak Port Development Scholars Vernice Jonassaint ACMF Fern Khan Grantees Lauryn Anderson Kayla Bennett Saijew Beckford* Nennie Bernard Shahine Black Danielle Brissett Delroy Jordane Brown* Gaugejo Burnett Rushsean Burrell Teshane Leslie* Chambers Alain Crawford

Jenine Sylinda Evans* James Foster* Athena Tene Francis* Trina Freckleton Ronaldo George Andre Gordon* Philesha Katrina Gordon* Romario Kalero Goulbourne* Aicha Grant Qwyan Nicalos Harris* Shyana Tashana Huggarth* Emanuel Hamer Javauni Jackson Rehana Jardenier Jonathan Johnson* Juron Jones Omari Kewley Delroy Matterson* Althea Marrah Romane Marsh Romane Messam Horatio McClean* Gabriell Miller Khalia Patterson Nicola Powell Corey Tyler Ramsay* Chantell Richards* Kadian Latoya Richards Chelesa Rochelle Roach*

Ronaldo Rubie Sehanna Roshana Samuels* Daniel Scarlett* Martina Scarlett Bianca Smith* Oshane Kamal Swaby* Andre Theobalds* Joydeen Thomas Michael Thomas Delroy Valenzuela Mauricia Vandeyer Aleshea Walsh Jada Watson Gilbert Watts Geovanni Williams Emmanuel Wilson Mikhail Wright* Covid Relief Grantees Shanaye Carty* Sonya Hill* Janelle Hinds* Gabriel McNaughton* Michael Mundell* Kevan Panton* Andre Rose* Bianca Smith* Akeme Wright* Alex Antoni Wright* * Graduated

Thank You to our Hostesses Women International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Florida Chapter Rebecca Garcia Maija Harju Anna Silva

Anchor Awards 2022

Anchor Awards 2022

Anchor Awards 2022

Anchor Awards 2022

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