Pictured at the launch (from left) are: Selma Williams, executive secretary, CMI; Vivette Grant, CMI director of information and research; Michael Bernard, vice-president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica and CMI graduate Katarina McGhie, now director of policy in the Ministry of Transport and Works.
THE CARIBBEAN Maritime Institute (CMI) launched its 25th anniversary year of celebrations last Wednesday at a special function, held at the CMI in Palisadoes Park, that included presentations on the achievements and future plans of the institution.
In delivering the welcome address, CMI chairman Captain Hopeton Delisser noted that the CMI had remained true to its mission 'To enhance the growth and development of the Caribbean maritime industry by providing quality maritime education, training and services using a
market-driven and customer-oriented approach; employing professional and competent staff; utilising technological innovation and adhering to relevant international standards.'
Captain Delisser noted that the success of the CMI was due in great part to the strong partnerships forged with other organisations, such as the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Port Authority of Jamaica and Jamaica Maritime Authority. He also mentioned the importance of the CMI's collaboration with other tertiary institutions, such
as the University of the West Indies, University of Technology, HEART/NTA and Montego Bay Community College, and thanked international donor
agencies, including the European Union, Caribbean Development Bank, Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation and the Japan International Development Agency, for their support.
Guest speaker, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, minister of state in the Ministry of Transport and Works, described the CMI's 25th anniversary as "A proud moment for all of us because the CMI has contributed immensely to the development of the maritime sector in the Caribbean."
The state minister noted that graduates of the CMI can be found in every sector of international shipping.
Rafael Diaz, chairman of the CMI trust fund and patron of the 25th anniversary celebrations, announced that three new scholarships to the institution are being offered this year: the Monica Silvera Scholarship in honour of the late former vice-president of Caribbean Shipping Association; the Lucien Rattray Scholarship named for the late former chairman of the CMI and the Vance Lannaman Scholarship in honour of a pioneer of the institution.
The function was highlighted by remarks from some of the outstanding graduates of the institution who now occupy top positions in the maritime industry as master captains, ship managers, port managers and other senior capacities.
Vivette Grant, chairman of the CMI's 25th anniversary committee, then gave an overview of the plans for celebrating the institution's 25th anniversary.
