CMI Hailed For Providing Quality Training

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, is lauding the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) for providing the critical training necessary to produce the highly skilled personnel needed for the local and international job markets.

“From all indications…the kind of personnel that you turn out…are of the highest quality. They are able to get jobs even before they complete their training and as such, because the skills that they possess are in such great demand, there is no waiting list when they leave (CMI). People get into the job market very easily because of the need for their various skills,” he said.

The Minister was speaking during a meeting held on the campus of the CMI in Kingston on January 29 prior to a tour of the institution.

Minister Kellier further noted that as the country prepares to take advantage of the increased job opportunities anticipated from the Global Logistic Hub Initiative, he is pleased that the CMI is now equipping individuals with the skills that will be required.

Hundreds of Jamaicans have been trained and certified in various skills to supply labour for the logistics hub, through a programme offered by the CMI, in collaboration with the Ministries of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Education; HEART Trust/NTA; and the Port Authority of Jamaica.

The logistic hub project is aimed at driving investment and creating sustainable employment over the long-term. The development of the hub will position Jamaica as a major logistics point that will be able to benefit from increased trade activities through the Caribbean as a result of the expansion of the Panama Canal.

“We look forward to see the developments that will come…the country is depending on institutions like the CMI to really help to build the capacity of the people in the country,” he said.

Executive Director of the CMI, Dr. Fritz Pinnock, said the institution aims to produce students, who can become entrepreneurs, noting that the approach at CMI is to be mindful of what the market demands and to equip students with the skills required.

“What does the market need? The market needs good attitude. So we are going to repackage your attitude, we’re going to repackage your employability skills. These are things we are putting together. At the end, we want to turn out a wholesome person,” he stated.