CMI Students Receive $2.4 Million in Scholarships

Eight final year students of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) have received scholarships valued at J$2.4 million (US$20,000) from the Monica Silvera Scholarship Foundation, which is administered by the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA).

The students are Horatio McLean, Odane Allison, Joel Neita, Shanesha Simpson, Romario Williams, Nejeir Mateland, Ricardo Hopwood and Ramar Lovelace.

They have received US$2,500 each to cover the cost of their tuition.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on January 18, President of the CSA, David Jean Marie, expressed his organisation’s commitment to the education of the region’s youth in the field of maritime studies through the scholarship programme.

He outlined the importance of the scholarship in providing highly skilled personnel for the continued development of the sector.

“The CSA has a specific niche to fill in terms of creating the next generation of Caribbean maritime, port and logistics experts. The key to our transformation resides in our people, whose expertise is critical if the region is to consolidate its global position as the hub for major trade routes and tourism activities. We must continue to help define and clarify the changing world in which our members’ businesses operate by educating their people,” he said.

Principal of the CMI, Dr. Fritz Pinnock, expressed pleasure with the support from the CSA.

“This (support) underscores the significance of CMI to the global maritime logistics and supply chain industry. CSA has committed to spending US$20,000 per year, awarding these scholarships to students, who come from all over the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

The CSA Monica Silvera Scholarship was created in January 2005 in memory of the association’s first female executive vice president.

It is in recognition of her contribution to the development of the CSA, and the association’s desire to provide opportunities for youth to access real opportunities for specialised training in sector-related subject areas.

The CSA Monica Silvera Scholarship is open to students aged 17 years and older, who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme at the CMI.

To receive the award, they must perform well academically, be involved in extra-curricular activities, and be involved in their communities.