CMU President Hails Partnership with American Caribbean Maritime Foundation

President of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), Professor Andrew Spencer, is lauding the long-standing partnership with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF), through which 105 CMU students have benefited from the Foundation’s scholarship and grant programmes for the 2026/27 academic year.

The CMU students account for approximately 80 per cent of the 132 beneficiaries of the ACMF’s annual scholarship and grant programme.

The scholarship recipients receive assistance to pursue studies in marine engineering, logistics, shipping, port management and other maritime-related disciplines.

Speaking with JIS News, Professor Spencer said the University is particularly pleased that this year’s awards will provide the largest number of scholarships, to date, for CMU students.

“CMU continues to be pleased with this solid partnership with the ACMF. For almost a decade, the Foundation has supported students in pursuing their dreams in the maritime and logistics spaces,” he stated.

Professor Spencer expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s continued financial and other support, affirming that CMU remains committed to producing graduates who will contribute to the development of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

The ninth staging of the ACMF’s flagship Anchor Awards will take place on Thursday, November 5, at The Diplomat Beach Resort Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, under the theme, ‘Caribbean Maritime Professionals: The Backyard Advantage’.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, will deliver the keynote address at the event, which recognises outstanding contributions to the maritime, cruise, shipping, logistics, and legal sectors, while raising funds to support the next generation of Caribbean maritime professionals.

Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation, Marie McKenzie, and partner at Faegre Drinker, Richard Scheff, will be honoured for their contributions to the region’s maritime economy and their commitment to its continued development.

Professor Spencer highlighted that the Prime Minister’s participation is particularly significant, given the importance of maritime development to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, especially as the island continues to position itself as a global logistics hub.

“At this important time, it is critical that the region hears from our Prime Minister, who understands the significance of the maritime sector to Jamaica and the Caribbean and the opportunities that can be created through our development as a global logistics hub,” he said.

Meanwhile, ACMF Founder and President, Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, said Dr. Holness’ participation comes at a critical time for the region, when continued investment in infrastructure, education and opportunities for young people is essential to the Caribbean’s development.

Since its establishment, the ACMF has invested more than US$2 million in over 500 full-tuition scholarships and grants, supporting students from Jamaica and other Caribbean countries, with Jamaican students receiving the largest share of the funding.