CMI graduates first batch of master's students

The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) last week graduated its first cohort of Master of Science in logistics and supply chain management. The group of eight students was among 126 who graduated from the institution during the graduation ceremony held at the Jamaica Conference Centre.

The event marked a significant achievement for the Institute as logistics has been marked by the government as part of its growth strategy. Jamaica, as an emerging logistics hub, stands to benefit a great deal from the exposition of the Panama Canal - more specifically, the commerce and economic activity as well as jobs that it is expected to generate.

In addition to the master of science in logistics and supply chain-management, students graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in logistics and supply chain management, port management, international shipping, cruise shipping and marine tourism, security administration and management and Bachelor of Engineering in industrial engineering. Students also graduated in the areas of: officer in charge of navigational watch - phase III; officer in charge of engine watch - phase III; diploma in international shipping and logistics; Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial systems operations and maintenance; diploma in stevedoring operations as well as the career advancement programme and certificate in performance orientation to electronics.

Several government officials, diplomatic dignitaries, heads of tertiary institutions and partners of the CMI joined leaders in the shipping and maritime industries to celebrate with proud graduates and their families.

Dr Omar Davies, minister of transport, works and housing, in delivering his keynote address, commended the management and staff of the institute on the achievement of its organisational goal and its efforts to make the institution a truly regional educational entity, by diversifying the student population and maintaining its unique appeal within the Caribbean.

Davies impressed

The minister noted that he was impressed by the linkages forged with the institute's local and international partners and the institution's leadership, in recent years. Admitting that his knowledge of CMI was limited prior to assuming management of the transport portfolio under which the institute falls, having learnt of the institute's accomplishments and future goals, he has developed a keen interest in the dynamism of this centre of excellence that offers maritime training, research and consultancy at the highest level.

He urged the graduates to remember the training and preparation received at CMI, as these are the tools that will equip them with the confidence needed to advance their future endeavours.

Dr Fritz Pinnock, executive director of the CMI, during his report, highlighted areas of development which included CMI's acquisition of additional berths to facilitate training of its officer cadets, increased enrolment in all academic programmes and a high employment rate among recent graduates.

Board chairman, Joan Spencer-Ernandez, in her remarks, pointed to the achievements of CMI since 1980, stating that the institute's focus on its mission to provide solution through the application of knowledge, talents and skills of team members has redefined the boundaries of tertiary education and professional maritime training through innovation.

CMI, the region's centre of excellence for maritime training, is set to graduate another set of master's students in the near future, from its security administration and management programme.