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Global knowledge to benefit Jamaican shipping industry

Published:Monday | June 18, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Abigail Bryan (second right) is flanked by fellow graduates left to right: Nicolas Spence of Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica; Gayle Culley, Manager Guyana/ Surinam Ferry Service Inc.; Hyrone Johnson, Director Maritime Administration Department, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

"The knowledge I gained from studying at the World Maritime University (WMU) will benefit the wider Jamaican shipping industry," reflects Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) employee Abigail Bryan, who has successfully completed an MSc in Maritime Affairs, specialising in Maritime Education Training.

Bryan studied for 14 months at WMU in Sweden, assisted by a fellowship from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF).

"The university not only provided their signature world-class maritime education and training, but also further gave me the opportunity to share the experience with a diverse cohort of individuals who created an environment of blended international cultures", said Bryan, who is the research officer at the MAJ. She also carries out the functions of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) secretariat.

"I am confident that I will utilise the knowledge gained at the WMU for the advancement of Jamaica, the regional maritime sector and this will contribute to the fulfilment of the United Nations' sustainable development goals."

Bryan shared that she was proud to have completed her academic journey alongside fellow Jamaican Nicolas Spence, who is now a lecturer at the Caribbean Maritime University, and Caribbean friends Gale Culley, Manager of Guyana/ Surinam Ferry Service Inc; and Hyrone Johnson, Director, Maritime Administration Department of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

"I am extremely grateful for the help and support I received from Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Brady and other members of the MAJ," she said.

In his response Rear Admiral Peter Brady, MAJ Director General said, "We are very proud to have been able to assist Abigail in her academic endeavours. It is rewarding to assist fellow Jamaicans by enabling them to gain valuable knowledge which in turn can benefit our wider maritime community."

Jamaica is one of the countries with the highest number of WMU alumni in the region. Over 100 graduates from Jamaica and the Caribbean have been trained at the WMU.