The Caribbean Maritime Institute continues to blaze a trail of excellence in maritime training and pursuits. The most recent example of this was revealed when two aspiring scientists at the CMI, Cadets Kyle Shaw and Carl Daugherty earned awards for their scientific presentation ‘Beauty of a Woman’s Tongue’ at the recently held National Finals of the JPS Science and Technology Expo at the National Arena. The cadets received the following awards:
- Best Male Presenter
- Best Use of Indigenous Material
- 2nd Place: Tertiary Category
The students used the seeds from the fruit of the Albizia Lebbeck (woman tongue or rattle pad) to make products covering a range of products. These included: Liquid and bath soap; Nail Polish Remover;; Tile Cleaner; Acetic Acid; Nature Oil; Shampoo; Weed Killer; Toilet Bowl Cleaner; Board; Animal Feed; Fertilizer; Ethanol; Paper; Tonic Wine; Anti egg crack; Onion odour remover; Colour Enhancer; Jewelry; Refrigerator Cleaner; Chrome Cleaner; Vinegar and Lotion.
The CMI’s presentation at the EXPO was a big hit and they were flooded with requests from established firms, who saw the economic potential of marketing these products beyond the shores of Jamaica. Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry under whose stewardship the CMI falls, has committed to assisting them in developing intellectual property rights and positioning these to become signature products for Jamaica which could possibly rival other products.
Additionally, several students received scholarships from various entities/individuals. The Harren & Partner Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Luccano Pretell. Exmar Ship Management, a Belgian shipping company awarded 9 scholarships to CMI students. These awardees were Antonette Blake – the first female cadet to receive the CMI award for overall top cadet and to sail on board a gas tanker; Jamie Holness, Kerron Cornwall, Brinton Dunkley, Garfield Irvin, Audley Cole and Kadeem Chung.
Neil Watson a Phase 3 Cadet was awarded the Michael Henry scholarship, courtesy of Minister Mike Henry.
All scholarships awardees are guaranteed employment upon completion of training at the CMI.