Prof. Errol Morrison (right), president of UTech, and Captain Hopeton DeLisser, chairman of the Caribbean Maritime Institute, affix their signatures sealing the agreement between the two institutions for cooperation in education and training. Looking on is Robert Pickersgill (left), Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works. Standing from left are Fritz Pinnock, executive director, CMI; Claire Sutherland, special assistant for international and institutional relations, UTech; and Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, pro-vice-chancellor, UTech. - Contributed

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) and the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, August 3 that will boost programmes in engineering and technology education for the mutual benefit of both institutions.

The historic signing took place at the CMI's Palisadoes Park auditorium to a capacity audience of representatives of UTech, CMI, the Shipping Association of Jamaica, the Port Authority of Jamaica, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Ministry of Technology, Energy and Commerce and the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works.

The keynote address was delivered by Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, under whose portfolio the CMI falls. The minister articulated a vision for Jamaica to be the region's number one trans-shipment port and the region's foremost maritime training centre. He reported that the shipping industry accounts for some 35 per cent of the value of global trade and that currently no other institution in Jamaica and only one in Trinidad and Tobago offers training in this vital sector.

"The benefits of supplying specialised businesses to service the growing demand in the maritime and logistics sector can no longer go unnoticed by scholars, practitioners, policy makers and educators," Minister Pickersgill emphasised.

He welcomed the partnership between UTech and CMI as one that will facilitate the validation of some of the CMI's programmes by UTech, the offering of joint degree programmes, collaborative research and technology initiatives, resource sharing, staff development and training, and joint hosting of seminars and conferences.

Welcomes the partnership

In his remarks, UTech president, Professor Errol Morrison, said, "I have a dream that one day soon, all the local degree-granting institutions will come and sit at a roundtable to discuss partnerships and synergies for the formation of groups with common interests and pursuits and eventual agreements that each group will run with its strengths."

The president of UTech further explained that the synergy between UTech and the CMI will enable the sharing of resources and the widening of programme options for students who can choose to do electives offered at either institution, resulting in a more well-rounded, versatile, marketable and job-ready graduate. He noted that over 10,000 marine officers are needed annually and the UTech/CMI partnership looks to supply graduates for that niche.

Fritz Pinnock, executive director of the CMI, reiterated the CMI's commitment to broaden the career opportunities for Jamaica's greatest resource - its human capital.

Philbert Dhyll, assistant chief education officer, Ministry of Education and Youth, who represented Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, assured Prof. Morrison that his dream is indeed consistent with the reality of the ministry's strategic plan for education. He applauded both institutions on forging a partnership, noting the current imperative to use resources efficiently, avoiding overlaps and maximising educational benefits for the nation.