There is a need to expose Barbadian students to education in Maritime Studies.
This assertion came recently from Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, as he addressed the Maritime week Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Mr. Sealy said that his Ministry sought to bring further awareness to the sector and the opportunities which existed within it, particularly to students who were in the process of making a career choice.
???We need to focus a little harder to get those opportunities available. Those considering employment in the maritime sector must have access to training in the desired field. I look forward to the day [when] once again young Barbadians…would look to the career opportunities that can be found on the oceans of this world,??? he remarked.
Acknowledging the importance of the Maritime Sector to the socio-economic development of the country, Mr. Sealy added that his Ministry sought to bring awareness of the sector and its career opportunities, ???even to the primary school system???.
He further highlighted the efforts of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP), which provided training in Maritime Studies on a limited scale.??
Referring to the SJPP’s current focus on Maritime Studies, the Minister noted that the institution, in collaboration with the Caribbean Fisheries Institute, had offered training to staff members of the Barbados Port Inc.
Praising the SJPP for its efforts, Mr. Sealy assured the audience that the Ministry of Tourism was ready to work with the institution wherever possible to provide training opportunities.
Among the many persons awarded were Kayob Branch of the Caribbean Maritime Institute; and Teryck Haynes of the SJPP. They both received the Minister’s Prize for outstanding performance in Maritime Studies.
The Minister’s Prize is an incentive award aimed at awarding the outstanding performances of students who have chosen to pursue careers in the maritime field.
jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb