With the recent opening of the expanded Panama Canal, signaling a new era in shipping and logistics in the hemisphere, all hands are on deck to ensure that the Caribbean is able to exploit the potential opportunities in the sector. Shipping accounts for up to 20 percent of many economies in the Caribbean.
Former Jamaican Consul General, Geneive Brown Metzger, in partnership with the New York Harbor Foundation, hosted the launch of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) in New York on Nov. 18 at the Yacht Club in midtown Manhattan.
Guests included maritime industrialists, philanthropists, and maritime educators. Jamaica’s Minister of Transport & Mining, Michael Henry, led a delegation from Jamaica to New York to attend the event, which included Dr. Fritz Pinnock, executive director of the Caribbean Maritime Institute, and CMI’s General Counsel, Deniece Aiken, Esq., who sits on the foundation board of directors.
Minister Henry highlighted the critical importance of the maritime industry to the future of Jamaica and the Caribbean overall, and lauded Dr. Brown Metzger’s vision in establishing the ACMF. “We look forward to the key partnerships and support coming out of this endeavour,” said Minister Henry.
The foundation was established in 2015 to provide Caribbean maritime students with scholarships so that they can compete in one of the largest global industries, and also to assist in funding essential infrastructure development at the Caribbean Maritime Institute.
The minister and his delegation also toured SUNY Maritime College and the New York Harbor School meeting with the academic dean and his team to explore strategic partnerships. “It is all about changing lives through educational opportunity that prepares young people to contribute to the development of the Caribbean,” said Dr. Brown Metzger, international chair of the Caribbean Maritime Institute and president / founder of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation.
“The Harbor Foundation seeks linkages with all institutions that are similarly committed to teaching the next generation to enter and succeed in careers working in and caring for the marine environment. In that regard, we have much to learn from the Caribbean Maritime Institute and much to share with the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation. Geneive’s passion for this shared mission is literally irresistible,” remarked Murray Fisher, co-founder of the New York Harbor School, executive director of the New York Harbor Foundation and ACMF Advisory board member.
For more information about the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, email gbama
