McLeod GODFREY MCLEOD has always known he would become a part of the shipping industry. His dream is to become the Captain of some impressive vessel charting the high seas.
There were many times as a youngster when Mr. McLeod thought his dream would never come true. But, today, he is smiling, because he is much closer to realising his dream than he could imagine.
Recently, Mr. McLeod copped a US$3,000 scholarship from Petrojam Limited through Southern Ship Management Limited (SSML), which manages the Petrojam vessels. He got the award after completing his cadet training onboard the MT Petrojam Trader.
A letter from SSML stated: "...Cadet McLeod has performed his duties diligently and conducted himself in an exemplary manner."
The scholarship covers tuition for training at the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) where he will pursue the Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch programme.
"I feel very special. I think I am fortunate. I am grateful to Petrojam and their agent, Southern Ship Management, and also the CMI for preparing me to go out there and do what is required of me in shipping," Mr. McLeod said.
As a trainee deck officer aboard the Petrojam Trader, he said his responsibilities involved maintenance of navigation equipment and engaging in officer in charge of navigation and watch duties, as well as the loading and discharging of cargo and general preparation of the vessel in accordance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards.
How did he come to be working onboard the vessel? He was selected from among cadets based on his exemplary conduct and tenacity and academic performance.
"I am now completing class three of the deck officer course at JMI to obtain my license to become a second officer where I will be in charge of watch keeping and navigation duties," the scholarship recipient explained.
His advice to other students with aspirations in life is: "Work hard. Be patient in every thing you seek, and in all things, put God first...," he observed.
Director of Information and Research Vivette Grant said the institute was pleased about the student's achievement. "CMI commends Mr. McLeod on flying the Jamaican flag high and also thanks Southern Shipping Management for such a fine gesture," she said.
