CMI collaborates with TT Marine Institute THE CARIBBEAN Maritime Institute (CMI) is now laying the groundwork to establish closer ties with the Marine and Fisheries Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (MAFITT) in a bid to enhance fisheries and maritime education in both institutions. A delegation from MAFITT recently visited and toured the facilities at CMI to gain first-hand knowledge of the organisational structure and operations as well as its programmes, assessment and certification systems. Previously, a team from the CMI - formerly known as the Jamaica Maritime Institute (JMI) - visited MAFITT for a similar experience. The overseas group, comprising Commander Kayam Moha-mad, Transition Manager and Selwyn Brooks, the Principal, toured the CMI Palisadoes campus for two days in July and held discussions with CMI executives, led by Executive Director, Lieutenant Commander, Michael Rodriguez. The talks focused on the establishment of networks with the CMI as well as the exchange of personnel and fisheries training. To this end, a draft Memorandum of Agreement for co-operation has been prepared for signing by both institutions. This is expected to facilitate greater co-operation for fisheries and maritime education. MAFITT was formerly known as Caribbean Fisheries Training Development Institute (CFTDI). Commenting on the visit recently, Commander Rodriguez, cited the relevance of collaboration between both institutions and expressed satisfaction with the level of discussion. He observed that it was important that there be collaboration and co-operation among institutions instead of competition for the advancement of maritime education and training in the region. Personnel from both institutions have been communicating for several years regarding mutual programme development. To date, MAFITT has been primarily involved with fisheries training, while CMI has focused on maritime education and training.
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