CMI gets new 'Parade Square'

Friday, January 27, 2012

DRILL instructors and trainee cadets at the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) are finally able to conduct drills and formations on a smoothly paved surface, thanks to a donation of 44,000 litres of asphalt by Petrojam Limited that was used to create an official 'Parade Square' at the institution.

Speaking Tuesday at the official presentation of the newly paved surface, Principal of CMI, Fritz Pinnock said that the transformation of the 200-square foot facility from a dust-filled car park will not just enhanced the quality and effectiveness of the drills, but will also improved the aesthetics of the school.

"This institution does not just serve Jamaica but it is an international institution with students from Peru, Africa, Turkey, Romania. The designated area that we had for drills before we received this donation was not representative of our international status and was proving a health hazard to the cadets who had to perform drills on that surface," said Pinnock.

The CMI is also the Caribbean's centre of excellence for the training of professional seafarers and personnel in the shipping, logistics and supply chain management sectors.

In expressing thanks to Petrojam for the donation, valued at close to $3 million, Pinnock also expressed his desire for a greater level of partnership between CMI and Petrojam, noting that he would be exploring the possibility of establishing an internship programme that would see trainee cadets and officers serving on vessels operated by Petrojam.

Dean of discipline at the school, Captain Robert N Hibbert, was also highly appreciative of the new facility. Pointing to the importance of the Parade Square, Captain Hibbert noted that the drill is used as a vehicle of discipline, to acclimatise trainees to the need to move in a uniformed motion and to be cognisant of similar commands used at sea.

"The Parade Square has done a lot for us. The cadets are much cleaner, much sharper because of the effectiveness of the drill. We needed to have a flat surface to get the correct results. They need to be sharp," Captain Hibbert stressed.

In a show of their appreciation, the CMI presented plaques to Petrojam Limited and Petroleos de Venezuela, joint owners of Petrojam.

In his response, Winston Watson, general manager of Petrojam, pledged the company's continued commitment to nation building through its comprehensive community outreach programme, which targets health, education and community development.

"This year we celebrate 30 years serving Jamaica's energy needs. Throughout these 30 years, Petrojam has maintained a visible presence in the communities. We are pleased to see the results of this donation and are also happy to have contributed in part to the institution's development and the students that it serves," he noted.