Former SJPI Students Awarded Minister's Award of Maritime Excellence for 2023

Two former Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) students, Richard Carter and Jadun Clarke have been awarded the Minister’s Award of Maritime Excellence for 2023.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill congratulated and presented 20-year-old Clarke and 23-year-old Carter with awards for their outstanding performances in the SJPI Diploma Programme. They both completed their diploma in Marine Diesel Engineering.

As recipients of the Minister’s Award, Carter and Clarke each received a monetary prize of $750 and they will participate in a six-month internship at the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI).

“I am very overwhelmed. We put in some hard work for the past two years at the Polytechnic,” said Clarke.

Clarke added: “I feel excited … after working so hard, so, it’s good that I get a reward for it.”

During the award ceremony held at the ministry on Wednesday, Minister Gooding-Edghill noted that the maritime sector is important to Barbados’ socio-economic development and his ministry is focusing on building out a sustainable sector. He also acknowledged the importance of training and development.

“Congratulations to Jadun and Richard and I wish you success at the BPI and also in your future endeavours and I wish you a successful career in maritime…. We recognise the importance of training and development in the maritime sector, and emphasis should be placed on creating opportunities not only for students but for all Barbadians,” he said.

“We at the ministry will continue to embark on the strategic and systematic work programme to enhance the effective management, transportation, and sustainability of our marine space. We will also continue to facilitate a maritime environment that is secure and environmentally safe for users in the maritime sector.”

Gooding-Edghill also advised the two recipients to take full advantage of the opportunities at the BPI.

SJPI’s Deputy Principal with responsibility for academic matters, Brenda Osbourne, also urged the former students to take advantage of the internship.

“I encourage both of you to grab this opportunity and make sure that each day you perform better than you did yesterday. You would not have learnt everything in the classroom. At the Port, you will learn new skills and be exposed to different pieces of equipment. Approach each experience with an open mind, documenting new techniques, [and] do not be afraid to ask questions; read widely and explore things around you. Make your instructors at the SJPI proud, and the management of the Barbados Port Inc. happy to have offered you the opportunity,” she told the duo.

Osbourne also thanked the Minister and the BPI for offering the opportunity to SJPI students pursuing the Diploma in Marine Diesel Engineering and gave the assurance that the educational institution would continue to ensure that its course offerings support Barbados’ maritime sector.

(BGIS)