Maritime Stakeholder Meeting proves to be an exciting Exchange during TCICC College Month 

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer  

#TurksandCaicos, March 23, 2023 – As college month continues, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) has rolled out a brand-new maritime program to take full advantage of the employment opportunities created by the blue economy which are abundant in the country. 

The College hosted a Maritime consultation on March 22nd under the theme, ‘Exploring Certification Opportunities Within the Blue Economy: The TCI Perspective’ to introduce the project and hear from residents. 

Describing it as a strategic move Kevin Baxter, Dean of TVET shares that the collaboration was an effort to meet skills gaps. He said that with the fourth Industrial Revolution upon us, marine skill sets were changing, and the college’s offerings had to adapt to provide the most skilled graduates. 

“Training institutions like the TCICC must provide appropriate expertise and knowledge to create a future ready maritime workforce to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.”  

He maintained that the MOU with the LGM Maritime Academy would propel the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College to new heights.  

Dr.

, President of the LGM Maritime Academy, joined in on the session via zoom. She explained that LJMMA which is housed on its very own Cay, just off of Nassau, was created out of a desire to see Bahamians take part in the massive shipping industry in their own country.  

Prior to LJM Maritime Academy, Bahamians would have to go to New York, to the tune of $30,000 a year, Cleare explained, to become trained in the field. She described the Academy, which Turks and Caicos Islanders will now have access to, as a sleeping giant in the field. 

Rachel Taylor, Turks and Caicos Minister of Education said: “We must ensure that our people capitalize off of the opportunities to certify themselves so they can be equipped to be able to deliver in the blue economy sector.” 

Lormeka Williams, Director of Environment and Coastal Resources is keen on this maritime education developing a greater desire for protection of the natural environment; emphasizing that Turks and Caicos is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change.  

“It is pivotal that the tourism industry be staffed with well trained professionals, knowledgeable professionals from our tour guides for taxi drivers, who celebrate the natural heritage of our islands and act as environmental stewards.” 

She expressed pleasure at the MOU and said the country was looking forward to the influx of well-equipped professionals to elevate our industries. 

The program will certify both new and experienced blue economy workers in the country.