Testimonials

Winston Cato
Engine Cadet, Caribbean Maritime University
ACMF Scholar

ACMF assisted me to obtain an opportunity via the www.acmf-carex jobs board to gain some sea time experience onboard a Royal Caribbean vessel. I had a great first contract and I got recalled for a second contract to complete the required sea time. I’m a step closer in obtaining my license. I’m now doing STCW short courses and working towards completing the other requirements.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the entire ACMF foundation team for the opportunity, as it has greatly impacted my life and created a foundation for my career as a licensed marine engineer. 

Tre’von Ferguson (Bahamas)
2nd Officer, Ovation of the Sea/Royal Caribbean International
BSc, Marine Transportation, Caribbean Maritime University (Class of 2020)

My name is Tre’von Ferguson, and my dream has now become a reality working for the Royal Caribbean Group. I’m currently working in the capacity of 2nd Officer onboard the Ovation of the Seas. My career thus far has been everything I’ve imagined. I’ve had the opportunity to embrace and learn multiple different cultures, travel to dream destinations while simultaneously learning skills to progress in my career. The ACMF scholarship was the driving force to turn my childhood dream into a reality by funding my tertiary education at the Caribbean Maritime University. Every day at sea I wake up with excitement and passion to learn something new and to take on new challenges. An overwhelming feeling of uncertainty is normal when embarking a new ship thankfully, with the aid of hands-on experience, training, and my colleague’s assistance, I was able to overcome those challenges. I am grateful for the investment of the ACMF in me and I look forward to a prosperous career.

Shante Pearson (Bahamas)
Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch | 2nd Officer, Grandeur of the Seas/Royal Caribbean International
BSc, Marine Transportation, Caribbean Maritime University (Class of 2020)

Since joining the Royal Caribbean Family a year ago, my experience thus far has been beneficial in regards to enabling me to gain a more in-depth knowledge about various aspects relating to my field of work as well as allowing me to enhance numerous skills that will aid in my career progression. During this time I sailed onboard the Grandeur of the Seas, where I was fortunate enough to encounter amazing crew members and officers who were supportive and encouraging throughout the entire duration, generating an environment which allowed for continuous growth. There were quite a few challenges faced along the way, however, for every challenge faced, a solution was found and a lesson learnt. Having the ability to travel the world, working along with individuals from a multitude of different countries, cultures and backgrounds, while doing the job that I love, is a privilege that will never be taken for granted. I thank the ACMF for the full scholarship and look forward to my future spent here at Royal Caribbean where I will continue to uphold an embrace the Royal Way of being PASSIONTE, FRIENDLY AND COMMITTED. I am Shanté and I AM ROYAL.

Danielle Landeis (Jamaica)
BSc, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Caribbean Maritime University
Class of 2022 | 2021 ACMF TOTE Tropical Scholar

I want to send a heartfelt thank you to the TOTE, Tropical Shipping and the ACMF foundation. Being a recipient of this scholarship has really impacted my quality of education, as I don’t have to worry about the financial aspect [of my education]. I’m more focused on my education and improving my skills of being a Cyber Security Analyst or a Cyber Incident Responder.

Horatio Mclean (Jamaica)
BSc, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Caribbean Maritime University
Class of 2020 | 2019 ACMF Scholarship Recipient

Firstly, I would like to thank The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation for its continued support of maritime education and human development in the Caribbean. With the establishment of the Fern Khan grant and generosity of  The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation you have provided a generation of students subjected to financial hardships with an opportunity to access tertiary education. Being unemployed and homeless made university education virtually impossible for me to afford. However, with the Fern Khan grant, I was able to pursue and complete my Bachelor of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the Caribbean Maritime University. This also made me the first person in my immediate community to achieve this milestone. I am delighted to say I had worked hard to be where I am, but I certainly could not have done it without The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation and the Fern Khan grant. With that, I am forever thankful. 

Andre Theobalds (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
BSc Candidate, Marine Transportation, Caribbean Maritime University
2019 ACMF Scholarship Recipient

Being a recipient of one of the 2019/2020 ACMF Fern Khan Scholarships has come as a huge blessing to me as I come from a single parent household located on the Eastern Caribbean Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This scholarship is aiding to offset many of the costs, such as housing, air travel and tuition. As a fourth-year student, these costs are at their maximum, so this scholarship could not have been extended to me at a better time.

Glenardo Simpson (Jamaica)
BSc Candidate, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Caribbean Maritime University
2018 ACMF Scholarship Recipient

The ACMF scholarship has taken me places and provided opportunities to meet maritime professionals who will be important to my future.  I can’t thank them them enough.


ACMF Covid Response includes emergency grant funding to students, and a donation of laptops to support remote study

ACMF-Roland Malins-Smith Lecture Theater

“I’m very thankful to the ACMF and Dr. Roland Malins-Smith who made this hall possible. As the university grows, it is an ongoing struggle to find classrooms of adequate size.” – Dr. Ibrahim Ajagunna, Acting President, Caribbean Maritime University