Outstanding Students

This week, The Anchor met with some of our most outstanding students to ascertain their sentiments on the CMU and its anniversary

Sashakay Bernard (CMU’s Sweetheart)

Like myself, many of you were introduced to this vibrant young lady through the Miss CMU 2019 Pageant. Sashakay Bernard is a final year student at the university reading for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Customs Processes, Freight Forwarding and Immigration.

During her childhood, Miss Bernard grew up in Clarendon with her parents and two sisters. Her father later migrated and her mother has been her motivation to accomplish her goals since. She lives by the philosophy “To start unknown and finish unforgettable.” Essentially, it means that although her genesis may not be the greatest, wherever life takes her, she strives to make a memorable impression. That is exactly what Miss Sashakay Bernard has done, as she continues to make excellence her hallmark wherever she goes. She sat with The Anchor to share her excitement about the CMU’s 40th anniversary…

What is your most memorable experience at the institution?

Hands down that would have to be winning Miss CMU 2019. I worked really hard, and it was a milestone achievement for me. Personally, I wanted to push myself to prove this was something that I could accomplish. I’ve always been a person that enters pageant. I entered Miss Denbigh High School and I was the first runner up, so I came with a goal in mind for Miss CMU.

Considering there were many other universities of choice, why did you choose the CMU?

I was tired of hearing about conventional careers. We grow up being pushed towards traditional jobs, so when I heard about the CMU, I was fascinated. I wanted to know what it is that this university brings to the table. The uniform is undeniably gorgeous so that was a plus too!

What does the 40th anniversary mean to you?

Celebrating 40 years means that I’m a part of a legacy, seeing your institution reach 40 years, is such a touching experience for me, one I’ll carry with me for many years!

How do you think CMU has prepared you for the working world?

For me, it is learning how to interact with different types of people. The reality that the CMU offers me an international experience - persons from different upbringings spanning many countries, races, creeds and ages, combined with the fact that a great constituent of our coursework is group work so I learn daily how to be tolerable and more accepting of persons.

What’s a fun fact about Sashakay that our readers wouldn’t know?

I’m a mommy’s girl. I’m her little ‘wash belly’ so everything I do is definitely for her. My mother is diagnosed with lupus, so it is my lifelong goal to make her proud.

5 Outstanding Students

Oshane Richards

(CMU’s Creative)

Oshane Richards, is a humble and articulate final year logistics student. Many of you may know him as the founder of CMU MOVA (Men and Women of Vision and Action) , a club predicated on the mission of youth empowerment, development and mentorship. Oshane is originally from Ornate Gardens, Kingston, but moved to St. Elizabeth for school and returned shortly after completing his secondary studies. Mr. Richards is a dancer, budding poet and an aspiring recording artist. He describes himself as a creative and well-rounded individual and sat with The Anchor to share in the celebrations of the CMU’s 40th anniversary

What do you think is the most important thing you have learnt at this university?

Self-development. Through attending the CMU, I have gotten the chance to grow as a young student, leader, and an individual and I know many students will share this sentiment.

Tell us about a personal accomplishment of which you are most proud.

As mentioned earlier, I’m deep into the arts. I’ve participated on behalf of the Caribbean Maritime University at the ‘Tallawah competition’ which is a spoken word and drama competition held yearly at the University of the West Indies,. I have also received medals from local Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions.

The CMU is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. What does it mean to you?

For me, it symbolizes 40 years of helping individuals to achieve their goals. The CMU has always been a vehicle FOR change that brings a new paradigm to the logistics, engineering, customs and the maritime industries.

I look forward to another 40 years as we continue to produce great graduates in these fields.

How has the institution changed you?

Interesting question, coming in I was pretty much all over the place in terms of my mindset. The university helped hone and refine me until I was able to own myself for who I am. This is another thing I love about the CMU, it allows students to be themselves. It’s an open space.

What’s a fun fact about Oshane that our readers wouldn’t know?

As I revealed earlier, I’m a poet and an aspiring recording artist. For my final year, I’ll want to use my graduation as a marketing opportunity to push my upcoming E.P. So putting it out here now, I would like to engage the whole school in this project and make it a beautiful ballad!

Dominque Stone

(CMU’s Diplomat)

Those of you who are well acquainted with Miss Stone, would know that she’s an introvert, but for others, this would be breaking news. For when it comes to her academic achievements, she’s quite popular among staff and students at the Western Campus where she reads for a Bachelor of Engineering degree. She attributes her success to her love for reading. “Growing up I spent a lot of time by myself because my dad was overseas and my mom was a workaholic, still is. So it was just me, myself, and books,” she said. This outstanding young lady represented Jamaica at the United Nations for the first time at the tender age of 15, and from then on, her love for travel and diplomacy was enkindled. Dominique sat with The Anchor to share her excitement about the CMU’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

What does a typical day or week look like for you?

bined with my portfolio of Jamaica’s Youth Policy Advisor makes for a very busy life. I often have lots reports and papers to write, and have to frequently travel to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It can get pretty hectic balancing both school and work throughout the days, but to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way because I enjoy it!

What is your most momentous experience at the university?

That’s a no-brainer, I’m from the Western campus so our school life isn’t as rich as the main campu’. I remember the university hosting Club & Societies day and I got the opportunity to see all the clubs on display and I saw the booth for CMU MOVA and I fell in love. My only thought at that point “How do I sign up?” After having a discussion with the executive of the club, I was told I’m going to be the president of MOVA at the western campus; you can only imagine my reaction to this news!

The CMU is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. What does it mean to you?

It is a momentous occasion for me. I have never been prouder to be a student at the university. Many people saw the institution as just another school but after the changes we have made, we now command a lot of respect, and the conversation around the CMU has shifted dramatically. Many Jamaicans now hold the view that the CMU is one of the top universities in Jamaica. We’re making history and we’ve exceeded a lot of expectations.

Your years at the university have given you the opportunity to cross paths with influential individuals. Name one of these persons and the impact they have made in your life.

Since meeting Mr. Peter MacLarty, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technology, I must say that how I think about my life and how I operate as a young lady has significantly changed. I’m proud and feel fortunate to call him a friend and mentor because of how he has shared his experiences with me and the life advice that he has graciously offered. He is very supportive of my decisions and I am a better lady today because of him.

Joseph Dennis remembers his first encounter with the Caribbean

Maritime University as the day his life changed, and after hearing the qualifications necessary to attend the university, he made his plan right there and then to attend the CMU for Engineering.

A son of the parish of Manchester, Dennis was inspired to become an engineer whom he watched work in the industry, as a child. Joseph sat with The Anchor to share his views about the institution’s 40th anniversary…

What were your initial expectations of the university and were those expectations met?

I was not previously exposed to a university setting, so I honestly did not know what to expect. Nonetheless, I believed once you left your community and had the chance to attend a university you were automatically going to be successful. I never knew university life would demand such dedication and discipline and that I was going to have to fight to make it. Ironically, I think this is how the CMU has fundamentally reshaped my mindset: knowing that if I want to accomplish something, I have to put in the work and giving up is not an option.

How do you think your experience at the institution has prepared you for the working world?

The CMU teaches me that once you make it through your time there, there’s nothing you can’t overcome. Not only does the university build you academically but it also builds your self-esteem, and your very image itself.

I vividly remember when I went back to my hometown in my uniform, you had persons with the assumption that I was a pilot!

What does the CMU family celebrating its 40th anniversary mean to you?

It means a lot to me. I’m part of the CMU family and although the CMU is considered to be a small institution compared to other universities, once you step onto the campus grounds, you’re reminded that you’re one big family by familiar faces. Knowing where the CMU has come from and seeing where the university is now makes you feel proud to be part of this moment.

What’s a fun fact about you that our readers may not know?

I love to motivate people.

What keeps you motivated?

My mindset does, I’m the type of person that if I’m not occupied with something I’ll be depressed. Having something to work on is what drives me. I think, in part, this is what pushed me to Engineering! The fact I’m responsible for myself and that my actions will determine my success - it puts a certain pressure on me reminds me that I’m a product of my decisions. If I become overwhelmed, I’ll look at the mirror and remind myself that my potential knows no bounds.

Minister Jermaine Henry has been engaged in Christian Ministry for over a decade, and has performed in a multitude capacities in that time. He is a graduate of the North Coast School of Ministries where he did a Diploma in Theology, and today, Minister Henry reads for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation at the CMU. Concurrently, he is also pursuing a Bachelor’s of Christian Counselling and Theology Degree from the Alpha Institute of Leadership Development and Ministry. Jermaine sat with The Anchor to express his happiness about the CMU’s 40th anniversary.

What has been your most memorable experience at the CMU?

My most memorable experience at the university has been being able to partake in the Charter Day celebrations of the CMI’s transitioning to the CMU. It was a most exciting day and one I will never forget.

During your tenure so far, what is the most important thing you’ve learned?

By virtue of my enrollment in the Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies there is one thing that was preached from the very start of my training, and that is TEAMWORK.

As a future Merchant Marine Officer, I am taught that teamwork with fellow officers onboard is the lifeline of a ship’s safe transit, without loss of life, harm to the vessel, and damage to the cargo.

How has the school changed you?

Studying at the Caribbean Maritime University has been a rollercoaster of experiences that have changed me for the better. I have developed an open mind, become confident and, little by little have learnt to manage my time better.

What does the CMU’s 40th anniversary mean to you?

I am thrilled and delighted to be celebrating with the Caribbean Maritime University on its 40th anniversary! I admire the many achievements the CMU has gained over the years through hard work, discipline and dedication. I take great pleasure in congratulating all staff, students, and alumni of CMU on this auspicious 40th-anniversary celebration. A university of maritime excellence throughout the Caribbean and the world!

Give our readers a fun fact about yourself.

I am highly perceptive and have a razor-sharp intuition. This doesn’t mean I know everything, or that I’m never wrong, but my instincts about people, situations, and events are usually on point. Some would say I have “Goatmouth!”

By Suwayne Shettlesworth & Hemantha James