The Tribune

By ANNELIA NIXON

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE LJM Maritime Academy highlighted the industry’s growing significance for the Bahamian economy as it celebrated the graduation of its 2023 and 2024 cadet classes while also holding a pre-sea passing out ceremony for those in the latter year.

Dr Richard Wiefelspuett, the Academy’s president, told graduates, faculty, industry representatives and family members that it continues to expand its capacity to prepare Bahamians for careers in one of the country’s most important economic sectors.

“The maritime industry continues to offer tremendous opportunities for Bahamians as the National Maritime Academy (LJM Maritime Academy) is proud to prepare the skilled officers, engineers and maritime professionals who will support our country’s growing economy, and to represent The Bahamas with distinction around the world,” he said.

Mr Wiefelspuett said the Academy has made significant progress over the past year through the expansion of internationally-recognised training programmes, stronger industry partnerships and continued investment in facilities designed to benefit both students and the wider maritime sector.

“The past year has been one of remarkable progress for the Academy,” he said. “We have expanded our internationally-recognised training programmes, strengthened our industry partnerships and continued investing in facilities and opportunities that will benefit both our students and the wider maritime sector.”

Delivering the keynote address, Bernique Pople, community engagement manager for Royal Caribbean (Bahamas), encouraged graduates to embrace continuous learning, adding that technical knowledge alone is not enough to build a successful career.

“A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time with some of you during your simulator session,” she said. “I was very impressed, not just by the technology or the equipment, but by you - your focus, teamwork, professionalism and, what stood out to me, wasn’t how much you knew;, it was how much you were willing to learn.”

Ms Pople reminded graduates that every successful maritime professional begins as a novice. “The truth is, nobody starts out knowing everything - not me, your instructors, or the leaders you look up to. Every expert was once a beginner. Every captain was once a cadet,” she added.

Employers, the Royal Caribbean executive said, increasingly value qualities such as resilience, integrity and adaptability alongside technical competence.

“What I saw was more than technical skill,” she said. “I saw leadership, resilience and potential. Skills can be taught and procedures can be learned, but character and a willingness to keep growing is what will carry you through your career.”

Ms Pople also encouraged graduates to think beyond traditional on-board ship careers, pointing to the expanding range of opportunities within the maritime economy.

“Some of you will find yourselves on the bridge, navigating vessels across the world’s oceans,” she said. “Some of you will work in engineering, solving problems and keeping operations running safely and efficiently. Others may find opportunities in logistics, sustainability, technology, business, education, law or fields you haven’t even considered yet.”

Ms Pople added that Royal Caribbean has seen Bahamians excel across multiple disciplines, both at sea and ashore. “One of the things I’ve learned during my career is that this industry is much bigger than most people realise,” she said.

“When many people think about maritime careers, they think about captains and engineers. There are also opportunities in sustainability, finance, logistics, hospitality, communications, technology, community engagement and so much more.”

Ms Pople said the cruise line remains committed to investing in Bahamian talent through partnerships with institutions such as LJM Maritime Academy.

“Excellence isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live and build, and it’s something I believe every one of you is capable of achieving,” she said. “That’s one reason why we’re proud to support institutions like LJM Maritime Academy, because we believe in investing in the next generation of Bahamian talent.”

Ms Pople added that graduates should remain open to wherever their careers may lead. “Whether your path leads to the bridge, the engine room, shore-side operations, sustainability initiatives, business leadership, or somewhere completely unexpected, know that opportunities exist for those who are willing to pursue them, and perhaps one day Royal Caribbean group may become a part of your journey as well,” she said.

The Academy’s continued expansion comes as The Bahamas seeks to strengthen its position within the global maritime industry and develop its marine or ‘blue’ economy.