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Caribbean Maritime Institute expands programme options

By September 25, 2017CMU News

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) will be expanding its curricula and programme options with its engineering department, to be launched soon. The $500-million facility, to be named FESTO Didactic Centre, will offer training in the field of industrial automation and mechatronics.

Executive director at the CMI, Dr Fritz Pinnock, said that the world-class centre will focus on areas such as robotics engineering, hydraulics and pneumatics. The centre will be implemented in partnership with German company FESTO Didactic, a world leader in industrial automation technology training.

It will produce certified technicians needed for the maintenance and operation of ports to meet not just the demand in Jamaica, but also regional and international demand. “It is about transforming engineering across the sphere. We will be doing research in engineering with medicine and looking at bionics,” Dr Pinnock outlined, adding that the whole idea is to bridge the gap and make use of opportunities that these areas may create.

University Status Approved for Caribbean Maritime Institute
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Key Updates from the CMU Student and Staff Town Hall

Dear CMU Community,

Please see below key updates and decisions from the recently held Student and Staff Town Hall, as shared by the University Administration.

Scheduling and Assessment Adjustments

The University will resume face-to-face classes on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Main Campus, while the Port Royal and Western Campuses will resume on Monday, November 10, 2025. Modality details for the affected campuses will be communicated shortly.

-Semester One Final Examinations have been rescheduled to January 3–16, 2026.

-Semester Two will commence on January 26, 2026 and end on May 3, 2026, with examinations scheduled to begin April 18, 2026.

-The current semester will include 13 weeks of teaching and 2 weeks of assessments, ensuring compliance with the University Counsel of Jamaica (UCJ) accreditation requirements.

-Mid-semester examinations will be replaced by coursework submissions or alternative assessments, promoting flexibility amid recent disruptions.

-Course work and class recordings will be made available via the Moodle platform for those with connectivity issues.

-Students who are unable to attend face-to-face classes will not be penalized, and faculty will ensure opportunities to catch up are provided.

Student Support and Financial Considerations

To assist students and staff affected by Hurricane Melissa, the University has implemented several relief measures:

-A Hurricane Relief Fund will be established, and care package distribution will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Montego Bay Campus.

-The Staff Welfare System will be reviewed and reactivated to provide support to affected faculty and staff.

-Tuition payments for Semester One are extended to December 31, 2025 and late payment fees for tuition will be waived to alleviate financial strain.

-All students will receive a 10% tuition discount in Semester Two.

-Students facing hardship due to job losses or other financial challenges are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Student Services or the Students’ Union for assistance.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with all members of the CMU community who have been affected during this challenging time. Together, we will remain #CMUStrong as we support one another and navigate the days ahead with faith, resilience, and unity.