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“Good education available to all” are more than words to the team at Royal Caribbean Group.
Two recent honor graduates from the prestigious Caribbean Maritime University were on full-tuition scholarships from The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) donated by Royal Caribbean International.
Shante Pearson and Tre’von Ferguson both dreamt of a life at sea from a young age. Tre’von recalls going to work with his mother; she worked as a ship planner for cargo container loading at the Freeport Container Port. Shante was inspired by her dad, who retired from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
“Shante and Tre’von are two examples of the talent there is in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “It’s the opportunities offered through institutions like the Caribbean Maritime University that shape the upstanding professionals we’re fortunate to have onboard our ships today and for many years to come. We’re honored to be a part of a program that helps young people from the Caribbean realize their potential, and I look forward to the day when future Captain Shante and Captain Tre’von welcome Royal Caribbean guests on board.”
Royal Caribbean Group commitment to the communities we touch focuses on ocean conservation, education and community need. “Scholarship support is nothing new; we have been supporting education for over 20 years,” said Helen O’Connell, Associate Vice President, CorporateResponsibility, Royal Caribbean Group. “We believe a good education can change lives. Collaborations with organizations like the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation allow us to offer students that demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and community involvement with an opportunity to attain a future in the maritime industry.”
In their separate journeys, the students joined the Maritime Cadet Corp and took the necessary steps to further their maritime experience. Tre’von spent a year in Cuba to learn Spanish. Shante earned a singular spot in Bahamian history as the youngest and only female to crew aboard a cargo vessel remaining at sea for 11 months. Her vision: to be the first female captain of a Royal Caribbean International Oasis Class ship, the world’s largest, like Symphony of the Seas, which is capable of carrying over 8,000 guests and crew.
People like Tre’von and Shante are more than distinguished students. They’re the future of the maritime industry, and we’re proud to help them on their way.