The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) has taken a major step toward expanding its presence in the region by signing a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the foundation for logistics training in Suriname. 

The agreement, signed on April 28 in the capital Paramaribo, formalises the commitment to establish a CMU campus in Suriname in the near future.

At a ceremony, the agreement was signed by CMU vice president and deputy to the president Professor Ibrahim Ajagunna and officials from the foundation for logistics training.

President Chandrikapersad Santokhi along with senior Surinamese government representatives, witnessed the event.

This landmark partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering excellence in maritime, logistics, and engineering education.

The new CMU Suriname campus will offer a wide range of academic and professional programmes designed to meet the growing demands of the global shipping and logistics industries while supporting Suriname’s economic development goals.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Professor Ajagunna highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, “Why compete when we can collaborate? Why maintain barriers that were once imposed on us by colonial divisions? By sharing our expertise and training, we ensure that our educational programmes meet the shared needs of our countries and promote the exchange of ideas and best practices among educators, trainers, and students.”

Professor Andrew Spencer, president of the Caribbean Maritime University, also welcomed the formalisation of the agreement.

“The launch of our Suriname campus is not just an expansion of our physical footprint—it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to regional integration, capacity building, and the development of a skilled maritime workforce. At CMU, we believe that through collaboration, we can unlock the vast potential of our Caribbean people,” said Spencer.

President Santokhi commended the initiative, noting the critical role of education and specialised training in national development, “The collaboration with the Caribbean Maritime University offers our young people the opportunity to qualify internationally. With the MOU, we open the door to high-quality education, innovative research projects and further internationalisation. The government continues to work on regulations that support this growth.”

The CMU Suriname campus will welcome its first students in the 2025/2026 academic year, offering professional certification programmes aligned with industry demands. Plans are also in place for faculty development, student exchanges, and collaborative research.