American Caribbean Maritime Foundation to Host Anchor Awards
The ninth annual fundraising event is scheduled for November 5, 2026, in Florida.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Scholarships
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The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation will hold its ninth annual Anchor Awards on November 5, 2026, in Florida. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is set to serve as the keynote speaker for the gala.
Why it matters
The event raises essential capital for the ACMF Hope Fund, which supports scholarships and grants for maritime students across the Caribbean. These funds aim to alleviate poverty through specialized vocational education and community development.
Since its founding, the organization has invested more than US$2 million in scholarships and grants. It has provided over 500 full-tuition awards to students from nations including Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Guyana.
The players
Dr. Andrew Holness
He is the Prime Minister of Jamaica and will deliver the keynote address at the foundation's annual fundraiser.
Marie McKenzie
A leader at Carnival Corporation, she is one of the designated honorees for the 2026 Anchor Awards.
Richard Scheff
Associated with the firm Faegre Drinker, he is an honoree at this year's fundraising gala.
Tropical Shipping US
This organization is the presenting sponsor for the 2026 Anchor Awards.
The details
The event, titled 'Caribbean Maritime Professionals: The Backyard Advantage,' will honor Marie McKenzie of Carnival Corporation and Richard Scheff of Faegre Drinker. Tropical Shipping US serves as the presenting sponsor for the upcoming function.
Timeline
The organization was founded in 2012.
The ninth annual Anchor Awards will occur on November 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
This fundraiser reflects the growing emphasis on vocational education as a primary vehicle for regional economic mobility in the Caribbean. The event follows the established pattern set by the ACMF Hope Fund to secure long-term capital for specialized regional maritime training.
The gala serves as a high-level networking and fundraising environment within the Florida maritime business community. Attendees at the event directly contribute to tuition and grant support for students pursuing technical careers across the Caribbean.
The takeaway
The foundation's focus on maritime education bridges the gap between local talent and regional industry demand. Aspiring professionals should look for opportunities within the Hope Fund to secure tuition assistance for maritime certification programs.
Further reading
For additional information on regional educational support programs, visit Scholarships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Gleaner.
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