CMU president: Forensic science programme secure and set to grow
Published:Friday | February 6, 2026 | 12:09 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Despite turning out just one student in its first graduating batch for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science programme last month, the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) is keen on keeping the programme on its roster and expects growth in ensuing years.
Jamaela Record, 21, was one of six students who started the programme when it was first introduced four years ago. She was the only graduate at the January 28 ceremony, as the five other students were unable to meet the criteria for graduation.
Those five students should, however, graduate in the next batch, according to the president of the CMU, Professor Andrew Spencer. Spencer also explained why there was just one graduate.
“We expect a bigger group to graduate in November coming and even a bigger group and so on and so on because it’s a four-year degree,” Spencer told The Gleaner.
“So, this is the first graduate from the first batch and the first batch had some teething challenges so that’s the real issue but we expect the other five to graduate with the next group, next year. So, the future of the programme is secured. It’s a novel programme so you typically have these things happening when programmes are new,” Spencer added.
The sole graduate, Record said the course, like any other, was challenging, but that was what pushed her to succeed. She admitted that the guidance she received from her faculty adviser made a “tremendous” difference from year one.
“His mentorship played a major role in turning my dream into reality so while the journey wasn’t easy it was achievable with the right mindset, support and determination,” she pointed out.
The president said there are currently 35 students enrolled in the programme: 13 in first year, 13 in second, six in third and three in fourth year. This means enrolment in the programme has increased significantly over the last two years.
“Based on the year one and two numbers and the enquiries that are being made about the programme, it is giving the clearest indication that the programme is about to take off on a very serious footing. With the consolidating of the programme with full campus resources and additional teaching support at the highest level, teaching and learning capabilities will be further enhanced to bring about growth and sustainability.”
Spencer explained that the career path for students pursuing the programme is wide-ranging and includes crime scene investigators and analysts, forensic chemists and biologists, cyber forensic specialists, forensic scientists and others, with employment opportunities across multiple industries.
“Also, every programme in the Centre for Security Counter Terrorism and Non-Proliferation (CSCTN), of which forensic science is a part, all of those programmes get employment immediately upon graduation, some of them before,” Spencer said.