Meet the Speakers
Learn more about the inspiring leaders, experts, and visionaries who will share their insights at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025.
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Senator the Hon Dr Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment is easily described as a Climate Action advocate, defender of youth involvement in decision- making, and a climate and gender justice specialist. Professionally, she became one of the youngest females to become a Director of a government office, the Department of Constituency Empowerment in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Dr Joyelle Clarke worked as an educator, bridging her passion for environment and youth together under the banner of one of the strongest youth-led environmental programmes in St Kitts and Nevis. The Cayon High School Environmental Club members became ambassadors for the students to a project called the St Mary’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Project which allowed for even more advocacy and youth-led conservation work. Dr Clarke has been involved in Social Impact Assessments and Sustainable livelihoods research for over 15 years. During this time, she has led projects on livelihoods-transition, conducted research and developed programs in various capacities as a government official and community activist. Her key livelihoods research focused on assessing the transition of former female sugar workers to tourism and agricultural livelihoods, post-sugar production in St Kitts. Dr Clarke has also been intimately involved in retraining exercises with key female groups of former sugar workers to retool and reskill women with the necessary assets for succeeding in new tourism-based livelihoods. The Honourable Minister’s project-related work ranges from livelihood support, community-based development initiatives, sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. She was engaged in developing and executing community-based projects in collaboration with community groups on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Projects included climate change initiatives such as reforestation programs, and the establishment of school-based agricultural programs. She has worked extremely close with female farm cooperatives, assisting with the transition from traditional farming to environmentally friendly, climate resilient farming methods. So far, she has co-founded a mentorship program called, “Women Empowering Girls”; She serves as a mentor in GirlsCare Jamaica; Co-founder of a consultancy firm that assists companies and communities to shape mutually beneficial relationships, called Relate Consultancy. In addition to being a director and an educator, she sat on the Opposition benches as a Senator and advocated extensively for matters relating to the environment, climate action, youth empowerment and gender justice. Added to that, Hon Dr Clarke served as a Research Supervisor for the University of the West Indies and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. All of her hard work, passion and dedication has now transitioned to this period of public service as she holds the title of Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. A portfolio aligned to her passion, her training and her advocacy.
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Senator the Hon Dr Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment is easily described as a Climate Action advocate, defender of youth involvement in decision- making, and a climate and gender justice specialist. Professionally, she became one of the youngest females to become a Director of a government office, the Department of Constituency Empowerment in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Dr Joyelle Clarke worked as an educator, bridging her passion for environment and youth together under the banner of one of the strongest youth-led environmental programmes in St Kitts and Nevis. The Cayon High School Environmental Club members became ambassadors for the students to a project called the St Mary’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Project which allowed for even more advocacy and youth-led conservation work. Dr Clarke has been involved in Social Impact Assessments and Sustainable livelihoods research for over 15 years. During this time, she has led projects on livelihoods-transition, conducted research and developed programs in various capacities as a government official and community activist. Her key livelihoods research focused on assessing the transition of former female sugar workers to tourism and agricultural livelihoods, post-sugar production in St Kitts. Dr Clarke has also been intimately involved in retraining exercises with key female groups of former sugar workers to retool and reskill women with the necessary assets for succeeding in new tourism-based livelihoods. The Honourable Minister’s project-related work ranges from livelihood support, community-based development initiatives, sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. She was engaged in developing and executing community-based projects in collaboration with community groups on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Projects included climate change initiatives such as reforestation programs, and the establishment of school-based agricultural programs. She has worked extremely close with female farm cooperatives, assisting with the transition from traditional farming to environmentally friendly, climate resilient farming methods. So far, she has co-founded a mentorship program called, “Women Empowering Girls”; She serves as a mentor in GirlsCare Jamaica; Co-founder of a consultancy firm that assists companies and communities to shape mutually beneficial relationships, called Relate Consultancy. In addition to being a director and an educator, she sat on the Opposition benches as a Senator and advocated extensively for matters relating to the environment, climate action, youth empowerment and gender justice. Added to that, Hon Dr Clarke served as a Research Supervisor for the University of the West Indies and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. All of her hard work, passion and dedication has now transitioned to this period of public service as she holds the title of Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. A portfolio aligned to her passion, her training and her advocacy.
Minister of Sustainable Development, St Kitts and Nevis
Quincia Gumbs-Marie
Former Member of Parliament Quincia Gumbs Marie is a passionate environmentalist and a strong proponent of balanced development that respects both the environment and the economy. She fervently promotes the establishment of a universal global funding architecture that is democratic and accessible, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to protect our planet’s resources. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability makes her a formidable force in advancing environmental policies that promote a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Quincia Gumbs-Marie
Former Member of Parliament Quincia Gumbs Marie is a passionate environmentalist and a strong proponent of balanced development that respects both the environment and the economy. She fervently promotes the establishment of a universal global funding architecture that is democratic and accessible, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to protect our planet’s resources. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability makes her a formidable force in advancing environmental policies that promote a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Former Member of Parliament, Anguilla
Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
UK Envoy, UK's Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Special Envoy for the BES islands for EU and UN and Economic Development with Latin America and Caribbean
Minister of Public Works and the Environment, Government of Bermuda
Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque
Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on fundamental understanding and development of state of the art precision agriculture (PA) technologies for Eastern Canada’s agriculture industry. Development of innovative and novel PA systems utilizes knowledge of engineering design, development and management, instrumentation, design and evaluation of sensors and controllers, development of hardware and software for automation of machines to sense targets in real-time for spot application of agrochemicals on an as-needed basis to improve farm profitability while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Dr. Farooque is actively working on machine vision, application of multispectral and thermal imagery using drone technology, delineation of management zones for site-specific fertilization, electromagnetic induction methods, remote sensing, and digital photography technique for mapping, bio-systems modeling, artificial neural network, deep learning, analog and digital sensor integration into agricultural equipment for real-time soil, plant, and yield mapping. Dr. Farooque has been evaluating the variable rate technologies for potential environmental risks.
Dr. Farooque has been very successful in securing research funding from Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada, Provincial and Federal Governments and agriculture industry. He has been supervising undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and post-doctoral fellow at UPEI and other collaborating institutions. Dr. Farooque highlighted the significance of his research in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, workshops, industry meetings and farmer’s field days.
Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque
Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on fundamental understanding and development of state of the art precision agriculture (PA) technologies for Eastern Canada’s agriculture industry. Development of innovative and novel PA systems utilizes knowledge of engineering design, development and management, instrumentation, design and evaluation of sensors and controllers, development of hardware and software for automation of machines to sense targets in real-time for spot application of agrochemicals on an as-needed basis to improve farm profitability while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Dr. Farooque is actively working on machine vision, application of multispectral and thermal imagery using drone technology, delineation of management zones for site-specific fertilization, electromagnetic induction methods, remote sensing, and digital photography technique for mapping, bio-systems modeling, artificial neural network, deep learning, analog and digital sensor integration into agricultural equipment for real-time soil, plant, and yield mapping. Dr. Farooque has been evaluating the variable rate technologies for potential environmental risks.
Dr. Farooque has been very successful in securing research funding from Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada, Provincial and Federal Governments and agriculture industry. He has been supervising undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and post-doctoral fellow at UPEI and other collaborating institutions. Dr. Farooque highlighted the significance of his research in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, workshops, industry meetings and farmer’s field days.
Professor & Associate Dean, Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Prince Edward Island
Vanessa Toré
Vanessa Toré was born and raised in Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. She is the Director of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao. She was also the acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Development until May 2014. She has held both positions since respectively July and August of 2011. In June 2015 she assumed a new challenge by becoming a Policy Advisor to the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning. From November 1994 till June 2011 she worked at the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (17 years). She was the manager of the Investment, Trade Promotion and Business Services department where she designed and implemented various programs and services for entrepreneurs, SME’s, Investors and Exporters. She holds an MBA degree and has followed training in Management, International trade and Investment promotion in Geneva, Netherlands, USA and Canada. She participated in various trade related committees internationally and recently she served a two year term on the board of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). She speaks Papiamentu (mother language), Dutch, English and Spanish fluently and communicates at an intermediate level in Brazilian Portuguese. In her spare time she dedicates time voluntarily to Culture where she is active in the Jazz Scene of Curaçao promoting local Jazz musicians internationally.
Vanessa Toré
Vanessa Toré was born and raised in Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. She is the Director of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao. She was also the acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Economic Development until May 2014. She has held both positions since respectively July and August of 2011. In June 2015 she assumed a new challenge by becoming a Policy Advisor to the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning. From November 1994 till June 2011 she worked at the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (17 years). She was the manager of the Investment, Trade Promotion and Business Services department where she designed and implemented various programs and services for entrepreneurs, SME’s, Investors and Exporters. She holds an MBA degree and has followed training in Management, International trade and Investment promotion in Geneva, Netherlands, USA and Canada. She participated in various trade related committees internationally and recently she served a two year term on the board of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). She speaks Papiamentu (mother language), Dutch, English and Spanish fluently and communicates at an intermediate level in Brazilian Portuguese. In her spare time she dedicates time voluntarily to Culture where she is active in the Jazz Scene of Curaçao promoting local Jazz musicians internationally.
Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economic Development, Government of Curacao
Lavern Mcfarlane
Dr. Lavern McFarlane is currently employed at the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) as the Senior Economist where she provides intellectual leadership relating to all aspects of economic analysis and contributes to the strategic direction of the institution. Lavern leads and conducts economic research and develop empirical models relating to financial innovation, regional integration and cohesion. She is responsible for developing various policy options, strategies and proposals relating to integration, cohesion and development of competitive regional economies. She spearheaded the development of the CARICOM Cohesion Policy and successfully negotiated the approval by the CARICOM Heads of Government in February 2020and is integrally involved with the policy implementation. Dr. McFarlane was co-lead on the development of the Credit Risk Abatement Facility (CRAF) – an innovative credit enhancement instrument of the CDF, where she is the Chief Underwriter. She is also leading on the development of a Resilience Fund aimed at addressing financing for climate adaptation and mitigation in CARICOM
Lavern Mcfarlane
Dr. Lavern McFarlane is currently employed at the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) as the Senior Economist where she provides intellectual leadership relating to all aspects of economic analysis and contributes to the strategic direction of the institution. Lavern leads and conducts economic research and develop empirical models relating to financial innovation, regional integration and cohesion. She is responsible for developing various policy options, strategies and proposals relating to integration, cohesion and development of competitive regional economies. She spearheaded the development of the CARICOM Cohesion Policy and successfully negotiated the approval by the CARICOM Heads of Government in February 2020and is integrally involved with the policy implementation. Dr. McFarlane was co-lead on the development of the Credit Risk Abatement Facility (CRAF) – an innovative credit enhancement instrument of the CDF, where she is the Chief Underwriter. She is also leading on the development of a Resilience Fund aimed at addressing financing for climate adaptation and mitigation in CARICOM
Senior Economist, CARICOM Development Fund
Chair, Marine Ecosystems Protected Areas (MEPA) Trust
Liaison Cabinet Special Envoy for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba to the EU, UN and economic development in Latin-America and the Caribbean
Vice-president of Operations, The Caribbean Development Bank
Dr. Pepukaye Bardouille
Dr. Pepukaye Bardouille has worked for over two decades at the intersection of climate change and sustainable development globally. As founding Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) from 2018-2020, she was tasked with leading the transformation of Dominica into a climate resilient nation following the passage of Hurricane Maria. With the International Finance Corporation (IFC) from 2020-2023, she was Lead on Resilience in the Global Infrastructure Department, driving new approaches to renewable energy, water sector and urban resilience project development primarily in Small Island Developing States. From 2010-2018, she also championed IFC’s work to scale-up commercially viable business models for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification. Prior to that, with McKinsey & Company, she served national and international oil, gas and mining company CEOs in Africa, Europe and the Middle East on key challenges related to natural resource access and performance enhancement.
Dr. Pepukaye Bardouille
Dr. Pepukaye Bardouille has worked for over two decades at the intersection of climate change and sustainable development globally. As founding Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) from 2018-2020, she was tasked with leading the transformation of Dominica into a climate resilient nation following the passage of Hurricane Maria. With the International Finance Corporation (IFC) from 2020-2023, she was Lead on Resilience in the Global Infrastructure Department, driving new approaches to renewable energy, water sector and urban resilience project development primarily in Small Island Developing States. From 2010-2018, she also championed IFC’s work to scale-up commercially viable business models for off-grid and mini-grid based electrification. Prior to that, with McKinsey & Company, she served national and international oil, gas and mining company CEOs in Africa, Europe and the Middle East on key challenges related to natural resource access and performance enhancement.
Director, Bridgetown Initiative & Special Advisor on Climate Resilience, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Barbados
Deputy Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency
Executive Director, The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE)
Regional Director, Commonwealth Caribbean, Department for Business and Trade, British High Commission
David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 12 years across a number of sections.
Initially working with the Pelagic Fisheries team his research involved mapping of commercial fish stocks and larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning.
After moving to INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences. He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland.
David was recently appointed Manager of Our Shared Ocean, a new programme to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and it is about this programme that he is delighted to speak to you today.
David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 12 years across a number of sections.
Initially working with the Pelagic Fisheries team his research involved mapping of commercial fish stocks and larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning.
After moving to INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences. He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland.
David was recently appointed Manager of Our Shared Ocean, a new programme to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and it is about this programme that he is delighted to speak to you today.
Our Shared Ocean - Program Manager, Irish Marine Institute
James Ellsmoor
I am the Founder and Director of Island Innovation, which I started after seeing the opportunity to connect rural and island locations around the world working on similar development issues. Island Innovation began with a newsletter and a series of virtual events, and has evolved into a community of over 127,000 members.
In addition to founding Island Innovation I am also the co-founder of Solar Head of State (SHOS), which works with governments to push action on renewable energy. The NGO has focused on small island developing states (SIDS) with solar installations on the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Government House in Saint Lucia and the Presidential Palace of the Maldives. SHOS is now working with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Pacific Island Development Forum to install solar on the official residences across these organizations’ combined 24 member states.
I grew up on a farm in Shropshire, England, and after working in the Caribbean, United States and Colombia I have settled in Lisbon, Portugal. My Master’s Degree is in “Island Studies” from the University of the Highlands and Islands.
James Ellsmoor
I am the Founder and Director of Island Innovation, which I started after seeing the opportunity to connect rural and island locations around the world working on similar development issues. Island Innovation began with a newsletter and a series of virtual events, and has evolved into a community of over 127,000 members.
In addition to founding Island Innovation I am also the co-founder of Solar Head of State (SHOS), which works with governments to push action on renewable energy. The NGO has focused on small island developing states (SIDS) with solar installations on the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Government House in Saint Lucia and the Presidential Palace of the Maldives. SHOS is now working with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Pacific Island Development Forum to install solar on the official residences across these organizations’ combined 24 member states.
I grew up on a farm in Shropshire, England, and after working in the Caribbean, United States and Colombia I have settled in Lisbon, Portugal. My Master’s Degree is in “Island Studies” from the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Chief Executive Officer, Island Innovation
Kiesha Farnum
Kiesha is an experienced organisational and project management professional with over 19 years of experience, focused on innovation for growth across a variety of sustainable development sectors. She has worked across 28 countries with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the former Department of Foreign Affairs and Development (DFAT-D) of the Government of Canada and the former Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Her work has traversed several thematic areas including climate change, eco-agritourism, regenerative agriculture, active labour market stimulation, as well as, education and leadership development for the public and private sector.
She also gained extensive experience in program management and organizational leadership for NGOs during her tenure at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Trinidad & Tobago. A firm believer in volunteerism, she continues to commit her time and expertise to various NGOs.
In her role as Managing Director, at the Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education and Design (WIRRED) Kiesha focused her efforts on the establishment of a not-for-profit think tank, research centre and consultancy dedicated to climate change and regenerative agroforestry practices. The organization is committed to the implementation of climate-smart strategies which demonstrate that ecosystem-based mitigation and adaptation offer tremendous opportunities in achieving climate resilience. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors of WIRRED, working with a talented team to offer nature base solutions geared towards building habitat, increasing biodiversity and sequestering carbon, while reconnecting people to nature through eco-agritourism and educational experiences.
Currently, Kiesha is the Director of Public Sector Projects with Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) where she continues to work to catalyse a multi-sector network that includes the private sector, public sector, academia, various industry sectors & economies and the community across the region and internationally.
Kiesha holds a M.Sc. in Project Management, with a specialization in the Economics of Oil and Gas (& Renewable Energy) from the University of Liverpool, a BSc. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology & Management, from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has trained as an Executive Coach with Erickson Coaching International.
Kiesha Farnum
Kiesha is an experienced organisational and project management professional with over 19 years of experience, focused on innovation for growth across a variety of sustainable development sectors. She has worked across 28 countries with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the former Department of Foreign Affairs and Development (DFAT-D) of the Government of Canada and the former Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Her work has traversed several thematic areas including climate change, eco-agritourism, regenerative agriculture, active labour market stimulation, as well as, education and leadership development for the public and private sector.
She also gained extensive experience in program management and organizational leadership for NGOs during her tenure at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Trinidad & Tobago. A firm believer in volunteerism, she continues to commit her time and expertise to various NGOs.
In her role as Managing Director, at the Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education and Design (WIRRED) Kiesha focused her efforts on the establishment of a not-for-profit think tank, research centre and consultancy dedicated to climate change and regenerative agroforestry practices. The organization is committed to the implementation of climate-smart strategies which demonstrate that ecosystem-based mitigation and adaptation offer tremendous opportunities in achieving climate resilience. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors of WIRRED, working with a talented team to offer nature base solutions geared towards building habitat, increasing biodiversity and sequestering carbon, while reconnecting people to nature through eco-agritourism and educational experiences.
Currently, Kiesha is the Director of Public Sector Projects with Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA) where she continues to work to catalyse a multi-sector network that includes the private sector, public sector, academia, various industry sectors & economies and the community across the region and internationally.
Kiesha holds a M.Sc. in Project Management, with a specialization in the Economics of Oil and Gas (& Renewable Energy) from the University of Liverpool, a BSc. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology & Management, from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has trained as an Executive Coach with Erickson Coaching International.
Head of Partnerships and Programmes, The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Centre (CCREEE)
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports and The Creative Economy and Entertainment and The Arts, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
COP29 President & Minister for Ecology & Natural Resources, Government of Azerbaijan
Executive Director, Caribbean Division, The Nature Conservancy
Karen McDonald-Gayle
Karen McDonald Gayle is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund – the CBF. The CBF is a regional umbrella environmental fund that uses a flexible structure to facilitate innovative solutions and consolidate regional conservation impacts. With over 25 years of experience in civil society participation, public sector policy development, and project design, Karen is a regional expert in Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) management. She has served as the CEO of Jamaica’s largest environmental grant- making institution – the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and has worked regionally with the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Environment Program. A Jamaican national, Karen has served on multiple national boards and is also a founding member of the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals.
Karen McDonald-Gayle
Karen McDonald Gayle is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund – the CBF. The CBF is a regional umbrella environmental fund that uses a flexible structure to facilitate innovative solutions and consolidate regional conservation impacts. With over 25 years of experience in civil society participation, public sector policy development, and project design, Karen is a regional expert in Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) management. She has served as the CEO of Jamaica’s largest environmental grant- making institution – the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and has worked regionally with the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Environment Program. A Jamaican national, Karen has served on multiple national boards and is also a founding member of the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals.
CEO, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund
Olly Newton
Olly Newton spent 12 years in the Department for Education working on policies including 14-19 diplomas, raising the participation age and finally as Head of Apprenticeship Strategy. Olly is now Executive Director of the Edge Foundation, where he oversees a programme of primary research, is lead author on all of the charity’s policy reports and runs the Edge Future Learning delivery programme for schools and colleges. At Edge, Olly founded the Island Education Network to support and connect islands around the UK and overseas with their education work. In his spare time, Olly volunteers with the Scout Association, is Enterprise Adviser for Firth Park Academy and supports community theatre in Sheffield.
Olly Newton
Olly Newton spent 12 years in the Department for Education working on policies including 14-19 diplomas, raising the participation age and finally as Head of Apprenticeship Strategy. Olly is now Executive Director of the Edge Foundation, where he oversees a programme of primary research, is lead author on all of the charity’s policy reports and runs the Edge Future Learning delivery programme for schools and colleges. At Edge, Olly founded the Island Education Network to support and connect islands around the UK and overseas with their education work. In his spare time, Olly volunteers with the Scout Association, is Enterprise Adviser for Firth Park Academy and supports community theatre in Sheffield.
Executive Director, Edge Foundation
Minister of Communication, Public Works, Water Services, Physical Planning & Environment, Posts, Labour and Disaster Management, Nevis Island Administration
General Manager, Nevis Electricity Company Limited
Hon. Lourdes “Lou” A. Leon Guerrero
The Honorable Lourdes “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero is the ninth Governor of Guam and the first female governor of the territory. She is also a registered nurse, a businesswoman, a policymaker, a mother, and a grandmother.
Since taking office in January 2019, she eliminated GovGuam’s $83 million general fund deficit, paid tax refunds the fastest in Guam’s history, raised salaries for nurses, law enforcement officers, and teachers, and ended two costly federal receiverships. Within her first year in office, she worked with the Guam Legislature to raise the minimum wage, legalize cannabis, and deliver millions in long-overdue war reparations to Guam’s World War II survivors.
Within months of the unprecedented global pandemic, Governor Leon Guerrero created the island’s first-ever unemployment program, providing $808 million to over 30,000 displaced workers. This is in addition to over $100 million in direct aid distributed to over 2,500 local businesses and multiple innovative programs to aid Guam families in recovery. Under her leadership, Guam also achieved one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation. She continues to champion healthcare initiatives, including establishing the island’s first-ever paramedic program, and she is currently on a mission to rebuild Guam’s only decades-old public hospital.
A graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam (AOLG), Governor Leon Guerrero embarked on a career in nursing, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University and later a Master of Public Health from UCLA. She has worked as a staff nurse in hospitals in both California and Guam. Governor Leon Guerrero has also held several management positions in health care at the Guam Memorial Hospital and FHP Inc. and served on the GMHA Board of Trustees. To this day, Governor Leon Guerrero continues to be passionate about health care and has maintained her licensure as a registered nurse.
Hon. Lourdes “Lou” A. Leon Guerrero
The Honorable Lourdes “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero is the ninth Governor of Guam and the first female governor of the territory. She is also a registered nurse, a businesswoman, a policymaker, a mother, and a grandmother.
Since taking office in January 2019, she eliminated GovGuam’s $83 million general fund deficit, paid tax refunds the fastest in Guam’s history, raised salaries for nurses, law enforcement officers, and teachers, and ended two costly federal receiverships. Within her first year in office, she worked with the Guam Legislature to raise the minimum wage, legalize cannabis, and deliver millions in long-overdue war reparations to Guam’s World War II survivors.
Within months of the unprecedented global pandemic, Governor Leon Guerrero created the island’s first-ever unemployment program, providing $808 million to over 30,000 displaced workers. This is in addition to over $100 million in direct aid distributed to over 2,500 local businesses and multiple innovative programs to aid Guam families in recovery. Under her leadership, Guam also achieved one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation. She continues to champion healthcare initiatives, including establishing the island’s first-ever paramedic program, and she is currently on a mission to rebuild Guam’s only decades-old public hospital.
A graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam (AOLG), Governor Leon Guerrero embarked on a career in nursing, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University and later a Master of Public Health from UCLA. She has worked as a staff nurse in hospitals in both California and Guam. Governor Leon Guerrero has also held several management positions in health care at the Guam Memorial Hospital and FHP Inc. and served on the GMHA Board of Trustees. To this day, Governor Leon Guerrero continues to be passionate about health care and has maintained her licensure as a registered nurse.
Governor, Government of Guam
Hon. Mark Brantley
Mark Brantley is a lawyer and politician from Saint Kitts and Nevis. He holds a law degree from the University of the West Indies and practiced extensively before entering politics in 2006.
He served as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament from 2007 to 2015 and became Deputy Premier of Nevis in 2013. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation in the federal government in 2015 and held the position until 2022.
Brantley became Premier of Nevis in 2017 and led his party to victory in the 2022 Nevis Island Assembly elections, securing a second term as Premier. He currently serves as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament.
Hon. Mark Brantley
Mark Brantley is a lawyer and politician from Saint Kitts and Nevis. He holds a law degree from the University of the West Indies and practiced extensively before entering politics in 2006.
He served as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament from 2007 to 2015 and became Deputy Premier of Nevis in 2013. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation in the federal government in 2015 and held the position until 2022.
Brantley became Premier of Nevis in 2017 and led his party to victory in the 2022 Nevis Island Assembly elections, securing a second term as Premier. He currently serves as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament.
Premier of Nevis, Nevis Island Administration
Executive Vice President - Business Development, Ormat Technologies
Vice President Exploration & Resource Management, Ormat Technologies
Andressa Ferraz
Andressa Ferraz is the Sustainability Advisory Service Manager for the EMEA region at ABB Electrification Service, where she leads initiatives that enable customers to fully harness electrification, renewable energy, and digitalization in their journey to net zero. In her role, Andressa develops data-driven strategies that enable businesses to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, she supports customers in improving the accessibility and adoption of energy storage solutions, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into their operations.
Andressa holds a Master’s in Business Administration from London Metropolitan University, a Master’s in Control & Automation Engineering from Universidade Paulista, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from California State University Long Beach. She is also a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and IEEE Power & Energy Society.
Andressa Ferraz
Andressa Ferraz is the Sustainability Advisory Service Manager for the EMEA region at ABB Electrification Service, where she leads initiatives that enable customers to fully harness electrification, renewable energy, and digitalization in their journey to net zero. In her role, Andressa develops data-driven strategies that enable businesses to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, she supports customers in improving the accessibility and adoption of energy storage solutions, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into their operations.
Andressa holds a Master’s in Business Administration from London Metropolitan University, a Master’s in Control & Automation Engineering from Universidade Paulista, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from California State University Long Beach. She is also a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and IEEE Power & Energy Society.
Sustainability Advisory Service Manager EMEA Region, ABB
Director Of Business Development, Ormat Technologies
Eustace T. Wallace
Eustace T. Wallace is a distinguished son of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. He hails from Hamilton Estate on the island of Nevis. A diplomat, international affairs professional, a climate advocate and a strategic communicator, he excelled in the field of International Relations at Brock University and the University of Toronto where he pursued graduate and postgraduate degrees with First Class Honours focusing on the regionalization of global governance regimes. He also holds certificates from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Foreign Service Training Center of Turkey, and the Foreign Service Training Academy of Germany. He also pursued diplomatic training in Malta at the Diplo Foundation and in India at their Foreign Service Institute.
Currently, he serves the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis as Minister Counselor at its Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He works to secure win-win geostrategic and economic partnerships bilaterally and multilaterally, including across civil society, business and philanthropy. Prior to his posting in New York, he served at the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis in Canada and in the UK and at the regional level at the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States to Belgium and the European Union. In Brussels, he was part of the team that successfully lobbied and negotiated the Schengen visa waivers for OECS countries to facilitate green trade, investment and tourism between the EU and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
He is an alumnus of the first Emerging Leaders Program of the Atlantic Dialogues which is a transatlantic initiative developed by the Policy Center of the New South based in Morocco as well an alum of the Atlantic Strategy Group.
Eustace T. Wallace
Eustace T. Wallace is a distinguished son of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. He hails from Hamilton Estate on the island of Nevis. A diplomat, international affairs professional, a climate advocate and a strategic communicator, he excelled in the field of International Relations at Brock University and the University of Toronto where he pursued graduate and postgraduate degrees with First Class Honours focusing on the regionalization of global governance regimes. He also holds certificates from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Foreign Service Training Center of Turkey, and the Foreign Service Training Academy of Germany. He also pursued diplomatic training in Malta at the Diplo Foundation and in India at their Foreign Service Institute.
Currently, he serves the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis as Minister Counselor at its Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He works to secure win-win geostrategic and economic partnerships bilaterally and multilaterally, including across civil society, business and philanthropy. Prior to his posting in New York, he served at the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis in Canada and in the UK and at the regional level at the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States to Belgium and the European Union. In Brussels, he was part of the team that successfully lobbied and negotiated the Schengen visa waivers for OECS countries to facilitate green trade, investment and tourism between the EU and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
He is an alumnus of the first Emerging Leaders Program of the Atlantic Dialogues which is a transatlantic initiative developed by the Policy Center of the New South based in Morocco as well an alum of the Atlantic Strategy Group.
Minister Counselor, Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations
Marie Curie European Research Office, Islands & Small States Institute, University of Malta
Alicia Nicholls
Alicia Nicholls is the Junior Research Fellow with the SRC. She is also a member of the teaching faculty of the SRC’s flagship Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP). Alicia first joined the SRC as a Research Consultant in 2010-2011 after graduating the MITP programme (Cohort 6) with distinction in 2010. In April 2019, Alicia rejoined the SRC team full-time initially as a Trade Research Assistant. She recently completed the Research Supervision course and the Post-Graduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning (PGCUTL).
Alicia Nicholls
Alicia Nicholls is the Junior Research Fellow with the SRC. She is also a member of the teaching faculty of the SRC’s flagship Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP). Alicia first joined the SRC as a Research Consultant in 2010-2011 after graduating the MITP programme (Cohort 6) with distinction in 2010. In April 2019, Alicia rejoined the SRC team full-time initially as a Trade Research Assistant. She recently completed the Research Supervision course and the Post-Graduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning (PGCUTL).
Research Fellow, Shridath Ramphal Centre, The University of the West Indies
Dr. Stefano Moncada
Stefano Moncada, Ph.D. in Economics, he lectures and conducts research in the areas of development, poverty, climate-change, islands and small states studies, with a focus on small island developing states (SIDS). Prior to join academia, Stefano worked in the Italian Parliament as policy analyst. Stefano is the Director of the Islands and Small States Institute, senior lecturer and researcher, part of the Executive Committee of the European Association of Development and Training Institutes (EADI), Coordinating Lead Author for the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC), and acts as expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Dr. Stefano Moncada
Stefano Moncada, Ph.D. in Economics, he lectures and conducts research in the areas of development, poverty, climate-change, islands and small states studies, with a focus on small island developing states (SIDS). Prior to join academia, Stefano worked in the Italian Parliament as policy analyst. Stefano is the Director of the Islands and Small States Institute, senior lecturer and researcher, part of the Executive Committee of the European Association of Development and Training Institutes (EADI), Coordinating Lead Author for the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC), and acts as expert reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Professor and Director, Islands and Small States Institute, University of Malta
Director of Climate and Community, Island Institute
Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)
Dr. Preeya Mohan
Dr Preeya Mohan is a Caribbean scholar, whose passion for Caribbean sustainability has influenced her research and numerous publications on critical issues of climate resilience, disaster risk management and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her research topics are intersectional in scope and are aimed at finding solutions to the pressing developmental challenges facing the region. She is a Senior Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), The University of the West Indies, St Augustine. As a recipient of several research grants and awards Dr Mohan has worked on various research projects funded by international bodies including the Inter- American Development Bank, the International Development Research Centre and the Social Sciences Humanities Research Council of Canada. Dr. Mohan is actively involved in teaching, research supervision and stakeholder engagement to raise public awareness of issues critical to Caribbean development. Climate Policy, Food Policy, Energy Policy, Ecological Economics, Tourism Economics and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development are some of the international peer reviewed journals in which Dr. Mohan has successfully published.
Dr. Preeya Mohan
Dr Preeya Mohan is a Caribbean scholar, whose passion for Caribbean sustainability has influenced her research and numerous publications on critical issues of climate resilience, disaster risk management and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her research topics are intersectional in scope and are aimed at finding solutions to the pressing developmental challenges facing the region. She is a Senior Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), The University of the West Indies, St Augustine. As a recipient of several research grants and awards Dr Mohan has worked on various research projects funded by international bodies including the Inter- American Development Bank, the International Development Research Centre and the Social Sciences Humanities Research Council of Canada. Dr. Mohan is actively involved in teaching, research supervision and stakeholder engagement to raise public awareness of issues critical to Caribbean development. Climate Policy, Food Policy, Energy Policy, Ecological Economics, Tourism Economics and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development are some of the international peer reviewed journals in which Dr. Mohan has successfully published.
Senior Fellow, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, University of the West Indies
Narendra Ramgulam
Narendra Ramgulam is a seasoned professional with a strong background in tourism and hospitality. Prior to accepting the post as Sustainable Tourism Consultant with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Narendra managed his own consultancy business where he provided guidance to hospitality and tourism stakeholders.
In his current role as Sustainable Tourism Consultant for the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Narendra focuses on advancing sustainable and regenerative practices across the region. He also imparts his expertise as an Adjunct Lecturer with various educational institutions. His previous academic roles include Postgraduate Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
Narendra’s notable achievements include leading the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited as Director of Tourism Product Development & Destination Management, where he secured prestigious sustainability awards and enhanced Tobago’s safety reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A prolific researcher with over 13 publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, Narendra has earned accolades for his research and is actively involved in tourism conferences. His expertise spans sustainable tourism, tourism anthropology, tourism product development, and economic diversification, reflecting his profound impact on the industry.
Narendra Ramgulam
Narendra Ramgulam is a seasoned professional with a strong background in tourism and hospitality. Prior to accepting the post as Sustainable Tourism Consultant with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Narendra managed his own consultancy business where he provided guidance to hospitality and tourism stakeholders.
In his current role as Sustainable Tourism Consultant for the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Narendra focuses on advancing sustainable and regenerative practices across the region. He also imparts his expertise as an Adjunct Lecturer with various educational institutions. His previous academic roles include Postgraduate Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
Narendra’s notable achievements include leading the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited as Director of Tourism Product Development & Destination Management, where he secured prestigious sustainability awards and enhanced Tobago’s safety reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A prolific researcher with over 13 publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, Narendra has earned accolades for his research and is actively involved in tourism conferences. His expertise spans sustainable tourism, tourism anthropology, tourism product development, and economic diversification, reflecting his profound impact on the industry.
Sustainable Tourism Consultant, Caribbean Tourism Organization
Karolin Troubetzkoy
Karolin Troubetzkoy is the Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, a position she held since 1986.
From March 2010 to January 2016 and again from 2018-June 2021, Mrs Troubetzkoy served as President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA).
Mrs Troubetzkoy was appointed President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in January 2016, for the term 2016-2018, with her presidency coming to an end in June 2018 at which point she became and served as Immediate Past President until October 2020. Mrs Troubetzkoy was only the second woman to serve as President in CHTA’s 50+ year history.
When her CHTA Presidency came to an end, Mrs Troubetzkoy agreed to take on and still serves in the role of Chairperson of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation and in this position continues fundraising in the industry to make available scholarships and training opportunities.
In Jan 2019, she was appointed Envoy to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative to bring awareness and build up resilience of the marine and coastal resources in the Caribbean. In July 2020, she accepted the Chairmanship of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and in this capacity, has joined the board of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.
She is the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Saint Lucia and is a citizen of Saint Lucia. On May 24, 2019 the Federal Republic of Germany bestowed on Karolin the Order of Merit to acknowledge her work as Honorary Consul and her volunteer leadership in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean to promote sustainable operations, building resilience and mitigating effects of climate change.
She holds a degree in business administration with majors in both tourism marketing and hotel and restaurant management from the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. She speaks four languages: German, French, English and Italian.
Karolin Troubetzkoy
Karolin Troubetzkoy is the Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, a position she held since 1986.
From March 2010 to January 2016 and again from 2018-June 2021, Mrs Troubetzkoy served as President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA).
Mrs Troubetzkoy was appointed President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in January 2016, for the term 2016-2018, with her presidency coming to an end in June 2018 at which point she became and served as Immediate Past President until October 2020. Mrs Troubetzkoy was only the second woman to serve as President in CHTA’s 50+ year history.
When her CHTA Presidency came to an end, Mrs Troubetzkoy agreed to take on and still serves in the role of Chairperson of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation and in this position continues fundraising in the industry to make available scholarships and training opportunities.
In Jan 2019, she was appointed Envoy to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative to bring awareness and build up resilience of the marine and coastal resources in the Caribbean. In July 2020, she accepted the Chairmanship of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and in this capacity, has joined the board of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.
She is the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Saint Lucia and is a citizen of Saint Lucia. On May 24, 2019 the Federal Republic of Germany bestowed on Karolin the Order of Merit to acknowledge her work as Honorary Consul and her volunteer leadership in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean to promote sustainable operations, building resilience and mitigating effects of climate change.
She holds a degree in business administration with majors in both tourism marketing and hotel and restaurant management from the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. She speaks four languages: German, French, English and Italian.
Chairperson, Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund
Deputy Dean (Outreach and Internationalization) & Senior Lecturer (Agri-Environmental Disaster Risk Management), UWI
Special Adviser and Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Action, United Nations
Youth Ambassador for St.Kitts and Nevis, CARICOM
Fernando Clavijo
Nació en San Cristóbal de la Laguna. Tiene 51 años y es Licenciado en Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales por la Universidad de La Laguna. Ha trabajado en la empresa privada, compaginando esta actividad con sus estudios. Fue concejal del Ayuntamiento de La Laguna entre 2003 y 2007. Precisamente este año fue nom- brado alcalde de La Laguna, cargo que ocupó hasta 2015, cuando tras las Eleccio- nes Locales y Autonómicas fue investido Presidente de Canarias (2015-2019). Tras los comicios electorales de ese último año, en julio de 2019, fue designado sena- dor por la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias, cargo que ocupó hasta la disolución de las Cortes Generales a finales de mayo de 2023. Concurrió a las Elecciones Locales y Autonómicas que se celebraron en mayo de 2023 como candidato del Grupo Nacionalista Canario a la Presidencia de Canarias, el 12 de julio de este mimo año fue investido Presidente de Canarias.
Fernando Clavijo
Nació en San Cristóbal de la Laguna. Tiene 51 años y es Licenciado en Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales por la Universidad de La Laguna. Ha trabajado en la empresa privada, compaginando esta actividad con sus estudios. Fue concejal del Ayuntamiento de La Laguna entre 2003 y 2007. Precisamente este año fue nom- brado alcalde de La Laguna, cargo que ocupó hasta 2015, cuando tras las Eleccio- nes Locales y Autonómicas fue investido Presidente de Canarias (2015-2019). Tras los comicios electorales de ese último año, en julio de 2019, fue designado sena- dor por la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias, cargo que ocupó hasta la disolución de las Cortes Generales a finales de mayo de 2023. Concurrió a las Elecciones Locales y Autonómicas que se celebraron en mayo de 2023 como candidato del Grupo Nacionalista Canario a la Presidencia de Canarias, el 12 de julio de este mimo año fue investido Presidente de Canarias.
President of the Government of the Canary Islands
Aike Krips
Dutch Bar Registered lawyer with 25 years of experience, with both legal practice in The Netherlands as well as the Dutch Caribbean (mostly Curaçao).
Main areas of focus: financial law, trade & logistics and as specific field of expertise: legal aspects of the structure of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and EU status of the Caribbean Islands within the Kingdom.
Due to the latter Aike Krips has, as per request of Curaçao Ministry of Economic Affairs, advised and lectured various times about legal obstacles for the Caribbean Islands within the Kingdom for the financing for sustainability, amongst others at the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Aike Krips is partner at the law firm Bunders Lok Advocaten in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and – in light of his Caribbean Practice – of counsel at the law firm Spigt Dutch Caribbean, in Curaçao.
Aike Krips
Dutch Bar Registered lawyer with 25 years of experience, with both legal practice in The Netherlands as well as the Dutch Caribbean (mostly Curaçao).
Main areas of focus: financial law, trade & logistics and as specific field of expertise: legal aspects of the structure of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and EU status of the Caribbean Islands within the Kingdom.
Due to the latter Aike Krips has, as per request of Curaçao Ministry of Economic Affairs, advised and lectured various times about legal obstacles for the Caribbean Islands within the Kingdom for the financing for sustainability, amongst others at the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Aike Krips is partner at the law firm Bunders Lok Advocaten in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and – in light of his Caribbean Practice – of counsel at the law firm Spigt Dutch Caribbean, in Curaçao.
Lawyer & Partner, Bunders Lok Advocaten
Sustainable Energy Specialist, Caribbean Development Bank
Donald Baldeosingh
Mr Donald Baldeosingh is an energy specialist and social entrepreneur. He is the Founder of the technology-based ENMAN Group and the non-profit Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, CZITT. At CZITT, he leads projects in climate awareness and carbon emissions reduction. He developed a Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions for Trinidad and Tobago and conceptualised the Caribbean Power Integration project.
Mr Baldeosingh worked in the local power, oil and gas industries and served as Chairman of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (Petrotrin).
He served for 10 years on the Industry Advisory Board to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr Baldeosingh has chaired conferences on such topics as Engineering, Procurement and Construction, Carbon Trading and Infrastructure Financing.
Mr Baldeosingh holds BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of the West Indies and a certificate in Energy Management from the University of Twente, The Netherlands.
Donald Baldeosingh
Mr Donald Baldeosingh is an energy specialist and social entrepreneur. He is the Founder of the technology-based ENMAN Group and the non-profit Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, CZITT. At CZITT, he leads projects in climate awareness and carbon emissions reduction. He developed a Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions for Trinidad and Tobago and conceptualised the Caribbean Power Integration project.
Mr Baldeosingh worked in the local power, oil and gas industries and served as Chairman of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (Petrotrin).
He served for 10 years on the Industry Advisory Board to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr Baldeosingh has chaired conferences on such topics as Engineering, Procurement and Construction, Carbon Trading and Infrastructure Financing.
Mr Baldeosingh holds BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of the West Indies and a certificate in Energy Management from the University of Twente, The Netherlands.
President, ENMAN Group & Founder Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad & Tobago
Kneyone Murray
Kneyone Murray, founder of Kneyzus Energy hails from Trinidad and Tobago. He is a dynamic individual known for his accomplishments in entrepreneurship, art, renewable energy, project management, and global sustainability efforts. He holds key roles such as Global Ambassador for the Blue Planet Alliance, Peace Boat US Youth for the SDGs Scholar, and Sustainable Ocean Alliance Young Ocean Leader, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development. Through innovative approaches like utilizing organic materials for clean energy and developing bioplastics using seaweed, Murray is an inspiring example of how passion and creativity can drive impactful solutions for global challenges.
Kneyone Murray
Kneyone Murray, founder of Kneyzus Energy hails from Trinidad and Tobago. He is a dynamic individual known for his accomplishments in entrepreneurship, art, renewable energy, project management, and global sustainability efforts. He holds key roles such as Global Ambassador for the Blue Planet Alliance, Peace Boat US Youth for the SDGs Scholar, and Sustainable Ocean Alliance Young Ocean Leader, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development. Through innovative approaches like utilizing organic materials for clean energy and developing bioplastics using seaweed, Murray is an inspiring example of how passion and creativity can drive impactful solutions for global challenges.
Caribbean Director, Blue Planet Alliance
Chamberlain Emmanuel
Chamberlain Emmanuel is Head of the Environmental Sustainability Cluster (ESC) at the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, headquartered in Saint Lucia. His portfolio includes oversight of programme and projects spanning: Climate Change and Disaster Resilience; Biodiversity and Ecosystems; Land and Water Resources; Oceans Governance and Fisheries; Sustainable Energy; and Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Management.
His journey at the OECS commenced in February 2010, after transitioning from service to the Government of Saint Lucia starting February 2001 in capacities as Chief Engineer (A/g), Contracts Manager and Civil/Project Engineer.
As a Civil Engineer and Project Management Professional with nearly twenty (19+) years of practical experience, Chamberlain has acquired and demonstrated competences and expertise in infrastructure and development projects and programmes funded by several diverse international development agencies.
Chamberlain Emmanuel
Chamberlain Emmanuel is Head of the Environmental Sustainability Cluster (ESC) at the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, headquartered in Saint Lucia. His portfolio includes oversight of programme and projects spanning: Climate Change and Disaster Resilience; Biodiversity and Ecosystems; Land and Water Resources; Oceans Governance and Fisheries; Sustainable Energy; and Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Management.
His journey at the OECS commenced in February 2010, after transitioning from service to the Government of Saint Lucia starting February 2001 in capacities as Chief Engineer (A/g), Contracts Manager and Civil/Project Engineer.
As a Civil Engineer and Project Management Professional with nearly twenty (19+) years of practical experience, Chamberlain has acquired and demonstrated competences and expertise in infrastructure and development projects and programmes funded by several diverse international development agencies.
Head of the Environmental Sustainability Division, OECS Commission Ernie Stapleton, GEOBUILD Programme Representative, OECS Commission
Board Director, St. Christopher and Nevis Conservation Foundation
Celeste Connors
Celeste Connors has twenty years of experience working at the intersection of economic, environment, energy, and international development policy. Before joining Hawai‘i Green Growth, she was CEO and co-founder of cdots development LLC, and served as the Director for Environment and Climate Change at the National Security Council and National Economic Council in the White House where she helped shape the Administration’s climate and energy policies, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Celeste also served as a diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Greece, Germany, and U.S. Mission to the UN. Celeste is a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center. Celeste has served on numerous boards including her current service on Hawaiian Electric Industries, the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience at the University of Hawaii and Icebreaker One. Celeste grew up in Kailua, O‘ahu.
Celeste Connors
Celeste Connors has twenty years of experience working at the intersection of economic, environment, energy, and international development policy. Before joining Hawai‘i Green Growth, she was CEO and co-founder of cdots development LLC, and served as the Director for Environment and Climate Change at the National Security Council and National Economic Council in the White House where she helped shape the Administration’s climate and energy policies, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Celeste also served as a diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Greece, Germany, and U.S. Mission to the UN. Celeste is a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center. Celeste has served on numerous boards including her current service on Hawaiian Electric Industries, the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience at the University of Hawaii and Icebreaker One. Celeste grew up in Kailua, O‘ahu.
Co-Chair, Secretariat, Local2030 Islands Network
Chief of Operations, Barbados Country Office, Inter-American Development Bank
Co-founder & Business Development Director, Indoor Vertical.Farm
Dr. Dennis Mc Call Jr.
Dr. Dennis Mc Call Jr. is an expert and academic in sustainable aviation, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Hailing from St. Kitts & Nevis, his passion for aviation was ignited at a young age, inspired by the sight of Seaborne Airlines’ Twin Otter seaplane departing from the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront. Dr. Mc Call Jr earned a Bachelor of Science in Management (Tourism & Hospitality), followed by a Master of Science in Air Transport Management with distinction. He advanced his academic credentials by obtaining a PhD in Air Transport Management, with a focus on developing sustainable aviation strategies for the Caribbean and other SIDS. Currently, he serves as a lecturer in Aviation & Tourism Management and Course Leader for the aviation programmes at Teesside University in the United Kingdom. In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping strategic educational initiatives and preparing future leaders in the aviation sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Beyond academia, Dr. Mc Call Jr has a strong foundation in leadership and advocacy. He has held prominent positions, including Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, CARICOM Youth Ambassador for St. Kitts & Nevis, where he honed his negotiation and leadership skills, earning recognition from the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis. Additionally, he served as a member of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), where he gained valuable experience in governance, public policy, and representing the voices of young people in the region. Dr. Mc Call Jr is a sought-after speaker and has presented at international conferences across Europe, the Caribbean, and the USA, addressing topics such as sustainable aviation development, the intersection of transportation and tourism, and strategies for environmental and economic resilience. With a unique blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and a personal connection to the Caribbean, Dr. Mc Call Jr is committed to advancing sustainability within the aviation industry and promoting sustainable development in transportation, particularly for island nations.
Dr. Dennis Mc Call Jr.
Dr. Dennis Mc Call Jr. is an expert and academic in sustainable aviation, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Hailing from St. Kitts & Nevis, his passion for aviation was ignited at a young age, inspired by the sight of Seaborne Airlines’ Twin Otter seaplane departing from the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront. Dr. Mc Call Jr earned a Bachelor of Science in Management (Tourism & Hospitality), followed by a Master of Science in Air Transport Management with distinction. He advanced his academic credentials by obtaining a PhD in Air Transport Management, with a focus on developing sustainable aviation strategies for the Caribbean and other SIDS. Currently, he serves as a lecturer in Aviation & Tourism Management and Course Leader for the aviation programmes at Teesside University in the United Kingdom. In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping strategic educational initiatives and preparing future leaders in the aviation sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Beyond academia, Dr. Mc Call Jr has a strong foundation in leadership and advocacy. He has held prominent positions, including Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, CARICOM Youth Ambassador for St. Kitts & Nevis, where he honed his negotiation and leadership skills, earning recognition from the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis. Additionally, he served as a member of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), where he gained valuable experience in governance, public policy, and representing the voices of young people in the region. Dr. Mc Call Jr is a sought-after speaker and has presented at international conferences across Europe, the Caribbean, and the USA, addressing topics such as sustainable aviation development, the intersection of transportation and tourism, and strategies for environmental and economic resilience. With a unique blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and a personal connection to the Caribbean, Dr. Mc Call Jr is committed to advancing sustainability within the aviation industry and promoting sustainable development in transportation, particularly for island nations.
Lecturer in Aviation & Tourism Management, Teesside University
Futurist & White House Champion of Change & Founder & President, Institute of Caribbean Studies
Project Coordinator, Geothermal Energy, Ministry of Climate Resilience, The Environment and Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada
General Manager, St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corp
President, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Institute of Architects
Rachel Ramsey
Rachel Ramsey is an Environmental Project Manager with a strong focus on Sustainable Development and Waste Management, specifically in the Caribbean. Currently serving as a Program Manager at the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, she leads efforts to manage marine pollution through the promotion of sustainable circular economy interventions. Rachel oversees the implementation of a grant facility that supports projects aimed at minimizing waste’s impact on the marine environment, while fostering multi-sector collaboration for a circular economy across the region. With over 16 years of experience, Rachel has led and contributed to a wide range of initiatives and is continuously driven by her desire to make a tangible impact on environmental sustainability in the Caribbean.
Rachel Ramsey
Rachel Ramsey is an Environmental Project Manager with a strong focus on Sustainable Development and Waste Management, specifically in the Caribbean. Currently serving as a Program Manager at the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, she leads efforts to manage marine pollution through the promotion of sustainable circular economy interventions. Rachel oversees the implementation of a grant facility that supports projects aimed at minimizing waste’s impact on the marine environment, while fostering multi-sector collaboration for a circular economy across the region. With over 16 years of experience, Rachel has led and contributed to a wide range of initiatives and is continuously driven by her desire to make a tangible impact on environmental sustainability in the Caribbean.
Program Manager, Nature-based Economies Program, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund
Program Manager, Climate Change Program/EbA Facility, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund
Senior GIS Officer, Department of Physical Planning, Government of Saint Kitts & Nevis
Amanda Charles
Amanda Charles currently holds the position of Coordinator-Pillar II, Enhancing Government Capabilities to Support Climate-Smart and Gender-Responsive Businesses, Compete Caribbean+, at the Inter-American Development Bank. Her work focusses on coordinating the delivery of technical assistance and targeted capacity-building interventions, aimed at strengthening public governance to stimulate public and private sector climate action, drive innovation, and foster socially inclusive and environmentally responsible social and economic growth.
A sustainable development specialist with extensive public and private sector experience, Ms. Charles has worked in senior positions at both the regional and international levels, spanning over 15 years. She most recently held the position of Sustainable Tourism Specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organization, headquartered in Barbados, where she headed the Sustainable Tourism Division and coordinated implementation of the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Programme. Previous roles include Adviser at the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Trinidad, and Consultant at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington DC. She has also worked at several international NGO’s and non-profit organizations in various facets of development, including Counterpart International and the United Nations Foundation.
Ms Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York (SUNY), Plattsburgh, and a Master’s Degree from the George Washington University School of Business, with a concentration in Sustainable Destination Management.
Amanda Charles
Amanda Charles currently holds the position of Coordinator-Pillar II, Enhancing Government Capabilities to Support Climate-Smart and Gender-Responsive Businesses, Compete Caribbean+, at the Inter-American Development Bank. Her work focusses on coordinating the delivery of technical assistance and targeted capacity-building interventions, aimed at strengthening public governance to stimulate public and private sector climate action, drive innovation, and foster socially inclusive and environmentally responsible social and economic growth.
A sustainable development specialist with extensive public and private sector experience, Ms. Charles has worked in senior positions at both the regional and international levels, spanning over 15 years. She most recently held the position of Sustainable Tourism Specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organization, headquartered in Barbados, where she headed the Sustainable Tourism Division and coordinated implementation of the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Programme. Previous roles include Adviser at the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Trinidad, and Consultant at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington DC. She has also worked at several international NGO’s and non-profit organizations in various facets of development, including Counterpart International and the United Nations Foundation.
Ms Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York (SUNY), Plattsburgh, and a Master’s Degree from the George Washington University School of Business, with a concentration in Sustainable Destination Management.
Coordinator - Compete Caribbean+, Inter-American Development Bank
Project Manager, Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP), Government of Saint Lucia
