BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Nine researchers dedicated to advancing climate resilience and sustainability in the Caribbean are being sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to present their studies at the 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Research Symposium. The event is scheduled to take place from October 16-18 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
This year's symposium will address critical regional challenges including environmental justice, public health, housing and food security, climate vulnerabilities, and the integration of alternative energy sources.
The sponsored researchers hail from six different countries. From Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Cheryl Ann Boodram, a Lecturer in Social Work at The University of the West Indies (UWI), focuses on community resilience and disaster literacy in flood-prone areas. Bhopendra Maharaj, a PhD candidate at UWI, investigates climate change mitigation strategies in the transportation sector, while Crystal Roberts, Founder of The Crystal-Clear Initiative, specializes in disaster risk management.
Dr. Elon Cadogan, an Environmental Engineer at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, is developing climate-resilient wastewater systems. Trevon Cal lender, a Conservationist at UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, advocates for youth involvement in sea turtle and coral reef preservation.
Grenada's Bevon Charles, Founder of Akata Farms, leads projects utilizing AI and blockchain for sustainable small-scale farming. Getinella Daley, a master's student at the University of Technology Jamaica, researches small-scale hydroelectric project feasibility for rural communities.
From Belize, Sheena Zuniga, president of the National Garifuna Council, emphasizes integrating indigenous knowledge for climate resilience. Sorayadebie Jhagroe, an Energy Regulation Specialist from Suriname, focuses on renewable energy integration into existing power systems.
William Ashby, division chief (Ag) of the economic infrastructure division at CDB, stated that the bank's support highlights its commitment to empowering scholars and innovators in addressing climate challenges. He emphasized the importance of such platforms for fostering innovation and building networks that strengthen the region's adaptive capacity.
The funding is part of CDB's broader efforts to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation support in the Caribbean.