BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it is sponsoring nine outstanding researchers whose work is advancing climate resilience and sustainability across the region to present their innovative studies at the 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Research Symposium.
The three-day symposium, which begins on Wednesday, will be held at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The symposium brings together a diverse network of researchers, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders. The CDB said this year’s event will tackle pressing regional challenges, including environmental justice, public health, housing and food security, climate vulnerabilities, and integrating alternative energy sources.
It said the nine sponsored researchers are drawn from six countries. They are Dr. Cheryl Ann Boodram, lecturer in Social Work at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), whose research focuses on community resilience and disaster literacy in flood-prone areas; Bhopendra Maharaj, a PhD candidate whose work explores climate change mitigation strategies within the transportation sector; and Mrs. Crystal Roberts, the founder of The Crystal-Clear Initiative, who brings expertise in disaster risk management and community resilience.
The other researchers are the environmental engineer at the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Dr. Elon Cadogan, who specializes in the development of climate-resilient wastewater systems, and Trevon Cal lender, a conservationist at the UWI Cave Hill in Barbados who advocates for youth involvement in sea turtle and coral reef preservation.
Grenada is represented by Bevon Charles, founder of Akata Farms, who leads innovative projects leveraging AI and blockchain for sustainable small-scale farming. Getinella Daley, a master’s student at the University of Technology Jamaica, is researching the feasibility of small-scale hydroelectric projects for rural communities.
Belizean Heena Zuniga, President of the National Garifuna Council, emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledge to enhance climate resilience. Sorayadebie Jhagroe, an energy regulation specialist with the Energy Authority from Suriname, focuses on integrating renewable energy into existing power systems.
“As the Caribbean grapples with the complex and multifaceted impacts of climate change, platforms like this symposium are essential for fostering innovation, exchanging ideas, and building networks,” said the acting chief Division Chief at the CDB’s Economic Infrastructure Division, William Ashby.
“These interactions will strengthen the region’s adaptive capacity and bolster its resilience. The symposium will also highlight the youth’s work, with papers presented by members of the Future Leaders Network supported by CDB,” he said.
The CDB said the funding is part of its efforts to build a climate-resilient Caribbean and enhance support for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the region.
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