CDB sponsors 9 Caribbean researchers to present at CCI Symposium
Nine outstanding researchers from six Caribbean countries, whose work advances climate resilience and sustainability across the region, will present their innovative studies at the 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Research Symposium.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is sponsoring these innovators to showcase their groundbreaking research at the event, scheduled for October 16-18 at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
As outlined in a press release from CDB, the CCI Research Symposium brings together researchers, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to address regional challenges. This year’s focus includes environmental justice, public health, housing and food security, climate vulnerabilities, and alternative energy integration.
The CDB-sponsored researchers represent six Caribbean countries:
Trinidad and Tobago:
- Dr. Cheryl Ann Boodram, UWI Lecturer: Community resilience and disaster literacy in flood-prone areas
- Bhopendra Maharaj, PhD candidate: Climate change mitigation in transportation
- Crystal Roberts, The Crystal-Clear Initiative Founder: Disaster risk management and community resilience
Belize:
- Dr. Elon Cadogan, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre: Climate-resilient wastewater systems
Barbados:
- Trevon Cal lender, UWI Cave Hill Campus: Youth involvement in sea turtle and coral reef preservation
Grenada:
- Bevon Charles, Akata Farms Founder: AI and blockchain for sustainable small-scale farming
Jamaica:
- Getinella Daley, University of Technology master’s student: Small-scale hydroelectric projects for rural communities
Belize:
- Sheena Zuniga, National Garifuna Council President: Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience
Suriname:
- Sorayadebie Jhagroe, Energy Authority Specialist: Renewable energy integration
William Ashby, Division Chief of the Economic Infrastructure Division at CDB, emphasized the importance of the symposium: “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. These interactions will strengthen the region’s adaptive capacity and bolster its resilience. The symposium will also highlight the work of the youth, with papers being presented by members of the Future Leaders Network supported by CDB.”
