Speakers

Hon. Andrew Holness

Prime Minister of Jamaica

Hon. Andrew Holness

Prime Minister of Jamaica

Andrew Michael Holness is the current Prime Minister of Jamaica, having held office since March 2016, with a previous term from 2011 to 2012. A dedicated public servant, Holness has worked relentlessly to steer Jamaica toward economic growth, social development, and improved infrastructure. Born in Kingston in 1972, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of the West Indies. Throughout his career, Holness has prioritized education, security, and sustainable development, aiming to create a prosperous and inclusive future for all Jamaicans. His leadership is marked by a vision for a stable and thriving nation.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett

Minister of Tourism for Jamaica

Hon. Edmund Bartlett

Minister of Tourism for Jamaica

Professor Lloyd Waller

Executive Directorion, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre

Professor Lloyd Waller

Executive Directorion, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre

Professor Lloyd Waller is a Professor of Digital Transformation Policy and Governance at The University of the West Indies. His primary areas of research and expertise are (1) digital transformation and policy; (2) advanced research methodologies (specializing in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research); (3) Tourism Resilience and (4) democratic governance. In the last ten years, Professor Waller has published over 100 articles, books, scientific research papers, and technical reports covering areas such as: governance, e-governance, digital transformation, tourism resilience, and development. youth mainstreaming and empowerment, youth in governance and development, innovations in research methods, e-government, e-participation, e-governance, e-voting, and e-protesting. Professor Waller is also the Senior Advisor to the Minister of Tourism for Jamaica and the Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.

Natalia Bayona

United Nations Tourism Executive Director

Natalia Bayona

United Nations Tourism Executive Director

Natalia Bayona is the Executive Director of the United Nations' Tourism Division, where she leads efforts to promote sustainable tourism and advance its role in fostering global development. With a deep passion for tourism’s potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and support cultural exchange, Bayona works to integrate sustainability into the tourism industry. Born in Colombia, she has extensive experience in both public and private sectors, focusing on innovative strategies for tourism and economic development. Bayona holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has dedicated her career to promoting sustainable tourism as a tool for social and environmental change.

Kevin Nilsen

President & CEO at ECO Canada

Kevin Nilsen

President & CEO at ECO Canada

Kevin Nilsen is the President & CEO of ECO Canada, having previously served as Director of Professional Services. With a leadership background in the Norwegian Army and experience managing global offshore oil and gas projects for Aker-owned companies, Kevin has worked across Europe, Asia, and the USA. He led the development of a safer, environmentally friendly Riser Gas Handling tool. At ECO Canada, Kevin launched the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education (CCEE), expanded EP certification, and established regional networking events. His focus remains on aligning ECO Canada's services with industry, government, and academic needs.

Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry

Vice-President ECO Canada

Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry

Vice-President ECO Canada

Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry is the Vice President of Professional Services & ESG at ECO Canada, where he leads strategic initiatives in workforce development, accreditation, certification, and sustainability programs. With over 25 years of experience in the environment and sustainability sector, Dr. Chaudhry has worked across 20+ countries, contributing to global projects in environmental assurance, climate change, and sustainable resource management. He spearheads initiatives to advance the Sustainable Blue Economy, fostering international collaboration between industry, academia, and government. Dr. Chaudhry is currently leading efforts to establish a certification framework for professionals in the Blue Economy sector, ensuring a skilled and sustainable workforce for future.

Hon.Farley Chavez Augustine

Chief Secretary Tobago House of Assembly (THA)

Hon.Farley Chavez Augustine

Chief Secretary Tobago House of Assembly (THA)

Farley Chavez Augustine was raised in Speyside and is a proud alumnus of Bishop’s High School and UWI Mona, specializing in Linguistics and International Relations. His leadership skills emerged early, serving as an Executive on the Students’ Guild. Before politics, he was a transformative educator at Speyside High School. Committed to making a difference, he was elected three times as Area Representative for Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside. Now serving as Chief Secretary, he leads a progressive administration dedicated to advancing Tobago’s development and fulfilling his vision of making it “the greatest little island on the planet.

Hon. Oneidge Walrond

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (Republic of Guyana)

Hon. Oneidge Walrond

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (Republic of Guyana)

Excellency Mark Berman

High Commissioner of Canada in Jamaica and the Bahamas

Excellency Mark Berman

High Commissioner of Canada in Jamaica and the Bahamas

Ken Doyle

Executive Director at Tech-Access Canada

Ken Doyle

Executive Director at Tech-Access Canada

Dr. Ravidya Burrowes

Environmental Sustainability Specialist (Canada)

Dr. Ravidya Burrowes

Environmental Sustainability Specialist (Canada)

Dr. Ravidya Burrowes has 30 years of experience in sustainability, tourism resilience, and the blue economy in the Caribbean. She has advised on coastal and marine development, served as an environmental compliance advisor, and led key climate and environmental projects, including St. Kitts-Nevis’ UNFCCC report and Barbados’ Blue Economy Policy. Her work focuses on integrating science into policy. She holds a Ph.D. and B.Sc. from the University of the West Indies, a Master’s in Climate Change from the University of Waterloo, and an M.Sc. from King’s College.

Jai Ragunathan

Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada)

Jai Ragunathan

Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada)

Jai Ragunathan has 20 years of experience in ocean technology education and research, playing a key role in launching programs at the Marine Institute of Memorial University. With a background in engineering, technology, and business, he has contributed to Canada’s blue economy and developed job skills frameworks for the ocean tech industry. He has mentored students in global ROV competitions and spoken internationally on sustainability. Currently, he is collaborating with the Indian government to establish an ocean tech park for training, research, and blue financing in the Indian Ocean.

Dr. Cebert Adamson

Vice President Academic, Mohawk College | Ontario | Canada

Dr. Cebert Adamson

Vice President Academic, Mohawk College | Ontario | Canada

Dr.Cebert Adamson is the Vice President Academic at Mohawk College, leading the development and implementation of educational programs, applied research, and experiential learning. He co-chairs the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) and supports over 30,000 students. Previously, he served as VP Students, International and Alumni, and Dean of Continuing Education at Mohawk. Before that, he was Executive Director of the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica. Dr. Adamson specializes in training solutions for a green economy, including establishing the Centre for Sustainability with Eco-Canada.

Derek Eduardo Luk Pat

Chaiman CBF’s Advancing Circular Economies Committee, (Trinidad)

Derek Eduardo Luk Pat

Chaiman CBF’s Advancing Circular Economies Committee, (Trinidad)

Derek Eduardo Luk Pat is an entrepreneur and business consultant with 25 years of experience across the Caribbean in retail, manufacturing, energy, and finance. He has led teams of up to 800 and served in senior roles in the private, public, and NGO sectors. He has served on several boards, including the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality and the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation. A specialist in the circular economy, he advises on international standards and chairs key committees. He holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, a BSc in Chemistry & Management from UWI, and is a certified Circular Economy Specialist.

Miles Scott-Brown

Environmental Auditor and Sustainability Specialist

Miles Scott-Brown

Environmental Auditor and Sustainability Specialist

Miles is an environmental practitioner, biologist, and impact assessment specialist with 35+ years of experience in environmental assessment, auditing, and infrastructure projects globally. He holds a BSc in Marine Biology (UBC) and an MSc in Environmental Design (University of Calgary). Founder of the Ciera Group, he is a certified environmental auditor and accredited assessor in hydropower sustainability. Miles specializes in energy transition, sustainability, and strategic impact assessments, working with the World Bank and other international lenders. He co-authored IAIA guidance on renewable energy assessments and trains professionals in environmental and social risk management.

Garvin Medera

Chief Executive Officer

Garvin Medera

Chief Executive Officer

Marvin Medera is the CEO of Caribbean Airlines, leading its strategic direction, financial performance, and customer experience. Under his leadership, the airline has expanded its flight network across the Caribbean and beyond, boosting regional trade and tourism. Caribbean Airlines has won multiple awards for customer service and branding, while achieving high customer satisfaction. Medera has overseen successful marketing campaigns like I Am Caribbean and Welcome Home, along with launching new services such as Jetpak, Caribbean Vacations, D'Caribbean Shop, and Caribbean Café. He continues to drive the airline’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.

Tanja Lieuw

CBF Conservation Finance Climate Change

Tanja Lieuw

CBF Conservation Finance Climate Change

Tanja Lieuw, originally from Suriname and based in the Dominican Republic, holds MSc degrees in Hydrology (Civil Engineering) and Caribbean Biodiversity Conservation. As Conservation Finance Program Manager, she oversees partnerships across 12 countries, ensuring sustainable funding for conservation through the CBF Endowment Fund. With over 20 years of experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, she has worked on climate policies, REDD+, and conservation finance, managing projects for GEF, IDB, UNDP, and GCF. She has held roles in government and international organizations in Suriname, Guyana, Chile, and the broader Caribbean region.

Derek Ramsamooj

Political analyst

Derek Ramsamooj

Political analyst

Derek Ramsamooj is a political analyst specializing in political and market research in the Caribbean. Respected for his objective insights, he closely monitors the region’s key issues. For over a decade, he has focused on the economic and political impacts of climate change, particularly on small-island developing states. He emphasizes that the pace of climate change demands urgent action, as its economic effects are already evident. Advocating for sustainable practices and adaptive thinking, he urges governments to move beyond a “business as usual” approach, ensuring the Caribbean’s resilience and long-term development in an evolving global landscape.

Prof. Andrew Spencer

President of the Caribbean Maritime University (Jamaica)

Prof. Andrew Spencer

President of the Caribbean Maritime University (Jamaica)

Professor Andrew Spencer, President of the Caribbean Maritime University since 2022, is a distinguished leader in maritime education and tourism. He was the first full professor in tourism at UWI, where he led the Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management. He also headed Jamaica’s Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). Holding a PhD in Tourism Strategy from Bournemouth University, he has over 50 publications and three books. A recipient of the Order of Distinction (Commander rank), he advocates for technology-driven, sustainable maritime education to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the global blue economy.

Aradhana Khowala

Chief Executive Officer- Aptamind Partners

Aradhana Khowala

Chief Executive Officer- Aptamind Partners

Aradhana Khowala is a globally recognized leader in travel, tourism, and hospitality with 24+ years of experience across 80+ countries. As CEO of Aptamind Partners, she advises governments and global organizations on sustainable tourism. Previously, she shaped Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision as Managing Director at NEOM and Chair at Red Sea Global. She serves on multiple boards, champions ESG principles and gender equality, and invests in travel and aviation startups. A sought-after speaker at TEDx, WEF, UN, and G20, she has been named among the most powerful figures in global hospitality.

Ted Bailey

President Aureus Solutions Inc.

Ted Bailey

President Aureus Solutions Inc.

Ted Bailey is the founder and President of Aureus Solutions, a professional engineer, and a certified auditor with Eco Canada. With over 20 years of experience, he has helped optimize the design, operations, and management of over 400 treatment systems across Canada, the US, and the Caribbean. His work focuses on cost-effective solutions and local capacity building for government, community, and private clients, including the Water and Sewage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the Canadian Department of National Defence. Ted enjoys life with his wife, Aba, a proud Trinidadian, and their four wonderful children.

Nigel Grimes

Regional Consultant (Trinidad and Tobago )

Nigel Grimes

Regional Consultant (Trinidad and Tobago )

Nigel Grimes is a Regional Development Consultant in Trinidad and Tobago with over 25 years of experience across the Caribbean and Latin America. He has worked with public and private sectors, civil society, and international agencies on development, governance, and public policy. Known for strategic insights and practical solutions, he focuses on sustainable development, capacity building, and improving rural livelihoods. Grimes combines deep regional knowledge with a passion for helping organizations enhance their impact. His work continues to shape development strategies and drive positive change across the Caribbean, making him a trusted expert in regional growth and sustainability.

Dean Burrowes

Director Dunns River Videos

Dean Burrowes

Director Dunns River Videos

Dean Burrowes was educated in Jamaica and Canada, where he gained a diploma in Marketing and Purchasing from Fanshawe College in Ontario, Canada. He later gained a postgraduate diploma in Project Management from Roytec in Trinidad. Mr. Burrowes is a director of several companies of which he is a shareholder, including Dunn's River Video, the operator of the photography concession at the Dunn's River Falls attraction, former non-executive director Dolphin Sea-Safari Mini Boat Adventures at the Company's marine park in Ocho Rios. He is also an active part of the Burrowes Foundation Microenterprises Limited.

Camille Pagee

Managing Director, Connect Consulting Ltd

Camille Pagee

Managing Director, Connect Consulting Ltd

Camille Pagee has worked in information technology since 1996, combining her passion for technology and the environment. She contributes to implementing the UK’s "Biodiversity Net Gain" (BNG) legislation, which integrates environmental restoration into planning and development. Her work helps ecosystem custodians turn conservation efforts into long-term, income-generating projects for farming communities. By bridging software, GIS data, and business processes, she supports the creation of green jobs and innovative sustainability solutions. With expertise in disruptive innovations, she plays a vital role in leveraging technology to drive forward-thinking policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Speakers

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