The climate crisis affects every corner of the planet, but its impacts are not felt equally. The Caribbean region, with its vulnerable ecosystems, small island states, and high dependence on natural resources, is particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. In this context, discussing and reporting climate justice in the Caribbean becomes of utmost importance. By understanding and advocating for these issues, we can strive towards a more equitable and sustainable future for the entire region.
In the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles of our Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, we saw insightful stories published from Belize throughout the islands and back down to the mainland Caribbean countries of Guyana and Suriname. Our Fellows covered key issues of climate justice, such as access to sustainable energy, the Escazú Agreement, the mental impacts of the climate crisis, and loss and damage.
And now, we are excited to introduce you to the remarkable journalists selected as Fellows for the 4th round of this regional journalism fellowship.
Through this Fellowship, in partnership with Open Society Foundations, we aim to empower and amplify the voices of passionate young journalists dedicated to addressing this crisis and advocating for climate justice in their communities.
Over the next 4 months, our 14 Fellows will engage in powerful storytelling, shedding light on areas of injustice that must be addressed. They will also have fun networking with other technical experts from the Caribbean as well as produce new media content focused on solutions stories.
Join us on this journey, celebrating these extraordinary Fellows and getting pumped for their inspiring stories! 🌺🎉🌟
MEET OUR FELLOWS
Cheflin Paulus, 📍Suriname
Cheflin is a Surinamese writer, editor, and media professional with over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Throughout his career, he has covered a wide range of topics, including court proceedings, crime, parliamentary affairs, medical issues, environmental matters, and energy. Cheflin began his career at De Ware Tijd, one of Suriname’s oldest newspapers. | Instagram
Giovanni Dennis, 📍Jamaica
Giovanni is a multi-award-winning broadcast journalist based in Jamaica with 14 years of experience. He covers a range of issues, including the environment and climate change, and specialises in documentary-making and investigative reporting. Giovanni was named Journalist of the Year 2022 by the Press Association of Jamaica and has won the award for investigative journalism three times, including for the past two consecutive years. He firmly believes he is one of the best domino players in Jamaica and is a passionate Arsenal fan. | LinkedIn
Jaleeza Roberts, 📍Belize
Jaleeza is a devoted Harry Potter fanatic, she has a deep appreciation for historical literature and enjoys studying the lives of philosophers. A believer in a higher being, Jaleeza is motivated to live a purposeful life, knowing she has a mandate to fulfil here on Earth. | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Jamila Falak, 📍Jamaica
Jamila is a creative advocate, passionate about blending art and activism to inspire change across the Caribbean. As a musician, climate-focused photojournalist, and the CEO & founder of FALAXY, she channels her talents to empower youth and mobilise creatives in tackling key issues such as climate action and community wellness.
A former recipient of Jamaica’s Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence and a recent trainee in the Envisioning Resilience Jamaica photojournalism programme, Jamila is recognised for her soulful, healing music and commitment to positive impact. | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok | X
Latrishka Thomas, 📍Antigua and Barbuda
Latrishka is Antigua’s leading court reporter, demonstrating that some of the most compelling stories unfold beyond the newsroom. A first-generation college graduate, she found her way into journalism almost by accident—setting aside her psychology degree for a press pass after spotting a job ad.
5 years later, she has advanced from a newcomer to Senior News Producer at Observer Media, while also coordinating content for Loop Caribbean News. Driven by a commitment to address pressing issues, Latrishka is especially dedicated to climate justice, knowing that today’s biggest stories often focus on our planet’s rising temperatures. | Instagram | Facebook
Luis Joel Méndez González, 📍Puerto Rico
Luis is an award-winning reporter focused on climate change and post-disaster recovery for Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism through Report for America. A dedicated data-driven and multimedia journalist, he specialises in stories about Puerto Rico, where he was born and raised.
His commitment to impactful reporting has seen him work with acclaimed investigative teams, including the Miami Herald’s I-Team and El Nuevo Día’s Facts & Investigative Unit. Luis holds a Master’s degree in Information Design and Data Visualization from Northeastern University. | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Milton Grannum, 📍Guyana
Milton is a journalist from Guyana with two years of experience. Entering the media industry has proven to be one of his best decisions. Although journalism wasn’t his original path, he soon discovered a real passion for it.
With the discovery of oil in Guyana, Milton developed a keen interest in reporting on the energy sector, while also focusing on climate change and climate justice, particularly within the framework of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. These fields have since become central to his work and enthusiasm as a reporter. | LinkedIn
Naomi Parris, 📍Guyana
Naomi is a feature writer and journalist from Guyana with a passion for creativity. Her writing journey began with crafting short fiction stories in the margins of her high school notebooks. Now, with five years of experience in the local media industry, Naomi is particularly dedicated to reporting on agriculture and environmental issues, where her enthusiasm truly shines.| LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Losbar, 📍Guadeloupe
Olivia is a journalist from Guadeloupe, specialising in health investigations and environmental journalism across the Caribbean. Her notable work includes an investigation into the health impacts of sargassum seaweed pollution, focusing on respiratory and skin issues in local communities.
She also explores the broader effects of climate change on public health and sustainability in the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia highlighted the challenges faced by regional healthcare systems. Through collaborative investigations, she amplifies the voices of vulnerable populations, advocating for a more inclusive approach that incorporates gender and community perspectives in global change discussions. | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Instagram
Romano Jalimsingh, 📍Suriname
Romano is a nature lover and animal welfare advocate, passionate about turning societal challenges into opportunities for sustainable development in marginalized communities in Suriname. With over 9 years of experience in conservation and community development, he currently leads Night Owl Projects in Suriname.
Romano is excited about the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which will not only enhance his skills as an environmental communicator but also provide a platform to share stories from the world’s most forested country with a global audience. | Facebook | Instagram
Ryan Bachoo, 📍Trinidad and Tobago
Ryan refers to himself as “The Voice of Small Island States,” recognising that the struggles of small island nations have long been overlooked. Through his climate journalism, he has focused on raising awareness and educating the Caribbean public about the impacts of climate change on the region, and how it will forever alter lives and livelihoods.
Having had the privilege of attending two COPs, Ryan’s work at these global conferences centres on highlighting the global effects on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and communicating how top-level decisions will directly impact the people of the Caribbean. | Facebook | LinkedIn | X
Suemita Teeluck, 📍Trinidad and Tobago
Suemita is a dedicated and versatile journalist and writer with an AA Degree in Journalism and soon-to-be completed BA in Mass Communications from The College of Science, Technology, and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).
With experience as a content writer, blog writer, and Creative Director for the NGO ‘For Change,’ Suemita is passionate about using storytelling to shed light on critical social issues. Driven by a deep empathy for people and their experiences, they aim to amplify marginalised voices and raise awareness of pressing human concerns. Suemita’s commitment to in-depth, meaningful journalism fuels their mission to bring underrepresented narratives into the public eye and inspire positive change. | LinkTree | Instagram |
Tameka A. Coley, 📍Jamaica
Tameka, also known as Ke’tani (her Taino name) or Tami Tsansai, is a cultural equity journalist and multidisciplinary creator committed to using technology and the arts as tools for social change and cultural preservation.
With nearly two decades of experience across corporate, non-profit, and creative sectors, she has worked as a journalist, marketer, author, speaker, and mental health advocate. Her work centres on themes of self-awareness, artistic expression, humour, culture, and respect for nature. In January 2023, she founded Writes and Kulcha @writesandkulchamedia, a digital publication dedicated to grounding Jamaicans and Caribbean people in their ‘Caribbeanness’ and all that it embodies. | Instagram |
Whitney Mélinard, 📍Dominica
Whitney is an Indigenous youth from the Kalinago Territory in Dominica. Motivated by a desire to address social and environmental challenges in her community, she founded the Kalinago Ripple Effect Initiative to advocate for Indigenous perspectives and policy change.
As CEO and Communication Lead of Kopounoule Inc., a youth-led NGO, she champions environmental sustainability and supports vulnerable groups in Dominica. With a BSc in International Relations and Sociology from the University of the West Indies, Mélinard aspires to a career in policy and research, focusing on the intersection of climate and social justice. | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok
🌟📚🌴 Don’t miss a single beat of the action – subscribe to our Caribbean Climate Justice Brief newsletter and our Caribbean Climate Calabash podcast to catch all their stories! 💌🌞🏝️🔥
