Meet the participants of our Caribbean Energy Transition Media Workshop!

Jaleeza Roberts is a Harry Potter enthusiast. Currently studying Criminology at Belize’s National University, Jaleeza aims to impact the justice system through media. A visionary, she is driven and enjoys deep conversations with interesting people.

Dwayne Cus is a proud indigenous Maya professional bridging business innovation and cultural preservation through photography, video production, audio and digital arts.

Benita Elizabeth Keme-Palacio is a former laboratory scientist turned journalist, Benita has always recognised the reality of climate change and makes small efforts, such as recycling and using a reusable straw, to minimise environmental damage.

Marco Lopez is a versatile writer, farmer, journalist, and editor with extensive experience in media, including camera operation, broadcasting, and editing for his country’s largest newspaper. He currently manages www.climatespotlight.com. Outside of climate journalism, Marco spends considerable time in the jungle and at sea, where he has honed his survival skills and claims to be a five-star jungle chef.

Aaron Humes has been working in the press for 15 years and has been engaged with some of the most critical and challenging stories of our time.

Chalsey Gill is an environmental communicator and an empathy-driven Media and Communications Strategist with over 10 years of experience in strategic communications leadership. She specialises in purposeful communication that inspires action. With a passion for ocean and climate issues, Chalsey crafts comprehensive Communications, PR, and Digital Media strategies, ensuring that her work aligns with the causes that matter most to her.

Carolina Pichardo is an award-winning investigative reporter from the Dominican Republic, and is currently an investigative editor at Listin Diario. She is a Chevening, Emerging Media Leaders Programme, and Climate Tracker Climate Justice alum with experience at the BBC, USA Today, and the Washington Post. Carolina enjoys travel, reading, and is a fan of Taylor Swift.

Estefany Rodríguez Vier is a journalist passionate about telling human stories. She seeks to learn how to craft stories that connect with the Dominican Republic while being more respectful of the environment and natural resources. Estefany aspires for the Dominican Republic to implement improvements and strategies that benefit the environment. She works at the newspaper Listín Diario.

Laura Rodríguez considers herself the most curious journalist in the world. She has experience in print journalism and social media.

“I am a writer in progress.”

Gabriela Tavera Ruiz is an international development professional. She has worked with the United Nations, the European Union, the British Embassy, and the U.S. State Department, and is currently with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Gabriela has lived in the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, and the United States. She enjoys painting, writing, reading, travelling, and practising archery.

Nakasia Logan is an outgoing and motivated news reporter with over 15 years of experience in the broadcasting industry. Known for her strong people skills and ability to work seamlessly within a team, she has built a reputation as a friendly and professional figure in both television and radio broadcasting.

David Papannah is an award-winning journalist based in Guyana with a decade of experience in the field. He enjoys covering investigative stories on climate change, the environment, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous livelihoods, and agriculture. An avid adventure seeker, he loves travelling and exploring culinary cultures. His friends often describe him as a food “connoisseur.”

Shanaé Harte is a trained journalist, contributing to publications and organisations like CUNY TV, Connecticut Public Radio (NPR), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the U.N. She enjoys writing, learning, worshipping the Lord and being involved in multimedia production. She enjoys a good hearty Caribbean meal but loves to indulge in those of other cultures. She hopes to use her skills to make an impact in this world.

Nikolai Earle is a journalist with a passion for the environment and human development. He enjoys reading, writing, and photography.

Milton Grannum is a young journalist from Guyana with 2 years of experience in the media, a field he deeply loves. His favourite areas to cover include climate change, the energy sector, agriculture, and education.

Tameka A. Coley, also known as Ke’tani or Tami Tsansai, is a cultural equity journalist and polymath dedicated to using technology and the arts for social change and cultural preservation. With nearly two decades of experience in the corporate, non-profit, and creative sectors, she has worked as a journalist, marketer, author, speaker, and mental health activist. Her work focuses on self-awareness, artistic expression, humour, culture, and respect for nature. In January 2023, she founded Writes and Kulcha. Follow her on Instagram @tamitsansai.

Shamir Brown is an avid reader who will read most things if they pique his interest. A sports lover, he has a passion for cricket, despite the West Indies continuously breaking his heart. He also enjoys football and track and field.

Renée Smith is a communication strategist with a passion for biodiversity conservation. At the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, she weaves impactful stories that champion environmental sustainability, blending sharp strategy with a love for nature. Her mission? To save the planet, one brilliant campaign (and clever quip) at a time.

Driven by passion and curiosity, Delisa McLean is a journalist from Jamaica who loves music and is committed to social change. While she has dedicated much of her career to corporate communications, she also feels a profound responsibility towards charity, education, and activism. This commitment motivates Delisa to seek new skills, development and training opportunities, enabling her to serve her community better.

Edgar Lewis is a veteran Jamaican journalist with nearly 30 years of experience. He has held roles as News Editor at Jamaica News Network (JNN) and CVM Television, and as a journalist/producer at TVJ and JIS. Edgar is renowned for his creative work and has won multiple awards, including Caribbean Broadcasting Union Special Mentions for Best Documentary and Press Association of Jamaica awards.

Candice Stewart is a passionate writer dedicated to impactful human-interest stories, particularly in climate justice. She won the Best Climate Justice Story Award at the inaugural Caribbean Climate Journalism Awards for her piece on period poverty. Believing in the power of storytelling, Candice highlights the human side of critical issues. When not writing, she enjoys watching shows, listening to music, and being in nature.

Kevin Headley is a versatile documentary filmmaker, journalist, podcaster, and writer. His work spans various media, including short reports, documentaries, and articles, all of which shed light on Suriname’s history, diverse cultures, and lush natural environment.

Euritha Tjan A Way, often called a late bloomer, is thrilled by the new things she continues to learn. With 15 years of experience in journalism and media, she is now focusing on climate change, having previously researched forestry and gold mining. The connections between these topics are becoming increasingly apparent in Suriname.

Priscilla Misiekaba-Kia is a freelance journalist based in Suriname with a deep passion for writing. She is a wife, mother, and dedicated student pursuing a master’s degree in history. With 6 years of experience in the field of journalism, Priscilla has covered a wide range of topics and areas of interest. She began her career in 2017 with Suriname’s oldest newspaper, Dagblad De West, and is currently working as a freelance journalist.

Cheflin Paulus has over 10 years of media experience. Eager to learn, calm, and attentive, he strives to inform society about various issues through his work in the media.

Valerie Fris is a journalist from Suriname with 8 years at De Ware Tijd and contributions to Parbode. With two decades in journalism and communication, she has experience in TV, radio, PR, and voiceovers. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from AHKCO and stays updated through seminars and workshops, including those from Climate Tracker Caribbean. Valerie started writing for De Ware Tijd’s children’s section at age eight, always aiming to be a journalist.

Richelle Mac-Nack is a journalist and a master’s student in history at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. With more than 8 years of experience in both print and television journalism, she explores a diverse array of subjects, including politics, culture, climate, and society.

Stefanie Lauchman is an environmental journalist and communications consultant based in Suriname. Specialising in climate and environmental issues, Indigenous and Maroon livelihoods, and human rights, her work aims to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities. She also advocates for sexual and reproductive health, rights, and gender equality, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. An ambivert, Stefanie enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with loved ones, and finds inspiration in music.

Audry Wajwakana is a creative, self-propelled curiosity machine with a radar for art, culture, history, heritage, nature, climate, and anything green and leafy. I’m as flexible as a yoga instructor and as results-oriented as a to-do list addict, always meeting deadlines with a wink and a smile.

Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas is a well-travelled bookworm and accomplished storyteller with over a decade of experience in International Development and Communications. She is dedicated to highlighting the successes of the Global South, whether through exploring new novels, writing, or travelling. With a career that spans government, the private sector, and civil society, Latoyaa is committed to sharing the most inspiring stories from around the world. Her adventures are just beginning.

Princess Avianne Charles is a writer and workers’ rights activist based in Trinidad and Tobago. As the Project Lead for the Redefining Work Series with Caribbean Feminist, she advocates for the rights and safety of workers against occupational risks. With a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, she focuses on the links between worker justice and climate, environmental, political, and socioeconomic issues.

For the past 12 years, Kandace Jackson has been diving into the world of journalism in Tobago, covering just about everything under the sun. However, her heart truly beats fastest for environmental and climate justice stories. With a fearless streak, she explores the bold and adventurous side of storytelling—uncovering angles others might miss and delivering a fresh perspective every time.

Vonley W. Smith is a visionary Caribbean filmmaker and storyteller with a passion for creating multifaceted media, particularly in film. Combining artistic vision with analytical insight, he explores the balance between technology and nature, with a keen interest in space and energy. His immersive, thought-provoking work is redefining storytelling and pushing conversations about our planet into more mindful and profound realms.

Naballah Chi is an award-winning communications professional, writer, content creator, and certified TEFL teacher. She previously worked as a Communication Consultant for the Belize National Climate Change Office within the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development. Naballah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and International Relations from the University of the West Indies.

Alexander Bruzual is a journalist with over 17 years of experience in journalism and media operations. Specialising in print and digital media, he has strong communication skills and a background in International Relations and Criminology. Alexander has covered social and security issues both locally and internationally, generating exclusive crime stories for Trinidad and Tobago’s One Caribbean Media, including Trinidad Express and TV6.