The Prime Minister is one of the leading global voices calling on the international community to commit to more ambitious targets to curb the carbon emissions that are warming our planet. Joining his fellow leaders from the Pacific, he is committed to drawing global attention to the impact climate change is having on vulnerable communities, including Pacific Islanders and the residents of other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying areas of the world.
Hon. Frank Bainimarama
Prime Minister of Fiji
Mr. Browne’s motto is “to serve and empower,” a creed by which he lives. This can be seen in his contributions to the empowerment of the people of Point & Villa. He believes in empowerment and is passionately oppose to poverty. MP Browne frequently refers to poverty as the greatest scourge on the planet. Among his achievements at the constituency level are: An EC$30 million Fishery Development Centre, The establishment of a sporting, entertainment and leisure facility at Dredge Bay, An Information Communication Technology Centre in the Point, a Library, Computer Centre at the Villa Primary School and an affordable housing project at Dredge Bay. His achievements during a time of fiscal crisis are remarkable, were as a result of his resolve to succeed and his commitment to serve.
Led by Browne, the ABLP was returned to office in the 12 June 2014 general election after 10 years in opposition, winning 14 out of 17 seats. Browne was sworn in as Prime Minister on 13 June 2014.
Browne successfully led the ABLP to a second consecutive election victory on 21 March 2018. He was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second term on 22 March 2018.
Hon. Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
Since 2018 he is the leader of the Vanua'aku Pati.
Since 20 April 2020, Loughman has been in office as Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur
Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu
Hon. Curtis Dickinson
Minister of Finance, Government of Bermuda
Hon. Rui Augusto Gomes
Minister of Finance, Government of Timor-Leste
He served as the Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Spokesperson for National Security in 2014, advocating for progressive policies to effect sustainable reduction in crime and violence as well as the introduction of innovative technology to support and advance the efforts of the security forces.
Senator Charles is an Attorney-at-Law with qualification to practice law in Jamaica and the United States of America (New York Bar). Throughout his professional career he has served with distinction as a Judicial Clerk, Senior Clerk of Court and Crown Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Most recently, he served as the Lead Counsel and Managing Attorney of The Law Offices of Pearnel P. Charles Jr., P.A.
Minister Charles earned two honours degrees from the University of the West Indies; a Bachelor of Science (double major in Biochemistry and Zoology) and a Bachelor of Laws.
As a student he distinguished himself as a bold and active leader. Consequently he was elected to several representative positions including President of the Law Society and President of the Guild of Students; the chief voice for the student population and representative to the University Council. For his service he received awards for excellence in leadership and was nominated to the renowned Global Leadership Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders, 2001, US Virgin Islands.
More than a decade ago Senator Charles completed his legal training at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, where he received the Certificate of Legal Education and was awarded the Hon. Mr. Justice Kenneth Smith, O.J. Prize, the Hon. Mrs. Justice Madge Morgan Prize and the Norman Manley Law School prize for Community Service.
He went on to pursue a Master of Laws degree at The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C. where he was awarded the Thomas Buergenthal Scholarship for academic performance.
The son of a politician and registered nurse, Pearnel Charles Jr. was born to serve. His passion for community service is a demonstration of his character as he has participated in several workshops, outreach programs and community development drives geared towards uplifting underserved communities and protecting the most vulnerable. His spirit of volunteerism motivated him to form Impact Productions, a company used to raise funds for sports development projects. He has continued, through other outlets, to serve the interest and welfare of students and his community as a Mooting court judge, motivational speaker and volunteer to voting rights campaigns and immigration clinics.
In his leisure time Senator Charles enjoys music, soccer and reading. He is married with three children and continues to actively participate in community activities.
Hon Minister Pearnel Charles
Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica
Prior to joining Goldman, she worked as part of the portfolio team at Sterling Stamos, a private investment management firm specialized in alternative and multi-asset investment solutions. She began her career as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company in New York.
Angella has served as an advisor to Helios Investment Partners, a $3.0 billion private equity fund based in London focused on investments in Africa. She is also served on the Board of Directors for GK Capital Management, the financial advisory and investment arm of the GraceKennedy Group, and currently is a Director of PanJam Investment Limited, GK UK Foods, and JN Money Services, a subsidiary of the Jamaica National Building Society.
Angella holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge. She also graduated with a BA (magna cum laude) in Government from Harvard College.
Angella has travelled to >70 countries and lived on 3 continents. She is a keen motorcyclist, classical pianist, and has her private pilot license. She has also climbed 3 of the 7 summits.
Angella Rainford
CEO and Founder, Soleco Energy
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and as Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes Past President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Hon Steven Myers
Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island
Sandra Uwantege Hart
Blockchain Innovations & Cash Transfer Lead, Oxfam
Ambassador Solo Mara
Secretary General, Pacific Islands Development Forum
Ms Powell is a Certified Accountant (ACCA), and also carries the designations of Chartered Director (C. Dir) and Audit Committee Certified (A.C.C).
Sharmyn Powell
Chief Risk Officer, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)
Thanks to his diverse career, unique upbringing, and Polynesian roots, George understands the concept of community as a part of his culture. With time, he extended his understanding into a strong concept-driven approach to community building for various startups including Draper Startup House (previously Tribe Theory Startup Hostels), co-working spaces such as Dimension⁵ and Hub Australia, and legal tech firms such as LawAdvisor.
With more than 7 years of experience across SEA and Australia as a community builder, George is a true expert at building communities for ventures and loves motivating people into action.
George Siosi Samuels
Managing Director, Faiā
Marati began her career at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City as a Credit Officer and Management Trainee. She moved to San Francisco and after four years became Vice President of the Retail Banking Group at Wells Fargo Bank. She then co-founded EM & T Corporation, a telecommunications and office systems company in which she was director of Administration and Finance, Operations and Sales.
Jackie Marati
Senior Vice President, Bank of Guam
Prior to joining the CBF he worked for GITEC/GIZ (German Government Technical Cooperation Agency) in Mexico, The Nature Conservancy’s International Government Relations Department and Europe Office, the World Bank-GEF Unit, the United States Geological Survey, and IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) in Brazil. He holds an MA in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University.
Yabanex Batista
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Caribbean Biodiversity Fund
Angelique Pouponneau
CEO, Seychelles Conservation & Climate Adaptation Trust
Adam Borison
Senior Vice President, Nathan Associates
Chantal Dagnaud
President, Institutions & Strategies SAS
In this role, Zutt focuses on strengthening the results focus and managing the risks of World Bank operations as well as the overall staff learning program. He also plays a key role in various strategic engagements, including for IDA.
Before joining OPCS, Zutt served as the World Bank’s Country Director for Turkey. Previously, he held several other Country Director positions for: Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles and Somalia; and also for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
In 2008, he served as the acting head of the Department of Integrity (INT), the anti-corruption unit of the World Bank Group, and prior to that, as the Adviser to one of the Bank’s two Managing Directors.
From 2000 to 2006, he worked as the Country Program Coordinator for Angola, China, Malawi, Mongolia, Mozambique, and Zambia, as well as the team leader for numerous country strategies and projects.
A Dutch national, Zutt joined the World Bank in 1999. He has a J.D. from Harvard University and a D.Phil. (in philosophy) from the University of Oxford.
Johannes Zutt
Director of the Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning Department at The World Bank
During her twelve year stint in banking, the former executive banker managed an extensive portfolio, providing financial and investment solutions to players in a wide range of industries.
In September 2019, Kaye assumed the role of CEO of Invest Barbados, the national investment promotion agency.
Kaye has a love for teaching and this aspect of her life began in 1995. She is currently a certified online lecturer/ facilitator with the Cave Hill School of Business, University of the West Indies. She believes that knowledge should be shared and the greatest satisfaction one can have, is knowing that the knowledge imparted has charted the course of success for the recipient.
Kaye-Anne Brathwaite
CEO, Invest Barbados
John Miller
President, Board Director, & Co-Founder, Mana Pacific
Ms. ‘Utoikamanu is responsible for monitoring and following up on the implementation of all three Programmes of Action under the purview of UN-OHRLLS. She is also called on to advocate for the issues and concerns of these vulnerable countries as well as to ensure their integration into and coherence with global processes, including those related to the 2030 Agenda and other global development frameworks. Ms. ‘Utoikamanu also coordinates advocacy work related to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in forums and platforms outside the United Nations.
Prior to joining the United Nations, Ms. ‘Utoikamanu was Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Tonga; Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2015); Deputy Pro-Chancellor and Deputy Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2009-2016); Deputy Director General and Director of Education, Training and Human Development of the Secretariat of Pacific Community (2009-2015); Permanent Representative and Ambassador of the Government of Tonga to the United Nations, United States of America, Cuba and Venezuela and High Commissioner to Canada (2005-2009); and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and European Commission’s National Authorizing Officer for Tonga (2002-2005).
A Tongan national, Ms. ‘Utoikamanu speaks Tongan and English. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics (1980) and a Masters in Commerce in Economics (1983) from the University of Auckland in New Zealand.
Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu
High Representative, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, UN-OHRLLS
Geoff Sinclair
Managing Director, Camco Clean Energy
Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in International Economics & Public Policy with a concentration in Development Economics from the University of Mainz, Germany. Before joining KfW in 2019, she has been working for the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) as well as in the private sector.
Vanessa Hartman
Portfolio Manager in the Natural Resources & Agriculture Division for Latin American & the Caribbean (LAC), KfW
Simon Chantry
Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer, Bitt
Karen Panton
Executive Director, Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)
Dr Martin Kimmig
Chief Risk Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Vanessa Toré
Director Foreign Economic Cooperation at Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao
Aholotu Palu
CEO, Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC)
From 2010 to 2016 Head of Department “Corporate Responsibility” of Munich Re Group in charge of set up and implementation of the Corporate Responsibility Strat-egy. She also chaired the UN Environment Finance Initiative’s Principles for Sustain-able Insurance Working Group (2010 to 2012). Among several other tasks Astrid Zwick was Member of the Board of the University Society of the Munich Ludwig Max-imilians University and Member of the Board of a Foundation promoting voluntary social engagement. From 2000 to 2010 she headed the Allianz Group Sustainability Office. She was chairing the Steering Committee “Research for Sustainability” of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (2005 to 2008).
From 1994 to 1999 she joined the European Commission Institute for Technological Prospective Studies in charge of policy advice on climate change to the Commission Services and among others to WHO.
Holding a doctoral degree in climate change research (Institute for Ecological Chem-istry/GSF, Helmholtz Center, Munich and Technical University, Munich-Weihenstephan) and a diploma in Geology/Paleontology (Ludwigs-Maximilians-University, Munich).
Astrid Zwick
Head of InsuResilience Secretariat
Mark Lewis
Chief Sustainability Strategist, BNP Paribas Asset Management
Alongside her professional career, Kalsey is determined to tackle global challenges and contribute towards the empowerment of youth. She is an active volunteer of the youth-led NGO, SYAH-Seychelles, which promotes sustainable development. Alongside her role as President of SYAH-Seychelles, she has coordinated 4 successful editions of the Blue Economy Internship Programme and pioneered the Seychellois Youth in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (SySTEM) Programme. To give Seychellois youth a voice, Kalsey also started a nationwide TV programme ‘Zenn Koze’ that provided a platform for youth to discuss and debate national policies, topical issues and challenges. In 2019, she undertook a 5-week expedition on the remote island of Aldabra where she and 11 other volunteers collected 25tons of marine debris and raised awareness on its impact on the environment.
Kalsey has been recognized as an Associate Fellow of The Royal Commonwealth Society and has served on the Blue Grants Fund Committee and the national Committee for Seychelles Vision 2033.
Kalsey Belle
Coverage Officer, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank
James Ellsmoor
Founder & CEO, Island Innovation
decade.
Having previously worked on macroeconomic research in a unit of rating agency Standard & Poor’s in New York City and London and in corporate banking in Portugal, financing EIB projects was a natural progression for Alexandra. Before her present role, Alexandra worked as Senior Officer for operations in Central and South Eastern Europe, Senior Transaction Manager in EIB’s Project Finance/PPPs Department and was the Head of EIB’s Representation in Portugal.
Her proudest achievements include financing initiatives to accelerate the green transition, improve mobility, modernise schools and support access to finance to Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. She also contributes to a pioneering work programme to increase access to finance for women-owned, women-led and women-supporting enterprises.
She graduated in Economics in 1997 from the Faculty of Economics of Porto and holds a Post-Graduation in Finance from the Faculty of Economics of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which she complemented with executive programs from Harvard and INSEAD. Portuguese is her native language but she speaks fluently English, French and Spanish and has good knowledge of Italian.
Alexandra Almeida
Senior Officer, Lending Operations in Latin America and Caribbean, European Investment Bank
Exsley Taloiburi
Climate Change Finance Advisor & Team Leader for Climate Change and Resilience, The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Before joining SPC, Ms Toelupe Tago-Elisara was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) in Samoa where she worked for 7 years before she was appointed CEO. She held the position of CEO for 5 years before she resigned to take up her role in SPC. As CEO for MWCSD, Ms Toelupe Tago-Elisara’s portfolio covered village governance and village development; advancing gender equality; youth development; child protection and disability; including work on human rights, more specifically on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). As CEO for MWCSD, she also served on several Government Boards and National Committees providing oversight and strategic direction across different sectors of Government, some of which included Health, Education, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation, Environment and Law and Justice. She was also Chairperson of the national partnership committees for CEDAW and CRC, and the National Disability Taskforce. These Forums brought together both government and civil society organisations working on the promotion of gender equality, child development and disability in Samoa. Ms Toelupe Tago – Elisara in her role as CEO represented the Government of Samoa on various regional and international fora including regional Ministerial and High Level forums; and international forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women; the Universal Periodic Review and the reporting at the UN on Human Rights Conventions the Government of Samoa is a State Party to.
Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago
Regional Director for Polynesia, Pacific Community (SPC)
He previously served as Deputy Secretary General of the 54-nation Commonwealth where he led its work in economic and social development. He spearheaded the trade and investment agenda for the Commonwealth across its developing country membership in the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, and Asia. Mr. Maharaj understands the vital role of the private sector as a key driver and partner in development and in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement in partnership with government. He also recognises the importance of creating an enabling environment for business to succeed and the imperative of attracting foreign direct investment in regions such as ours.
Mr. Maharaj supported the establishment of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and sat on its Advisory Board for three years. Mr. Maharaj also served with the United Nations in senior roles in the field and at headquarters. He has also lived and worked in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Tanzania and Mozambique.
A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mr. Maharaj’s academic qualifications include a BSc; Government; Postgraduate Diploma, International Relations; MSc., International Affairs; Bachelor of Laws; and Postgraduate Legal Practice Certificate.
Deodat Maharaj
Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency
She is currently part of the research team of the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services of The University of West Indies, Cave Hill Campus where she also lectures part-time in the SRC’s Masters of International Trade Policy (MITP) programme.
Alicia is a frequent presenter on contemporary trade matters at academic and industry conferences and events and is the founder of one of the Caribbean’s leading blogs on trade matters: www.caribbeantradelaw.com. She also contributes articles to a variety of international and regional publications including IFC Review, AfronomicsLaw Blog, Caribbean Export Outlook, the Barbados Business Authority, among others.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science (First Class Honours), a Master of Science in International Trade Policy (with distinction) and a Bachelor of Laws (Upper Second Class honours) from The University of the West Indies. She also holds the FITT Diploma in International Trade from the prestigious Ottawa-based Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), of which she is also a general member.
She is an Advisory Board member of the Caribbean-ASEAN Council, a member of the Network of Experts of the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE) and a member of the Academy of International Business (AIB). In her spare time, Alicia enjoys volunteering and is a proud member of the Lions Club of Bridgetown.
Alicia D. Nicholls
Trade Researcher at Shridath Ramphal Centre, UWI
Dr Adhikari has conducted extensive research as well as published in the areas of international trade, foreign direct investment and Aid for Trade. He obtained his PhD from the University of Warwick, UK; his Masters of International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute, Switzerland; and his Masters of Commerce from the University of Delhi, India.
Dr Ratnakar Adhikari
Executive Director, Enhanced Integrated Framework Secretariat at the WTO
Fiona is skilled at coordinating diverse groups of stakeholders in assessing policy and project visions as well as implementing complex projects that require public-private cooperation. She has significant experience in developing and executing energy projects across a range of technologies, including land-mounted and rooftop solar PV, floating solar PV, biogas, and biomass.
Prior to joining the Clinton Foundation, she worked in environmental finance, specializing in industrial energy systems and renewable energy IPP projects in the Southeast Asia and Southern Africa markets. Fiona is a graduate of Princeton University, where her research centered on renewable energy development in South Africa.
Fiona Wilson
Senior Program Manager, Clinton Climate Initiative, Clinton Foundation
Francesco Sindico
Reader in International Environmental Law, University of Strathclyde Law School
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson
Editor, Pacific Environment Weekly
At the Mexican government he has served in several leadership positions, including a solid carrier with the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) including as a Commissioners during the implementation of the groundbreaking 2013 energy reforms. At the commission he led many aspects of regulatory design in the oil, gas, and specially the electricity sector which transformed the energy industry in Mexico. He served also as the International Committee Chairman of the World Forum on Energy Regulation 2018, Vice president of the Ibero-American Association of Energy Regulators, and Chairman of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators’ working group on electricity.
He has worked over ten years on international development at the Interamerican Development Bank and the World Bank, where he served supporting government agencies, utilities and operators on policy, regulatory, market, project design, and knowledge dissemination on the electricity sector and across all continents. He has designed projects above US$6 billion dollars in value in the areas of renewable energy generation, cross border interconnections, control and market operator’s modernization.
Currently he a Principal Energy Specialist at the Interamerican Development Bank in Washington DC as its principal Energy Sector Specialists supporting regulatory modernization of Latin-American energy sectors and the electrification of transport.
Dr. Madrigal graduated from the Morelia Technology Institute and received the degrees of Master of Science and PhD by the University of Waterloo, Canada. He has received several awards, among them, the Outstanding Young Power Engineering Award by the IEEE Power and Energy Society in 2006, and the membership of the Mexico National Researchers System. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE PES.
Marcelino Madrigal
Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Inter-American Development Bank
Kavita Desai
Advisor on Sustainable Development and Global Policy, United Nations Foundation
Christian holds a MSc in Forest Science and Management from the Georg-August University Göttingen/Germany.
Christian Peter
Practice Manager for the Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy’s Global Platform Unit, World Bank
Simone Hudson holds the position of Assistant Vice President- Alternatives and Fund Management. She is charged with the responsibility of expanding the company’s off balance sheet product offerings which includes its Unit Trust portfolios, Structured Products Solutions and the build out of its Alternative Investments platform.
Ms. Hudson has over 13 years’ experience in the financial services industry both in Jamaica and Canada. In her previous roles in Research and Investment Banking at NCBCM, she coached three winners of the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Market Research competition, spearheaded the development of the company’s first Structured products offering as well as structured and arranged one of the largest infrastructure bond offer in the region.
Ms. Hudson has won several awards in the area of Research in Jamaica and placed first in the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners Case Competition in 2018.
She holds a BSc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of the West Indies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Centennial College and is a CFA Charterholder.
Simone Hudson
CFA, AVP Alternatives and Fund Management
Tom’s responsibilities include overseeing IFC’s investment and advisory programs as well as maintaining key government and private sector partners in the region. He joined IFC in 2003 to manage a regional microfinance advisory project in Central Asia where he was based in Tajikistan. In 2004, Tom moved to Cairo where he spent the next 4 years helping to launch and manage IFC’s Access to Finance advisory practice in MENA focusing on leasing, credit reporting and microfinance, among others. Since 2008, Tom has led IFC’s activities in Lebanon and Syria while coordinating IFC’s climate business across the MENA region.
Before IFC, Tom helped launch a corporate finance group in London specialized in early-stage companies, and from 1996-1999, he led the operations of a developmental investment fund in Kyrgyzstan where he managed SME lending and equity portfolios. He has also worked in manufacturing and commercial banking in the United States.
Tom’s educational background includes a Masters of Arts in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies and an MBA in International Business from Rutgers University.
Thomas Jacobs
IFC Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, International Finance Corporation
MK ADVISORS (formerly LkM Solutions) facilitates the progress and adoption of strategic solutions for resource equity needs, while driving policy in support of smart, affordable technologies and creating economic models. MK Advisors emerged from years of integrating distinct components into cohesive and reliable solutions that are more than the sum of their parts. As it is with our technological approach, so it is with our collective skill and drive.
Michelle Klassen (“MK”) Merrigan
Co-Founder, Mana Pacific
Rogers is now focusing beyond Hawaii to help others enact mandates for 100% renewable energy in their regions. He has spoken at three Inter-Parliamentary Union assemblies, where he collaborated with the 178 member countries to draft an emergency climate change resolution.
His newest initiative, Blue Planet Alliance, takes a “mandate first” approach to initiate global climate change action by creating measurable and scalable results among individuals, organizations, cities, states, countries and eventually, the world. The Alliance’s mission is to regenerate the environment and become 100% sustainable by 2045. The vision is to create a world in which humanity and nature live in harmony.
He is also the founder of Blue Planet Energy, one of the leading providers of energy storage systems that power homes, business and critical infrastructure. The company’s innovative Blue Ion technology has allowed Henk to take his own residences off-grid.
Rogers is also renowned as a global leader in the gaming industry, when he created Japan’s first Role-Playing Game. One of his software companies holds the exclusive intellectual property rights to Tetris, the world’s most popular video game (over 125 million units sold). Rogers revolutionized the industry when he brought the now legendary game to U.S. and world markets more than three decades ago.
Henk B. Rogers
President, Blue Planet Alliance
Catherine graduated from the University of Auckland in New Zealand with a Law Degree and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 2007. She also holds a Degree in English Literature and Linguistics and a Postgraduate Degree in French Linguistics from the University of Tours in France.
She has been one of two approved Legal Counsels to the French Embassy in Wellington. From 2011 to 2014, she was appointed Foreign Trade Adviser to the French Embassy in Wellington on legal issues by ministerial decree.
She was President of the West Indian & Caribbean Society of New Zealand and Vice-President of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc. from 2014 to 2017.
She has been Vice-Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council (NZPBC) since 2017. NZPBC aims to promote and facilitate bilateral trade relations between NZ and the 26 Pacific Island nations of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
She is also a member as emerging leader of the NZ Super Diverse Women lobbying group which aims to promote diversity in the business world.
Since 2018, she has been running her legal practice, Sumpter Law, advising many clients from the Pacific region and practises in the areas of Commercial Law, Estates, Property Law, Trusts and relationship property. She has a special interest in advising foreign investors (private or corporate) on how to do business in New Zealand.
She has travelled extensively in the Pacific region and is passionate about promoting Pacific Women entrepreneurship and mentoring young people.
In her spare time, Catherine enjoys world cooking, archaeology, scuba diving and travelling.
Catherine Sumpter
Vice-Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council
Pierre Bardoux-Chesneau
Head of Global Team – Grant, Global Fund for Coral Reefs
Gözde has over 10 years’ experience in banking sector and project finance and 4 years of that has been specifically in debt financing of large-scale renewable energy projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Gözde holds a Bachelor degree in Economics and Administrative Sciences from Middle East Technical University in Turkey.
Gözde Kurusoy
Director of Banking and Finance, MPC Capital
Fernando has over 12 years of international experience as technical & financial advisor as well asproject & business developer of large-scale renewable energy projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fernando holds a Master of Science in Renewable Energies from Oldenburg University in Germany and a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.
Fernando Zúñiga
Managing Director for Central America and the Caribbean, MPC Renewable Energies
Ife has a passion for capacity building and networking. Known for her signature and dynamic experiences that incorporate both local and global experts, Ife is gifted in connecting people to the right resources.
During the lockdown, Ife and her team h sted more than 25 virtual experiences to inspire and empower entrepreneurs. The most notable being Islandpreneur Live 2020 which attracted 650 registrants from more than 35countries.
A media enthusiast, currently Ife is developing The Islandpreneur Podcast with her business partner Dwayne Griffith. This podcast is designed to empower 'islandpreneurs' to go global while highlighting them for their innovation and resilience.
Ife Badejo
Co-founder / Executive Producer, Islandpreneur Network
Stefen has worked in multi-lateral financial institutions and in grantmaking foundations. He is also a co-founder of the Shift the Culture startup advocacy group, and the Arrowlynk Ventures business incubator, both based in The Bahamas.
Stefen Deleveaux
President, Caribbean Blockchain Alliance
Proven track record of environmental engineering, developing financial structures, and demonstrating expertise in environmental and social due diligence research for major global financial institutions. I have built a reputation as a specialist in contributing to solid policies and strategies for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Climate Change at international, regional, and country levels. Most importantly, my colleagues tell me I am uniquely gifted with a talent for negotiating, nurturing, and managing productive partnerships with international institutions and investors to fund these action plans.
Ahmed Badr
Acting Director, Project Facilitation & Support, IRENA
William Kostka
Executive Director, Micronesia Conservation Trust
Roger Todd
Director of the Department of Public Transportation, Government of Bermuda
Stephen serves on the boards of several industry and charitable groups including Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), an independent U.S. non-profit scientific research and educational organisation based in Bermuda, and the R Street Institute, a leading U.S. non-partisan policy organisation. He also serves on the President’s Advisory Counsel for the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest non-profit conservation organisation, and is a member of Bermuda’s COVID-19 Economic Advisory Committee. Stephen is a graduate of Columbia College, NY, and Harvard Law School.
Steve Weinstein
Chair, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA); Former Chief Legal Officer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd; Chair, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation
As a diplomat, he served as Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States, Mexico and Canada and also as Grenada’s Ambassador to the United Nations. A qualified medical doctor with an MBA, Dr. Friday brings a wide perspective on the interconnected nature of business, health, and international economic policy.
Dr. Angus Friday
Blue Economy Director, Waitt Institute
Joe Reed
Board Director & Chief Executive Officer, Mana Pacific
sector with experience spanning insurance, public sector, business analysis, research, structuring
and investment banking. In his current role Timar advises on and lead the execution of all
Capital Markets transactions from origination to completion; Lead negotiations with local,
regional, and overseas clients and partners in the structuring of transactions; and monitor and
analyse trends in the financial services industry for territories/ countries covered. As a graduate
of Vauxhall High School, Timar became the first student from a Non-Traditional High School to
be awarded the coveted Jamaica Scholarship, Prime Minter’s Youth Award for Excellence in
Academics and the 2014 Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship. He holds a BSc. in Actuarial Science from
the University of the West Indies and completed his MSc in Applied Statistics and MBA at the
University of Oxford. Timar is passionate about national progress and takes a keen interest in
Education and Youth development. He currently serves as the President of the Vauxhall Past
Students’ Association and is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers
Community in Kingston.
Timar Jackson
Manager, Origination and Structuring, NCB Capital Markets
Kenneth Green
Managing Partner, Advance Global Partners
Before joining BDO, Angus was Vice President of Business Development at First Global (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd. where he was charged with the responsibility of Corporate Finance and Capital Market origination in T&T and Jamaica. Prior to FGTT, Angus spent four years at RBTT Merchant Bank Ltd. in leadership roles including Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager of Capital Market Origination where he covered the OECS territories and Guyana. In the past, Angus has served as a Director of the Securities Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Angus holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies (Financial and Economic Studies) from the University of Western Ontario and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University, School of Business and Economics, Ontario.
Angus Young
CEO, NCB Global Finance
He is an experienced NGO leader, with 16 years of management experience in the migration and economic justice sectors. Between 2016 and 2018 he led the International Detention Coalition, a global civil society network focused on developing person-centred and non-coercive solutions to migration management challenges through constructive multi-stakeholder collaboration. He has also worked on several occasions as a consultant for the Council of Europe.
He has worked at the national and global levels and in every region, with partners from grassroots activists to intergovernmental bodies and UN agencies. He has a track record of developing successful strategies for change, involving a wide range of activities and processes, including innovative policy development, research, parliamentary advocacy and media campaigning.
Jerome Phelps
Head of Advocacy, Jubilee Debt Campaign
Island Finance Forum 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Island Finance Forum?
The forum is the first of its kind, and totally free! You can learn from world-leading experts from diverse backgrounds about the latest projects being deployed in island communities, with applications far beyond. Each session will be interactive with opportunities to ask questions and make connections. This year we are expanding to have even more features!
How do I participate?
All are welcome to participate in the summit – feel free to invite friends and colleagues. Participants can take part in every session, or simply choose the sessions most relevant to them and are all encouraged to join the social media conversation.
Will the forum be recorded?
The forum will be broadcast LIVE, taking place over multiple days in various timezones. Ideally, we want guests to join live as there will be opportunities to ask questions and interact with fellow attendees. However, all sessions will be recorded and made available online a few weeks after the forum.
Can I speak or recommend a topic?
We are continually adding more speakers and sessions! If you would like to nominate a speaker click here.
Can I sponsor the event?
We have limited opportunities for sponsors of specific sessions or the event as a whole. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please get in touch.
Can we organize a local streaming?
We are exploring opportunities to screen parts of the summits on islands around the world to ensure local communities can take part. If you would like to organize a screening on your island please get in touch.
Can I give feedback or make a suggestion?
We always welcome ideas! Please get in touch.