News Releases

Fourth Cohort of Climate and Health Fellows Graduates from UWI Programme

For Release Upon Receipt - June 24, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, June 24th 2025 – “We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the fourth cohort of Climate Change and Health fellows from our transformative programme, a journey that has empowered 24 professionals from diverse sectors and multidisciplinary backgrounds across the Caribbean to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Professor Christopher Oura, Project Lead – Caribbean Climate Change and Health. He was speaking at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Climate Change and Health Leaders Fellowship Summative Workshop, themed “Sustaining Action for Climate Change and Health in the Caribbean”, held on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th May 2025 at The Brix, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

 Twenty-four Climate Change and Health fellows from 13 Caribbean countries empowered by the UWI to support the Caribbean in its fight against Climate Change.

 The programme is funded by the European Union, supported through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and implemented by UWI’s Faculty of Medical Sciences. The UWI has provided opportunities for professional growth, networking and hands-on experience through the fellowship. It has significantly impacted both the personal and professional development of the fellows.

 This year, the programme welcomed six new graduates representing a diverse array of backgrounds: two from the Dominican Republic, two from Guyana, one from Belize and one from Barbados. They join 18 existing Climate Change and Health fellows, representing a total of 13 Caribbean countries. All are making significant contributions to addressing the challenges posed by climate change to the health of Caribbean people, animals, agriculture and the environment, following a One Health approach.

To date, three fellows from Trinidad and Tobago have graduated from the programme over its four-year span. These distinguished professionals have gone on to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields: one is leading Climate Change and Health policy development at the Ministry of Health, while another is advancing the agenda within the PAHO Trinidad and Tobago office. Their achievements underscore the programme’s success in cultivating leaders who foster positive change in climate and health policy across the region.

 “During the graduation ceremony for the six new cohort 4 fellows, and the workshop where all 24 past and present fellows will be present, we celebrate the achievements of all our fellows and their continued journey toward making a lasting impact in their respective fields and countries. We are confident that the skills and experiences gained through this fellowship program will continue to inspire and drive much needed positive change here in T&T, regionally across the Caribbean and globally across the world,” said Professor Oura.

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About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

  As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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