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 first generation of our Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism fellowship, we saw insightful stories published from Belize all the way 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, mental impacts of the climate crisis, and loss and damage.
And now, together with our amazing partner – Open Society Foundations – we are excited to introduce you to the remarkable young people selected as fellows for the second round of this first-of-its-kind regional journalism fellowship.
Through this programme, 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 6 months, our fellows will rock the boat with their storytelling, shedding light on areas of injustice that need to be addressed. They will also have fun networking with each other and technical experts from the Caribbean.
Join us in welcoming and celebrating these extraordinary fellows and getting pumped for their powerful stories! 🌺🎉🌟
Aleigha General, Cayman Islands 
Aleigha General is a passionate International Relations student at the University of West London. She is driven by a desire to address pressing social issues in her region. Inspired by her recent experience at COP27, Aleigha is determined to raise awareness about sustainable practices and advocate for a better environment. With her storytelling skills and dedication, she aims to inspire change and become a powerful advocate for climate justice.
I’m looking forward most to meeting young Caribbean nationals and expanding my network whilst developing my journalism skills.
Aleigha General
Anika Christopher, British Virgin Islands
Anika is a journalist and author of the picture books “Planting Peace” and “Anansi and the Green Sea Turtles”. She teaches English as an adjunct lecturer at her local community college. Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands with a Jamaican mother, she is passionate about reporting on issues related to the Caribbean, ranging from tourism to financial services to the environment and climate change. She has experience across a range of media platforms including television, magazine, and newspaper publications. She believes that words can change the world and uses them to empower others through her journalism.
I look forward to the one-on-one sessions with my mentor as well as working on the final collaborative story with the other fellows.
Anika Christopher
Britney Nurse, Trinidad and Tobago 
Britney is a Trinidadian lawyer and writer passionate about the environment and the interlinkage between human rights and climate change. Using her writing skills and legalese, Britney hopes to advocate for the communities impacted by the systems that create climate change and perpetuate discrimination by exposing the injustices imposed on society. She launched several discussions on the role of environmental law in climate justice, plastic pollution, and the perilous effects of the oil & gas industry on the Caribbean.
I am most excited about making new connections and building a professional network with individuals like me and gurus in their own field.
Britney Nurse
Candice Stewart, Jamaica
Candice is a Jamaican writer and journalist. She thrives off conversations that lead to human interest stories highlighting the work and journey of individuals and businesses. With the concern of climate change issues, she now plans to begin the inclusion of climate justice-related stories in the stories she writes.
I hope to learn more about climate justice and how it impacts Caribbean small islands. I want to gain a wholesome understanding so that I may, in my capacity, share the knowledge with those who may not understand or know what climate justice is.
Candice Stewart
Duane Moody, Belize
Duane is a renowned award-winning reporter/journalist in Belize and has worked at News Five Belize for the past 15 years. His love for exploring different cultures has led them to travel extensively, immersing himself in diverse experiences. Food, music, and the creative arts hold a special place in his heart. In fact, he dedicated four years to dancing with a prominent dance company in his country, showcasing his talent on local and international stages alongside Belizean artists.
I am looking forward to the networking opportunities in this fellowship and I see it as a chance to share with Belizeans the possible solutions being implemented in other countries to address climate impacts.
Duane Moody
Gabriela Taveras Ruiz, Dominican Republic
Gabriela is a young professional who is skilled in advocacy, research and climate change. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Tropical Forest Landscapes from Yale University, a Master of Arts in Development Studies (majoring in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability) from the Graduate Institute in Geneva, Switzerland, and a Bachelor of Science in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University. She grew up in the Dominican Republic and has worked for institutions such as the United Nations, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the U.S State Department.
By understanding how to craft impactful, action-driven narratives, I can hone my skills in a way that will continue to transform me from an international relations generalist to an international climate justice specialist who can think globally and act locally. I look forward to meeting inspiring and highly knowledgeable colleagues, challenging myself, and sharing inspiring stories from my country.
Gabriela Taveras Ruiz
Jermine Abel, St. Kitts and Nevis
Jermine is a Guyanese-born, St. Kitts-Nevis-based journalist who has been in the business of reporting for more than 14 years. He is an independent all-round journalist who covers crime, health sports, business, and soft beat among others. He works within the multimedia landscape of the twin-island Federation, providing local, regional and international breaking news. Jermine covers everything under the sun, even if it takes him on the road to uncover the truth. In between working in the newsroom and undertaking other commitments outside of the news arena, he is pursuing his Doctoral Degree in Management.
I want to broaden the horizon and scope of telling and investigating the overall truth of climate change and gain the necessary understanding and tools to be able to better educate and inform St. Kitts and Nevis and beyond of the impacts and effects of climate change on Caribbean lives and economies.
Jermine Abel
Kyle Foster, Barbados
Kyle is a writer and ecologist residing on the island of Barbados. With a deep passion for sharing the stories of the natural world, he has dedicated his craft to raising awareness about environmental issues. Much of his writing experience stems from publishing captivating stories with renowned platforms such as the Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean and the Cari-Bois Environmental News Network. Through the art of storytelling, his ultimate goal is to bring attention to the pressing environmental challenges that surround us. Additionally, he devotes time to his personal blog, where he documents his immersive experiences in nature through detailed field journal entries.
I am looking forward to meeting and being mentored by individuals who have experience in the field of journalism and gaining valuable skills in various forms of media communication.
Kyle Foster
Marco Lopez, Belize
Marco is a journalist, writer, and digital media consultant specialising in content creation. His career has encompassed a diverse range of multimedia roles, from his initial position as a Master Control Operator for Krem Television, culminating as the Editor-in-Chief at the Amandala Newspaper, reflecting his steady advancement through the ranks. He continues to contribute to the publication with a focus on writing climate change stories, sparked by the impassioned calls for action he witnessed at COP25. Outside of work, Marco is an avid bushman and self-proclaimed 5-star jungle chef.
I aim to immerse myself in a learning environment that will enhance my storytelling abilities on the climate crisis, with the goal of constructing impactful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Marco Lopez
Princess Avianne Charles, Trinidad and Tobago
Princess is a Trinidadian writer and blogger with articles in the fields of human rights, labour laws, and occupational safety and health. She is an advocate for labour rights, mental health, disability rights, and climate justice. With a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, she centres her work on providing safer spaces and risk-reduction strategies for communities and the environment.
As a participant, I most look forward to collaborating and learning from leaders and advocates in this climate justice journey.
Princess Avianne Charles
Priscilla Misiekaba-Kia, Suriname
Priscilla is a freelance journalist based in Suriname with a deep passion for writing. She is a wife, mother, and dedicated student pursuing an MSc. degree in History. With six 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 for Starnieuws and Suriname Herald, primarily reporting on the meetings of the National Assembly in Suriname.
I look forward to gaining knowledge about climate justice and develop the skills and network necessary to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of climate justice.
Priscilla Misiekaba-Kia
Richie Ferrol, Dominica
Richie is a well-respected professional in the Commonwealth of Dominica. He serves as a multimedia journalist, formerly with the WICE QFM radio station. He now works as a freelance journalist with a strong interest in stories which focus on climate justice, the environment and its preservation, human interest stories, eco-friendly community-based programs, and environmental advocation. Richie has more than eight years of experience in the media industry, with certification from the Media Institute of the Caribbean and the International Center for Journalists. Richie is also a professional Drummer and Artist.
I am looking forward to increasing my understanding of climate justice and delivering stories which illustrate the need for attention to be placed on the Caribbean climate crisis.
Richie Ferrol
Stefanie Lauchman, Suriname
Stefanie is a young journalist, who started her career at the National Broadcaster (STVS). She also works as the communications manager for the Mulokot Foundation and is a passionate women’s rights activist and sexual and reproductive health rights & human rights. With climate change being one of the greatest threats to the human rights of especially vulnerable and underprivileged communities, Stefanie developed a keen interest in climate stories. A bubbly ambivert, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones and has a deep love for music.
I am really looking forward to growing my skills as a climate journalist by receiving the tools and capacity building to champion climate stories.
Stefanie Lauchman
Samuel Sukhnandan, Guyana
Samuel Sukhnandan is a Guyanese journalist, news editor, and anchor who has worked in broadcast, print, and online journalism for close to 13 years. During this time, he has covered several important beats, including politics, economics, and energy, among others. Sukhnandan also had stints working in two other Caribbean countries, namely St. Lucia and the BVI. He holds a diploma in creative writing from IGNOU and is a Thomson Reuters Foundation alumnus.
I am eager to learn more about climate reporting and look forward to networking with colleagues from the Caribbean region to understand the similar challenges we face and how to overcome them. But most importantly, reporting more effectively on climate justice so as to ensure representation, inclusion, and protection of the rights of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Samuel Sukhnandan
For me, climate justice is about recognising that there is no ‘black and white’ way of recognising how we are affected by the climate crisis. For us in Guyana and the Caribbean- small, developing states- we are obviously disproportionately impacted by the crisis because of our inherent vulnerabilities and our history of exploitation and underdevelopment.
Vishani Ragobeer
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