Climate Justice

On June 14th, the National Coordinator of CYEN in Barbados, Ms. Shannon Weekes, attended a celebratory dinner in honour of feminist activists and allies in support of Climate Justice in Barbados. The event acknowledged the incredible contributions made by feminist leaders who have been at the forefront of the climate justice movement and other transformative agendas. Attendees included Leisa Perch- Managing Director of SAEDI Consulting Barbados Inc, Joyelle Clarke- Co-lead for the Caribbean MLA for Feminist Activists and Climate Justice and Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ayesha Constable- Co-lead for the Caribbean MLA for Feminist Activists and Climate Justice, Latanya Mapp Frett- President and CEO of Global Fund for Women, members of the Global Fund for Women board as well as representatives from UN Women.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recently coordinated a series of climate change workshops through the 2023 National Summer Camp Programme. During the period of August 22nd-25th 2023, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) in Barbados facilitated six (6) 1-hour sessions at the following camp locations: • Shirley Chisholm Primary School, Christ Church • St. Ambrose Primary School, St. Michael • St. George Primary School, St. George • Lawarence T. Gay Primary School, St. Michael • Lodge Road Wesleyan Holiness Church, Christ Church • St. Catherine’s Primary School, St. Philip The climate change workshops were facilitated by the following CYEN representatives: National Coordinator in Barbados, Ms. Shannon Weekes, Finance Officer, Mr. Jabari Jones, Administrative and Logistics Offi cer, Ms. Jahdae Parris and member, Ms. Xinara Bascombe. The six (6) climate change workshops brought together 87 students between the ages of 7 and 11 who were educated on Climate Change and the 3R’s and also encouraged to enter the Recycled Art Showcase Competition.

The CYEN Chapter in Barbados had an exhibition at Agrofest 2023 from February 24th- 26th. CYEN primarily uses this event to gather data, raise funds and raise awareness. This year’s exhibition was focused on raising awareness about the SOILCARE programme, the UN Sustainable Development Goals especially goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land) and the importance of soil. In addition, data was collected from Barbadian youth on soils.

On January 15th, 2023 CYEN in Barbados hosted its Climate Justice 5K Walk-Run entitled “Walk Fuh Yuh Future.” The opening remarks were given by the National Coordinator, Ms. Shannon Weekes while the featured address was made by the Honorable Colin. E. Jordan- The Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector. The event was attended by 100+ participants and 80 volunteers. Some of the participants included Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Barbados, Mr. Ciro Ciliberto, staff from Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited and PwC East Caribbean as well as students of the Harrison College Environmental Club. CYEN expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited and PwC East Caribbean, companies and persons who donated to the event, the participants and the volunteers. Without your support, the event would not have been a success.