Memorable Send Off for Long Serving Executive Director of the CCCCC

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The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) saluted its former long-serving Executive Director and pioneer of the Centre, Dr Kenrick Leslie in an appreciation ceremony. Dr Leslie retired earlier this year.

 

In a 90 minute virtual ceremony held on Wednesday November 25th, 2020, the veteran scientist was honoured with live tributes from Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Allan Chastanet; Ambassador Irwin La Roque, Secretary General of the CARICOM Secretariat; Ambassador Selwyn Hart of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC); Dr Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank; Mr Cletus Springer of the Organisation of American States, Dr Colin Young, current Executive Director of the Centre and several Board Members of the Centre, including Ms UnaMay Gordon, current Chairperson of the Board of Governors.

 

Among the many accolades Dr Leslie was credited for, are:

 

  1. Advancing the Climate Change agenda in the Caribbean through partnerships and collaborations;

 

  1. Building the capacity needed to addressing and mainstreaming Climate Change, into the day to day activities of both the private and public sectors;

 

  1. Supporting the development of a Master’s programme at the University of the West

 

Indies where some 90+ Students have gained the knowledge in the field of climate change and environmental studies;

 

  1. Establishing a network of hydro-meteorological and oceanographic stations throughout the Caribbean to monitor future climate and weather patterns, and most importantly leading the Centre to acquire an airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system, a vital piece of equipment used to gather accurate climate data;

 

 

 

2nd Floor, Lawrence Nicholas Building, P.O. Box 563, Ring Road, Belmopan, BELIZE Tel: (501)822-1104 or 1094, Fax: (501)822-1365, Website: www.caribbeanclimate.bz

 

  1. Developing a regional policy framework and a suite of tools to guide policy-makers in planning and developing long term climate change programmes. One such tool is the online facility, CCORAL, which allows policy makers to assess climate risks and better plan for mitigation;

 

  1. Increasing the Centre’s access to climate finance, in a relentless progression that has resulted in the leveraging of USD 260 million dollars; in particular, leading the Centre to be the first Caribbean entity to be accredited to the Green Climate Fund, the largest global funding mechanism, which has enhanced the region’s access to financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation actions;

 

  1. Advancing and strengthening the Centre’s institutional capacity by supporting the educational and professional development of its personnel

 

Not only were there live tributes, but a number of pre-recorded tributes flowed in from additional friends, well-wishers and associates of Dr Leslie. These included Ambassador Byron Blake, Professor Michael Taylor, Dr Ulric Trotz, Dr David Farrell, Dr Percival Cho, Ms Patricia Mendoza, and Mr Francesco La Camera.

 

The appreciation ceremony was attended by over 75 invited guests from around the world representing regional agencies, international agencies, development partners, national governments and the private sector.

 

During the ceremony, Dr Leslie also received a number of gifts including a sculpture of a pod of dolphins carved by Belizian sculptor, Mr. Raymundo Chi.

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