Caribbean News
Greater Enthusiasm for Environmental Protection encouraged by Climate Change Summit Speaker, Bermuda’s Hon Walter Roban
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
#Bermuda, April 26, 2022 – Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs of Bermuda, Walter Roban, is urging island states, especially British Oversea Territories, to devote the same enthusiasm they have crafting development proposals and opportunities for international investors to environmental investment and protection internally and internationally.
In giving his remarks at the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first Climate Change Conference, on April 22, in celebration of Earth Day, the Deputy Premier highlighted the effects and impacts of climate change on small islands such as Bermuda and the TCI, noting that small island states and other developing nations are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change, and this is something that cannot be underestimated. As a result, he said we (island states) must have robust regulatory frameworks, particularly for environmental protection.
“Bermuda has done a lot of work on that and is happy to share that further with the TCI and other islands. We’ve had environmental protection since the 1600s, so we have a history of it, and we have been, even in the last couple of decades, doing a lot to enhance legislative protections and also enforcement,” said Minister Roban.
Roban also encouraged that it is important for island states to ensure that they have robust regulatory frameworks around the energy sector as well and island states should seek outside investments in this sector.
“We must also look to encourage outside investments in the green technologies, solar, wind, ocean technologies and have a coordinated strategic approach to climate change around these technologies and to effectively device and implement dynamic overarching plans that will mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change,” said Roban.
As a result of the work that Bermuda has done over the years where climate change is concerned, the country was able to secure funding from the United Kingdom government to conduct an exhaustive climate study that will undertake a vulnerability assessment of Bermuda’s major infrastructure, such as its airport, ports, public highways, electricity generation, subterranean, utility and communications framework, waste and energy plant and swage management systems.
The study, Roban explained, will be about the impact of climate change on the island of Bermuda. He further explained that the study is expected to make predictions with the projection timeline for best and worse climate case scenarios for the short, medium, and long term. When completed, it will allow Bermuda to project how the areas conducted in the study will impact the country for 50 to 100 years.
Minister Roban emphasised that these are the sort of projections that island states need to have and understand to be able to contemplate their decision making and encouraged small island states in the region to conduct studies like these, even if it requires them to work together to do so.
“Small island states in the region, if you are unable to pursue these studies individually, you can jointly support such studies together. These are one of the ways that we can work together instead of taking on the full investment of those exhaustive studies on our own, and we can create a pool of resources that will allow us to benefit from the results of those studies,” explained the Deputy Premier.
He said island states should share these studies so others can benefit.
“We must share the outcomes of these studies with each other because whatever Bermuda learns about what’s happening in Bermuda can benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and others,” said Roban.
Roban also encouraged island states to take advantage of other opportunities that exist that afford a study of their territories.
“I also encourage you to benefit from academia; academia is often keen to come into our territory and work with us to complete these studies and sometimes they’ll do it themselves without any financial commitment because it is a part of building their own resource base,” said the Deputy Premier.
He added that: “academia, international organizations, and research institutions are out there who want to work with us to study and do these studies, pursue, investigate, and invite them in on terms that are mutually beneficial to you.”
The Home Affairs Minister also noted that it is important for island states to become strong voices in the campaign for climate action and “become our own advocate in the fight for climate change. We as overseas territories must work together.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
-
Caribbean News2 days agoHaitian Pushback Halts Controversial Constitution Rewrite — What’s Next?
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News1 week agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News4 days agoPAY STANDOFF: Prime Minister Cancels Talks as Unions Warn of More Protests
-
TCI News3 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Government Invites Proposals for Affordable Housing Development
-
TCI News1 week agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
TCI News3 days agoButch’s Island Chophouse Leads Beaches Turks & Caicos’ $150M Treasure Beach Expansion
-
TCI News3 days agoOvercrowding at Grand Turk Prison Now 30% Above Capacity, NSC Warns