CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTIONS UNDER PROMAR INITIATIVE
St. KITTS & NEVIS LAUNCHES NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON MARINE LITTER PREVENTION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTIONS UNDER PROMAR INITIATIVE
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector gathered at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) on 11th June 2025 for the launch of the project and a two-day national workshop focused on marine litter prevention, exploring strategies for reducing plastic pollution, promoting circular economy solutions and strengthening waste management systems.
The two-day workshop, which ends on 12th June, is a key component of the national dialogue under the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR), which is a regional initiative aimed at tackling the growing issue of marine litter, particularly plastic waste, in the Caribbean.
Mr. Richard Berner of adelphi, Germany, addresses workshop participants
Speaking at the Launch, Dr. Leighton Naraine, Research Manager at the CFBC and St. Kitts and Nevis PROMAR Project Lead, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated national action to address marine litter and plastic pollution.
Quoting statistics from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2020, he said “twenty-three (23) percent of waste generated in St. Kitts and Nevis is plastic waste, which is approximately 20 tons per day. Of this, 3, 675 tons are estimated to enter the marine environment each year.” According to these sobering statistics from the JICA 2020 report, St. Kitts and Nevis ranks among the highest waste producers per capita in the world.
He underscored the role of the CFBC as a technical partner in the PROMAR initiative, supporting research, education, and policy development.
L-R Mr. Richard Berner of adelphi, Ms. Taylor Clayton of PROMAR, UNEP Cartagena Convention, Dr. Leighton Naraine, St. Kitts and Nevis PROMAR Project Lead, Claudia Walwyn, Member of PROMAR Project Committee
Additionally, Mr. Eavin Parry, Senior Environment Officer in the Ministry of Environment, said that the project was conceptualized in 2021 and that he was pleased to see it being brought to fruition with the CFBC as the main implementing partner. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing marine litter and plastic pollution, aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals, while highlighting the importance of strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms to support effective waste management and marine protection.
Mr. Parry also stressed the need for inclusive dialogue and cooperation among government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to develop practical, community-driven solutions and acknowledged the role of regional partnerships and international support, particularly through the PROMAR project, in enhancing national capacity to combat marine pollution.
“This journey, spanning over four years, has reflected the very essence of partnerships, persistence and vision. From those early brainstorming sessions to regional planning meetings and now the roll-out of tangible activities within our federation, it is encouraging to witness how collaboration among local institutions, regional experts and international sponsors can bring to life an initiative that addresses a pressing environmental challenge—marine litter and plastic pollution,” Mr. Parry said.
Furthermore, Ms. Thema Ward, Senior Environmental Officer on Nevis, delivered remarks that focused on the importance of involving local communities in the fight against marine litter. She highlighted how plastic pollution affects marine life, noting the negative impact it has on sea turtles, among other species.
Ms. Ward also called for transboundary collaboration, noting that improper disposal of garbage in one island ends up in another island because of the ocean currents.
“I was amazed at how much garbage we can pick up from along our beaches (but) some of the garbage is not ours. I know our numbers are high, but we’ve managed to actually investigate where some of the garbage is coming from (and) it’s from our neighbours…we also have to have a conversation with our neighbours,” she said.
Also, Interim President of the CFBC, Dr. Moyia Rowtham, emphasized CFBC’s role as the national implementing partner in the PROMAR initiative, highlighting the college’s commitment to research, education, and capacity-building in environmental management.
“Our waters have long shaped the soul of this federation. They carried our ancestors, sustained industries and inspired our people. Yet today, they face mounting threats from plastic pollution, much of it originating on land,” Dr. Rowtham said.
She added that CFBC as the national implementing partner “brings to this task more than academic credibility—we bring institutional networks that span ministries, private enterprises, civil society and local communities. We bring capacity for convening, for coordinating and for translating policy into action. From stakeholder consultations and science-based activities to policy drafting and community action, the activities envisioned under this project speak to a vision of environmental stewardship that is evidence-based, encompassing and enduring.”
Moreover, Ms. Taylor Clayton, Regional Project Manager, PROMAR, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cartagena Convention Secretariat, delivered a presentation that focused on the regional and strategic dimensions of the PROMAR initiative. She emphasised the importance of regional collaboration among Caribbean nations to tackle marine litter and plastic pollution and highlighted PROMAR project’s goal of supporting countries in transitioning to a circular economy for plastics, reducing reliance on single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Clayton also outlined how the project provides technical assistance, policy guidance, and institutional strengthening to help countries meet their obligations under the Cartagena Convention and global environmental agreements.
Finally, Ms. Joyce Chang from the Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF) shared on partnerships for recycling using the example of the ICDF recycling project in St. Kitts and Nevis. She outlined that the recycling project has several objectives including establishing recycling models and mechanisms, improving garbage sorting and recycling efficiency and promoting public awareness and education on recycling and waste reduction—all of which are well aligned with the PROMAR project’s initiative. She noted that the project has already completed key milestones such as designing recycling bin types, surveying public recycling point locations and conducting educational outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Ms. Chang illustrated to workshop participants t-shirts made from recycled plastics.
The PROMAR project is led by adelphi, a leading German think tank and public policy consultancy focused on climate, environment, and development issues and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). The project is implemented through the United Nations Environment Programme’s Cartagena Convention Secretariat and in partnership with the St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Environment.
Workshop participants along with presenters and organizers
St. Kitts and Nevis is one of several countries participating in the project, alongside the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
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NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON MARINE LITTER PREVENTION
St. KITTS & NEVIS TO LAUNCH NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON MARINE LITTER PREVENTION AND PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT ON WEDNESDAY, 11TH JUNE 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts: As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, St. Kitts and Nevis will host a two-day national workshop focused on marine litter prevention and plastic waste management. The event will be held from Wednesday, 11th June to Thursday, 12th June 2025 at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) Poinciana Conference Room, located on Burdon Street, Basseterre.
The two-day workshop is a key component of the national dialogue under the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR), which is a regional initiative aimed at tackling the growing issue of marine litter, particularly plastic waste, in the Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis is one of several countries participating in the project, alongside the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The dialogue aims to bring together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to explore strategies for reducing plastic pollution, promoting circular economy solutions and strengthening waste management systems.
Workshop participants will engage in discussions on policy development, community engagement, and innovative solutions to address the growing challenge of marine litter in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The PROMAR project is led by adelphi, a leading German think tank and public policy consultancy focused on climate, environment, and development issues and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). The project is implemented through the United Nations Environment Programme’s Cartagena Convention Secretariat and in partnership with the St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Environment.
The CFBC has been selected as the technical partner for implementation of project activities. As part of this role, CFBC participates in planning workshops and consultancies across all major sectors in St. Kitts and Nevis, including the Ministries of Sustainable Development, Environment, Education, Tourism, Agriculture and Marine Resources, Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, National Security, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
For more information on PROMAR visit the website: www.promar.org
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Read MoreScholarship Informational
CFBC Press Release
Friday 30th May 2025| For Immediate Release
Multiple US-Canadian University Scholarships Informational
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Global Studies Associate Vice President Dr Randy Glean of Western Illinois University will host an informational programme at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College on the afternoon of Thursday 5th June, along with representatives of St. George’s University, Grenada, and University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Several other institutions will join virtually. The event is scheduled for 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Poinciana Conference Room of the Burdon Street Campus of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.
Other participating universities include the State University of New York in Brockport, Murray State University in Kentucky, Southeast Missouri State University, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. The eight universities have combined to offer very attractive scholarship packages for students at all levels of study. They have also partnered with the OAS to offer additional supplemental scholarships for student commencing studies in August 2025 and beyond. The general public is invited to come in for the short presentations, to ask questions, and to meet their representatives in person.
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Regards,
Read MoreSGA Election Results 2024-25
Edwards-Douglas and Penny Elected to Lead CFBC Student Government for 2025-2026
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Following a closely contested election held on 28th April 2025, Vikell Edwards-Douglas has been elected President and Kaylah Penny as Vice President of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
L-R: Kaylah Penny, Vikell Edwards-Douglas
President-elect Edwards-Douglas and Vice President-elect Penny have expressed their deep gratitude to the student body for its support and trust. They are eager to begin their term and are committed to representing the voices and interests of all CFBC students. Their leadership will focus on fostering a more inclusive, engaging, and empowering campus environment, with initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus by reigniting school pride, boosting student engagement, promoting academic excellence, enhancing communication, empowering student voices, supporting wellness, embracing innovation, and building strategic partnerships.
Edwards-Douglas and Penny ran on the B.E.T.S. platform (Building, Elevating, and Transforming for Our Students), inspired by the motto “Making CFBC Great Again: United We Rise.” They faced strong opposition from Yo’Nique Larocque, who vied for the vice presidency, and Tazia Williams, who campaigned for president under the V.O.I.C.E.S. banner (Vision, Open-mindedness, Inclusion, Change, Empowerment, and Support).
President-elect Edwards-Douglas is a first-year student pursuing an Associate Degree in Teacher Education within the Division of Teacher Education. Vice President-elect Penny, currently in her second year, is undertaking advanced studies in Economics in the Division of Arts, Science, and General Studies (ASGS).
President-elect Edwards-Douglas described the campaign and election journey as a deeply rewarding experience.
“It was an opportunity for students to actively engage in shaping the future of CFBC,” said Edwards-Douglas. “We are grateful to everyone who participated, supported and cast their vote.”
He added: “Student government matters because it gives us the students a platform to lead, influence policies and address the real needs of the student body. It fosters accountability, representation, and growth, not just for the elected body but for the entire student population. We are the bridge between students and administration, and we are here to ensure no voice goes unheard.”
The President of the SGA serves for one year on the CFBC Board of Governors.
Read MoreAUTHORS’ FORUM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL 2025
SEVERAL AUTHORS TO PRESENT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES ON TOPICAL ISSUES AT CFBC’s 5th AUTHORS’ FORUM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Several authors are set to present unique and inspiring perspectives on a number of topical issues when the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) hosts its fifth edition of Authors’ Forum “In Celebration of Books” on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 at 5:00 pm in the Poinciana Conference Room at the college’s main campus on Burdon Street, Basseterre.
The national auspicious literary event is being held in commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated worldwide on 23rd April.
The event will feature a dynamic group of authors, including Jihan Williams Knight, Mirjam Schmalz, Denise E. Caesar, and Dr. Ricardo Neil.
Building on her extensive experience, Ms. Jihan Williams-Knight, an author, attorney, and social advocate from St. Kitts and Nevis, has dedicated the past two decades to empowering young people and women through creative arts and civic engagement. She currently serves as the Registrar of the Intellectual Property Office, where she crafts policies on copyright, patents, innovation, and trademark protection.
After losing her son at 26 weeks of pregnancy, she turned to writing for emotional healing and launched her self-published book, “Lifting the Weight of Miscarriage,” on what would have been his first birthday. The book, praised as “unputdownable” and “brave,” offers insights to help others navigate pregnancy loss with compassion and healing.
Additionally, Dr. Mirjam Schmalz, an independent sociolinguist, completed her PhD in English linguistics in 2021 at the University of Zurich, focusing on language attitudes in St. Kitts. In 2024, she began advising the mayor of Friedrichshafen, Germany, on social and educational topics. Her research interests include World Englishes, non-standard varieties, language attitudes, culture, and identity, with studies spanning St. Kitts, Northern England, and Switzerland. She co-edited volumes on World Englishes and serves as adjunct editor for the Caribbean section of the “Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of World Englishes,” while also publishing extensively on language attitudes and education.
Furthermore, Denise E. Caesar, a Kittitian by birth, is the author of “Making Married Life Easy” and “Quiet Strength.” She works as a Sales Account Executive at Cable & Wireless Business. Denise holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wales and a Master of Business Psychology from the University of South Wales. An internationally certified Christian coach, she owns Customizesmile gift baskets and Customize Coaching and Mentoring Services (CCMS). Passionate about helping others find their purpose, Denise is a motivational speaker and poetic writer. She enjoys nature, spending time on the beach or among trees, and values her private time for prayer, reading, writing, and being with family and close friends.
Finally, Dr. Ricardo R. Neil, the Goodwill Ambassador for Science and Technology for St. Kitts and Nevis, is the Founder of the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association. He is a Senior Lecturer at CFBC, specializing in Information Technology and Applied Sciences, and holds advanced degrees from Oxford University, MICO University, and AIU. Dr. Neil conducts research across several Caribbean countries and has authored several books, including “The Modern Voice of Artificial Intelligence: Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Goal Using Artificial Intelligence (AI).” His research focuses on robotics, humanoid technology, and artificial intelligence.
The fifth edition of the Authors’ Forum at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College promises to be an enriching and inspiring event. With the diverse lineup of distinguished authors sharing their unique perspectives on topical issues, attendees will undoubtedly leave with a deeper appreciation for the power of literature and its ability to foster understanding and change.
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ADMISSIONS NOW OPEN
CFBC ADMISSIONS NOW OPEN FROM 1st APRIL TO 31st JULY 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Admissions for the 2025-2026 academic year at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) are now open from 1st April to 31st July 2025.
The regular application fee is $35.00 XCD. The application form is accessible via the College’s website at cfbc.edu.kn .
For general inquiries, persons should contact the Office of the Registrar—Admissions at admissons@cfbc.edu.kn or call 869-465-2856 ext. 1147.
Read MoreCFBC TO HOST FIFTH IN CELEBRATION OF BOOKS
CFBC TO HOST FIFTH IN CELEBRATION OF BOOKS: AN AUTHORS’ FORUM ON WEDNESDAY, 23rd APRIL 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts: The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) is set to host its fifth Authors’ Forum “In Celebration of Books” on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 at 5:00 pm in the Poinciana Conference Room at the college’s main campus on Burdon Street, Basseterre.
The national auspicious literary event will feature local published authors and is in commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated worldwide on 23rd April.
World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books – a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. On this occasion, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain, through its own initiatives, the impetus of the Day’s celebrations.
23rd April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books.
As the sole indigenous tertiary-level institution in St. Kitts and Nevis, dedicated to delivering comprehensive academic, professional, and vocational education and training, the CFBC promotes the appreciation of books and the joy of reading and writing.
The CFBC invites the public to this important forum where they can learn more about our local authors and engage them in stimulating discussion.
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