The UWI Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development (GICSRD) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Dr. John Charlery and Deputy Director, Dr. Evangeline Inniss-Springer. Their appointments took effect from June, 2023. 

Since its launch in October 2021, the Institute has established itself as a virtual hub that harnesses the expertise of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) on issues related to climate, resilience, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction for increased coordinated response, resource mobilization and impact. It seeks to advance this agenda through the coordination and provision of services, thought leadership and advocacy, for the Caribbean region’s implementation of Climate-Smart and resilient human development and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The GICSRD’s governance model is informed by simplicity and flexibility that facilitates agility, and its organisational structure consists of an Advisory Board, a Management Committee and Secretariat. The Management Committee is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of the GICSRD’s work programme, supported by a coordinating Secretariat. The position of Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director rotates following a two-year period. 

New Director, Dr. John Charlery is a self-described Meteorologist-turned-Computer-Scientist-turned-Climate-Change-Modeler and has dedicated his career to the areas of simulation and dynamic modeling. His primary interest has been in the identification and development of methodologies which address “smaller-scale” issues (e.g., tropical islands, watersheds, mesoscale interactions, etc.) within the global climate change processes and to focus on the development of best-fit methodologies for climate model downscaling for the Caribbean. 

New Deputy Director, Dr Evangeline Inniss-Springer is a Certified Emergency Manager and Certified Continuity Manager with over 25 years of experience in the disaster risk management having worked at the national, regional and international levels. She has a diverse background of knowledge and experience in capacity development, leadership and strategic planning, work programme development and project management, statistical analysis, logistics supply management, proposal development and grant writing, total quality management and process analysis. 

Professor John Agard served as the Institute’s inaugural director and was supported by Professor Michelle Mycoo, who served as Deputy Director. GICSRD extends its gratitude to Professor Agard and Professor Michelle Mycoo for their sterling contributions and continued support.