RIHANNA FUNDS UWI’S PIONEERING EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS

The UWI and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) joined forces to pioneer a two-year, community-driven Early Warning System (EWS) in the Caribbean. Launched in late 2024 and led by Dr Gabrielle Thongs, the project deploys real-time cameras and an app to monitor riverine flooding, empowering rural communities in Trinidad & Tobago with cutting- edge tools for flood prediction. More than a technological leap, this initiative is a training ground for the next generation of Caribbean climate leaders.

Students from The UWI’s Department of Geography will gain hands-on experience in research and EWS implementation, working alongside local disaster agencies and applying their skills to real-world emergencies. CLF’s Krystle Francis highlighted the project’s commitment to community-led solutions, reflecting the foundation’s ethos of resilience through local expertise.

Building on a previous partnership that mapped regional resilience projects, this latest venture cements The UWI and CLF’s shared vision: translating scientific research into sustainable, business-creating solutions tailored by, and for, the Caribbean. With this collaboration, the region is one step closer to a future where local knowledge, technology, and innovation converge to outsmart climate threats.