Caymanian students Aleigha General, Reon Porter, and Bella Rooney will be heading to Egypt to represent the Cayman Islands at the youth sessions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP27.
The trio was selected by the National Trust, which announced their names in a post on its official Facebook page this week, to attend the youth events at the conference which will see world leaders meet to discuss climate change-related issues.
Catherine Childs, environmental programmes manager at the National Trust, said in an emailed comment to the Cayman Compass on 3 Nov., that the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) gave the Trust two student passes for the first week and one for the second at the global event, which begins 7 Nov.
General and Rooney will attend 7-11 Nov. while Porter will be there from 14-18 Nov.
“Deciding who to bring to the COP27 climate conference in Egypt was very difficult because we had many amazing applicants, but these three really stood out. They are each leaders in their own way, passionate about making the world a better place, and eager to use their knowledge and commitment in helping the Cayman Islands meet future challenges,” Childs said.
She added, “I think that one of Cayman’s most valuable natural resources is its young people. I am blown away by the calibre of these students and proud that they will be representing us as youth delegates at this important international conference”.
Premier Wayne Panton, in a virtual meeting held by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, spoke with the trio ahead of their trip.
In a post on his Facebook page, he congratulated the three delegates and wished them the best of luck.
“I am confident that these bright, young Caymanians will do a phenomenal job of representing the people of our Islands, but in particular the youth of our country as ambassadors for the Cayman Islands on the global stage. Our youth are standing up for their futures, for the world they want to be a part of, and for the legacy they want older generations to leave for them. The cost of doing nothing is their future,” he said.
Panton added that he looks forward to hearing the ideas and insights the trio brings home from their experiences at COP27.
Frank Roulstone, executive director of the National Trust added his commendations in an emailed comment to the Compass.
“I am so proud to have these young persons represent our country at this global conference. In fact, all of the applicants represented the very best of Cayman’s young adults and made the decision-making extremely difficult. I appreciate the support of our private sector partners who have made this experience possible and I know Aleigha, Reon and Bella will do a fine job of representing the Cayman Islands,” Roulstone said.
About the delegates
General is a student at the University of West London in the United Kingdom, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international relations and sociology.
She received the inaugural Compass journalism scholarship and has been a guest columnist for this publication, tackling issues such as the housing crisis and sexual harassment.
Porter, 20, is a Cayman Islands Youth Ambassador, past CARICOM Ambassador, certified Youth Counsellor, and a member of the National Youth Commission.
He has already completed his associate of science in engineering and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science with flight, with a minor in sustainably and communications at the Florida Institute of Technology. He is Florida Tech’s first black, Caribbean and Caymanian chief justice of the student body and chair of the disciplinary committee.
Rooney earned a bachelor of science honours degree in zoology from the University of Exeter. She was born and raised in the Cayman Islands.
She started her own podcast/radio show called ‘Protecting Paradise’ on environmental issues in the Cayman Islands and is also the operations manager of Plastic Free Cayman.
Melanie Carmichael, the National Trust Council chairperson, said it is essential that Cayman as a nation builds resilience to the climate crisis.
“The [National Trust Cayman Islands] is fortunate to be able to attend this global event and grateful to have such passionate and incredibly talented Caymanians to represent and inspire us. There is a lot on the agenda as world leaders try to agree on ways to protect the health of our planet, and Reon, Bella and Aleigha are ready to meet the challenges and be heard.
“Galvanizing these voices for action is very inspiring and in their words, it really is a ‘dream come true’ for them to participate. With the knowledge gained, we hope they will inspire change to adapt and chart a safe course for the future,” she added.
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