Earth Today | Local journalist gains global recognition for development work

INDI MCLYMONT-LAFAYETTE has been on the grind for years, using her communications expertise and journalistic practice to fulfil her role as changemaker, for climate justice and sustainable development.

That she is also a mother, wife and good friend to many across continents has never been an impediment to getting that work done. Now, close to 30 years on, she is to be recognised in Ghana on June 13, following her nomination for the Prestigious Personalities Award (PPA) 2026 – International Honours Class.

Conferred by Feleb Concepts Multimedia under its globally respected awards platform, it places her in an elite group of leaders, innovators and changemakers whose work has had impact across sectors. 

This award, following several others over the years, hits different for McLymont-Lafayette, a former regional director for community, media and environment with Panos Caribbean. It is one, she said, for the other Caribbean women who have been working diligently, albeit quietly and without accolades, in service to community and for environmental sustainability.

“At a regional civil society organisation conference recently, I saw some other women who have been doing the work for years, sometimes without recognition. We should continue to honour and celebrate each other; and let’s keep going, so that the next generation has a safer space to be,” she noted.

“The biggest satisfaction comes from the impact you see, both on the ground and at the policy level. I am happy and honoured … and thankful to Dr Onika Campbell-Rowe who nominated me; and all my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me over the years,” she told The Gleaner.

Campbell-Rowe, herself a PPA recipient, had high praise for Mclymont-Lafayette.

“She has not only served as a respected advocate for ethical and impactful journalism, she has invested tremendously in mentoring and developing young journalists and communicators,” she noted.

“She was among the guiding forces who helped shape my own journey in journalism by recommending and supporting me for professional training workshops and opportunities that strengthened my expertise in the field. Her work has inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence, integrity, and purpose within the profession,” Campbell-Rowe added.

The honour comes as part of the Lifetime Achievement category, which celebrates individuals with more than 15 years of distinguished service and measurable influence in their respective fields. 

McLymont-Lafayette has built a distinguished career for herself, working across the Caribbean and internationally on climate change and the environment, but also gender and social inclusion, HIV/AIDS awareness, and child rights advocacy. Among her accolades is the Jamaica’s Voices for Climate Change Education project, which she led and which was named a 2011 United Nations communications best practice case study.

Now managing director of CHANGE Communications Limited, she continues to provide strategic communications support to regional and international development initiatives, including projects with the Caribbean Development Bank and the European Union.

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