Jamaica appoints special envoy for climate change and related matters

The Government of Jamaica has appointed Professor Dale Webber as the country's first special envoy for climate change, the environment, matters of the ocean and the blue economy.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, in making the announcement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, said Professor Webber will hold the title of ambassador while serving in the role.

He said the need for the role arose from the significant demands being placed on all nations in the multilateral arena to participate in fora that focus on climate change, environment and ocean agreements, as well as for evaluation and implementation of existing agreements, treaties and numerous technical negotiations.

"The increasing demand for high-level participation in not just political negotiations, but also technical meetings means that for Jamaica to maintain its powerful voice in these spaces, we must increase our capacity to contribute significantly," Samuda said.

He noted that Webber is well known as a former principal of the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and has an exemplary career as a marine biologist, conservationist and climate change advocate.

His academic specialisation in coastal and environmental management, coupled with his distinguished contributions to academia and public service, makes him exceptionally qualified for this post, Samuda continued.

He advised that Webber will report directly to the prime minister, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to represent Jamaica's interests on the global stage.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.