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#BuildBackBetterCaribbean
By UNIC CaribbeanSociety & Culture
#BuildBackBetterCaribbean episodes
- Model UN Trinidad and Tobago: nurturing the future of Caribbean advocacy and leadership
For the past 25 years, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain has hosted the Model United Nations programme in Trinidad and Tobago – a simulation and role-playing exercise that engages secondary school students across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
This annual, youth-focused development and education programme provides an opportunity for hundreds of students to learn about the work of the United Nations and understand the value of diplomacy and debate in addressing the world’s most complex issues.
On this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, UNIC Caribbean explores the Model UN programme from the perspective of those responsible for its design anddelivery. Our conversation with Head Trainer for the 2025 Model UN exercise, Raisa Belcon and Senior Trainer Tekel Archer, reveals how their intentional and innovative approach to the programme continues to nurture successive generations of Caribbean advocates and leaders.
24 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep1 S5 - Partners in development: the WFP in the Caribbean
Why do United Nations agencies and offices have a presence in the Caribbean and how are they working
to support governments, partners and populations advance toward the SustainableDevelopment Goals?In the case of the World Food Programme (WFP), this story of an office for the Caribbean which is located in
the Caribbean, provides us with insight into the nuanced considerations that motivate and underpin a decision to establish a UN presence, including the overarching importance of understanding the regional context, building strong relationships and adding value so that the Programme’s capacities are applied where they are most needed.In this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, WFP Caribbean Communications Advisor
Daphne Ewing Chow talks with WFP Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman about how the Programme has used its expertise in emergency responsemanagement, logistics, and systems-building to successfully support a region dealing with high levels of indebtedness, inequality, poverty, and foodinsecurity, as well as vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change.18 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep1 S4 - The right to non-violence: celebrating Caribbean feminism
In the first #BuildBackBetterCaribbean episode for 2023, the UNIC celebrates International Women’s Day 2023 in collaboration once again with the UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies Lunchtime Seminar Series, with a conversation about the evolution of the Caribbean feminist identity in service of the journey to affirming non-violence as a non-negotiable 'default' in Caribbean societies.
This intergenerational discussion takes place between two award-winning Caribbean feminist activists: Jacqueline Burgess of Trinidad and Tobago, a human rights defender for over 30 years and current coordinator of the Network of NGOs of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women, and Ronelle King of Barbados, founder of the viral cyber-feminist movement #lifeinleggings and grassroots organization Life In Leggings: Caribbean Alliance Against Gender-based Violence.
This insightful conversation exploring the current state and stages of the Caribbean societies’ journey towards non-violence was recorded live on 29 March 2023, at the UNIC’s studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
51 min - #BuildBackbetterCaribbean Ep2 S3 - Breaking the Bias for an equitable and sustainable Caribbean
For 60 years, the United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area (UNIC) has been informing regional audiences about the United Nations and its work, and about how United Nations campaigns, tools, and spaces are being deployed to advance the Caribbean development experience.
In this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, the UNIC celebrated International Women's Day 2022 with a discussion focused on the legacy and contribution of Caribbean feminist activism to “breaking the bias” and advancing gender equality.
Our guests Dr. Leith Dunn, Honorary Research Fellow and former Head of the Mona Unit of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, and Chanelle Beatrice, Outreach and Communications Officer of Feminitt Caribbean, explored the connection between the UN’s advocacy on gender and human rights, and the work of Caribbean activists and academics to advance regional feminism.
This dynamic conversation was hosted in collaboration with the UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies Lunchtime Seminar Series and was recorded live on 31 March 2022, at the UNIC's studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
22 min - #BuildBackbetterCaribbean Ep1 S3 - The McNeil family project: a model for harnessing the power of family and ancestry
For 60 years, the United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area (UNIC) has been informing regional audiences about the United Nations and its work, and about how United Nations campaigns, tools, and spaces are being deployed to advance the Caribbean development experience.
In this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, as the UNIC continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, we share the story of the descendants of Norman McNeil, who have embarked on a family project to honour the legacy of resilience and accomplishment of their ancestor. Supported by the frameworks offered by the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, this family has mobilized their experience into instruments of learning and confidence-building for the wider community of people of African descent. Their story also contributes to deeper understanding of the experience of people of African descent, including their contribution to and place within, the wider Tobagonian society.
This conversation with Sonja Dumas, Ryan Allard and Mervyn Oneil, three of Norman McNeil’s great-great-grandchildren, was recorded in September 2021, amidst the family’s excitement about celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Norman McNeil.
For more information about the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, including how to get involved, please visit the campaign’s website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/decade-people-african-descent
https://www.un.org/en/observances/decade-people-african-descent/get-involved15 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep3 S2 - The Achievement Learning Centre: turning stigma into support for a disability-inclusive society in Dominica
On the ‘Nature Island’ of Dominica, advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities is a 24/7 responsibility – made more challenging by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Achievement Learning Centre answers this call tirelessly; working to ensure young people with disabilities have access to education, and their needs included in the design of the education system in Dominica.On this episode, Beverly Le Blanc, Director and Ivy Yorke, Disabilities Programme Officer, talk about this organization’s commitment to supporting youth with disabilities to become full participants in their communities, through access to opportunities that respond to their requirements.Despite difficult circumstances, the Achievement Learning Centre story is one of successfully using the uncertainty of pandemic reality to facilitate much-needed support and collaboration from their stakeholders – pushing the Centre closer to its vision of a more inclusive Dominica for persons with disabilities.About the #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast series
Living with COVID-19 is about adopting behavioural changes, adapting to social disruption, and absorbing the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s our brave new normal of survival. Prevailing over the pandemic will mean applying its lessons to not only recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Caribbean civil society - already in the business of social transformation – is still leading the struggle to protect human rights, improve lives and fortify communities, but now in a changed, post-COVID context: one that demands urgent, direct action to overcome the impact of the pandemic but that also presents opportunities to rebuild better and move faster towards the #Caribbeanfuturewewant.
The United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area wanted to hear directly from civil society organisations (CSOs) about their own experiences supporting clients through the global pandemic emergency, and how they perceive their roles in the rebuilding that must follow. Also, how the Sustainable Development Goal framework is supporting this reconstruction of lives and livelihoods to achieve an inclusive, peaceful, sustainable development vision.
The #BuildbackbetterCaribbean podcast series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, captures CSO insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the SDG toolbox to construct a brighter, more durable and resilient Caribbean future.
14 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep 2 S 2 - Carnicycle: Carnival vibes for climate action and environmental protection
This Tobago-birthed social enterprise uses the positive messaging and mechanisms of Carnival culture to encourage action around climate change and the environment.
Carnicycle CEO Danii Mccletchie talks to Lindy-Ann Edwards-Alleyne about the organisation’s ongoing initiatives, which continue during the 'pandemic pause', to infuse sustainability into the design approach and processes for Caribbean Carnival costumes, parties, and the festival itself. This includes the use of recyclable and upcycled materials, and circular economic thinking emphasizing environmental sustainability.This episode was recorded in June 2021 as the Caribbean continued its management of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included the cancellation of several Caribbean Carnival celebrations throughout 2020.For more information, check the following websites:UNDP Green Innovation Challenge https://www.tt.undp.org/content/trini...Carnicycle https://www.carnicycle.com/About the #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast series
Living with COVID-19 is about adopting behavioural changes, adapting to social disruption, and absorbing the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s our brave new normal of survival. Prevailing over the pandemic will mean applying its lessons to not only recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Caribbean civil society - already in the business of social transformation – is still leading the struggle to protect human rights, improve lives and fortify communities, but now in a changed, post-COVID context: one that demands urgent, direct action to overcome the impact of the pandemic but that also presents opportunities to rebuild better and move faster towards the #Caribbeanfuturewewant.
The United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area wanted to hear directly from civil society organisations (CSOs) about their own experiences supporting clients through the global pandemic emergency, and how they perceive their roles in the rebuilding that must follow. Also, how the Sustainable Development Goal framework is supporting this reconstruction of lives and livelihoods to achieve an inclusive, peaceful, sustainable development vision.
The #BuildbackbetterCaribbean podcast series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, captures CSO insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the SDG toolbox to construct a brighter, more durable and resilient Caribbean future.
23 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep 1 S 2 - The MindWise model: supporting sustainable pandemic recovery through mental health resilience
The MindWise Project is a collective of health advocates increasing public accessibility to mental health resources in Trinidad and Tobago, while working to build a “digital eco-system of knowledge sharing,” driven by mental health professionals and supporting agencies.
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Maria O’Brien, MindWise’s Director of Digital Development, talked to Lindy-Ann Edwards-Alleyne about the organisation’s content curation model that has sustainability built into its design.This interview was recorded in May 2021, during Mental Health Awareness Month.For more information check out these links: https://www.mindwisett.org/https://www.findcarett.com/About the #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast series
Living with COVID-19 is about adopting behavioural changes, adapting to social disruption, and absorbing the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s our brave new normal of survival. Prevailing over the pandemic will mean applying its lessons to not only recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient.Caribbean civil society - already in the business of social transformation – is still leading the struggle to protect human rights, improve lives and fortify communities, but now in a changed, post-COVID context: one that demands urgent, direct action to overcome the impact of the pandemic but that also presents opportunities to rebuild better and move faster towards the #Caribbeanfuturewewant.The United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area wanted to hear directly from civil society organisations (CSOs) about their own experiences supporting clients through the global pandemic emergency, and how they perceive their roles in the rebuilding that must follow. Also, how the Sustainable Development Goal framework is supporting this reconstruction of lives and livelihoods to achieve an inclusive, peaceful, sustainable development vision.The #BuildbackbetterCaribbean podcast series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, captures CSO insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the SDG toolbox to construct a brighter, more durable and resilient Caribbean future.26 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep 4 - Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville, Tobago
On this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, we are in Tobago to chat with Aljoscha Wothke, Executive Director of Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville - one of the civil society organisations whose work has contributed to the recent designation of North-East Tobago as the largest UNESCO Man and the Biosphere site in the English-speaking #Caribbean.
About the #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast series
Living with COVID-19 is about adopting behavioural changes, adapting to social disruption, and absorbing the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s our brave new normal of survival. Prevailing over the pandemic will mean applying its lessons to not only recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient.Caribbean civil society - already in the business of social transformation – is still leading the struggle to protect human rights, improve lives and fortify communities, but now in a changed, post-COVID context: one that demands urgent, direct action to overcome the impact of the pandemic but that also presents opportunities to rebuild better and move faster towards the #Caribbeanfuturewewant.The United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area wanted to hear directly from civil society organisations (CSOs) about their own experiences supporting clients through the global pandemic emergency, and how they perceive their roles in the rebuilding that must follow. Also, how the Sustainable Development Goal framework is supporting this reconstruction of lives and livelihoods to achieve an inclusive, peaceful, sustainable development vision.The #BuildbackbetterCaribbean podcast series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, captures CSO insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the SDG toolbox to construct a brighter, more durable and resilient Caribbean future.12 min - #BuildBackBetterCaribbean Ep 3 - Let's talk about waste with SIEL Environmental
What would you do if the garbage truck stopped coming and you had to keep all your #garbage at home?
On this episode of #BuildBackBetterCaribbean, waste educator and social entrepreneur Sian Cuffy-Young, is talking about waste. Sian has been using her social enterprise platform – SIEL Environmental Limited - to transform the way we think and act toward waste. A fundamental aspect of her work has been encouraging deeper understanding of where #WasteManagement fits into the conversation, and the dire consequences that may occur if it is ignored.About the #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast series Living with COVID-19 is about adopting behavioural changes, adapting to social disruption, and absorbing the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s our brave new normal of survival. Prevailing over the pandemic will mean applying its lessons to not only recover but to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Caribbean civil society - already in the business of social transformation – is still leading the struggle to protect human rights, improve lives and fortify communities, but now in a changed, post-COVID context: one that demands urgent, direct action to overcome the impact of the pandemic but that also presents opportunities to rebuild better and move faster towards the #Caribbeanfuturewewant.The United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area wanted to hear directly from civil society organisations (CSOs) about their own experiences supporting clients through the global pandemic emergency, and how they perceive their roles in the rebuilding that must follow. Also, how the Sustainable Development Goal framework is supporting this reconstruction of lives and livelihoods to achieve an inclusive, peaceful, sustainable development vision.The #BuildbackbetterCaribbean podcast series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, captures CSO insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the SDG toolbox to construct a brighter, more durable and resilient Caribbean future.11 min
About #BuildBackBetterCaribbean
From the publisher's feed
The #BuildBackBetterCaribbean podcast is produced and presented by the United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean Area.
It is a series of conversations on the post-COVID Caribbean, that captures civil society insights on their pandemic experience and their stories of recovery and rebuilding as they draw on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals toolbox to construct a more resilient Caribbean future.