By Kisean Joseph
“It’s a real honour,” said Devon Warner, Chairman of the Barbuda Council, when asked about his forthcoming participation in a global online conference.
The Virtual Island Summit – taking place from September 9-13 – is specifically crafted to bring together people from islands across the globe and tackle the distinct difficulties that island communities encounter.
It serves as a platform for islanders and enthusiasts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and introduce innovative solutions to pressing island-related concerns, including but not limited to climate change, global warming, blue economy, and a wide array of issues that are particularly pertinent to small island developing states.
Warner expressed, “Barbuda has a story, a story that I think has not been told, especially since [Hurricane] Irma with regards to certain developments that are taking place in Barbuda, the involvement of the Barbudan people, what Barbudans consider to be the worst case scenario with regards to disaster capitalism.
“I understand it’s just half an hour, but … I think it’s a half an hour that can be well utilised putting the Barbuda issue out there with regards to climate change effects in Barbuda, the financial changes that have taken place in Barbuda, what Barbudans have benefited,” Warner said.
He added, “It came via invitation, one that we had no hesitation to accept because we realised this is a golden opportunity, to highlight all these things that would have happened over the last six to seven years.”
Warner is one of 16 speakers currently scheduled to speak. Others include Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands government, Miles Mercera, CEO of the Bonaire Tourism Board, and Dr Paubert Mahatante, Madagascar’s Minister of Fishery and Blue Economy.
Visit www.islandinnovation.co/events/virtual-island-summit for more information.
