The Caribbean Waste Not Want Not Initiative (WNWNI) was officially launched on Thursday, May 27^th, 2021 via Zoom broadcast. The webinar structured lunchtime panel launch featured presentations from UWI researchers and an entrepreneur whose Trinidad-based business is focused on educating about waste reduction and recycling.

Delivering the Opening Remarks, The UWI Cave Hill Campus’ Deputy Principal – Professor Winston Moore, highlighted the importance of this very timely initiative, and provided details on how the campus utilized solar photovoltaic systems to reduce its monthly energy cost by over $100,000.00 for one of its buildings. This, in addition to other renewable energy initiatives, have been at the center of The UWI’s drive to a greener environment as the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change.

To give an overview of the WNWNI, Dr. Kirk Douglas – Director, Centre for Biosecurity Studies explained the goals and objectives of the project and outlined how the research will be undertaken. Noting that he envisions CBS as the knowledge-hub for academic data surrounding the biosecurity threats presented by poor waste management across the Caribbean, Dr. Douglas used the opportunity to welcome local and regional partners and collaborators to join the WNWN initiative.

Attendees to the virtual session were also treated to insightful presentations from Dr. Legena Henry, Lecturer – Department of Computer Science, Mathematics & Physics, The UWI – Cave Hill campus; Dr. Nikolai Holder, Lecturer – Department of Biological & Chemical Sciences, The UWI – Cave Hill campus; and Ms. Sian Young, Founder/Owner, Siel Environmental Services Inc, Trinidad & Tobago.

We welcome you to enjoy the recorded footage of the launch event to learn more about this latest research initiative of the Centre for Biosecurity Studies, and how waste is currently being used to fuel vehicles and laboratory equipment. 



Should you be interested in learning more about the Caribbean Waste Not Want Not Initiative, please email kirk.douglas@cavehill.uwi.edu or biosecurity@cavehill.uwi.edu.