Professor Dale Webber has been appointed Jamaica’s first special envoy for climate change, environment, ocean and the blue economy.

Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Matthew Samuda made the announcement in a statement to Parliament on Tuesday.

Samuda indicated that Webber’s role reflects Jamaica’s commitment to addressing the global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable development.

As special envoy, Webber will engage in international dialogues and technical negotiations, ensuring that Jamaica’s interests remain at the forefront of global environmental policy and action.

Samuda urged bipartisan support for Webber’s appointment, noting its importance for Jamaica’s future resilience and sustainability.

He emphasised the importance of this appointment, citing the critical need for Jamaica to enhance its representation in international negotiations and agreements. “The challenges of our time – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution – demand high-level participation and collaboration on the global stage. This appointment signals Jamaica’s resolve to lead and act decisively in these areas”, he said.

Leader of opposition business in the House, Phillip Paulwell, welcomed the appointment of Webber and gave the Opposition’s commitment to supporting his mandate.

Webber, an esteemed marine biologist and climate change advocate, will serve as an ambassador in this capacity, reporting directly to the prime minister while working closely with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Holness commended Webber, who attended the sitting of Parliament, on his new assignment.

“He has done a great deal of work in the field of climate, and it was a very easy decision for me and the minister responsible for climate change to make the appointment. We are confident that he will represent Jamaica well in the many climate fora that are conveyed around the world and particularly at this time,” Holness said.

Professor Dale Webber, former Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus has had a distinguished career in Coastal Ecology and Environmental Management and a strong and consistent record of teaching, graduate supervision, administration and research excellence which spans 30 years of service with The UWI. Professor Webber currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Marine Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Technology at The UWI Mona.

Photo caption: Professor Dale Webber

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