Regional Internship Programme 2019 1 2 Benefits of the CCRIF SPC - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Regional Internship Programme 2019

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Benefits For Interns: Young Caribbean Professionals and Students

• Promote academic, career and/or personal

development

• Provide experiential learning thereby

ensuring that interns gain vital skills and experience that they will be able to use throughout their professional career

• Expose interns to the work being

undertaken in the region in the areas of disaster risk management, climate change and risk transfer

Benefits For Regional Organizations

• Provide temporary employees with special

and new/cutting-edge skills and knowledge

• Assist with the organizations’ work towards

achieving their targets.

Benefits of the CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme

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CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme 2019

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Intern Home Countries

• Saint Lucia
• Jamaica (3)
• Trinidad and Tobago (4)
• Guyana
• Barbados (4)
• Grenada
• St. Vincent and the

Grenadines

• Dominica (2)
• Antigua and Barbuda

Host Organizations

• ACS
• Barbados DEM
• CIMH
• CDEMA
• CMO
• CRFM
• TTMS
• UWI CERMES
• UWI CMS/DBML
• UWI Geography (STA)
• UWI SRC (at MVO)

18 interns placed CCRIF Investment 2019 - US$55,000

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Work done by CCRIF Interns - 2019

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Impact Assessment of Climate Change on the Sandy Shorelines of the Caribbean Barbados CDM Country Work Programme Implementation Re-organisation of the static GIS layers on the Caribbean Dewetra Platform Model comparisons on rainfall estimates Numerical Weather Prediction Verification Project Caribbean Risk Information System (CRIS) platform Review of the Earthquake and Volcanic Hazard Annex to the Regional Coordination Plan Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Project Study on Ocean Acidification Improving Disaster Preparedness and Risk Management for fisheries Economic valuation of fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure Assessing cooling degree-days in Trinidad and Tobago and impact

• n energy demand

Examining the costs of the October 2018 flood in Trinidad and Tobago Mangrove Forest Baseline Studies for Conservation and Rehabilitation An assessment of linkages between climate change and poverty in the fisheries sector Characterization of future atmospheric and

• ceanic conditions over

the Atlantic Main Development Region Examine role that quarries and land use change plays in the transport of water through streams Volcanic Hazard Assessment of Soufrière Hills Volcano

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Some Comments from Host Organizations

community 18 I The intern brought fresh perspectives. So we learnt from each other, and it made for a richer experience for all. The internship programme provides an opportunity for recent graduates to apply some of the knowledge from their studies, while allowing them to network with technical persons and policy makers in the region. It also helps them better appreciate the challenges facing the region, based on “hands-on” experience. – Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Increased productivity at the Meteorological Services Division at no extra labour cost increased the Meteorological Services Division’s ability to undertake value-added projects which might not have otherwise been done, given the current staffing situation; Enabled the division to develop practical and effective solutions that can feed into key socio- economic development questions and adaptation plans; brought innovative perspectives as well as specialized strength and skill sets that were different from the status quo and made a real contribution that advanced the Division’s work programme. This programme is helping with closing the gap among regional graduates by providing them with real-world experience and at the same time developing future work employees in being ready to hit the ground running when they start working. – Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Economic valuation of fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure

Daniel Perriera – CRFM Conducted research to obtain values for average assets owned By fishermen, value of a fishing day and value of built infrastructure

Interviewing fisherman,

• Mr. Kenrick Nanton

Benefits to Intern: I was pushed to exercise new research skills and work with large datasets. Additionally, it exposed me to the nature of the research process, and called for interpersonal skills and professional communication. In those opportunities I believe I felt significant development which will stay with me throughout my career. The experience pf living and working away from home also provided an opportunity for

• growth. I was exposed to a new culture, and through

field work, got to travel around the island.

Link to intern video

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Project: Research on Ocean Acidification

Makeba Felix – CRFM Created a background paper on ocean acidification

Benefits to Intern: This topic aligned with my current interests. As an aspiring environmentalist, my main focus is on the preservation of the marine environment and by studying this issue, I have been made aware of the minimal research that has been done in the

• Caribbean. This internship has steered me into a

more specific path as it relates to my academic prospects.

Link to intern video At the Ninth CFRM Ministerial Meeting

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Improving Disaster Preparedness and Risk Management

Zinzi Horne – CRFM Customized a Disaster Preparedness and Risk Management Plan for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which considered natural and manmade hazards.

Benefits to Intern: This task was very valuable to my future professional and academic pursuits as I aspire to work in the field of Natural Hazards and Disaster Management and therefore pursue a master’s degree in same. It gave me the opportunity to experience working in the field, to which I want to dedicate my life’s work, and interface with some individuals currently engaged in disaster risk management in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The most rewarding part of the internship was being able to dialogue with the fisherfolk and other stakeholders who this project sought to aid.

Link to intern video Interviewing fisherman Mr. Jeremiah Young

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Assessing the variations and trends of cooling degree-days in Trinidad and Tobago and impact on energy demand

Matthew Williams – TTMS Co-authored paper, “Assessing the Variations and Trends of Cooling Degree-Days in Trinidad and Tobago and Its Impact

• n Energy Demand” with

Kenneth Kerr from TTMS

Benefits to Intern: Professionally, I believe the internship has afforded me improvement in my inter- personal communication in a work setting; essentially a head-start in honing my ability to share my ideas concisely and accurately.

Matthew with other CCRIF intern Kimara Dyer (left) along with trainees (right) from the Trinidad and Tobago On-The-Job Training Programme

Link to intern video

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Examining the costs of the October 2018 flood in Trinidad and Tobago

Kimara Dyer – TTMS Conducted research to provide a realistic estimate of the economic loss and damage caused by the October 2018 flood event in Trinidad and Tobago based on based on 4 main impact categories: residential and commercial properties, residential and commercial motor vehicles, utilities (water and electricity) and agriculture.

Benefits to Intern: The project had a tremendous influence on my personal goal of becoming a climate

• advocate. The level of loss and damage

experienced by the nationals of Trinidad and Tobago shows the importance of taking action to become resilient against climate related events such as the October 2018 great flood event.

Link to intern video With Supervisor Kenneth Kerr

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More Comments from Host Organizations

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• Mr. Pope has contributed significantly to our ongoing implementation of the Dewetra 2.0 Platform at the
• CIMH. Due to the volume and complexity of the existing data, considerable effort is required to complete

the migration task. However, Mr. Pope’s contribution to this initiative has been quite significant and

• positive. We are now much closer to our target as a result.– Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and

Hydrology Kerron helped in the area of disaster risk reduction by assisting us with work on an ACS-Panama memorandum of understanding as well as with relief efforts for Bahamas after being struck by Hurricane

• Dorian. – Association of Caribbean States

The intern produced a report that is critical to the implementation of the WMO Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration Project in the Eastern Caribbean. Her presentation of the second part of her internship has already received commendation for its usefulness from the National Hurricane Centre focal point on the Sever Weather Forecast Demonstration Project – Caribbean Meteorological Organization The intern benefited the organization in the progress of the CCRIF funded project that was assigned to

• him. He was willing to share ideas based on previous experiences. – Department of Geography, UWI
• St. Augustine

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Project: Re-organisation of the static GIS layers currently published on the Caribbean Dewetra Platform

Deston Pope – CIMH Thematic categorization of data layers on the public Dewetra site, collection of data for risk analysis and using SAR data for mapping flooded areas and sargassum encroachment.

Benefits to Intern: This internship provided me with ample experience in the field of GIS and the multitude ways it could be applied to solving various issues whether it be large

• r small scale. It also added versatility to my GIS

arsenal as it allowed me to access various applications and data sources needed to perform research and analysis in disaster management as well as other fields. The most crucial takeaway from the internship is that it has assisted me in deciding what path I want to take in my academic and professional future.

Link to intern video Processing of SAR images for flood detection

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Project: Analysis of Weather Models

Nkosi Mounter-Taitt – CIMH Conducted analysis, comparison and verification of the CIMH Advance Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model as well as NOAA’s experimental Caribbean version

• f the High Resolution Rapid Refresh

(HRRR) model in an effort to determine their viability for use in the Caribbean Region.

Benefits to Intern: This internship has further expanded my knowledge meteorological applications and through interactions with advisors and colleagues has encouraged me to continue to improve myself and expand knowledge through continued research in the field. The most rewarding part of my internship was the experience obtained as well being able to apply the knowledge learned during my time as a student.

Link to intern video Analyzing model output image to record rainfall forecast data for specified locations.

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Numerical Weather Prediction Verification

Johnathan Pryce – CIMH Created a python script that allowed for images to be re-created from the WRF- NMM model to produce images for variables based on the squall line event that affected Barbados and St. Vincent

• n 29 September 2019 to verify the

CIMH WRF-NMM model against

• bservations.

Benefits to Intern: This internship has given me an introduction into one of the more important aspects of my degree, being numerical weather prediction. I also gained some of the skills and knowledge in programming (Python language) which is beneficial to have in my pursuit of a M.Sc. degree (either in Tropical Meteorology or Climatology) and it is a highly sought after skill to have in these fields.

Link to intern video Making a presentation to CIMH staff on the methodology

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Project: Examine role that quarries and land use change plays in the transport of water through streams

Akil Crichlow – Dept. of Geography, UWI St. Augustine Engaged in field data collection (soil, stream and rainfall water samples and soil coring), laboratory analyses, data entry and computation to inform research project.

Benefits to Intern: It enhanced my practical and analytical skills as a potential future researcher in Environmental

• Management. This allowed me to gain

independence and problem-solving skills in the lab and facilitated the transfer of my undergraduate lab

• experience. From a professional perspective, these

practical experiences allowed the development of my time management, critical thinking, organization and team work abilities whilst allowing me to take initiative when conducting the individual tasks.

Link to intern video Soil testing in the lab

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Project: Impact Assessment of Climate Change on the Sandy Shorelines of the Caribbean

Worked on project aimed at improving management of coastal erosion, reducing the vulnerability

• f the region’s coasts, and

enhancing social resilience to climate change.

Benefits to Intern: Working in a multicultural and multilingual environment has encouraged me to improve my proficiency in Spanish and as a Project management Professional (PMP) the internship gave me a chance to flex my “project management muscles”. Since then, I have enrolled in a Risk Management course administered by the Inter-American Development Bank.

Link to intern video Meeting with colleagues to discuss the Netherlands component of the Sandy Shorelines Project

Kerron Hamblin – ACS

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Project: Severe Weather Forecast Demonstration

Richéda Speede – CMO Identifying the needs of each CMO Member State on severe weather and identifying case examples to guide the development of standard operating procedures for RFSF- Martinique and RSMC-Miami during the hurricane season.

Benefits to Intern: Introduction into a field new to me was very rewarding as it allowed me to gain new perspectives and to integrate new knowledge into knowledge I already had. Most importantly, I gained a new appreciation for the field of meteorology and its applications to environmental management. As an aspiring resource manager, these kinds of experiences are necessary for a more holistic approach to management.

Link to intern video Interviewing one of the forecasters at MétéoFrance in Martinique

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Characterization of future atmospheric and oceanic conditions over the Atlantic Main Development Region

Abigail Jones – UWI Climate Studies Group Mona Examined the different parameters (vertical wind shear, sea surface temperature) in relation to the phases of ENSO. My contribution to the climate studies group was the recognition that Saharan dust may be a major control on cyclone development especially when coupled with ENSO phases.

Benefits to Intern: Personally, my skills of networking have improved because of the different scientists that I met on a daily basis. Their years of experience have not seemed to dull their passion for climate science. These amazing individuals continue to inspire me even now that the internship has ended.

Link to intern video Certificate presentation “A Destiny

• f Geography” workshop

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

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Project: Review of the Earthquake and Volcanic Hazard Annex to the Regional Coordination Plan

Aria Laidlow – CDEMA Updated the standard operating procedures of the Regional Coordination Centre (RCC); worked as

• perations officer and administration
• fficer in the aftermath of Hurricane

Dorian’s damage to The Bahamas.

Benefits to Intern: My internship at CDEMA has really laid the foundation in my future pursuits of working professionally in or alongside a regional organization as a climate change consultant. Having a greater understanding as to the organizational workings and seeing firsthand relationships with various stakeholders were extremely invaluable. This experience has also built my capacity in working in a professional team setting.

Link to intern video Aria (L) with other CCRIF intern Jamella Chesney

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Project: Phase 2 of the Caribbean Risk Information System (CRIS) platform

Jamella Chesney – CDEMA Provided communication, visibility and public awareness support; worked as Information Officer in communication cell after Dorian impacted The Bahamas.

Benefits to Intern: Interning at CDEMA opened my eyes to the importance of multiculturalism and public-private sector and civil society partnerships. I had the

• pportunity to participate in real world experience

and put into practice my graduate training in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. I look forward to applying the new skill set that I have gained to my professional career as a climate scientist.

Link to intern video With supervisor Clive Murray analyzing a situation report

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More Comments from Host Organizations

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Davitia was able to integrate well and get into the work programme very quickly. The development of the lahar modelling layer is an important contribution to the hazard and risk programme here at The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre – Montserrat Volcano Observatory. We are currently in the process of updating our hazard map and lahar is one of the important hazard layers to be

• included. Furthermore she rose to the challenge of developing a new skillset in order

to undertake the stakeholder consultation. – Montserrat Volcano Observatory (through UWI Seismic Research Centre) Aja gained knowledge on critical issues affecting small island developing states and assisted the Department with researching the connection between fisheries, poverty and climate change in three Caribbean countries for a FAO project. – UWI Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies

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Project: An assessment of existing linkages between climate change and poverty in the fisheries sector

Aja Melville – UWI CERMES Research on the linkages between poverty and climate change in the fisheries sector in Barbados, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Benefits to Intern: Although the task addressed one specific sector, it highlighted the role human activity has in increasing

• r reducing a country’s vulnerability to the impacts
• f climate change. The most rewarding part of this

internship experience is that I was assigned a task that focused on current issues faced by Caribbean countries.

Link to intern video

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Project: Mangrove Forest Baseline Studies for Conservation and Rehabilitation

The internship consisted of both fieldwork and desktop studies which were primarily aimed at the conservation and rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems in Jamaica. Produced publication, “The Land Use Change of Wetlands in St Ann Jamaica”. The internship also contributed to quality education, as DBML are heavily centered on education and outreach to the community

• n marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Benefits to Intern: Moving forward I aspire to become a climate specialist in the Caribbean community and the JAMIN program has taught me the importance of education, awareness, and outreach to my

• endeavours. As now I believe it is only through the

youth, we can expect to see real change in the Caribbean.

Link to intern video Mangrove monitoring

Rasheed Pinder – UWI CMS Discovery Bay Marine Lab

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

Benefits to Intern: I was happy to have the hands-on opportunity to plan and support a key consultation session, giving me the

• pportunity to contribute to Barbados’ disaster

management plan for the next four years. This experience opened my eyes to the non-theoretical aspects of disaster management and the importance of stakeholder involvement in this process.

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Project: Implementation & Documentation of the Barbados CDM Country Work Programme 2019/23

Coordinated a stakeholder Sensitisation and Consultation Session on Barbados’ CDM Country Work Programme 2019/23; mapping of critical infrastructure in Barbados in a project titled Strengthening Capacities of Early Warning and Response for Tsunamis and Other Coastal Hazards in the Caribbean; support to National Emergency Operation Centre after Hurricane Dorian. Jamala Alexander – Barbados Department of Emergency Management

Preparing for Hurricane Dorian Link to intern video

CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme - 2019

Benefits to Intern: I truly appreciate the chance to take ownership

• f a small, relevant project. The experience has

boosted my confidence as an early career

• scientist. I had opportunities to improve public

speaking and science communication skills through community outreach events, stakeholder engagement and presentations.

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Project: Micro-zonation project to highlight hazard levels within the exclusion zone of Soufrière Hills Volcano

Used the LaharZ programme to model the areas around the Soufrière Hills Volcano that would be affected by lahars

• f different volumes. The outputs will be

incorporated into the ongoing volcanic hazard assessment activities at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Davitia James – Montserrat Volcano Observatory (UWI Seismic Research Centre)

Soufiere Volcano Link to intern video

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“Any young professional interested in gaining more experience in the field

• f disaster risk reduction should

consider the CCRIF Regional Internship Programme.” CCRIF SPC Regional Internship Programme www.ccrif.org/content/regional-internship-programme