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Presenters

Speakers

Presenters

Nikolai Allamani

Coastal Dynamics Ltd., Trinidad and Tobago

Nikolai Allamani brings four years of experience in stakeholder engagement, project support, and environmental management. He holds a BSc in Biology with specializations in Marine Biology and Environmental Biology & Ecology from the University of the West Indies and has demonstrated a strong commitment to natural sciences and environmental sustainability throughout his academic and professional career.

Passionate about bridging the gap between science and stakeholders, Nikolai integrates his expertise in social and biological sciences with field surveying and drone technology. His initial interest in drone photography evolved into a key tool for enhancing stakeholder communication and providing comprehensive environmental assessments. As an Environmental Scientist in the Social Department, he applies his skills in UAV mapping, data collection, and impact analysis to support diverse environmental initiatives.

His recent work includes a mangrove restoration project in Jamaica, where he conducted flora assessments, below-ground carbon stock evaluations, UAV mapping, and tidal and meteorological data collection. Additionally, he has contributed to several livelihood restoration projects, including a fisherfolk income study related to the offshore oil and gas sector and surveys supporting the development of Trinidad’s largest ongoing solar farm project.

Nikolai’s holistic approach ensures that scientific data is effectively communicated to the communities and stakeholders that projects impact, reinforcing sustainable decision-making and environmental conservation.

Shawn Boyce

Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), Barbados

Mr. Shawn Boyce heads the Centre for Water Resources, Hydrology, Geoscience and Earth Observation Applications at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) where he is employed as the Chief Hydrologist.

He joined the CIMH in 2006 following the completion of a post graduate degree in Sustainable Management of the Water Environment from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom from where he graduated with distinction. Mr. Boyce also holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of the West Indies and worked in Barbados as a civil engineer for three years prior to joining the CIMH.

Mr. Boyce’s primary roles at the CIMH include

  • the management of the hydrology training programme,
  • implementation of research and development activities, projects and programmes and
  • execution of business development interests.

He also supports the development and maintenance of impact-based forecasting workflows and the commissioning of early warning systems for use by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. Other interests include surface and groundwater modelling and earth observation applications. 

Mr. Andre Clarke

Clarke Surveys Inc and Windward Geospatial, Barbados

Andre Clarke is a Registered Professional Land Surveyor with over 20 years of experience in the field. He holds formal qualifications in Geoinformatics, Management, and Information Technology, blending technical expertise with strong leadership skills. A proud member of the Barbados Land Surveyors Association, Andre's professional land surveying career began in public service, where he spent 19 years advancing through various roles, from Graduate Surveyor to Senior Surveyor in the Lands and Surveys Department. This journey has provided him with a deep understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of surveying. 

As the Principal of his firm, Andre is responsible for overseeing field operations of the surveying crew and ensuring the successful execution of client projects. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, precision, and innovative approach - including proficient use of GNSS and adoption of reality capture through UAS, he is committed to delivering high-quality results. Outside of his professional life, Andre has a passion for Geography, Cartography, art, and information technology, interests that continuously inspire his work. 

Ms. Britney McDonald

Ecoshores Sustainable Futures Network, Antigua and Barbuda

Britney McDonald is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with extensive experience in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. She has worked across the Caribbean, Americas, Europe, and Asia, engaging with governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to implement climate adaptation strategies, financing mechanisms, and conservation initiatives inclusive of disaster risk resilience in infrastructure planning and tourism.

As the Portfolio Manager for EcoShores, Britney oversees the EcoShores Group, which includes EcoShores Expeditions, the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network, and incorporates the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Fund. EcoShores Expeditions focuses on immersive ecotourism, utilizing drones for citizen science initiatives to monitor wildlife, wetlands, and coastal landscapes across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network amplifies community-led conservation efforts through media, advocacy, and capacity-building, ensuring grassroots organizations can implement international frameworks locally. Her expertise spans feasibility studies, risk assessments, roadmaps, and action plans for sustainable financing and conservation initiatives, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a focus on blue-green infrastructure resilience.

Her work in the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) integrates technology, such as drone-based activities, to enhance conservation outcomes, track biodiversity, and strengthen environmental management. Through these efforts, she contributes to building resilience in coastal and marine ecosystems while fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods within local communities.

Britney holds a Bachelor's in International Relations from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. She is a certified PMP through the Project Management Institute. Her recent work includes serving as a National Consultant for Sustainable Financing for the Conservation Trust Fund in St. Kitts and Nevis, further advancing sustainable funding solutions for environmental protection in the Caribbean.

Mr. Milton Saunders

National Land Agency, Jamaica

Milton Saunders has been the Manager of the Mapping Services Branch at the National Land Agency (NLA) for over 15 years. He has extensive experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) having held various roles in the field throughout his career. As the Manager of the Mapping Services Branch, he oversees multiple units responsible for key geospatial functions, including GIS Analysis, Cartography, and Photogrammetry. Under his leadership, the NLA has successfully transitioned to using unmanned aerial systems, significantly enhancing efficiency across multiple Agency Divisions.

Mr. Saunders holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography and a Master's degree in Computer-Based Management Information Systems, both from the University of the West Indies, Mona. He also possesses a Diploma in Geography Education. Driven by a love for technology and Geography, Mr. Saunders integrates insights from both disciplines into his work. He continually positions himself and his team to leverage the latest industry technologies to improve their performance.

Dr. Steve Schill

The Nature Conservancy, Utah, USA

Steve Schill is the Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy's Caribbean Division. His first drone was built in 2014 and was basically a flying Tupperware container with a GoPro. He spends most of his time working on protecting coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests and is always on the lookout for new technology that can help us better map and model these important coastal habitats. 

Steve received his doctorate in Geography from the University of South Carolina and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Brigham Young University’s Department of Geography where he teaches courses in drone mapping and image classification. 

Ms. Michelle St. Clair

Windward Geospatial, Barbados

Michelle St. Clair, Registered Professional Land Surveyor, possesses 19 years of experience, augmented by postgraduate qualifications from the University of Edinburgh and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Currently a Land Surveyor in the Lands and Surveys Department, she has played a key role in numerous successful surveying projects.

Ms. St. Clair actively participates in regional geospatial initiatives, including CARIGEO, and engages with the global community through the UN-GGIM, advocating for Small Island Developing States and the need for greater innovation and collaboration. As Secretary of the Barbados Land Surveyors Association, she contributes to the organization's strategic direction.

Ms. St. Clair's intellectual depth and empathetic approach distinguish her work, establishing her as a respected figure in land surveying and geospatial information management.

Mr. Chaplin Williams

National Land Agency, Jamaica

Chaplin Williams is the Supervisor of Topographic Data Management at the National Land Agency (NLA). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Management at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Chaplin was an Erasmus Mundus Scholar from 2016 to 2018, during which he earned a Master's degree in Geospatial Technologies from the University of Nova, Lisbon (Portugal), Jaime I University, Castellon (Spain), and the University of Münster (WWU – Germany). He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Technology, Jamaica, obtained in 2005. 

Chaplin is highly family-oriented, having been married for 18 years with three children. As a passionate leader, he strives to maximise relationships and leverage the skills of his staff at the National Land Agency.

His research interests include: Drone Technology and Remote Sensing, with applications to improving the built environment; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); 3D Cadastre and Land Titling; Data Analysis with R; Urban and Regional Planning; and Cartography and Photogrammetry.