BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados-based Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) says it has appointed Dr Mohammad Rafik Nagdee as its new executive director effective August 6, 2024.

He succeeds Jamaican Dr Gary Jackson, who served in the position from October 2018 until 2023.

Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders at their summit in 2015 endorsed the establishment of the CCREEE with Barbados offering to host the centre in Bridgetown.

CCREEE, which serves as the implementation hub for sustainable energy activities and projects within the region, said Dr Nagdee, a Barbadian, emerged as the successful candidate during a rigorous three-stage recruitment process that was initiated in December 2023.

“Dr Nagdee has a wealth of experience and a proven track record in climate change diplomacy, strategic planning, and the mobilisation of resources toward environmental sustainability and energy security in the Caribbean.”

CCREEE said that he previously served as the head of the Nature, Climate, and Energy Programme at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) multi-country office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and that during his tenure, he successfully led the development and channelling of new resources for sustainable development projects and initiatives in the region.

“With a PhD in Natural Resource Management from the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Dr Nagdee also brings a robust academic foundation to his new role. His background includes extensive involvement with global environmental funds, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF),” the CCREEE said in a statement.

“His appointment comes at a crucial time for The CCREEE as we strive to improve our region’s energy security and its resilience to the climate crisis,” said Dr James Fletcher, CCREEE chairman.

“His impressive track record in resource mobilisation, his experience in strategic project coordination, and his ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships assure us that The CCREEE’s leadership is in capable hands,” he added.