Our Youths’ Voices on Climate Change and Public Health!
The 2025 Virtual National Youth Forum featured secondary school students from across Trinidad and Tobago's eight educational districts, along with a distinguished panel of Climate Change Advocates who gave their views on:
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Youth climate action initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago
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Mental health in a changing climate
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Changing attitudes towards Climate change and Public Health
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Influencing political will about Climate change and public health: What can be done?
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Our education system and Climate Change: Bridging the gaps
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The home, school, and community: Taking charge of Climate Change and Public Health
The Forum featured video presentations from:
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CTS College Private Secondary School
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Naparima Boys' College
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Naparima Girls' High School
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Signal Hill Secondary School
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St. Francois Girls' College
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Toco Secondary School
We also had an engaging discussion on climate change, climate action, and youth activism!
Opening Ceremony
Session Chair
Dr Dave Cassie
Assistant Professor & Director of Research, Contracts & Grants, University of the Southern Caribbean; Chair of Marketing & Promotion, National Youth Forum NHRC2025 Sub-Committees
Welcome Remarks
Dr Marsha Ivey
Lecturer and Associate Dean, The University of the West Indies; Chair, 2025 NHRC Inter-Institution Planning Committee
Greetings
Dr Mark Dookeran
Chief Public Health Inspector (Ag), Ministry of Health
Dr Matthew Desaine
Education Medical Officer, Ministry of Education
Session 1
Video 1
Youth Climate Action Initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago
CTS College Private Secondary School
• Mariana Bissoon
• Nayyara Baksh
• Adalia Diaz
Coordinating Teacher:
Ms Britney Soodarsan
Video 2
Mental Health in a Changing Climate
Naparima Girls' High School (Eco-Activists Club)
• Angelia Ramjit
• Megan Nandlal
• Kayla Sookram
• Liliana Gildhary
• Samia Chickurie
Coordinating Teacher:
Mrs Sarsha Lall-Soobrattee
Video 3
Green Together: Youth Uniting Home, School, and Community for Climate Action
Signal Hill Secondary School
• Bree Powder
• Achellé Melville
• William Ruiz
Coordinating Teachers:
Mrs Jenelle Moore
Mrs Patrice Trotman- Steede
Session 2
Session Chair
Dr Lydia Campbell-George
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing Education, University of the Southern Caribbean
Video 4
Caribbean News Network - Climate Edition
St. Francois Girls' College
• Emma Abdulla
• Nasira Luqman
• Nasiha Luqman
• Makena Ferreira
Coordinating Teacher:
Ms Maxine Ferreira
Video 5
Mental Health in a Changing Climate
Naparima Boys' College (Science Club)
• Josh Hansraj
• Caleb Fortune
• Jaswanth Pinnika
• Yuvraj Roopnarine
• Reginald Mohammed
Coordinating Teacher:
Ms Hema Jaggernauth
Video 6
Changing Attitudes toward Climate Change and Health
Toco Secondary School
• Britany Nicholson
• Tyra Williams
• Jo-Shauna Purcell
• Isaiah Edwards
Coordinating Teacher:
Ms L. Ramsoomair
Live Panel Discussion
“Our Climate, Our Health, Our Future, Youth-Led”
Moderator
Mr Kalain Hosein
Climate Scientist, Communicator & Journalist
Panelist
Mr Ryan Bachoo
Journalist, Author & Storyteller
Panelist
Ms Samantha Rampersad
Trinidad & Tobago CARICOM Youth Ambassador
Closing & Thank You
Vote of Thanks
Dr Samantha Glasgow
Assistant Professor, University of Trinidad and Tobago; Co-Chair, 2025 NHRC Inter-Institution Planning Committee
About Our Expert Live Panel
Ryan Bachoo is a Trinidad and Tobago journalist, writer, and storyteller whose work spans television, radio, and print. With 15 years in the media industry, he has established himself as a trusted and dynamic voice in Caribbean journalism. Known for his sharp interviews, narrative depth, and commitment to truth, Bachoo has covered major national and regional events — from political shifts and natural disasters to sports milestones and human-interest stories that reflect the pulse of the nation.
Currently serving as Lead Editor – Newsgathering at CNC3 Television, Bachoo guides editorial coverage with a focus on accuracy, balance, and storytelling that connects deeply with audiences. His work demonstrates a rare ability to blend investigative rigor with emotional resonance, giving a platform to stories often left untold.
Beyond journalism, Bachoo is the author of An Unending Search, a reflective and thought-provoking West Indian fiction exploring purpose, faith, and the human condition. Through it, he delves into the spiritual and existential questions that shape modern life, mirroring the curiosity and introspection that define his journalistic style.
Bachoo’s writing and reporting have earned him recognition for both integrity and impact. Whether anchoring a breaking story or documenting moments of cultural significance, he remains dedicated to the craft of storytelling that informs, challenges, and inspires. His career continues to reflect a deep belief in journalism as both a public service and a lifelong search for truth.
Samantha Rampersad is a dedicated youth leader and advocate from Trinidad and Tobago, committed to advancing gender equality, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across the Caribbean and beyond. She currently serves as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Advisor on the UNFPA Youth Advisory Group of Trinidad and Tobago, and a UNAOC Young Peacebuilder for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Rampersad is the Founder and President of 'United by Diversity' and the Vice President of the Trinidad Youth Council, where she works to strengthen youth representation, leadership, and civic participation. Through these platforms, she promotes advocacy on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and intercultural dialogue for social cohesion.
She has represented Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean at several high-level international forums, including the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum, the UNAOC Global Forum, the ICPD30 Global Youth Dialogue, and the SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit. Her work continues to amplify the voices of young people in regional and global policy discussions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rampersad holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies and Political Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at The University of the West Indies. Guided by her personal mantra, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” she remains steadfast in her mission to inspire and empower youth to become agents of peace, progress, and transformation within their communities.
Kalain Hosein is a multi-award-winning climate scientist, journalist, and communicator from Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Master of Arts in Climate and Society, specializing in Disaster Risk Reduction, from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from Texas A&M University. Hosein is the founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center and served as the Lead Meteorologist and Weather Anchor at Guardian Media Limited for over five years, where he led comprehensive coverage of weather, climate, and environmental events across multiple media platforms.
Currently, he works as a Climate Change Consultant and has been a Climate Change Fellow at Earth Journalism Network, producing impactful stories that connect environmental science with public understanding. Hosein has reported on major weather events and international climate conferences, including COP27 and COP28, and has moderated high-level panels on climate and disaster risk reduction.
He was also actively engaged with the UN Global Stocktake process through Climate Analytics Caribbean, contributing to regional climate resilience efforts. His expertise spans disaster risk management, climate adaptation, data-driven storytelling, and strategic communication to safeguard communities and influence environmental policy.