Our Team
Who are the ones making it all happen? Meet our amazing team.
Dr. Brewster is the Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Blue Economy Section, Ministry Environment and National Beautification. He possesses a Ph.D. in Integrated Coastal Zone Management from Cardiff University, Wales, U.K. With over 34 years of experience he is very familiar with the development of integrated coastal zone management plans and activities as well as rapid assessment techniques for coastal impacts . He has represented Barbados at international conventions in the areas of coastal management and climate change.
He was recently a Vice Chair of the IOC – UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOC-IOCARIBE) – 2021 – 23. He is currently the Barbados lead representative on several of the Commonwealth Secretariat Blue Charter Action Groups.
Dr Leo Brewster
Allison Wiggins boasts over two decades of seasoned expertise in development planning and coastal zone management. Commencing her career at the Town and Country Planning Department in Barbados, she ascended to Coastal Planner at the Coastal Zone Management Unit in 2005. Notable milestones include her pivotal role in crafting the National Physical Development Plan for the British Virgin Islands in 2007 and leading as Deputy Project Manager for the US$42 million Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme in 2012. With a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning, Allison is a Chartered Town Planner.
She further augments her qualifications with Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas in Law, alongside a Diploma in Theology. In her leisure, Allison indulges in extensive reading and embarks on hiking adventures, showcasing her multifaceted pursuits beyond her professional endeavors.
Allison Wiggins
From an early age, Richard has had a keen interest in the marine environment: swimming, snorkeling, and diving from as early as his parents would allow. This interest was the major factor in his decision to pursue a Master in Marine Biology (MMarBiol) from the University of Southampton (UK).
Yearning for the warm waters of home, Richard returned to Barbados to take up a position at the Coastal Zone Management Unit. There he gained invaluable professional experience, learning of the marine ecology as well as the policy and management regimes that exist in Barbados. With his experience with marine management, Marine Spatial Planning presents an opportunity to contribute to the conservation and management of the marine space he so loves.
Outside of the water, Richard enjoys running to stay in shape and relieve stress as well as reading to unwind.”
Richard Suckoo
Donna is an Environmental Education and Community Engagement Specialist who holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, and a certificate in Public Relations. Her extensive knowledge and experience over a thirty-year career in environmental stewardship, marine education, and sustainable living within national and international organizations, allows her to contribute valuable insights to the MSP process.
From 2002, she led the Government of Barbados’ Environmental Education Programme, and has been instrumental in the promotion and mainstreaming of environment and sustainable development into Barbados’ education system. Between 2018 and 2022, Donna was seconded to the United Nations and served as the National Coordinator for the Barbados PAGE programme, which resulted in the design, development and implementation of workstreams supported by UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, ILO and UNITAR, in collaboration with the Government of Barbados.
Donna King-Brathwaite
Research Officer at Barbados Marine Spatial Plan Unit. Combining 10 years of small business management with 7 years in education. Passionate about environmental conservation, aquaponics, and coastal geomorphology. Mentors youth in entrepreneurship and aims to develop a marine education framework. Bachelor’s in Geography, Diploma in Education. Enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, and football management.
Dwight Leach
Jehroum Wood is a seasoned Sustainability & Environmental Management professional with a keen focus on assessment and monitoring. Specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Planning Techniques, he excels in Socio-economic Monitoring and Natural Resource Management. With extensive experience in Environmental Research, Assessment, Monitoring, and Certification across the Caribbean, Jehroum prioritizes multi-stakeholder benefits, particularly at the community level. His work spans the Eastern Caribbean, providing him with a rich understanding of practical environmental management strategies, particularly in Small Island Developing States.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jehroum is dedicated to sharing Caribbean-specific environmental knowledge through outreach and education products. He also actively contributes to communication & capacity building initiatives, offering valuable training and education in environmental and natural resource management on various scales.
Jehroum Wood
Amber Blackman embarked on her communications journey in 2018 at the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, where she delved into the field’s intricacies. Transitioning to the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Smart Technology in 2020, she honed her skills in corporate and digital marketing communications.
Today, Amber serves as a communications officer for the Marine Spatial Plan Unit, where she passionately champions effective communication strategies. Committed to continuous learning, she is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University, furthering her expertise in the field. Amber’s enthusiasm and dedication shine through in her pursuit of professional growth, making her a valuable asset in any communications endeavor.
Amber Blackman
Ismail Desai, the newest member of the MSP team, serves as a GIS Technician. With a diverse educational and professional journey spanning business, engineering, and environmental studies, Ismail recently earned his license as a land surveyor in Barbados and is pursuing his second MSc in Geoinformatics. His expertise extends beyond cadastral surveying to GIS, photogrammetry, and hydrographic surveying, augmented by international training in France through the Erasmus Programme.
Ismail’s professional background includes roles in insurance, retail, transportation, engineering, and surveying sectors, both in the Government of Barbados and the private industry. Prior to joining MSP, he contributed to asset management at the Barbados Light and Power Company and conducted survey work at the Lands and Surveys Department. Outside of work, Ismail enjoys beekeeping as a hobby and actively participates in the Barbados Apiculture Association and various local NGOs.
Ismail Desai
Henderson Turton, a Chartered Accountant, brings over 17 years of expertise in Audit and Financial Services. His tenure includes 8 years with a ‘Big 4’ International Accounting Firm, followed by 5 years as an Accountant for a local Financial Services Institution in Barbados. In 2019, he transitioned to consultancy. Turton holds membership and Fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA – UK) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB). He earned a Bachelor of Sciences Honours Degree from the University of the West Indies [U.W.I.], majoring in Economics and Accounting.
Awarded the Gold Level International Award for Young People by Prince Edward – Earl of Wessex in 2011, Turton is also passionate about sports, particularly Taekwondo and Basketball. Embracing a new challenge, he eagerly contributes his accounting expertise to the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan team.
Henderson Turton
Charmaine St. Hill is a highly seasoned Executive Administrator with over a decade of experience, excelling in providing top-notch administrative support to management teams. With expertise in office management, event planning, and calendar coordination, she boasts a proven track record spanning various industries including retail, construction, and finance. Beginning her journey after completing office procedures studies with the Barbados Vocational Training Board, Charmaine’s innate abilities paved the way for a versatile career. Her comprehensive skill set, honed in human resources management and accounts, underpins her success.
Beyond her professional commitments, Charmaine is an avid crafter and art enthusiast, advocating “Quality over Quantity.” Seamlessly blending administrative prowess with artistic passion, she embodies excellence in her field. Her discreet handling of confidential information and unwavering dedication to superior customer service set her apart as an exemplary professional in executive administration.
Charmaine St. Hill
Renice, an accomplished Commonwealth Scholar, is a Communications and Sustainability Specialist with a distinction from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. She holds a Master of Laws in International Law and Sustainable Development, focusing on sustainability and climate change. Certified in sustainable tourism and branding, Renice’s expertise lies in tourism and environmental conservation. Notably, she has contributed to Barbados’ tourism sector’s strategic development at the Barbados Tourism Product Authority and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Renice is deeply involved in communication for conservation and sustainability projects, collaborating with local, regional, and international agencies to advocate for biodiversity and sustainable resource management. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded VisionaRE Communications Inc., directing sustainability communications. Currently, Renice serves as a Communications Consultant at the Marine Spatial Planning Unit, aligning her passion for sustainability with her professional endeavors.