MEET OUR TEAM!

Benise N. Joseph is a Senior Programme Associate at the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI) with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub (MRV Hub). Benise provides support to the execution of the MRV Hub’s technical activities and management functions.

Benise is a Saint Lucian with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Camagüey, Cuba. She received her master’s degree in renewable energy- electrical power systems from Curtin University, Australia, and an advanced training and research certificate in environmental science from United Nations University, Geothermal Training Program, Iceland. She has several years of experience as a senior energy officer of the Government of Saint Lucia, with involvement in many climate change and mitigation projects. She has represented the Government at many forums and meetings both nationally and internationally. She previously worked as an educator in the subjects of physics and mathematics. Benise is a member of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) roster of experts and has previously participated in reviews of Biennial Update Reports (BURs).

In addition, Benise is a trained CPR Instructor and holds a certificate in post-disaster needs assessment. She loves volunteering, and watching sports, in particular basketball and cricket. She is a former mentor of the WIRE network (Women in Renewable Energy Network) and supports youth development. Benise believes in hard work, dedication, and continuous development.

Ahyana is a Programme Associate at the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub (MRV Hub), with the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF). Ahyana supports the development of tools and other regionally-pooled institutional arrangements that empower countries to efficiently establish MRV systems, develop GHG inventories, mitigation assessments, and track NDCs.

She is a Grenadian environmental scientist that holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. George’s University in Grenada. She received her master’s degree in Environmental Science & Engineering from the UNEP Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development in Shanghai, China. She is also trained in climate finance acquisition proposal writing and project management. She is the Vice President of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Grenada Chapter. Previously, Ahyana worked in the private sector as a science educator, where she inspired young academics to pursue their passions relentlessly and espouse their role as responsible global citizens.

Ahyana is a lover of all things nature, art, and culture; and a firm believer in lifelong learning. Her love for nature and sustainable practices lead her to become involved in community advocacy and challenges her to continuously seek ways of practicing conscious consumption and decreasing waste production in her own life.

Kalifa Phillip is a Programme Associate with the Caribbean Cooperative
Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Hub (MRV Hub). Kalifa supports the Modelling and Projections Programme in assisting countries with conducting mitigation assessments to complete various UNFCCC reporting requirements. She also supports coordination and organization of MRV Hub capacity-building events, outreach with member countries and performs other administrative roles.

She is a Grenadian national, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical & Process Engineering, from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago. During her tenure at UWI, she conducted research into various climate change decarbonization technologies, industrial symbiosis, and desalination practices. As a member of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) Grenada, she is an advocate for climate action throughout the Caribbean. Her advocacy efforts are highlighted through her committed involvement in CYEN’s project entitled: Improving National Capacity for Sustained Engagement and Action of Climate Change (SEAC) Project, in Grenada. This project aims to equip young people with the tools and skills necessary to advocate for local climate action.

Previously, Kalifa worked in one of Grenada’s leading financial institutions where she acquired knowledge of financial management and customer service. This experience has equipped her to serve as the Rotaract Club of Grenada’s Finance Director (2022 – 2023).

One of her life goals is to find innovative ways to contribute to the development of Grenada’s Energy & Agricultural sectors, and by extension the Caribbean, utilize both academic and non-academic knowledge. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, cooking, hiking, and exploring new restaurants/cuisines.

Kavita is a Programme Associate at the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub (MRV Hub), where she supports the execution of technical activities and assists countries in meeting their UNFCCC reporting requirements.

Kavita is an energy and chemical engineering professional from Trinidad and Tobago with expertise in renewable energy, industrial process optimisation, and environmental sustainability. She holds an MSc in Energy Engineering (Renewable Energy Specialisation) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and a BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Her research has explored alternative fuel production, including biofuel from brown seaweed and carbon waste utilisation. Recognised for her academic excellence, she was one of only two Caribbean participants in the IEAGHG International CCS Summer School in Australia.

Kavita’s industry experience includes working in the Chlor-Alkali sector, where she became the first female Plant Operator III, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her expertise in process operations, emergency response, and safety leadership has strengthened her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. She is an active member of IChemE and SPE, engaging in professional networks to promote best practices in energy and chemical engineering.

Beyond her technical expertise, Kavita is deeply committed to community service. She currently serves as Disaster Preparedness Officer for the Rotaract Club of Penal, District 7030 (Trinidad), where she contributed to local resilience-building initiatives. Guided by values of accountability, honesty, and respect, she strives to make a meaningful impact in both her professional and personal life.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, rugby, travelling, and spending quality time with her child. Her ultimate goal is to create a fulfilling and meaningful life story that she can be proud of.