Montserrat Youth Joins Peace Boat Climate Program
Montserrat’s Ashneil Jeffers joins the Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassadors Program to advance ocean conservation efforts.
A Caribbean Voice in Global Ocean Advocacy
Montserrat’s Ashneil Jeffers is taking Caribbean ocean conservation to the global stage after earning a place aboard the Peace Boat in June. The Tokyo-based non-governmental organization operates international voyages aboard its vessel Ocean Dream, bringing together young leaders to address critical issues such as climate change and marine protection.
Jeffers was selected as one of several participants in the third edition of the Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassadors Program, held from May 24 to June 8. The program brings together youth from the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean regions to strengthen environmental advocacy and global collaboration.
From Montserrat to the World Stage
A graduate of the Montserrat Community College, where he studied Computer Science and Information Technology, Jeffers has long been active in environmental work. His involvement with local organizations such as AQUA Montserrat helped lay the foundation for this opportunity.
During the voyage, participants engaged with government representatives and international leaders, including Fabien Cousteau, while also speaking at public events across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. The program concluded in New York, where the Peace Boat docked in Manhattan for the official United Nations World Oceans Day event.
Building Skills for Climate Action
Jeffers describes the experience as both educational and motivating, emphasizing the urgency of climate preparedness for Caribbean nations.
“With the wealth of knowledge and unlimited drive I’ve obtained, I will be using this knowledge of the oceans to further urge our governments and people to act now to prepare for what will happen in the future with climate change,” he says.
He adds that he plans to expand his work locally by collaborating with environmental organizations in Montserrat and sharing new opportunities and global connections.
Support Behind the Journey
Jeffers’ participation was made possible through support from the Government of Montserrat, the Waitt Institute, and the Blue Halo Initiative—organizations that continue to invest in sustainable ocean initiatives across the Caribbean.
What This Means for the Caribbean
- Caribbean youth are gaining a stronger voice in global climate discussions
- Regional advocacy is increasingly connected to international networks
- Programs like Peace Boat help translate local action into global impact
For more information, visit Peace Boat.
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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