Developing countries in the Caribbean and elsewhere face serious challenges to their development agendas. These challenges have been exacerbated by global climate change. Now more than ever that these countries are experiencing major climate related catastrophic events, Caribbean nations need to successfully harness Science and Technology (S & T) as part of their armoury to place the region on a climate-resilient and low-carbon trajectory.
Science and Technology have been quietly contributing to the Caribbean's developmental needs, despite lacking a more enabling policy environment. It is time that Caribbean policymakers and people become familiar with the region's science and technology capacity, recognize its potential to make significant contributions to meet the development challenges of the day, and inspire a region wide commitment and action that espouse the mantra of "Science and Technology for Caribbean Transformation."
Drawing on over six decades of professional experience, this book offers a glimpse of regional efforts to address the use of Science and Technology. It is a professional biography that reflects on the development of institutional and human capacities in Guyana and the wider Caribbean to facilitate the use of Science and Technology in service to the peoples of the region. This book offers an insider's perspective on the process and environment that provided the author with the opportunity to lead the establishment of the Chemistry Department at the University of Guyana, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology in Guyana, and, finally, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in Belize. In describing these institutional developments, the author provides readers with insights into the status quo of national/regional science and technology infrastructure, and details of the actual accomplishments of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the regional Climate Change Centre, most of which are not in the public domain.
“As this illuminating volume is read, those who know Dr. Trotz (or “Neville” as he is affectionately called) will gain, as I did, a deeper sense of the rich history, thoughts, and drivers that have shaped this multidimensional individual. For those who do not know Neville, they will have a stronger appreciation of the people and paths taken to advance the scientific basis for informing a more resilient Caribbean region. Most critically, they will uncover a rich source of experience and ideas on how resilience, especially in the case of climate change, might best be achieved in the present. For all readers, this book will engender a sense of gratitude both for Neville’s contributions, to date, and for allowing us to see further by standing on his shoulders.”
Dr Roger S. Pulwart, Senior Scientist, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A Ray of Hope is not just a biography of Neville’s life and achievements; it provides a guidebook for responding to the climate changes upon us (and those to come), and their consequences for society, the environment, and the economy. Through the experiences of Neville’s professional and academic life, as well as his constructive approach to developing relationships, collaboration, and partnerships, we can identify lessons learned and actions needed. I, for one, will be sharing the wisdom contained in this book. This is a book for all of us. It should be on the shelves of all school libraries and used as a standard text. It should be read by those in senior positions in government and business and handed to new graduates so that they may aspire to and share his principles. All politicians in the region should reflect on A Ray of Hope so that they may be in a position to guide the development of the Caribbean . . . .”
Dr John Frith, Honorary Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Liverpool
