Speaking Truth to Power
This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Hawaii and witness something truly special — 10 new islands took part in Blue Planet Alliance’s Fellowship Program, bringing the total to 28 island countries or territories that have participated so far. It was an honor to be part of this transformative experience, where islands, each with their own unique resources, geography, and culture, came together to work toward a shared vision of a renewable-energy future.
And I was able to witness this in my new role as Caribbean Director for BPA, managing relationships with 31 jurisdictions in and adjacent to the Caribbean Sea.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this program is Blue Planet Alliance’s ability to bring all key stakeholders — from utility providers and government officials to community leaders and nonprofits — into the same room. It was powerful to witness ministers conversing directly with community leaders, and islands exchanging advice and lessons learned from their own renewable-energy journeys. The atmosphere was filled with a spirit of collaboration and shared learning. Islands that had made significant progress, like Curaçao, offered advice to those like St. Helena, which are still struggling due to their geographical challenges and colonial ties.
Moderating the Sessions: A New Experience
As someone relatively new to leading such discussions, I had the privilege of moderating three debate sessions during the Fellowship. The first session was particularly unique and engaging. We introduced a creative exercise where each country had to use LEGO bricks to represent their dream renewable implementation — whether it was an energy system, political structure, or other aspects of their country's functioning. There were no wrong answers, but each team member had to build their own representation and then present it to their group.
Once everyone had completed their individual representations, the real challenge began: the teams had to find a way to combine their separate systems into one cohesive, larger system. It was a wonderful way to think outside the box, and it led to some fantastic discussions about how interconnected each aspect of their society is when working toward energy transition. The countries then presented their collaborative LEGO systems to the rest of the Fellows in the main room. It was an excellent way to kick off the discussions and really set the tone for the innovative, cooperative spirit of the program.
Then there were the second and third sessions, of which I enjoyed every moment. The task was clear: each island needed to create a roadmap to 100% renewable energy by first assessing their current energy status, identifying challenges, and then proposing solutions.
What struck me most was the shared excitement and optimism, particularly when islands like Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis spoke about their goals of being fully powered by renewable energy. It was incredible to guide these conversations, and by the last day, each country had produced a concrete roadmap to reach their goals. I felt a real sense of accomplishment seeing how these discussions evolved into actionable plans — it made me excited for both the future of these islands, and the world.
Visit to Mililani Solar Park and Agrivoltaics
Another highlight of the Fellowship was our visit to Mililani Solar Park, a solar farm in central Oahu, where we were introduced to the concept of Agrivoltaics — a practice that combines agriculture and solar power. It was fascinating to see the experiments in action, with different types of plants being grown under solar panels, including food-producing crops. Many of these plants were low UV-tolerant species, which seemed to thrive in the shade provided by the panels. The solar park also had sheep grazing beneath some of the panels, showcasing a multi-use approach to the land.
While the technology was impressive, I couldn’t help but laugh about one thing — the red dust that completely covered my white shoes by the end of the tour! The solar park is located in a dry and dusty part of the island, which got me wondering how they keep the panels clean. But as it turns out, the panels are positioned in such a way that rain naturally washes them off, minimizing the need for manual cleaning. It was an interesting reminder that even in harsh environments, innovation and nature can work together to find solutions.
My Intervention: Speaking Truth to Power
During one of the sessions, I had to finally say what was in my heart. Blue Planet gave me the opportunity to fly to Dubai for COP28, and it was only then that my home country of Trinidad and Tobago took notice. It was heart-wrenching to realize that I had to travel halfway across the world to be seen by my own people. In that room, surrounded by ministers and fellows, I pleaded with them: go out and search for the youth who are fighting climate change under your very noses.
There are so many young people doing incredible work, but they’re not being heard or seen. Some of them prefer to stay behind the scenes, but they still need to be supported and uplifted. I urged the leaders to help build the next generation of climate warriors — the leaders of tomorrow. We cannot let money and greed be the end-all. We are fighting to prevent a war, a war between Mother Nature and the humans and creatures God put on this Earth to live in harmony. The time to act is now, and youth need to be at the forefront.
Looking Ahead: Two Cohorts a Year, 70 Islands by 2026
Blue Planet Alliance plans to continue hosting two Fellowship cohorts each year, every May and October, with around 10 islands per cohort. By 2026, we aim to have 70 islands involved. Just imagine the collective influence of these 70 islands — some of the most vulnerable to climate change, yet among the least responsible for it — pressuring the world's largest polluters to make substantial changes. This group has the potential to inspire real global action, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.
Building on This Experience
To build on this experience, my approach is simple: "Be the change you want to see in the world." I may be young, but I’m ready to lead this charge. I’ve asked each country to identify at least two global ambassadors who can help me organize on-the-ground fellowships in their respective islands. The goal is to train these climate warriors to ensure that our collective mission is not only heard but embraced.
In my new role as Caribbean Director for Blue Planet Alliance, my focus remains clear: creating a sustainable future for generations to come. This begins with the community and builds upward. Our approach will involve a series of workshops focusing on four key pillars: community, technology, finance, and government. With the support of the Blue Team, a group of Hawaii’s top experts in these areas, we have the resources and knowledge to guide each country on their path to 100% renewable energy.
I know there may be doubts about my youth, but this is exactly why I’m so driven. It’s time to represent all the young people who feel like their voices aren’t being heard. This is our time. The time for change. And I’m ready to lead the charge.
As I reflect on this Fellowship, I’m filled with optimism and excitement for the road ahead. We have the tools, the vision, and the will to make a difference — now it’s time to act.
As BPA Founder Henk Rogers always says, “We are doing this!”
Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning.
Kneyone Murray is the new Caribbean Director for Blue Planet Alliance.
