A record 280 young people applied for just 29 places in the Coastal Zone Management Unit’s environmental internship programme this year, reflecting growing interest in conservation and environmental careers, the department’s head said on Monday.
Coastal Zone Management Unit director Dr Leo Brewster made the disclosure during the closing ceremony for the 2026 Environmental Summer Internship Programme at the Savannah Hotel, Hastings.
Described as probably the longest and most competitive internship within the Ministry of Environment, the programme continues to provide an important pathway for young people interested in conservation and the environment, Dr Brewster said.
He added: “The potential that this programme has in terms of reaching out to young people, females, persons who have an interest in conservation and environment is unimaginable.”
He explained that the internship is designed to give recent graduates and other participants practical exposure to professional operations across environmental and natural heritage areas.
According to Dr Brewster, the programme also strengthens participants’ technical, administrative, analytical and field-based skills, while allowing them to contribute to projects and research, data collection and public outreach.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Santia Bradshaw reflected on the late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox and her vision to give young people more opportunities to develop an appreciation for the environment.
Bradshaw recalled a tour at Consett Bay with Dr Cox before her sudden death, during which they discussed creating environmental camps where young people could develop a love for the sea and their surroundings.
“Unfortunately, because of the untimely death of Shelly, we didn’t get to be able to do more,” Bradshaw said.
She urged the interns to continue that work by using their knowledge and networks to inspire others and support the ministry and its various agencies.
Her plea, she said, was for the interns not to leave the programme simply celebrating their accomplishments, but to give back within their communities and help shape the next generation.
Bradshaw said she hoped the experience would help build “a cadre of trained professionals” across the Natural Heritage Department, National Conservation Commission, Coastal Zone Management Unit, Fisheries Division and Biodiversity Unit who would be willing to pass on their knowledge and experiences to others.
Stakeholders from the fishing industry during the ceremony. (Photo credit: Shamar Blunt / Barbados TODAY)
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