Photos courtesy of Esquire Henry
Esquire Henry is a National and CARICOM Youth Ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda, who is attending the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conference of the Parties with GEF support. In an interview, he shared life lessons from his work to clean up coastlines and work to regulate and prevent harm from pollutants.
What do you do for a living, and what do you enjoy about it?
I work as the Executive Officer of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board of Antigua and Barbuda Secretariat. What I enjoy about this role is the opportunity to apply my skills meaningfully and contribute to protecting human health and the environment. It's fulfilling to be part of a process that regulates harmful substances while also deepening my understanding of their effects and the significance of their control.
My academic background is in economics and accounting, but I've always had a deep-rooted passion for climate action and environmental sustainability. Joining the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Secretariat allowed me to merge these two areas, leveraging my academic training while continuing to contribute and advocate for nature and climate resilience.
Could you describe a GEF-funded initiative that is close to your heart?
One initiative that stands out to me is the GEF-funded projects arranged by the Adoptacoastline program. Over the past few months, I’ve volunteered as a youth steward, youth lead, and waste collector while also supporting administrative duties. My involvement has been incredibly rewarding; we’ve removed thousands of pounds of waste from our coastline, planted trees, and engaged with hundreds of volunteers. It’s a tangible example of community-led environmental action, and it means a lot to me to be part of it.
I also had the opportunity to invite a National Coordinator for the GEF Small Grants Program to present at one of my environmental workshops under the Wetlands and Coastline Assessment and Management Project, an initiative that immerses students in mangrove ecosystems through first-hand exploration and hands-on conservation efforts. The presentation focused on developing projects proposals for student-led initiatives.
What life lessons has working on environmental issues taught you?
This work has taught me to value simplicity and to recognize how little we truly need to be content. It has also made me more mindful that every action impacts someone else, no matter how small. Being close to nature reminds me daily of our responsibility to live in harmony with the earth and with each other.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is the people. Every clean-up, every awareness session, every tree planted brings new faces and fresh enthusiasm. I’ve seen first-hand how community involvement leads to real behavioral shifts, and I’m especially inspired by the creativity and energy of young people.
What advice would you give a young person who is interested in a career related to the environment?
My advice is this: every career path has the potential to support environmental sustainability. If you're into law, advocate for stronger environmental policies. If you're passionate about finance, explore the growing field of climate finance. We need educators, researchers, technologists, sanitation workers; everyone has a role to play. Start by educating yourself and then look for ways your skills and daily actions can positively impact our environment.
What do you enjoy doing on your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy participating in adventurous outdoor activities, such as learning to sail and driving off-road vehicles. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and learning new skills.
What changes do you hope to see in the world by the time you retire?
By the time I retire, I hope to see a global shift in how we value and interact with the earth. I envision a world where sustainability is embedded in our daily lives, and where protecting natural resources is not just a priority, but a way of life. I want future generations to inherit a planet that has been cared for, not exploited.
