NEXUS CARIBBEAN

 

History of NEXUS in The Caribbean

The NEXUS Caribbean chapter launched in February 2015 when leaders Richard Powell and Retu Jalhan organized the inaugural NEXUS Caribbean Summit in Montego Bay, Jamaica. NEXUS members from around the world convened to discuss some of the most pressing social issues facing Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean nations. During the day attendees met with Jamaica’s energy minister while at night members had the opportunity to let their hair down and were treated to the renovation and re-unveiling of Bob Marley’s iconic 1976 Land Rover Jeep by his son Damian Marley. Since then the Caribbean chapter has remained active, focusing on global issues of social entrepreneurship and innovative philanthropy and local ones such as working to make Jamaica the first 100% renewable energy country in the world.

 

Mission

Our mission is to unite the resources in the Caribbean as well as via its diaspora members globally in order to discuss how to make a greater impact in the Caribbean. We are passionate about preserving the natural beauty and ocean life of the Caribbean. One of the organizations that we respect and continue to support is the Jamaica Environmental Trust Another cause we wish to promote is education. Through the Powell Family Foundation, more than half a dozen students receive scholarships to middle and high school in Jamaica every year. Lastly energy is a big concern for the Caribbean, most islands continue to burn oil to produce energy and thus the cost of electricity is unaffordable for many not to mention the pollution that is caused by burning oil. The Caribbean region is plagued by some of the highest poverty rates in the world. This problem is further exaggerated by some of the world’s highest electricity rates as well. Inspired by Sir Chris Hohn, a Jamaican/UK national who wants Jamaica to be the first 100% renewable energy country in the world,

NEXUS Caribbean aims to support the discussion around clean energy in the hope of making a significant impact on the price of electricity and minimizing its carbon footprint on the road to achieving this 100% renewable status.

By supporting such initiatives and big vision goals, NEXUS Caribbean hopes to show how our region can become a model for other countries in the world.

Goals and Actions

NEXUS Caribbean’s Past Summits and Salons:

  • December 2017 co-hosted the NEXUS Latin America and Caribbean Forum in Miami with NEXUS Latin America 
  • December 2016 Art Tour with Romero Britto and the hosts for the Affinity Dinner at NEXUS Art Basel
  • January 2016 Salon in partnership with Destination Experience
  • February 2015 Inaugural NEXUS Caribbean Summit In Montego Bay 

Upcoming NEXUS Caribbean Programming:

  • Stay tuned!

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM 

Richard M. Powell

Richard M. Powell

NEXUS Caribbean Chair

Richard M. Powell is the Chairman of The RMP Group, and oversees the strategic vision for the firm’s diverse business and philanthropic interests. He is also the Co-Founder of APC Holdings, whose current and prior portfolio companies generate over US $2.5 billion in revenues and employ over 12,000 people in 25 countries. A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Powell has been involved in over 15 successful enterprises. He is a member of YPO, and is a Young Global Leader (via the WEF). He is recognized a rising star of global finance, and was featured on CNBC. Mr. Powell graduated from Harvard University.

What We’re Up To

Summits and Forums

We hosted our inaugural Caribbean Summit in Jamaica in Feb 2015. In  2017 we teamed up with the NEXUS LATAM team to host the Latin American and Caribbean Forum in Miami.

Salons

We host Salons that are meant to inspire learning and collaboration between a uniquely powerful network of peers in the Caribbean and beyond that are committed to solving some of the region’s biggest challenges including a commitment to expediting the renewable energy revolution

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NEXUS Art Basel

Each December NEXUS Caribbean leads unique programming around Art Basel Miami. In 2016 Caribbean leaders hosted the NEXUS Art Basel affinity dinner and helped organize a private NEXUS tour with artist Romero Britto.

Delegations to NEXUS Global

NEXUS Caribbean is proud to send yearly Delegations to our NEXUS Global Summit in New York to participate in NEXUS Global’s flagship event and network with NEXUS members from around the world