THE Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) has announced the appointment of Mr. Mansfield Blackwood as its new Assistant Executive Director (AED), effective September 15, 2025. He will be based at the Centre’s headquarters in Belmopan, Belize, and will join the senior leadership team in advancing the organisation’s mandate to strengthen climate resilience across the Caribbean.

Mr. Blackwood brings more than three decades of experience in international development and private sector leadership, with a proven track record of advancing climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, clean energy, biodiversity, and citizen security initiatives across the region.

Prior to joining the CCCCC, he served with distinction at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Barbados for over 20 years. At USAID, he worked as Partner Country Systems Advisor and previously as Senior Technical Specialist, where he played a pivotal role in the design and implementation of regional programmes in partnership with key organisations including the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), CARICOM, the CCCCC, and other NGOs and contractors.

During his tenure, Mr. Blackwood also served as USAID’s lead liaison with ministries across 10 Caribbean governments and received two Superior Honour Awards for his outstanding contributions to the region, including his work in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Outside of USAID, his career includes senior leadership roles in Jamaica, where he managed a team of more than 200 staff as General Manager of LOJ Property Management Ltd., overseeing a diverse commercial property portfolio. Earlier in his career, as a civil engineer with Alumina Partners of Jamaica, he contributed to the design and construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, dams, ports, and industrial facilities.

In his new role, Mr. Blackwood will provide strategic oversight and technical guidance to the Programme Development and Management Division (PDMD) and the Technical Services Division (TSD). His responsibilities will include ensuring alignment with the CCCCC’s strategic direction, strengthening the project pipeline, advancing climate finance proposals, and deepening engagement with national, regional, and international stakeholders.

Welcoming the appointment, Executive Director of the CCCCC, Dr. Colin Young, praised Mr. Blackwood’s wealth of experience and leadership:
“Mansfield brings a wealth of experience in regional development, climate programming, and strategic leadership. As a Caribbean national, he is intimately familiar with the region’s development landscape and has a proven track record of building strong and lasting partnerships to support the CCCCC’s work. His appointment comes at a critical time as we accelerate climate action to improve lives and livelihoods across our region.”

Mr. Blackwood holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, both from the University of the West Indies.