The Ministry responsible for the Environment has announced the appointment of Ruleta Camacho-Thomas as Acting Director of Environment, effective Monday, July 20.

Camacho-Thomas, who also serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Ambassador, assumes the role as Ambassador Diann Black Layne prepares to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

A respected environmental and climate advocate, Camacho-Thomas has represented Antigua and Barbuda on the regional and international stage, championing the interests of small island developing states in the global fight against climate change.

Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of efforts to advance climate justice, consistently highlighting the disproportionate impact of rising sea levels, extreme weather events and other climate-related threats on vulnerable island nations.

As Acting Director, she is expected to oversee the Department of Environment’s ongoing programmes while continuing to advance the country’s environmental priorities at both the national and international levels.