Lone Caribbean Scientist Among OAS Prestigious Honorees

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News Americas, New York, NY, December 19, 2024: A Caribbean-born scientist has been honored among the Hemisphere’s brightest minds by the Organization of American States (OAS). Dr. Cardinal Warde of Barbados was the lone Caribbean scientist among seven distinguished individuals from the Americas, awarded the prestigious Science, Technology, and Innovation Award of the Americas during the VII Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Science and Technology, (REMYCT).

Barbados-born US scientist and MIT Professor Cardinal Warde.

The ceremony celebrated trailblazers from Barbados, Canada, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States for their exceptional contributions to science and technology, as well as their commitment to fostering cooperation and development across OAS member states.

A Champion for Caribbean Science

Dr. Warde, 79, a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was recognized for his groundbreaking work in optoelectronics and his leadership in advancing science education in the Caribbean. As President of the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CADSTI) and Interim Executive Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, Dr. Warde has dedicated his career to equipping the next generation of scientists and engineers with tools for success.

Born in Christ Church, Barbados, Warde showed an early passion for science, converting his father’s carpentry shop into a makeshift chemistry lab. After excelling at Harrison College, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning his doctorate in physics from Yale University in 1974.

Pioneering Research and Innovations

At MIT, where he has served since 1974, Dr. Warde is a leading expert in materials and systems for optical information processing and displays. His research spans diverse fields, including optical computing, wireless communication, and holography. He has developed innovative optical neural network processors and light modulators that have advanced brain-like computing and high-resolution imaging technologies.

Beyond academia, Dr. Warde founded multiple successful technology ventures, including Optron Systems and Radiant Images, Inc., specializing in optoelectronic systems and displays. His inventions have earned him 12 patents, underscoring his impact on the tech industry.

Advocacy for Education and Development

Dr. Warde is equally celebrated for his contributions to education policy in the Caribbean. He has worked tirelessly as a scientific advisor to the Government of Barbados and other regional entities to enhance STEM opportunities for Caribbean youth.

Through the Caribbean Science Foundation, Dr. Warde oversees the Student Program for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), a rigorous summer initiative that prepares gifted students for careers in science and engineering. He also established the Rosetta Irene Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting higher education for students from English-speaking Caribbean countries.

Global Recognition

Dr. Warde’s accolades include the Barbados Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence and the Caribbean American Heritage Award. He is also a Fellow of The Optical Society and holds honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

As a scientist, educator, and advocate, Dr. Warde exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration. His recognition by the OAS highlights the vital contributions of Caribbean professionals to global science and technology.

Ahead of Carnival 2025, Machel Montano And DJ Bravo Launch “Pineapple Riddim”

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News Americas, New York, NY, December 20, 2024: Soca superstar Machel Montano and cricket legend-turned-artist Dwayne “DJ Bravo” are setting the stage for Carnival 2025 with their latest musical collaboration, the “Pineapple Riddim.” The vibrant project, launched on December 18th at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, features an impressive lineup of talent, including Montano, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Barbadian soca icon Rupee, and emerging artist 47 Ronzy.

The riddim is a joint venture between Montano’s Monk Music and Bravo’s 47 Productions, signaling a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in soca music.

Promoting Culture and Collaboration

Speaking at the launch event alongside Bravo, Lyrikal, Rupee, and 47 Ronzy, Montano emphasized the importance of investing in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and creative industries. He highlighted that while the nation has historically prioritized oil and business sectors, arts and culture have often been overlooked.

“Trinidad and Tobago is rich in culture,” Montano said. “Caribbean music, soca music, is a Caribbean product, and Monk Music has embraced that platform to support young people. We aim to build bridges with global platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Empire to give rising artists access to the tools and relationships they need to succeed.”

Reflections on Soca Monarch and the Future of Soca

Addressing the recently announced government-led soca competition and calls to revive the Soca Monarch, Montano shared his perspective on the evolution of the music industry.

“In life, we don’t get to go back, only forward. What got us here won’t get us there,” he said, reflecting on the golden era of Soca Monarch competitions featuring himself, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Destra Garcia, Iwer George, and SuperBlue.

While acknowledging the foundational role of Soca Monarch in building artists’ careers, Montano emphasized that the current era demands collaboration over competition. He called for a focus on enhancing the quality of soca music, including its writing, production, marketing, and messaging, to inspire both young people and the wider nation.

“I believe soca is next in line to become mainstream,” Montano said. “Afrobeats is taking the world by storm, and its sound is very similar to soca. We need to focus on making soca a global product by increasing access to new audiences in regions like India, Africa, and London, while nurturing the new generation of rising artists.”

Supporting Emerging Talent

Montano and Bravo both spoke about the importance of developing young talent like 47 Ronzy, with Bravo highlighting his persistence in collaborating with Montano to bring the riddim to life. The event also featured live snippets of the tracks from all five artists. Patrice Roberts, who was overseas, appeared via video to share her excitement about her contribution to the project.

Montano concluded by expressing optimism about the future of soca music, citing the interest of international audiences, including a German contingent currently studying and investing in soca.

“Carnival and competitions will always exist, but our focus is on working together to take soca to new heights,” he said.

The Pineapple Riddim is poised to make waves in the Carnival 2025 season, celebrating the genre’s vibrant energy and global potential.

Listen HERE