Member of Parliament for St John, and Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy Hon. Kerryne Z James has been selected as a 2026 Young Global Leader, joining a distinguished international community of leaders recognised for their work in public service, governance, innovation, and social impact.
This recognition marks an important moment for Grenada, placing one of the country’s young female politicians within a global network dedicated to shaping more inclusive, responsible, and future-focused leadership across sectors and regions.
Minister James’ selection is especially significant within the context of youth and women in leadership. As one of the youngest women to serve in elected and ministerial office in Grenada, her journey reflects the importance of creating space for young people, and particularly young women, to participate meaningfully in national decision-making, public policy, and international affairs.
It also reflects the responsibilities she has carried as Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, a portfolio that sits at the centre of some of the most urgent development challenges facing Grenada and other Small Island Developing States. In this role, Minister James has been involved in advancing national priorities related to climate resilience, renewable energy transition, environmental governance, disaster recovery, adaptation and loss and damage planning, and climate finance mobilisation.
These ministerial responsibilities have required leadership across both national and international spaces from strengthening Grenada’s policy frameworks and implementation agenda at home, to representing the country in high-level regional and global discussions on climate justice, sustainable energy, resilience, and development cooperation. Her work has contributed to Grenada’s continued visibility as a small island state seeking not only to respond to vulnerability but to shape practical solutions for resilience, sustainability, and long-term national transformation.
Minister James’ leadership has also been shaped by her dual role as a government minister and constituency representative. As Member of Parliament for St John, she has remained closely connected to the everyday realities facing communities, including challenges related to infrastructure, economic empowerment, livelihoods, youth opportunity, and local development. This direct engagement with constituents has informed a leadership approach that is both visionary and practical, one that balances global awareness with responsiveness to local needs.
At a time when many young people across the world are calling for greater representation, accountability, and courage in leadership, James’ selection underscores the value of generational leadership that is grounded in service, resilience, and purpose. It also highlights the contribution that young leaders from small states can make to global conversations on development, equity, sustainability, and democratic participation.
The Young Global Leaders community brings together outstanding individuals from government, business, civil society, academia, technology, and the creative sectors who are committed to addressing complex global challenges and strengthening leadership for the public good. Through this platform, Minister James will have the opportunity to engage with an international network of decision-makers, innovators, and thought leaders working across diverse areas of global development.
For Grenada, this recognition provides an opportunity to further affirm the country’s commitment to youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and inclusive governance. It also demonstrates that leadership from small island states can carry global relevance when rooted in vision, discipline, public service, and a commitment to national development.
Minister James has consistently used her public platform to advocate for stronger representation of young people and women in leadership, particularly in spaces where policy decisions shape the future of communities, economies, and generations to come. Her own leadership path continues to serve as an example of what becomes possible when young women are given the opportunity to serve, lead, and contribute at the highest levels.
The ministry views this recognition as a proud national achievement and a meaningful affirmation of the role of young Grenadian leadership on the global stage.
Minister James’ selection as a 2026 Young Global Leader is not only a personal milestone, but also a powerful reminder that young people and more so young women, must not simply be invited into leadership spaces; they must be trusted, supported, and empowered to help shape them.
Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy
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