POND ISLAND:--- The momentum continues to build for the first International Conference on Small Island States (SIDS) and Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs), to be co-hosted by the University of St. Martin. The organizing committee is proud to announce the penultimate keynote speaker for the event, which is expected to attract scholars, policy practitioners and researchers from the wider Caribbean region, North America and Europe, all with an interest in the thematic areas to be explored.
Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, is a world-renowned scholar and researcher who has been known to dedicate considerable efforts and energies to the growing field of island studies and research undertakings which seek to contribute to a greater appreciation for different categories of small island territories. Baldacchino currently serves as a Professor of Sociology and Pro Rector for International Development at the University of Malta and is also the Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Along with Dr. Jim Randall, co-chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, the upcoming Conference was the brainchild of the duo, who were keen on having the conference executed on a SNIJ. The uniqueness of the bi-national island of St. Martin was considered to be important and significant in drawing attention to the myriad issues that are at the forefront of debates on non-independent island jurisdictions.
Professor Baldacchino is the sole author or lead co-author of 22 books and monographs and sole editor or lead co-editor of 23 other publications. He is also co-author of over 120 peer reviewed articles and book chapters. One of his most recent publications, is a book chapter co-authored with Mr. Arjen Alberts, co-chair of the local organizing committee for the conference. The book chapter which examines the cases of Aruba, Sint Maarten and the US Virgin Islands, is entitled- Resilience and Tourism in Islands: Insights from the Caribbean.
Earlier, the conference organizers announced the participation of the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson as a keynote speaker and Dr. Peter Clegg, eminent political science and international relations scholar. According to USM’s Dean of Academics, Mrs. Genève Phillip-Durham, “with Professor Baldacchino added to the slate of keynote speakers, we can expect rich, insightful and adequately informed perspectives to be shared. Godfrey is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to anything you need to know about island studies. He can always be relied on to deliver engaging and up-to-date research material”.
With the deadline for paper submissions swiftly approaching on October 1st, the organizers urge those interested in making paper, panel and poster submissions which engage critically with multiple levels of island living, to submit their abstract contributions for consideration via the conference website: http://projects.upei.ca/unescochair/call-for-papers/. For further inquiries, persons can also contact the co-chairs of the local organizing committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
