A passionate, innovative, and dynamic climate and socio-environmental justice champion with over 20 years experience in regional planning and sustainable project management, Petal is focused on improving the resilience of our Caribbean communities. She is equipped with specialist training in the fields of green building, sustainable design and participatory consultation, programme development and project management particularly as it relates to local area economic planning and development.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Sustainability Planner & LEED Consultant -
ANR Robinson International Airport New Terminal Project (2020-2021)
Worked with the design, engineering, and management teams on both upgrade works and new construction designs toward meeting all requirements for LEED certification of the project. Provided green building training to management and technical staff. Conducted stakeholder workshops and operational staff toolbox sessions on sustainability and green construction practices.
Project Administrator & Sustainability Advisor -TTPOST Renovation (Tobago Office) 2020
Responsible for project administration and coordination with specific purview over financials and workflows to ensure timely and cost-effective completion of office renovation/relocation project.
Land Use Planner on the Realignment of the Trinidad and Tobago National Action Programme (NAP) 2015
Responsible for all aspects of the project relating to land use and land management in developing an updated NAP. Assisted in the development of the NAP, its components, objectives, proposals, and actions, as well as, provided technical input to guide and contribute to all aspects of the project. Planned and conducted a comprehensive participatory stakeholder consultation exercise.
First Regional Planner at a Municipal Corporation
Worked with the Municipal Council and staff at the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation in 2014 as direct technical support to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. My work involved having direct purview over the implementation of the San Juan Renaissance Market project, development of local area plans/projects with Councillors, and strategic planning with the Council for the overall development of the region.
Technical Editor/Editorial Support on the National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS) 2013
As an editor with specific expertise in spatial planning and as a native Tobagonian, it was my professional privilege to be chosen as part of the international consulting team to have developed and scribed the second most extensive national undertaking in land use planning. I had the opportunity to write and/or edit all Tobago-specific content of the NSDS while contributing to the overall development of the final documents, including the technical and consultation supporting reports.
Participatory Consultation Consultant on the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) 2.0
As a junior consultant, I was honoured to be a member of the local consulting firm that developed both iterations of the CEDP for the Tobago House of Assembly. In 2012, I served primarily as support for the participatory consultation process which in itself required a high degree of stakeholder involvement/interaction. This radically influenced my approach to planning and demonstrated the power of planning WITH people versus for them.
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
“Land Use Planning & Climate Change: A Case Study of South West Tobago”. WE ACT for Environmental Justice Conference Proceedings of Advancing Climate Justice · Jan 1, 2009
Berahzer, S. and Joseph, P. (2020, December 18th). “Prepaid Water and Equity – International Perspectives”. IB Environmental https://www.ibenvironmental.com/blog/2020/12/17/prepaid-water-and-equity-international-perspectives
“Enhancing Climate Resilience of the Caribbean Built Environment: Charting A Greener Path For Urban Planning Practice”. Caribbean Urban Forum 2023. June
“The role of urban planning in improving climate resiliency of the Caribbean built environment through technology and innovative approaches” Poster Session 2 – Climate Change, 11:00-12:00 Tuesday, 19 September, 2023 International Conference on Sustainable Development 2023
Cultural Authenticity in Placemaking: The Value of Identity in Design and Development of Our Caribbean Places and Spaces (A Case Study of the ANRRIA Project in Crown Point, Tobago). Caribbean Urban Forum 2025. Jun 6, 2025 htps://heyzine.com/flip-book/CUF2025-Abstracts#page/40
Tobago’s Tourism Industry: A Threat to Patrimonial Land Rights and Traditional Access. Caribbean Urban Forum 2025. Jun 6, 2025 https://heyzine.com/flip-book/CUF2025-Abstracts#page/41