Raymond Poyser

A passionate urban planning and development practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in policy analysis, research, community development, urban planning methodologies, and geospatial technologies and applications in planning and development. Raymond completed undergraduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning (University of Technology, Jamaica) and a MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University College London, UK. Other professional training includes Upgrading Urban Informal Settlement, Project Management, Sustainable Land Use Planning, and Social Sustainability and Resettlement (University of Groningen, Netherlands).

Raymond is an innovative, critical thinker who loves to push the envelope in search of sustainable solutions to development problems. He is a strong advocate of people-centred development and participatory approaches to development; believing that community residents/beneficiaries must be active participants in the development processes that are designed to shape their lives and spaces. He has followed intently and conducted research into the successes achieved by Federations of the Urban Poor in Africa and Asia as well as Urban Poor Fund International.

He was instrumental in the preparation of two (2) Development Orders – Portland and Trelawny during his time working at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). These Developments Orders continue to shape development of these parishes.

A member of the Jamaican Institute of Planners and Guardian – Global Development Professional Network. Raymond is also a Regional Correspondent for the International Federation for Housing and Planning where he has written an article on the Housing Situation in Jamaica. He has been a dedicated mentor since 2010 at his alma mater, Calabar High School, where he provides mentorship to shape the lives of the students into being better individuals to fulfill the school’s motto – The Utmost for the Highest.