Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 19, 2025 (SKNIS): Charting a path forward for regional cooperation in energy took center stage on March 19, 2025, when the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, and Domestic Transport, and the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, convened a high-level strategic meeting with regional energy stakeholders. The meeting was held as part of the 2025 Green Climate Fund (GCF) Caribbean Regional Dialogue, which runs from March 17-20 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
The meeting brought together key regional institutions such as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5 Cs), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The meeting saw local attendance from representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the Energy Unit as well as from both St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC) and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC).
Prime Ministers, the Honourable Mia Mottley of Barbados and the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis mandated the dialogue during the initial session of the GCF Regional Dialogue. Their directives underscored the urgent need for regional roadmaps in three key areas: The regional roadmap should focus on (i) Energy Cooperation alongside (ii) Logistics & Transportation and (iii) Debt-for-Climate Swaps. Participants worked to find collaborative opportunities while strengthening regional cooperation and setting initial standards for energy projects that would enable prompt action.
Minister Clarke emphasised that solid institutional frameworks are essential for fostering political determination.
According to Dr. Clarke regional climate resilience advancements require effective coordination of existing resources and leveraging these collective efforts will speed up the shift to sustainable energy solutions.
As Chair of the OECS Council of Energy Ministers, Minister Maynard delivered an urgent message to stakeholders about the importance of recording and distributing regional accomplishments in energy collaboration. Minister Maynard agreed with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s view that our region serves as a sustainable model for the world because of its compact size.
Stakeholders pledged to maintain discussions and solidify alliances which will propel the Caribbean sustainable energy agenda forward as the strategic meeting ended. Regional leaders united in their approach stand ready to direct meaningful transformations and position the Caribbean at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable energy.
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