Basseterre, St. Kitts. February 4, 2025. Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Energy, assumed the Chairmanship of the The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers: Energy yesterday, (February 4), when the body held its third meeting. In his address to regional counterparts, Minister Maynard emphasized the need for collective action in achieving sustainable energy goals and reinventing the economies of the OECS through renewable energy initiatives.
The meeting, operating under the theme “Sustainable Energy: Creating Opportunities for Reinventing the Economy of the OECS,” set the stage for discussions on transitioning to cleaner, indigenous energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and ocean energy.
Minister Maynard underscored that sustainable energy is no longer a distant ambition but an urgent priority that requires vision, cooperation, and long-term commitment.
While highlighting the gains made by St. Kitts and Nevis, Minister Maynard expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Minister of Sustainable Development Sen. Joyelle Clarke for their unwavering support in synchronizing the nation’s policies with the broader regional energy agenda. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthening energy security, and fostering economic growth through investments in renewable energy.
“Our goal is to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels of course, strengthen energy security and create a robust economy based on renewable energy. Whether it is through our efforts in expanding solar energy or our focus on tapping into geothermal potential on the island of Nevis, we are determined to ensure that our development is not at the expense of future generations but for their prosperity,” Minister Maynard stated.
The incoming Chairman also referenced the historic Resolution of the National Assembly of St. Christopher and Nevis on Geothermal Energy, passed unanimously in November 2023. The resolution supports collaborative efforts between the federal government and the Nevis Island Administration in advancing geothermal energy development as a means of achieving energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Energy Minister also called for a unified regional approach in harnessing renewable energy resources to drive economic reinvention across the OECS. He emphasized that energy efficiency measures, combined with the transition to sustainable energy, can significantly lower operational costs for businesses, increase disposable income, and attract investment in energy-intensive industries.
He commended the OECS Commission for its leadership and continued support in guiding member states toward achieving sustainable energy development and spotlighted the Commission’s role in capacity-building, technical assistance, and policy dialogue facilitation, which are essential in addressing the challenges faced by the region.
While underscoring the Commission’s role in pushing the sustainable energy agenda, Minister Maynard also highlighted the importance of leveraging regional synergies, sharing expertise, and forming strategic partnerships to overcome infrastructure limitations, access to financing, and capacity gaps.
“The road ahead is not without challenges, but through collaboration, we can turn these hurdles into opportunities,” he cautioned, while visualizing success.
The meeting focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and capacity-building initiatives that will shape the next phase of the OECS region’s journey towards sustainable development.
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