The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis will begin to see immediate returns following a high-level diplomatic mission to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Speaking at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference on 28th March, Dr. Douglas highlighted the significant impact the visit will have on the Federation’s energy sector, aligning with the government’s Sustainable Island State agenda. He revealed that at least two investors had expressed interest in providing solar energy panels, which would be constructed locally using Taiwanese technology. These discussions took place during a factory visit in Taiwan, where the delegation saw firsthand the potential benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis.
The push for renewable energy follows a government review of past solar projects, including installations at the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) roundabout. Both projects were initiated under previous Labour administrations but received minimal attention from subsequent governments. Dr. Douglas noted that the companies behind these initial projects are now prepared to expand, especially given improvements in solar technology.
One of the key developments from the visit is the potential installation of solar panels on residential rooftops, allowing citizens to generate their own electricity and contribute surplus power to the national grid, which is managed by the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC). To ensure a smooth transition, Dr. Douglas stressed the need for smart grid integration, which would allow households to feed energy into the grid without destabilising the system. He also emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in detecting potential threats and automatically shutting down the system during hurricanes or other natural disruptions. He further noted the involvement of Energy Transition Manager Jonathan Kelly, who was part of the visiting delegation and will play a key role in advancing these initiatives.
The diplomatic mission also secured significant educational benefits, with Dr. Douglas announcing an increase in scholarships for students from St. Kitts and Nevis. He explained that these scholarships will focus on key fields critical to achieving the Sustainable Island State vision, ensuring the country produces the skilled professionals needed for long-term development. According to Dr. Douglas, the government pushed for and secured additional scholarship opportunities in specific areas identified as essential for national progress.
The delegation to Taiwan included senior foreign affairs officials, Trevor Blake, President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Jonathan Kelly of SKELEC. Their itinerary featured site visits and high-level meetings with Taiwanese stakeholders, focusing on renewable energy, education, and trade—sectors considered vital for the Federation’s future growth.
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