St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a significant step toward a greener future with the launch of a pioneering Electric Vehicle (EV) Training and Certification Course at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC). This initiative, led by Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI SKN), underscores the Federation’s commitment to building a sustainable energy landscape and supporting its goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption by 2030.
At the heart of the training programme is a focus on practical skills and safety protocols critical for servicing electric and hybrid vehicles. The sessions are facilitated by Andy Latham, a UK-based internationally recognised expert in EV and hybrid vehicle technology. A Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry (FIMI) and Incorporated Engineer, Latham brings decades of experience and global best practices to the classroom.
Latham highlighted the life-saving importance of protective gear when handling high-voltage components. “The most important piece of personal protective equipment that you can have—the electrician’s safety gloves. Class zero, 1,000-volt rated electrician’s safety gloves,” he stated, emphasising safety as a central theme of the curriculum.
The training has attracted a wide spectrum of participants. Among them are representatives from FortisTCI in the Turks and Caicos Islands, members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, the Public Works Department, and CFBC technicians. Their shared objective: to build readiness and competence for a future where EVs dominate the transport sector.
Chief Foreman Mechanic at the Public Works Department, Nicholson Webster, said the initiative reflects his department’s forward-thinking mindset. “We want to make sure that we stay informed and ready to perform any duties on this EV vehicle. The training right now is very interesting and we’re enjoying it—getting the hands-on approach and touch.”
The EV training covers essential topics such as testing electrical circuits, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), EV diagnostics, and the safe handling of battery and power inverter systems.
Vince Archibald, a technician at CFBC, welcomed the programme as a natural progression for his skills. “I’ve been working on EVs since last year, and this year I finished level four. It’s quite simple to do. Level four is about getting in-depth with the batteries and how to discharge and safely put it back together.”
His feedback highlights the practical design of the course, which is suited to both seasoned professionals and newer technicians eager to upskill.
St. Kitts and Nevis has committed to achieving 100 percent renewable electricity generation and a significant increase in EV usage by 2030, in line with the CARICOM Regional Electric Vehicle Strategy (REVS). The government has already installed several EV charging stations and continues to lay the groundwork for a full transition to sustainable transport.
The island’s compact geography and advancing clean energy infrastructure make EVs a practical solution for reducing emissions and lowering transportation costs.
This new training programme represents a vital step in preparing the workforce for the evolving demands of electric mobility. As EV ownership grows across the Caribbean, the Federation is positioning itself as a regional leader in both environmental stewardship and technical education.
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