St. Kitts to host Third Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum and Exhibition

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Lenrick Lake

BASSETERRE, ST.KITTS, AUGUST 24TH 2012 (CUOPM) – Presentations from leading experts on topics including the development of geothermal energy, mechanisms for funding investment in renewable energy, electricity systems integration and energy access solutions for developing countries and strategies for improving energy efficiency and energy access will be made at next month’s Third Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum and Exhibition (CSEF III).

The September 14thand 15th event at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino will be held in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat under the theme “Advancing Energy Integration and Energy Access through Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in CARICOM.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Lenrick Lake said the forum will offer participants a chance to focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“It also presents an opportunity for discourse and exchange of information on the technical aspects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Forum intends to facilitate input by stakeholders into the design of a regional action plan that would be the basis for a coordinated approach to action on renewable energy and energy efficiency. This Forum seeks to sensitize key stakeholders in the Region, as well as to garner their input on technologies, strategies and best practice towards supporting the development of geothermal energy as a source of renewable energy for theEastern Caribbean,” said Mr. Lake.

He disclosed that the Keynote Address at the Opening Session of the Forum will be delivered by the Rt. Hon Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Minister of Housing, Public Works, Energy and Public Utilities of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Earl Martin, will deliver remarks on the advancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Federation, while the Hon. Carlisle Powell, Minister of Energy in the Nevis Island Administration will make a presentation of energy development on Nevis, including geothermal development.

Remarks will also be made by the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), His Excellency Ambassador Irwin La Rocque and representatives of the Government of Finland.

The Forum will attract representatives from the energy sector in CARICOM Member States, Senior technical officers from other regional organizations such as the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC),CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), private sector energy service providers, senior academics from regional and national tertiary educational institutions, civil society, International Development Agencies that support energy sector, financing institutions across the region and officials from the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Ministry has expressed its thanks to the Government of Finland and the CARICOM Secretariat for their initiative in staging this event and has extended an invitation to NGO, businesses and private citizens to take hold of this opportunity and support the Third Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum.