WHILE the drop in oil prices has brought some respite, CARICOM states heavily dependent on imported energy must remain resolute to diversify, conserve and exploit their abundant supply of clean, renewable and environmentally-friendly resources.This was the charge of Jamaica’s Science, Technology, Mining and Energy Minister, Phillip Paulwell at the opening of the Fifth Special Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) Meeting on Energy at the CARICOM Secretariat, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Addressing fellow CARICOM Energy Ministers, Heads of Delegation and senior CARICOM officials, Paulwell urged the Region to strategise and seek common ground to address challenges to its energy security, with focus on less dependence on oil.

“The plans that we conceive and the actions we take are in our enlightened interest, and in support of the achievement of sustainable development going forward. Indeed, any analysis of the numerous sustainable development activities already underway in CARICOM will reveal that we have much to commend in our efforts,” he said.
A number of energy projects have been implemented in member states, with some developing national energy policies comprising detailed programmes and ambitious implementation schedules.
In 2004, the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) was established, and today, it has become a key source for sustainable energy initiatives.
Paulwall said the implementation of the CREDP has served as an important catalyst for harnessing renewable energy in CARICOM.
However, he pointed out that though sustainable energy solutions have been making great strides in the Region, there have been gaps and barriers.
On this note, the Jamaican Minister said in the coming decades, these barriers to renewable energy and energy efficiency must be overcome, noting that it can be done through a cohesive effort.
“We share the view that if implemented, the policies, projects and initiatives that we are developing will result in effective, sustainable development, making our Region a global leader in the production and use of clean, renewable and sustainable energy. We must translate our ambitious commitments into tangible actions at the regional and international level,” he urged.
Meanwhile, CARICOM Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, said while there is broad consensus that the regional energy system has been making progress, there is need for additional changes in order to meet the demands of a modern, secure and efficient system.
Globally, oil prices have plummeted sharply, falling from US$106 per barrel in June 2014, to around US$42 per barrel in January 2015. The price has since increased to around $50.
Ambassador Soeknandan said the rise in prices must not be a distraction, but should serve to strengthen the Region’s resolve in preserving indigenous energy resources.
“This most recent global oil trend is an indication of the increasing oil price volatility and increasing uncertainty of the forecasting environment within which oil-fuelled economies like ours operate,” she noted.
VULNERABLE
The Region depends heavily on imported oil and this makes it extremely vulnerable to the vagaries of the international oil market, which at times can cause a setback to important development priorities such as health, education and adaptation to climate change.
CARICOM States, over the years, have acknowledged the need to also focus more on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
This aside, climate change has been highlighted as the greatest threat to sustainable development of Caribbean States, and efforts will be made to address some of the issues common to energy and the private sector at the Fifth Special COTED Meeting on Energy and the Environment today.
Yesterday’s meeting provides an opportunity to continue moving forward along the sustainable energy path, but the Deputy CARICOM Secretary General said an unfortunate reality is that as population levels in the Region increase, so too does the demand for electricity and other energy programmes.
With this in mind, Ambassador Soeknandan said greater attention needs to be placed on clean and sustainable energy, pointing out that this will allow CARICOM States to meet the basic needs of their growing populations, further sustainable development and help in poverty reduction.
“Also, our respective urban economy will unlock economic opportunities in rural and remote areas. We must also minimise existing energy resources and use these in a more effective and efficient way,” the senior CARICOM official said.
She noted that energy is about sustainable livelihood, and job creation alignment, adding that it has been identified as a cross-cutting area of the Caribbean Community to grow and sustain economic resilience.

(By Tajeram Mohabir )