OAS talks of sustainable energy to benefit SKN soon

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE small island developing states face unique challenges associated with the generation and use of energy, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has indicated its interest in accelerating the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy use in the region through its Department of Sustainable Development.

The hemispheric organisation has identified seven project countries to benefit from energy discussions within the framework of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP). These include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Starret Greene, OAS Representative for St. Kitts-Nevis, the CSEP addressed market and policy conditions for the development and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems. He further said that the actions to be taken by his organisation would focus on improving energy sector governance and management. 

“One of the principal targets of CSEP in the short term is to provide assistance to the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in developing its National Energy Policy and to help in the drafting and implementation of a Sustainable Energy Plan (SEP),” Greene explained.

The OAS Director also said that because of previous work his organisation had done in the Federation during the past five years, a “solid foundation had been erected”, and such a foundation would give support to the successful implementation of the CSEP.

He referenced three important documents which may assist in energy discussions in the Federation: a report entitled “Toward a Sustainable Energy Plan”, a Draft Sustainable Energy Plan and a Draft of a National Energy Policy Template. 

“These documents will be the basis for the work to be carried out in St. Kitts and Nevis in the framework of the CSEP”, Greene concluded.

The OAS diplomat anticipated that by the end of June, a team of experts from the hemispheric organisation would meet with key government ministers and relevant stakeholders to include members of the private sector and civil society organisations who are involved in promoting the use of renewable energy and energy efficient systems.