Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 25, 2025
CARILEC and GSI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver high-quality training programs in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics, and Electric Vehicle Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure.
- Technical training will be delivered in blended formats, including virtual and in-person sessions
- Programs will focus on real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies
- Participants will receive professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities to raise their competency and recognition
The partnership will also host knowledge-sharing events, including forums, workshops, and industry networking sessions, to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector.
| Benefits | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Enhanced regional cooperation | Increased access to trained and qualified professionals |
| Development of professional certifications | Improved competency and recognition of regional talent |
| Knowledge-sharing events | Fostering cross-border collaboration and expertise exchange |
“This MOU speaks to more than just a functional collaboration—it reflects the transformation of CARILEC into an association of electric energy solution providers,” said Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC.
Dr. Bertin added: “This partnership supports our strategic goal of broadening representation across the energy sector, including individual practitioners such as solar PV installers, EV technicians, and energy efficiency auditors.”
“The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model,” Dr. Bertin said.
“Participants will operate within a collaborative, service-oriented ecosystem, supporting prosumers and households as utilities transform how they deliver energy,” Dr. Bertin added.
“This partnership also supports the development of career pathways, job opportunities, and regional networking,” Dr. Bertin said.
“And for successful GSI graduates, automatic eligibility for CARILEC’s individual membership offers valuable access to business development through our conferences, publications, and technical forums,” Dr. Bertin said.
“It’s a clear win-win for both organisations and the broader Caribbean energy community,” Dr. Bertin concluded.
This MOU responds directly to the calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies.
The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever.
The collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing, ultimately facilitating the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.
Transforming the Caribbean’s Energy Future through Local Expertise
“This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future,” said Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI.
“For too long, our energy landscape has depended on imported expertise. GSI was founded with a mission to reverse that dynamic by investing in local capacity, home-grown knowledge, and scalable innovation,” Dr. Archibald said.
“With this MOU, we’re creating a region-wide platform to equip professionals with the tools, certifications, and confidence to lead the clean energy transition from within,” Dr. Archibald said.
“We’re not just training people to install solar panels or maintain EVs—we’re preparing them to build and manage the region’s smart, decentralised, and sustainable grid of the future,” Dr. Archibald said.
“As the Caribbean seeks to establish itself as a global model for small-island energy innovation, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in sustainable infrastructure,” Dr. Archibald said.
“With a growing pool of certified professionals and stronger institutional linkages, the region is positioning itself not only to meet internal demand but also to export talent, ideas, and solutions to other developing economies facing similar energy and climate challenges,” Dr.
