COP24: Mainstreaming renewable energy in the OECS

COP24 has put a heightened focus on mainstreaming renewable energy in the OECS in the battle against climate change after the signing of an MOU between the OECS and Solar Head of State earlier this year.

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) met with Mr. Francois Martel, Secretary General of the Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF) and Mr. James Ellsmoor of Solar Head of State (SHOS) to discuss options for project development, financing and implementation of the SHOS Project in the Pacific that the Caribbean Region can learn from. 

The implementation of the SHOS Project is recognised as a clear leadership campaign for the development and adoption of solar energy in islands.

The heads of the organisations shared information on the purpose, roles and constituencies which they serve in their respective regions and how inter-small island developing states (SIDS) collaboration can also form part of South-South cooperation that is beneficial to Member States. 

Mr. Martel and Mr. Ellsmoor shared detailed experience with the project development of the Pacific project from conception to implementation, that will be useful for the implementation of the project in the Caribbean.

The move forms part of building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the OECS Commission and SHOS to catalyse renewable energy adoption. 

The MOU which was signed on July 6, 2018 in Jamaica to support the vision of a sustainable OECS demonstrates the commitment of the leadership of the region to the global effort to address climate change and the need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Dr. Jules expressed interest in collaborating further to ensure that the SHOS project and other potential collaborative initiatives that support the mission of the OECS Commission to contribute to the sustainable development of OECS Member States by assisting them to maximise the benefits from their collective space.

The time also afforded was an opportunity for Dr. Jules and the President of Fiji, Mr. Frank Bainimarama to meet.