KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) Dr Andrew Wheatley left the island over the weekend for Panama City, where he will deliver the keynote ministerial opening address at the second Central American and Caribbean Renewable Energy Congress, RECAM 2017 tomorrow.

A news release from the ministry on Monday said that the Congress which runs from March 7-9 at the Hilton in Panama will serve as a networking opportunity for the over 350 senior renewable energy executives in the Central American and Caribbean region and policy makers. It will also place emphasis on green energy sector best practices, national policies and case studies in the field.

Information from the congress organisers noted that “RECAM will unite the whole value chain to facilitate new business development by highlighting the scope of available projects, and showcasing best practices for securing contracts in each country.”

“Focused on the rapid development of renewable energy in the region,   RECAM 2017 is an opportunity for Jamaica to gain further insight on the green energy landscape and the market opportunities available, as government continues to implement the energy framework that will more quickly and efficiently take us to our growth destination,” Dr Wheatley said.

Tuesday, the first day of the Congress, is also Caribbean Focus Day, when, according to RECAM information, “success stories from Cuba, Aruba and Jamaica”, will convince practitioners in the renewable energy sector to ‘take the plunge’ and get their projects “off the ground”.

Dr Wheatley will return to Jamaica for Parliament on Thursday.