BOGUE, St James — The feasibility of a Caricom directive to explore the creation of a regional utility regulator is among the pressing issues on the agenda of the 20th Annual Conference of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR).

The three-day event is scheduled for Montego Bay, Jamaica in October.

“This groundbreaking initiative could fundamentally transform how we approach utility regulation across the Caribbean, creating opportunities for enhanced coordination and standardisation, but also presenting logistical and efficiency challenges,” OOCUR Executive Director Dr Marsha Atherley-Ikechi said Thursday during a media launch for the conference held at ATL Automotive Group (West), Bogue City Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

Established following an agreement signed on July 26, 2002 in Ocho Rios, St Ann, OOCUR is a non-profit organisation that defines itself as an entity “working to improve utility regulation, facilitate training and information sharing, foster transparent and stable utility regulation”.

It comes as no surprise that the upcoming conference will also discuss telecommunications and water.

“We will explore strategies for promoting private sector investment in sustainable water-based technologies, including desalination, rainwater harvesting and waste water recycling. These approaches are essential for addressing both supply and demand challenges across our water-scarce island nations,” stated Atherley-Ikechi.

“Our discussions will also focus on updating regulatory frameworks to facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G networks, satellite Internet services, Internet of things, applications and broader digital transformative initiatives while ensuring robust consumer protection and cybersecurity measures are upgraded,” she added.

The executive director said one of the sessions will also bring together a panel of service providers engaging in candid, constructive dialogue about the real impact of regulation on service delivery.

“This panel represents a unique opportunity for regulators and service providers to discuss how regulatory frameworks can be better leveraged to optimise benefits for society as a whole. OOCUR believes that honest, transparent conversations between regulators and the regulated are essential for creating effective policies that serve the public interest while maintaining healthy, competitive markets. This panel will set the stage for more collaborative relationships,” reasoned Atherley-Ikechi.

Also being introduced this year is a power purchase agreement workshop that responds to current regional needs. It will be delivered in association with the Energy for Growth Hub. It comes at a time when Caribbean nations are increasingly pursuing renewable energy transitions, and understanding the intricacies of power purchase agreements (PPAs) has therefore become crucial for regulators.

“This workshop will provide practical insights into structuring, negotiating and regulating these complex agreements that are fundamental to our region’s sustainable energy future,” explained Atherley-Ikechi.

The conference will also include, for the first time in OOCUR history, an awards programme recognising excellence and innovation in Caribbean regulation.

“This programme will honour the regulator of the year, recognising overall regulatory excellence and leadership. It will also honour the most innovative regulators in four categories: water and wastewater, telecommunications, electricity and consumer protection. These awards celebrate the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that Caribbean consumers receive reliable, affordable and quality services,” stated Atherley-Ikechi.

She appealed for corporate sponsorship from across the region to support the conference.

Director general of Jamaica’s Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and OOCUR Chairman Ansord Hewitt said this year’s event promises to be impactful. He said it will bring together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, experts, academics, and civil society to explore solutions that empower communities and drive sustainable development.

Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Dwight “Debo” Crawford noted that the conference will be held at a time when many homeowners and utility companies will be stepping up their game and changing the technology they use.

“I think the OUR deserves a round of applause for guiding this,” he said, as he pointed out that Jamaica is blessed with alternative energies such as hydro, solar, and wind when compared to other countries.

Meanwhile, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jason Russell pointed to the important role regulations and regulators play in developing parishes such as St James and the Caribbean in general.

About 17 public utility regulators, policy makers, service providers, consumer advocates and international partners from across the region are expected to attend the conference slated to be held at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in St James from October 26-29. Hosted by the OUR, it will be held under the theme ‘Navigating Caribbean Regulatory Challenges: Opportunities, Innovations and Collaborations’. This year’s conference is being sponsored by ATL Autobahn, BYD,
Jamaica Observer, Iconectiv and National Bakery.