GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett is urging member states to accelerate investment in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure to reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthen regional energy security.

In a message marking the launch of Caricom Energy Month 2026, Barnett said the region must take concrete steps to develop sustainable, affordable and resilient energy systems in the face of rising energy costs and the growing threat of climate change.

This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Harnessing Energy, Advancing Resilient Development”.

Barnett noted that Caricom member states, as small island and low-lying coastal developing states, remain among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, while continuing to grapple with volatile global energy prices.

“These converging challenges underscore the urgency of building energy systems that are sustainable, affordable and resilient,” she said.

The secretary-general said the Caribbean possesses significant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and marine energy, which could help transform the region’s energy landscape.

She said greater use of these resources would improve energy security, reduce fuel imports, lower energy costs and create new opportunities for economic development.

However, Barnett stressed that investments in renewable energy must be accompanied by modernised electricity grids, energy storage technologies and infrastructure capable of withstanding hurricanes and other external shocks.

She acknowledged that conventional energy sources would continue to play an important role during the transition to cleaner technologies.

Barnett noted that although the Caribbean accounts for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Caricom remains committed to expanding renewable energy use.

She said the transition was not only about reducing emissions, but also conserving foreign exchange, strengthening energy security, generating economic opportunities and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Caricom secretary-general also called for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners, academic institutions and civil society to accelerate the region’s energy transformation.

“Through collective action, innovation, investment, and knowledge-sharing, we can unlock the full potential of the Caribbean’s renewable energy resources, and build a more prosperous and resilient community for present and future generations,” Barnett said.

She emphasised that the region’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development must now be translated into measurable action.