Speaking at a conference in Barbados last week, Grenada’s finance minister discussed some of the challenges for sustainable energy development in the Caribbean and other small island developing states:

THERE is room for improvement in many areas in order for the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to achieve sustainable energy objectives.

This is according to Minister of Finance of Grenada, Nazim Burke. He delivered an address here in Barbados at the SIDS Sustainable Energy For All conference at the Hilton Barbados last week.

“The topic that we are discussing this morning, ‘The Creation of an Enabling Environment and the Financing for Sustainable Energy’ brings to the fore fundamental pre-requisites which have to be satisfied if we are to succeed in achieving global objectives put forward by the UN Secretary General in his Sustainable Energy For All initiative,” he said.

Burke went on to highlight three key issues that specifically affect the Small Island Developing States, especially those in the Caribbean region. The issues surround those of high energy costs, high levels of indebtedness, and the slow pace of development funding.

He used his own country, Grenada, as an example of the importance of developing sustainable energy, noting that that country has some of the highest energy costs in the world. As a response, Burke reported that his government has chosen pillars for economic transformation of Grenada, and among them is sustainable energy development.

Read more in the full article from the Barbados Advocate.

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