Press Release
Annually, as part of its mandate, CARICOM seeks to develop and implement an Energy Policy that focuses on making the Energy Supply of the Region more diversified with renewable energy sources, playing a far greater role. The over-arching strategic objective of this framework is to sensitize the Region to the importance of pursuing a path of Sustainable Energy, through a greater uptake of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the interest of Economic Development.
As such, the CARICOM Secretariat and its member states celebrate what is dubbed “Energy Conservation & Efficiency Week. Against this backdrop, in Nevis, CARICOM, in collaboration with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and NEVELC, the Nevis Electricity Company, implemented a series of activities.
For 2014, the theme was:
“ACHIEVING CLIMATE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE THEORY SUSTAINABLE ENERGY”
Owing to the importance of this conservation and efficiency ideology, the target group ranged from 5-year olds to senior citizens. The week of activities was declared opened by the Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Minister with the responsibility for Ministry of Communications, Works, Public Utility, Post, Natural Resources & Environment, which was aired on Nevis National Communications (NNC), the Island’s National TV Station. This was followed by an interactive lecture series delivered at all fourteen schools across Nevis, both at the Primary and Secondary levels. Students were educated on various forms of renewable energy including solar, wind, waste to energy, and geothermal energy, methodologies which all fall under the paradigm shift to which the Nevis island Administration is committed.
The above media approach was augmented by Television Interviews and Radio Talk shows, which sought to emphasize the importance of behavioral change as it relates to conserving and using energy efficiently.
There was also an Energy Expo held in Central Charlestown, where the Public was regaled with information on the production of Energy in Nevis from Years gone by. They were also updated on modern energy-production technologies that are and can be employed today at schools, home, in the workplace, and at other locations. Product Demonstrations and Presentations were made by employees from NEVLEC, as well as, Mr. Ernie Stapleton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Works, Public Utility, Post, Natural Resources & Environment. It is estimated that over 500 persons attended the Expo. Some of the attendees were given the opportunity to weigh in on the significance of our Nevisian culture becoming proactive in conserving energy, protecting non-renewable resources, whilst preserving Mother Earth.
Other activities included Essay, Quiz and Photo Competitions. Students at the Secondary and Primary school levels presented Essays that spoke to the Topic:
The Importance of Renewable Energy to the Economy of Nevis.
The eventual Essay winners were Mr. Rol-J Williams of the Gingerland Primary School and Ms. Kaylon Williams of the Charlestown Primary School. The Quiz competition was won by Ms. Manata Srinivasan. At the Luncheon and Prize Giving Ceremony held at Riviere House, all School Essay Finalists received EC $300 for their participation. In addition, Rol-J Williams took home a 10-inch Tablet, while Kaylon Williams won herself a 7-inch Tablet.
During the post mortem, the local committee members were quite satisfied with the variety and impactfulness of the activities rolled out. Worthy of note, is that the Public also chimed in noting that some of the ideas presenting were new and exciting, ideas that they would no doubt implement personally.
In closing, we sincerely thank all stakeholders including Media Houses, the Ministries of Education and Communications, Works, Public Utility, Post, Natural Resources & Environment, various School Principals, Competition Participants, Host Restaurants, the NIA, NEVLEC, TDC, NNC, and other key contributors.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING THE 2015 CARICOM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIEINCY WEEK OF ACTIVITIES EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER.