Enhancement of the Caribbean’s energy and tourism sectors was highlighted as the focus of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), and its affiliate, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism’s (CAST) recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). CARILEC shared in a press release that the agreement is designed to foster enhanced collaboration between the sectors.
Formalized on October 20, 2025, the signing coincided with the opening of the annual CARILEC Resilient Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This partnership aims to promote the adoption of sustainable energy practices, accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources, and bolster climate resilience within the Caribbean’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industries. Supporting economic development and environmental responsibility is also on the agenda, reports the organization.
The MOU outlines a collaborative framework across five primary domains: knowledge exchange and research, policy and regulatory enhancements, disaster preparedness and resilience, membership opportunities and joint promotional efforts, as well as workforce development and capacity building. CARILEC said that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of “working together to realize a sustainable energy future for people of the Caribbean.”
In addition, CARILEC has broadened its membership criteria to include Large Commercial Prosumers—businesses and institutions operating a minimum of 20 kW of grid-connected generation capacity under self-generation and feed-in tariff schemes. These entities can now participate as members, enabling tourism operators and self-generating enterprises to engage directly in regional dialogue, share best practices, and influence policies aimed at fostering cleaner, more resilient, and economically sustainable energy systems throughout the Caribbean.
Representing CARILEC at the signing was Mr. Wayne M. Caines, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President and CEO of Bermuda Electric Light Company. During the event, Dr. Cletus Bertin, CARILEC’s Executive Director, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, “Energy and tourism are two pillars of Caribbean development. Through this partnership, we are bridging these sectors to create opportunities for real, tangible progress in renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience, ensuring that the Caribbean remains both competitive and sustainable.”
Mr. Sanovnik Destang, President of the CHTA, also emphasized the collective responsibility in shaping a resilient future, remarking, “Tourism and energy may seem like separate worlds, but they are deeply connected. Hotels and resorts are among the largest energy users in our region, while utilities are essential partners in our growth and resilience…Across our destinations, we see progress; solar and wind projects in Aruba and Barbados, geothermal development in Dominica, and policy reforms in Saint Lucia that are helping modernize our energy framework and encourage renewable investment. Yet renewable energy still provides less than three percent of tourism’s power use. That must change. By combining tourism’s innovation with CARILEC’s technical expertise, we can lower costs, cut emissions, and strengthen resilience in the tourism sector.”
The MOU also stipulates the creation of a Joint Working Group comprising representatives from both organizations and relevant sectors. This group will be responsible for developing annual work plans, monitoring implementation, and evaluating progress. The agreement is set for an initial term of three years, with provisions for renewal by mutual consent.
“Ultimately, this alliance empowers Caribbean utilities and tourism stakeholders to work together toward a cleaner, more resilient, and energy-efficient future that strengthens sustainable economic growth and competitiveness across the region,” stated CARILEC.
DNO the country was informed as recently as earlier this year that the geothermal energy switch will be turned on this year. Can you use your influence with the relevant authorities to find out if this is still feasible.
DNO the onus is on the news media to hold the current administration’s feet to the fire. I call specifically on your media outlet because I hold you in much higher esteem than ALL the others. Journalism can be a very Nathan ful job but you do it for the good of your country.