Kyle Holder Leach
Published on October 21, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — October 21, 2026 — The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) and the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) on October 7, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the XI Energy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, formalizing a framework for strengthened cooperation between the two regional organizations.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee, Executive Director of CCREEE, and Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans, Executive Secretary of OLACDE, following a bilateral meeting.
This not only acknowledges the growing relevance of the Caribbean in the energy agenda, but also opens a new space to reflect and act together in the face of the challenges of energy security, regional integration, and the energy transition
The MoU provides a framework for technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity development, while supporting stronger institutional collaboration across the two regions.
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Nagdee said, “This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between the Caribbean and Latin America. For CCREEE, this partnership provides an important opportunity to bring together the knowledge, experience and expertise of our two regions and translate them into practical solutions for the countries we serve. Through technical cooperation, capacity development, knowledge exchange, and areas such as energy data and analytics, we look forward to working with OLACDE to accelerate a more sustainable, resilient and secure energy future across our regions.”
Speaking on the momentous occasion, Smitmans said that the MOU was part of a historic event within the context of the entire week.
“The XI Energy Week marks a milestone, as it was the first time this gathering was held in one of the ten Caribbean countries that are members of OLACDE, setting a precedent for the region. This not only acknowledges the growing relevance of the Caribbean in the energy agenda, but also opens a new space to reflect and act together in the face of the challenges of energy security, regional integration, and the energy transition. The diversity of realities and resources across our countries is a strength that must inspire shared solutions and increasingly deep cooperation. Within this framework, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with CCREEE reaffirms our commitment to regional cooperation aimed at driving joint solutions for sustainable energy, resilience, and the energy transition” he explained.
The two organizations are already exploring practical areas for cooperation, including a proposed Energy Data Analytics Training Programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of energy-sector officials to use energy data t
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