Being Part of the Green Revolution in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Tamaira Rowe

Published on October 26, 2023

Being Part of the Green Revolution in St Vincent and the Grenadines

By Shannon France, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

During my BSc studies in energy and environmental physics, I developed a passion for learning about renewable energy. With the world calling for sustainable energy solutions, I knew I wanted to be part of the green revolution and decided to explore the renewable energy landscape in my home country, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to an internship at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), where I could make a meaningful contribution to this transformative movement.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is a stunning archipelago in the Caribbean, with immense potential for harnessing renewable energy sources. Our vision for a greener and sustainable future is complemented by the pristine natural beauty of our islands. As I began my internship at the CCREEE, I was eager to discover the untapped opportunities that lay ahead in achieving our renewable energy goals.

 

Joining the CCREEE: The Beginning of a Meaningful Journey

At the CCREEE, I contributed to developing energy report cards for St Vincent and the Grenadines. This task allowed me to delve deeply into the renewable energy sector of my country. Engaging with stakeholders and energy experts provided valuable insights into the current state of renewable energy projects and initiatives.

Although St Vincent and the Grenadines has made commendable strides in adopting renewable energy solutions, challenges remain on the path to a sustainable energy future. Limited funding and technical expertise often hinder the implementation of large-scale renewable projects. However, our ambitious targets and commitment to sustainable development offer promising opportunities for collaboration and investment.

I discovered engaging in weekly update meetings with other Caribbean interns was a great way to learn about the different approaches and challenges each country faces in data collection. Sharing experiences allowed us to learn from one another’s best practices and foster a collective effort to achieve our shared goals of a greener, cleaner energy landscape for the entire Caribbean region.

My internship at the CCREEE was a transformative experience, broadening my knowledge of renewable energy and empowering me to play an active role in shaping my country’s energy future. The support and guidance from my supervisor and the CCREEE’s team have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Moving Forward: Paving the Way for a Greener Tomorrow

As I continue my academic journey and pursue further studies in renewable energy, I am equipped with valuable insights and experience to drive positive change in my country’s energy landscape. I am committed to advocating for renewable energy policies and initiatives that will shape the future of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

My internship at the CCREEE has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of renewable energy. As I look to the future, I am filled with hope and optimism that our collective efforts will pave the way for a greener, cleaner and more sustainable St Vincent and the Grenadines. Let us embrace the green revolution and empower our nation for future generations.