CARICOM Urges Faster Renewable Energy Investment
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett called on member states to speed up investment in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure as the region marks CARICOM Energy Month 2026.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Energy
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CARICOM launched CARICOM Energy Month 2026 under the theme 'Harnessing Energy, Advancing Resilient Development,' with Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urging member states to accelerate investment in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure. The Caribbean accounts for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions while possessing solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and marine energy resources.
Why it matters
CARICOM member states are Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States and are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Greater renewable energy use would improve energy security and reduce fuel imports as member states continue to face volatile global energy prices.
The Caribbean accounts for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a share set against the region's exposure to climate impacts. The source does not specify investment totals or renewable capacity targets for member states.
The players
CARICOM
The Caribbean Community is a regional intergovernmental organization of Caribbean nations that coordinates economic integration, foreign policy and development cooperation among its member states.
Dr. Carla Barnett
Dr. Carla Barnett is the Secretary-General of CARICOM, serving as the chief administrative official of the regional bloc.
The details
Renewable energy investment must be accompanied by modernised electricity grids, energy storage technologies and hurricane-resilient infrastructure, according to the message. Stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners, academic institutions and civil society is called for.
Timeline
Nov. 1, 2026: Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett issues message launching CARICOM Energy Month 2026.
Big Picture
CARICOM member states are classified as Small Island Developing States, a designation that frames their heightened exposure to climate change and their dependence on imported fuel. The energy push extends that framework into a regional strategy for renewable investment and resilient grids.
Greater renewable energy use would lower energy costs and reduce fuel imports for member states facing volatile global prices. Households and businesses could see more stable power costs as grids and storage are modernised.
The takeaway
Energy resilience for small island states depends on pairing renewable generation with hurricane-hardened grids and storage. Reducing fuel dependence protects both household budgets and national security.
Further reading
Explore more on Energy developments shaping climate resilience and fuel security.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CANANews.
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