Basseterre, St. Kitts:---  In a bold step toward shaping a more sustainable and resilient Caribbean energy landscape, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will set the stage for a comprehensive programme of training, knowledge exchange, and technical capacity building across the region.

This partnership brings together CARILEC’s powerful network of over 100 members—including electric utilities, independent power producers, regulators, academic institutions, and energy service providers —with GSI’s recognised expertise in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and sustainable transportation. The MOU reflects a shared commitment to fostering a future-ready Caribbean energy workforce equipped to lead the region’s clean energy transformation.

A Collaborative Approach to Advancing Caribbean Energy Skills
Beginning in 2025, CARILEC and GSI will collaborate under the new agreement to deliver high-quality, certified training programmes in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure. These programmes will be offered in blended formats—virtual and in-person—and tailored to the specific needs of utility professionals, engineers, regulators, and energy entrepreneurs across the region. The training will emphasise real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and direct exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies.

Beyond technical instruction, the partnership will enable the development of professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities, helping to raise the overall competency and recognition of regional talent. CARILEC and GSI will also host knowledge-sharing events—including forums, workshops, and industry networking sessions—to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector. By integrating global best practices and international standards, the initiative aims to ensure that Caribbean energy stakeholders remain well-positioned within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

A Win-Win Partnership: Empowering Energy Professionals Across the Region
“This MOU with GSI speaks to more than just a functional collaboration—it reflects the transformation of CARILEC into an association of electric energy solution providers,” explained Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC. “It supports our strategic goal of broadening representation across the energy sector, including individual practitioners such as solar PV installers, EV technicians, and energy efficiency auditors. GSI is a critical partner in this shift, and we commend them for their innovative and groundbreaking work in capacity building across the region.”

“The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model,” Dr. Bertin added. “Participants will operate within a collaborative, service-oriented ecosystem, supporting prosumers and households as utilities transform how they deliver energy. This partnership also supports the development of career pathways, job opportunities, and regional networking. And for successful GSI graduates, automatic eligibility for CARILEC’s individual membership offers valuable access to business development through our conferences, publications, and technical forums. It’s a clear win-win for both organisations and the broader Caribbean energy community.”

This MOU responds directly to the calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies. The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever. The collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing, ultimately facilitating the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.

Transforming the Caribbean’s Energy Future through Local Expertise
“This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future,” said Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI.
“For too long, our energy landscape has depended on imported expertise. GSI was founded with a mission to reverse that dynamic by investing in local capacity, home-grown knowledge, and scalable innovation. With this MOU, we’re creating a region-wide platform to equip professionals with the tools, certifications, and confidence to lead the clean energy transition from within. We’re not just training people to install solar panels or maintain EVs—we’re preparing them to build and manage the region’s smart, decentralised, and sustainable grid of the future.”

Dr. Archibald added: “As the Caribbean seeks to establish itself as a global model for small-island energy innovation, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in sustainable infrastructure. With a growing pool of certified professionals and stronger institutional linkages, the region is positioning itself not only to meet internal demand but also to export talent, ideas, and solutions to other developing economies facing similar energy and climate challenges.”

As both organisations continue to drive regional transformation, the CARILEC-GSI partnership sets a compelling example of how collaboration and innovation can create tangible pathways to energy resilience, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Statia Government welcomes two major and complementary developments that will improve access to financial services on the island: ING’s intention to offer banking services to local businesses and private persons, and De Nederlandsche Bank’s (DNB) plan to install additional ATMs in 2025.

ING announced its intention to serve Statia and Saba

In an official statement issued earlier today, ING declared its intent to offer banking services to companies carrying out economic activity on Statia and Saba. The bank has also expressed the ambition to establish a physical office on each island. This announcement follows extensive discussions between ING, the Ministry of Finance, and De Nederlandsche Bank regarding the structural banking challenges in the Caribbean Netherlands.

“We are the bank for everyone, and we want to be there for all the Dutch,” said Peter Jacobs, CEO of ING Netherlands. “We therefore take our social responsibility to make banking accessible to residents on both these islands. We want to offer the residents a similar service to that to the residents on Texel.”

Although ING has begun preparations, providing banking services in the special municipalities involves complex regulatory and logistical considerations. A final decision is expected in the course of 2026. If positive, ING aims to begin service by the end of that year.

DNB to Improve Access to Cash with New ATMs

In a separate but closely aligned effort, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has confirmed that additional ATMs will be installed in 2025, the first such installation facilitated directly by the central bank in the Caribbean Netherlands.

These ATMs will be managed by an international independent ATM deployer (IAD) and will support both local and international payment cards. Retailers who partner with the IAD will also gain access to cash deposit solutions.

Statia Government Applauds Progress

Island Governor Alida Francis described the dual announcements as a “transformative moment” for the island.

“Access to reliable financial services is vital, not only for our residents but for the resilience of our economy. We are pleased to see these long-standing issues being addressed at the national level.”

Commissioner of Finance, Reuben Merkman, commented:

“The establishment of a new bank in Statia marks a significant milestone, offering a unique opportunity to drive economic growth, promote financial inclusion, and unlock new economic possibilities for the island. More than just a financial institution, the bank serves as a cornerstone for economic empowerment, fostering community development and paving the way for sustainable growth. By providing accessible financial services, supporting local businesses, and creating avenues for investment, the bank has the potential to transform the island's financial landscape and empower its citizens, big and small. The future is bright! All of Statia is looking forward to the coming of this bank with high hopes. I would like to say, “thank God.”

Commissioner of Tourism, Rechelline Leerdam, added:

“This initiative is the result of decades of lobbying by the executive and legislative bodies of both Saba and Statia, through ongoing engagement with Members of Parliament and by consistently presenting our case to the relevant ministries. I want to thank all the Executive Council members and the Island Council over the last decade for their unwavering persistence in lobbying for additional banking services on the island. We are very happy to welcome this development as we diversify the economy. Especially amidst the strong boom in building requests from young locals, we hope this creates new opportunities to support their aspirations. Improved access to financial services is a necessary foundation for sustainable growth.”

In 2021, the Island council unanimously called for improved banking services. Today’s announcement results from persistent dialogue and collaboration with our partners in the European part of the Netherlands.

The Statia Government will continue to work with DNB and ING to support the successful implementation. In the coming months, further details, including ATM locations and service timelines, will be shared.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 11th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA), the Honorable Richinel Brug, outlined his 2025 signature projects with the ministry's management team.
This strategic session was the second held between the Minister, the Secretary General, and the management team. During this meeting, the management team presented the accomplishments of their respective departments and our executing agencies for the first three months of the year. The departments and executing agencies were also asked to outline their main projects for the second quarter of 2025.
During this strategic session, Minister Brug presented each member of the management team with the VSA governing program. After that, the Minister focused on his signature projects for the year that are directly derived from the 2024-2028 Governing Program.
“In recognizing the limitations due to understaffing, low morale among our civil servants, and the lack of (financial) resources, as Minister, it was important to outline focus areas for the ministry.”
“The Ministry of VSA consists of hardworking civil servants who understand their critical role in serving particularly vulnerable groups within our community. As such, staff continue to put the community's needs before their own. It is therefore important to pause, reflect on what we have accomplished, and refocus on the second term of the year.”
One of the main objectives is finalizing a Multi-annual Strategic Plan to provide the Ministry with a clear roadmap for the next few years. Additionally, stronger emphasis will be placed on bettering the lives of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, who often face challenges in accessing the services they need. Moreover, addressing the needs of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups is a priority, as is the approval of a comprehensive healthcare reform system to ensure accessible and efficient health services for all. Furthermore, Minister Brug recognizes the need to update outdated laws and draft lower legislation that should have been in place since Sint Maarten became an autonomous country on October 10, 2010.
This strategic day was concluded with a mental health session provided to VSA management and staff of the Minister’s Cabinet and the Staffbureau. The session highlighted the importance of prioritizing self-care and recognizing and addressing burnout symptoms in VSA staff.

“I remain committed to the well-being of my dedicated staff, in understanding that we can only take care of others if we are in a balanced and healthy frame of mind.”
“In the coming months, I will roll out a number of projects in line with our Governance program, which is specifically geared towards our vulnerable groups within our community. We will also give increased attention to the well-being of our youth.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In preparation for the highly anticipated Jouvert Jump-Up taking place in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with the Carnival Committee and emergency services, has finalized a comprehensive safety and monitoring plan to ensure a smooth and secure event for all.

Multiple coordination meetings were held to assess and safeguard the full parade route, with special attention given to the narrow section of Arch Road, between Vine Cactus Drive and the intersection near the former Zoo. To minimize the risk of congestion and facilitate emergency access, all bands and DJs are required to pause the music through this stretch of the route.

Police Monitoring Schedule

KPSM will actively monitor the progression of the Jump-Up and has established the following estimated time checkpoints for public awareness and logistical coordination:

• Sucker Garden to Arch Road: ~05:00 AM
• Arch Road / Sualiga Road crossing: ~05:45 AM
• Former Zoo area: ~06:10 AM
• Arch Road / A. Th. Illidge Road crossing: ~06:55 AM
• Cottage (former Eddy’s Auto Supply) Roundabout: ~08:00 AM
• Prins Bernard Bridge: ~08:20 AM
• Salt Pickers Roundabout: ~09:50 AM
• Arrival at Festival Village: ~10:00 AM

Please note that these are estimated times and may vary slightly based on the parade's pace.

General Safety Tips

KPSM urges all participants and residents to observe the following safety measures:

• Secure your homes and businesses before leaving. Lock all windows and doors and activate security systems.
• Park responsibly. Avoid blocking roadways, emergency access points, and driveways. Vehicles parked illegally may be removed.
• Keep personal belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables.
• Stay hydrated and look out for one another.
• Assign a designated driver or arrange safe transport if consuming alcohol.
• Report any suspicious activity or emergencies to the police immediately.

Motorists heading towards the airport should plan their journey in advance, depart early, and consider alternative routes due to expected road closures and congestion.

KPSM counts on the public's cooperation and responsible behavior to help ensure that this year’s Jouvert Jump-Up is safe and enjoyable for all.

Stay safe. Celebrate responsibly.

For more information, follow KPSM’s official social media pages or contact the Public Relations Department.

KPSM Press Release.