On Monday, March 11th, 2024, in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Natural Resources launched a new initiative geared towards the advancement of its national renewable energy program.
This initiative, dubbed the Anguilla Renewable Energy Advisory Services (AREAS), was established for the purpose of working with the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation & the Environment as a driving force towards the production of cleaner, greener energy sources.
The launch event, which was moderated by Permanent Secretary, Chanelle Petty-Barrett, began with a special prayer of invocation by Pastor Dwayne Adams of the Central Baptist Church.
The Honourable Minister of Sustainability, Innovation & the Environment, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, addressed the small gathering of stakeholders: “Today marks the pivotal moment in our nation’s history as we journey towards a sustainable prosperous future. I stand before you with great pride and enthusiasm as we inaugurate the newest addition to our Government’s efforts to combating climate change by promoting renewable energy through the Anguilla Renewable Energy Advisory Services (AREAS).”
The Minister noted that with the ever growing urgency to address the challenges posed by high energy cost associated with the import of fossil fuel, it had become imperative to accelerate the transition towards clean affordable renewable energy and embrace energy efficiency measures.
“The establishment of AREAS within the Department of Natural Resources signifies our unwavering commitment to lead this charge and pave a way for a greener and more resilient tomorrow,” the Minister stated.
She explained that the mission of AREAS is three-fold: 1. to build a culture of renewable energy reform; 2. to lead in renewable energy transition; and 3. to inspire and engage in the opportunities by renewable energy.
She presented a rather ambitious outline of the plans for the AREAS, but then she made mention of the disadvantageous climate change challenges that small British Overseas Territories like Anguilla will have to grapple with due to Britain’s exit from the European Union that took place some eight years ago.
“We will advocate for and enact legislative reforms that will remove barriers to renewable energy deployment and create a conducive environment for sustainable development,” she stated. “The transition to renewable energy is not just a necessity, but it is a tremendous opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and social progress. [The] AREAS unit will seek to unlock the full potential of renewable energy and ensure that Anguilla emerges as a leader in the clean energy revolution…
“We will invest in cutting edge technology to unlock the potential of renewable energy technologies, and achieve a just transition in Anguilla,” she added, “ensuring that the renewable energy solutions become more accessible, affordable and saleable for all.”
“Furthermore,” Minister Gumbs-Marie added, “we will prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency across all sectors of our economy. By reducing energy waste and optimizing our use of resources, we can, not only mitigate the impacts of climate change, but we can also create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.”
“However,” she noted, “our journey, as ambitious as it is, will face many uphill battles. The chief among these is Anguilla’s lack of access to global funding to aid in our transition efforts.
“When one considers the global thrust towards just transitions, and how it affects developing countries across the world, particularly in the Caribbean region, I imagine there is rarely a conversation on the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU and the effects that Brexit has had on our progress to achieve a ‘just transition’ of our renewable energy sources.”
“To put this in perspective,” the Minister said, “next month will bring the close to an EU funded renewable energy transition project, headed by Mr. Travis Carty, that would have invested just shy of Euros 1 Million in Anguilla’s transition efforts. After this, they are no other funds set aside to support our energy transition ambitions, neither for us nor any other British Overseas Territory.”
“And so we are here,” she pointed out. “We are squarely at the intersection of international relations, state identity, and ‘just transition’ ambitions. And, it is because of examples like ours that we recognize that the transition for a sustainable energy future requires the collaborative effort of our administering powers, other governments, businesses, communities and individuals alike.
“Therefore, I urge all stakeholders to join hands with us in this noble endeavour, working together towards a shared vision for a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.”
Also addressing the stakeholders present was the Director of the Renewable Energy Division of Natural Resources, Mr. Dallen Connor and Chief Natural Resources Officer, Ms. Melissa Meade. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Renewable Energy Research and Development Officer, Ms. Telica Mussington.
