CHTA President Sanovnik Destang and CAST Acting Chairperson Karolin Troubetzkoy urge swift policy action as new report reveals critical barriers and opportunities for energy transition
MIAMI, Fla. – April 22, 2025 – As the world marks Earth Day 2025, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and its affiliate, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), are sounding a clear call: it is time to prioritize renewable energy adoption across the region.
“This year’s Earth Day theme—Our Power, Our People, Our Planet—resonates deeply with the Caribbean,” shared CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “It is a powerful reminder that by working together—governments, the tourism industry, and our communities—we can harness our collective strength to drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable, resilient future.”
The Caribbean’s tourism industry has made great strides in energy efficiency and renewable energy over the last two decades, with many governments enacting policies to support this transition. However, challenges remain in reducing energy costs—especially in scaling up renewable energy adoption in line with global climate goals.
A recent report prepared by CHTA and CAST, “Empowering the Caribbean Tourism Industry through Renewable Energy: A Call for Policy Action,” presents key findings from 17 jurisdictions and recommends practical steps to move forward.
Among the key barriers described in this report are:
• Red Tape and Unclear Guidelines - Most jurisdictions allow renewable energy installations—but red tape and unclear guidelines are slowing adoption.
• Confusion over Permitting Requirements - Nearly 40 percent cite confusion over permitting requirements for renewable energy systems.
• Skills Shortages—In 31 percent of countries, the Lack of skilled labor to install and maintain systems is a challenge.
• Financing – Overwhelmingly, access to affordable financing for renewable investments remains limited.
• Incentives - Investment incentives are weak or non-existent in many places.
• Stimulating Self-Generation with Buy-Back Programs - No buy-back programs exist in nearly half of the jurisdictions—and where they do, credits are often undervalued.
Drawing upon its research, CHTA and CAST recommend the following actions:
• Remove Arbitrary Size Limits for self-generation capacity. Allow renewable systems to be sized based on energy needs and site feasibility—not outdated kW caps.
• Streamline Permitting Processes - Simplify and clarify approval procedures to accelerate investment in renewable projects.
• Redefine the Role of Electric Utilities – As energy production changes, so too must the roles of utilities. They should be redefined to encourage competition and allow private-sector participation in energy generation.
• End Unfair Utility Fees - Eliminate discriminatory charges on self-generators and ensure fair interconnection rules.
• Offer Stronger Financial Incentives - Introduce or expand tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans to support renewable adoption.
• Create and Improve Fair Buy-Back Programs - Implement net billing or feed-in tariffs that fairly compensate private renewable producers.
“The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment,” stated CAST Acting Chairperson Karolin Troubetzkoy. “With the right policies and partnerships, we can accelerate the region’s transition to renewable energy and position our industry as a global leader in sustainable development. The time to act is now.”
For access to the full report please visit https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/commitment-initiatives/advocacy/. For more information on CHTA, please visit https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. For more information on CAST, please visit https://cast.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling and Prison Director Steven Carty reaffirm their commitment to upholding care, dignity, and cultural respect within the correctional system, especially during significant occasions like the Easter holiday. While not legally required, offering special meals on public holidays is a gesture of goodwill. Over the Easter weekend, inmates received the following meals: snapper with pigeon peas and salad on Friday; baked and fried chicken with rice and green salad on Saturday; pork chop or oxtail with kidney beans and mixed salad on Sunday; and BBQ-glazed chicken with stewed peas and salad on Monday. “We continue this tradition as a gesture of dignity and religious recognition,” said Minister Tackling. “It reflects our commitment to humane and respectful treatment.” Director Carty confirmed the facility operated as planned over the holiday, with all meals prepared and distributed accordingly. “We remain focused on consistent care and operational integrity,” he stated. Throughout the Easter weekend, there were no reported incidents, and operations remained normal within the facility. Customary holiday meals were provided as part of a longstanding tradition. While some inmates were unsatisfied, management promptly addressed their grievances through established protocols and communication procedures. "Recognizing that misinformation can occasionally circulate, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of reporting based on verified facts." Minister Tackling concluded, "Transparency and accountability are key pillars of my leadership. We encourage constructive dialogue through the proper channels and remain fully committed to strengthening our justice system and upholding the humane treatment of all individuals under our care."
Motorworld Group is proud to announce that EV Motors has been named the exclusive authorized dealer for GAC Motor in The Bahamas. At a spectacular brand launch event held at Baha Mar on Saturday, April 12, a dynamic array of nine brand-new 2026 GAC vehicles was unveiled to an excited crowd. The lineup included seven internal combustion engine (ICE) models and two fully electric vehicles from GAC's electric vehicle brand, Aion.
