Executive Director’s Message Caricom Day 2026

Message from Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee

Executive Director

Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE)

On the Occasion of CARICOM Day 2026

Today, as we celebrate CARICOM Day, we honour more than five decades of regional integration, cooperation and shared purpose. It is a moment to reflect not only on how far our Caribbean Community has come, but also on the future we are building together, one that is more resilient, more prosperous and more secure for all our people.

The challenges confronting our Region are increasingly interconnected. Climate change, energy security, economic competitiveness, food and water security, digital transformation and disaster resilience cannot be addressed in isolation. They demand coordinated regional action and long-term strategic thinking.

At the heart of this agenda lies energy.

Energy is far more than a single sector of the economy. It powers every aspect of Caribbean development. It keeps our hospitals and schools operating, enables modern agriculture, transport and tourism, supports industry and trade, strengthens digital connectivity, enhances national security and underpins our ability to adapt to a changing climate and changing world. Every ambition we hold for our Region depends on access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.

For the Caribbean's Small Island Developing States, the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems is no longer simply an environmental imperative, it is an economic and development imperative. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and strengthening regional cooperation will not only increase our resilience but also create new opportunities for investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and quality jobs across our Community.

This year's CARICOM Day also marks the commencement of the Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government by The Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. His longstanding commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship and climate resilience reflects the priorities that continue to shape our Region's collective future, and we wish him every success during his tenure.

CCREEE remains committed to supporting CARICOM Member States and partners to accelerate towards achieving energy sovereignty. Together, we are helping to build the enabling environment for stronger economies, greater resilience and lasting prosperity.

The Caribbean has always demonstrated that our greatest strength lies in our unity. As we look to the future, let us continue to work together with ambition, innovation and solidarity to ensure that sustainable energy becomes a catalyst for economic transformation, climate resilience and improved quality of life for every Caribbean citizen.

On behalf of the entire CCREEE family, I extend warm wishes to the Governments and people of the Caribbean Community on this CARICOM Day.

May our shared commitment to regional cooperation continue to guide us as we build a stronger Caribbean and power a sustainable future for generations to come.

Happy CARICOM Day.