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Ministry Seeks To Improve Energy Policy

Barbados is looking at the evolution of its energy mix.

And, Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, said it’s on that basis that engagement has commenced with the United Nations Special Envoy for Energy to look at an updated and an investment plan meant to overlay the Barbados National Energy Policy, as well as a further revision of the Integration Resource and Resiliency Plan (IRRP).

Senator Cummins made the comments at the opening of the three-day Energy Local Content Capacity Building Workshop, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, on Tuesday.

The Minister continued: “Even though our IRRP was [developed] in 2021, which is comparatively quite recent, I think we all accept that this is a fast moving industry. The developments are being overtaken by time, and the competitive initiatives of yesterday are being overtaken by the competitive initiatives of today.

“And, so even as at 2021, there is a further need for us to have updated and constantly evolving policy directions, and we are committed to ensuring that that is done over the next six months, and we expect to be able to have that ready in time for us to present at the next COP [28], later this year.”

She noted that discussions were presently ongoing with related partners on the modernisation of the electricity grid and investments in storage.   

After the official opening ceremony, Senator Cummins told the media that a number of meetings had been held with local stakeholders, and the UN Special Envoy and her team. She added that internal developmental meetings were held last week with the national team, with inputs from stakeholders.

She pointed out that the necessary information had been shared with the UN Special Advisor on Energy and her team. “We are expecting that between a three to six-month timeframe, they will be in a position to say ‘2030, this is your target, this is what you need to do every year incrementally between now and then and this is what it will cost you to do it,” she explained.

Senator Cummins told the workshop that during the recently completed mission to Abu Dhabi, officials met with partners from across the world, under the framework of the United Nations.

She said Barbados will be forging new relationships going forward to ensure the island can navigate many of the supply chain challenges, as well as access skills to build capacity in institutions and among local suppliers, in an effort to forge partnerships that attract investment to Barbados.

The Minister continued: “We are simultaneously also … looking at the skills that we need, equally, to develop….  We are going to be working with one of the institutions out of Scotland to map what our education and capacity-building needs are…, to be able to position Barbados as a global leader in renewable energy. 

“The jobs of the future in the energy industry are not necessarily the job of the past.  The skills of the future in the energy industry are going to need to be upskilled, retooled, retrained, transformed, [and] internationalised. We are committed to ensuring that this knowledge economy that Barbados has built historically, through our education system, in a range of disciplines also, is positioned to ensure that Barbados is a world leader in the provision of top and world-class energy, and renewable energy in particular, technical competencies.” (PR/GIS)

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Local Heroes Honored for Acts of Integrity and Kindness at Special Recognition Event

In a time when simple acts of kindness have the power to restore faith in humanity, two individuals are being honored for their remarkable integrity and generosity.

KindSpire, the local platform dedicated to inspiring and rewarding kindness, is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown to recognize Mr. David Rose and Dr. Janeille Zorina Matthews, two individuals whose selfless actions have touched hearts across the island.Today Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6.30 pm, Kiwanis Club Meeting, Cube Blue Building, Barbados Port Authority Complex

Honoring Acts of Integrity and Compassion

David Rose stumbled upon lost cash alongside a list of unpaid utility bills. Instead of keeping the money, he made a selfless choice— he paid off the stranger’s bills, easing their financial burden.

Meanwhile, Janielle Matthews found an envelope filled with cash in the Cost-U-Less car park.Rather than walking away, she took immediate action to return the money to its rightful owner, proving that honesty still prevails.

Their actions not only restored what was lost but also reminded us of the power of integrity and selflessness. To celebrate their incredible kindness, KindSpire and the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown are hosting a special recognition event to honor David and Janielle and inspire others to follow their example.

Launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” Initiative

In addition to recognizing these everyday heroes, the event will also mark the official launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” initiative. This program, hosted through KindSpire’s website (www.kindspire.app), will highlight. celebrate and reward one exceptional act of kindness each month, encouraging more Barbadians to step up and make a difference. Members of the public can submit their own stories of kindness online, helping to build a movement of goodwill across the island.

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Passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations

The Barbados Light & Power Company (Light & Power) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations.

Jackie passed away peacefully at home after illness. 

Light & Power’s management, staff and her immediate Corporate Communications family are shocked and feeling the pain of her passing.

Jackie was a valued and respected member of our team who played an instrumental role in shaping the Company’s voice, fostering meaningful connections, and guiding communications policy with professionalism and grace. She was revered and admired by her colleagues in communications, not only in Barbados but across the region.

Managing Director Roger Blackman said her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence would be profoundly missed by colleagues, associates, and all who had the privilege of working with her.

“We at Light & Power are deeply saddened by the passing of Jackie Marshall-Clarke. Jackie was not just a valued colleague, but also a friend, a mentor to many in the business, and an inspirational leader, whose contributions to Light & Power and the energy sector in Barbados were immeasurable. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and we ask that their privacy be respected as we navigate this difficult period.”

Light & Power extends sincere condolences to Jackie’s family, friends, and loved ones.

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LOVE HEALTH & FITNESS FAIR TODAY

The Love, Health & Fitness Fair at the Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, today Friday 14th February is the penultimate event during the week of activities.

An all-day event, which starts at 10:00 a.m., targets all members of the public and will also serve nearby businesses. It aims to promote holistic wellbeing, and patrons can expect a range of services.

Among these will be complimentary health screenings, including blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV, and BMI; CPR demonstrations, and various wellbeing services, such as body waxing, pedicures, facials, and barbering services. 

People Empowerment Minister Kirk Humphrey will vanguard the entertainment section commencing at 3:00 pm on Valentine’s Day. Your coverage is welcome! (PR)

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