February 2017 |Business View Caribbean

16 17 in production.This will be done through enhanced functional cooperation, and development of alternative energy to meet CARICOM’s 2017 target of 20 percent for the contribution of renewable en- ergy to the total electricity supplymix. The strategy addresses energy efficiency across all sectors, develop- ment and use of renewable energy and market reform to allow for access of renewable energy to the electric- ity network, building awareness and capacity within member states, and facilitating public private partnership in energy development and build on the CEP. Among the areas that the forum recommended that the region must consider going forward, are the recog- nition of the renewable resources of each CARICOMmember state and the advantages and disadvantages these hold; the role fossil fuels will continue to play and vested interest in the fossil fuel industry; enhancing energy sector infrastructure including refurbishing obsolete and near obsolete electricity grids; the connection between quality of life of CARICOM nationals and reli- able, cleaner energy; and the effects of climate change on energy transition. Other priority areas identified for focus over the next ten years are: training and capacity-building in planning, policy; information management and project preparation to ensure a pool of highly skilled human resources as well as job creation; opening lines private partnership and financing measures to drive the energy transfor- mation efforts; greater collaboration among member states and regional institutions; significant local owner- ship in the energy sector; innovation in thought and practice in the Carib- bean; the establishment of a regional energy trade arrangement; and com- mercial exploitation of renewable energy. The forward-looking session also con- sidered the impact of sustainable energy on agriculture and food security; the ne- cessity for a regulatoryenvironment; and continuityof sustainable energypro- grams.Participants warned that energy should not be considered in isolation, but within the context of sustainable development and across sectors. CSEF was established in 2008 as a biennial sustainable energy event in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The forum facilitates dialogue and actions towards the adoption of more robust policies and the transfer of appropriate technologies in renewable energy and energy efficiency in CAR- ICOM. It seeks ultimately to enhance stakeholder support and contribution to diversification of the regional ener- gy supply from its current fossil fuels base to a mix that includes significant renewable sources. After three days of discussions and presentations to cruise industry decision-makers in South Florida,Anti- gua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism,Asot Michael, is “very encouraged” about the future of his country’s cruise sector.The minister’s optimism follows his recent visit to South Florida (January 25–27) during which time he met with several cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean,NCL,MSC,Holland America, Seaborn, and Princess Cruises.The Minister and his team also received valuable feedback from the Operations Committee of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). In commenting on his meetings,Michael said,“The cruise executives and itinerary planners were impressed with our vision for improving howAntigua will be wel- coming their ships and passengers, and their feedback has helped us to better understand their specific needs for achieving sustainable growth. I am confident that we Antigua-Barbuda Tourism Minister Presents Cruise Facilities Master Plan to Cruise Executives