The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will set the stage for a comprehensive program of training, knowledge exchange, and technical capacity building across the region. CARILEC reports that this is a “step toward shaping a more sustainable and resilient Caribbean energy landscape.”
This partnership brings together CARILEC’s extensive network of over 100 members—including electric utilities, independent power producers, regulators, academic institutions, and energy service providers—with GSI’s recognized expertise in renewable energy, grid modernization, and sustainable transportation.
According to the company’s statement, beginning in 2025, CARILEC and GSI will collaborate under the new agreement to deliver high-quality, certified training programs in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure. These programs will be offered in blended formats—virtual and in-person—and tailored to the specific needs of utility professionals, engineers, regulators, and energy entrepreneurs across the region. The training will emphasize real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and direct exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies.
Beyond technical instruction, the partnership will enable the development of professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities. CARILEC and GSI will also host knowledge-sharing events—including forums, workshops, and industry networking sessions—to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector. By integrating global best practices and international standards, the initiative aims to ensure that Caribbean energy stakeholders remain well-positioned within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC, explained that “This MOU with GSI speaks to more than just a functional collaboration—it reflects the transformation of CARILEC into an association of electric energy solution providers,”
He added that it supports CARILEC’s strategic goal of broadening representation across the energy sector, including individual practitioners such as solar PV installers, EV technicians, and energy efficiency auditors. He commended GSI as a critical partner in this shift, noting their innovative and groundbreaking work in capacity building across the region.
Dr. Bertin further mentioned, “The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model,”
He elaborated that participants will operate within a collaborative, service-oriented ecosystem, supporting prosumers and households as utilities transform how they deliver energy.
He highlighted that the partnership also supports the development of career pathways, job opportunities, and regional networking. For successful GSI graduates, the automatic eligibility for CARILEC’s individual membership offers valuable access to business development through conferences, publications, and technical forums.
“It’s a clear win-win for both organizations and the broader Caribbean energy community,” he concluded.
This MOU responds directly to calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies. The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever, says the statement.
It further pointed out that collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing. The goal is to facilitate the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.
Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI, stated, “This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future.”
He emphasized that the energy landscape has depended on imported expertise for too long and that GSI was founded with a mission to reverse that dynamic by investing in local capacity, home-grown knowledge, and scalable innovation. He expressed that with this MOU, a region-wide platform is being created to equip professionals with the tools, certifications, and confidence to lead the clean energy transition from within.
“We’re not just training people to install solar panels or maintain EVs—we’re preparing them to build and manage the region’s smart, decentralised, and sustainable grid of the future.” Dr. Archibald remarked.
He added, “As the Caribbean seeks to establish itself as a global model for small-island energy innovation, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in sustainable infrastructure.”
Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC) is a Utility Member of CARILEC.
