Belize has taken over the presidency of the chairmanship of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), allowing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to chair both the Ministerial and the Council of Experts meetings of the organization.
Belize replaced Barbados in that role, whose representative, Keisha Reid, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, deputising for Energy Minister, Lisa Cummins, said it was a profound honour and privilege for Barbados to serve as president.
‘Among the notable advances of Barbados’ term have been important technical proposals that laid the foundation for the future of our region, such as the pursuit of a just energy transition for communities, as well as the adoption of joint declarations such as the Regional Electricity Storage Target.
‘These steps demonstrated not only our capacity to set ambitious goals, but also our determination to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are shared across all our societies.’
Reid strongly encouraged OLADE to continue along its path of creating dedicated spaces to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS) like Barbados.
‘Our realities may differ, but our goals are united, and we must ensure that no one is left behind in the region’s transition,’ she said, assuring Belize of Barbados’ unwavering, steadfast and insightful support over the next year, as it assumes the chairmanship.
OLADE is an intergovernmental, public cooperation, coordination and technical advisory body, launched on November 2, 1973, through the signing of the Lima Convention. It was ratified by 27 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the fundamental objective of promoting the integration, conservation, rational use, commercialisation, protection and promotion of the energy resources of the region.
OLADE is a significant contributor to the sustainable development and energy security of the region.