CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) says it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three prominent partners as the sub-regional grouping moves toward advancing sustainable development, infrastructure innovation, and clean energy collaboration across the Eastern Caribbean.
OECS Shore Power project signing ceremonyThe St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said that the MoU has been signed with the Trinidad-based Globus Energy Group Trinidad Ltd, the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the US-based AECOM Technical Services, Inc.
The Commission said that the agreement outlines a joint commitment to develop and implement the Framework Project, which will serve as the foundation for future cooperation.
It said that through this project, the parties will explore shared opportunities, pool resources, and establish clear processes for delivering impactful outcomes in energy, infrastructure, and tourism-related initiatives. This includes innovations such as a focus on shore-to-ship power (shore power) systems for cruise berths located within the ports of participating OECS nations.
Additional stakeholders, including cruise lines, port and utility operators, and other entities and strategic partners relevant to the region’s development, are expected to be invited to join or engage with the project as it progresses.
The OECS Commission says this MoU sets the stage for developing a comprehensive framework agreement that will outline the roles, responsibilities, and resource commitments of each party.
It also includes a plan to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and efficient methods for implementation. The collaboration aims to accelerate regional progress in key sectors while ensuring alignment with the OECS’s development goals.
OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules said that the MoU represents a shared vision to build resilient, innovative, and sustainable societies in the Eastern Caribbean.
Jules said it reflects the strength of regional and international collaboration in tackling complex development challenges and seizing strategic opportunities.
“We recognize that true economic transformation requires innovation, diversification, and green growth. And, in fact, I may add, in these times of poly crisis and geopolitical instability, the reinvention of that economy, with all of the pressures that we face, is even more critical a strategic priority.
“This initiative enables us to reimagine the tourism sector, not just as a revenue generator, but as a driver of sustainable energy solutions and technological modernization. In doing so, we add value to one of our region’s most vital industries while positioning ourselves as global leaders in sustainable port infrastructure,” Jules added.
The chief executive officer of Globus Energy Group, Nigel Salina, said “this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to sustainable growth and energy resilience in the Eastern Caribbean.
“Together with our partners, we are laying the groundwork for stronger power systems, smarter infrastructure, and the development of regional expertise to drive long-term impact,” he added.
The OECS Commission said that extending beyond shore power, the partnership underscores a broader commitment to advancing regional energy security and infrastructure resilience.
“As part of this vision, this MoU serves as a cornerstone for expanding power generation capacity across OECS member states, modernizing national grids, and establishing an Energy Hub within the OECS to coordinate clean energy initiatives with the support of global partners.
“A central feature of this long-term plan is the launch of the OECS Energy and Infrastructure Institute, which will provide targeted training and technical expertise to member states with the support of global e-learning company, Velsoft. This will be followed by the creation of a regional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Institute aimed at building a sustainable talent pipeline to support the transition to low-carbon economies and energy independence.”
The Commission said that over the coming months, the parties will work together to establish project timelines, governance mechanisms, and will focus on mobilization, launching, and monitoring of key activities aligned with the goals of the Framework Project.
“The MoU reflects a strong mutual commitment to collaboration and signals a readiness to pursue formal agreements that advance regional development goals guided by the procurement, governance, and regulatory frameworks of the OECS Commission and its member states.”
The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, the British Virgin islands and Anguilla.
