PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen A. Harbert today is in Trinidad and Tobago participating in the second day of the Energy and the Competitiveness of the Caribbean Forum.

The forum is co-hosted by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations Development Program and Caribbean-Central American Action.  The forum brings together Caribbean governments, multilateral development banks and potential investors, project developers, and energy producers and end users to discuss and explore possible paths to reduce regional dependence on imported oil.  It also focuses on regional energy policy, conservation, and alternative and renewable resources as ways to mitigate high energy costs.

“This forum puts participating Caribbean nations squarely in the direction of market-based policies that will help reduce their dependence on fossil fuels,” Assistant Secretary Harbert said.  “The impressive list of energy ministers, non-governmental organizations, and private sector leaders attending the forum illustrates the importance of finding innovative solutions to the region’s energy challenges.”

The forum provides opportunities for Caribbean governments to discuss the adoption of market-based approaches that enable investment in and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

Assistant Secretary Harbert moderated a session on energy security, where participants examined the challenges of supplying reliable and affordable energy to Caribbean countries, including such topics as oil pricing, taxation, transportation and fuel standards.   

“Our energy security is inextricably linked to that of our neighbors in the Caribbean,” Assistant Secretary Harbert said.  “This forum gives Caribbean countries an effective medium to discuss regional energy policies that focus on harmonization, conservation, and alternative and renewable sources as ways to reduce energy costs, spur private investment, and promote the region’s development through the deployment of new technology as opposed to relying on non-market subsidies that reinforce a dependence on petroleum products.”   

Among the speakers at the conference were Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Senator, Dr. Lenny Saith, and President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno.  Other discussions during the forum touched on the global energy challenges and their impact on Caribbean nations and industry as well as the opportunities and technologies for improved energy efficiency. 

During her visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Assistant Secretary Harbert also held bilateral talks with Aruba’s Prime Minister Nelson Oduber, as well as ministers from Bahamas, Brazil, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.  During her meetings she discussed energy security, establishing market-oriented approaches that encourage investment, competition, market pricing, transparency, stability and reliability.  Assistant Secretary Harbert also encouraged the advancement of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940