Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis said during a panel discussion at the 2025 Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) that The Bahamas has to access raw materials for infrastructure work from within the Caribbean region, instead of relying solely on China and African countries, according to a press statement released by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) yesterday.
“We must develop plans that capitalize on intra-regional trade to ensure easier access to raw materials needed for infrastructure projects,” said Coleby-Davis, noting the importance of regional collaboration to facilitate trade between Caribbean countries.
“Relying solely on trade negotiations with countries like China or those in Africa presents logistical challenges that we must work to overcome,” she added.
Coleby-Davis also outlined The Bahamas’ plans for energy sector reform during her time on the panel.
“As The Bahamas continues to modernize and diversify its energy sector, CARIF 2025 serves as a key platform for sharing knowledge, forging partnerships, and ensuring that the nation plays a significant role in shaping the future of energy in the Caribbean,” the statement said.
BPL CEO Toni Seymour, who is also attending the conference and is expected to be part of a panel discussion today, also contended that regional collaboration is paramount in helping to shape The Bahamas’ energy future.
“Being part of meetings like this allows us to engage not only in discussions about the future of BPL, but also to learn from both regional and global counterparts,” said Seymour.
“Many of our Caribbean neighbors face similar environmental conditions, such as storms, the rebuilding process after natural disasters, and the push toward renewable energy.
“It’s critical that we learn not just from what works, but also from what hasn’t worked so well. This helps us refine our systems and avoid repeating past mistakes.
“Additionally, these meetings open doors to discussions on funding opportunities, sourcing quality suppliers, and ensuring the best after-sales support.”
Seymour’s panel discussion will focus on accessing funding for renewable energy projects, something the government has done locally through public-private partnerships
She also explained in the statement that acquiring 30 percent renewable energy integration by 2030 is a central theme in the discussions happening at CARIF.
The statement said CARIF “brings together key leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world, focusing on the planning and execution of transformative infrastructure projects, with energy being a central theme”.
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