Last Updated on December 6, 2023, 1:56 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Konris G M Maynard joined other Ministers and Institution Leaders from across the Caribbean and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Konris Maynard took to social media and signalled that he attended the Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Just and Equitable Energy Transition towards a Climate-Resilient Future event co-organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Alliance of Small Islands States (AOSIS) in collaboration with COP28 UAE through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI).
Konris Maynard noted that the objective of the event was to highlight the SIDS achievements, progress and impacts on energy transition efforts.
The Minister of Public utilities et al, emphasized that the administration of St Kitts and Nevis have realized that there is a nexus needed for our Sustainable Island State Agenda to be met: Energy, Water, Food, and Industry. “We solve Energy, then we solve Water. We solve Water, then we solve Food. Similarly, We solve Energy, then we solve Industries, we solve industries, then we solve Salaries.” Noted Maynard
Konris Maynard further emphasized that St Kitts and Nevis is putting its skin in the game by agreeing to accept a USD16 million financing facility from the Caribbean Development Bank to proceed with the drilling of Geothermal Production Wells to produce a minimum of 30MW of power. St Kitts and Nevis is on the verge of cementing another financing tool for the remaining US$20 million gap needed to start drilling.
Konris Maynard highlighted that repercussions that are being faced by St Kitts and Nevis even though the country is not the one to cause the climate problem. The beaches are disappearing, seawater rise is leading to increased saltwater intrusion to island freshwater aquifers.
St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to country-wide destruction from a single Category 5 hurricane. Therefore, they invest the very little money that they have, acknowledging there is so much more that can be done.
Konris Maynard noted that funding collaboration is required, which is a must in order for St Kitts and Nevis to adapt to the new climate reality.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
