Minister Hill Underscores Need for Increased Energy Investments to Support Growth

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, is calling for increased regional and international investment in energy infrastructure to support growth and development across the Caribbean.

“We need energy that is available, that is affordable, that is accessible, and consistent. Unless we have that, we are not going to develop the Caribbean in the way we need to,” he said.

Senator Hill was addressing the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on Tuesday (July 29), where policymakers, investors, and development partners gathered under the theme ‘Smart, Green, Connected’.

Senator Hill said that inadequate energy access continues to hinder the region’s progress.

“We cannot manufacture unless we have energy. We’re not going to develop the Caribbean in the way we need to unless we have that consistent and affordable energy,” he emphasised.

Underscoring the need for strategic partnerships, he contended that, “we must find the right mix between government involvement, regulatory and facilitative frameworks, and private-sector drive, especially in energy”.

Senator Hill said the region must also tap into renewable and innovative solutions to power future investments.

“The Caribbean is a wonderful place. We have all these natural resources but we need the infrastructure and investment to put them to work,” he pointed out.

The Minister welcomed European Union (EU) support in working with the Caribbean Export Development Agency to identify and advance critical investment projects across the region, particularly in the energy sector.

“The Europeans are willing to help us. We need to reach out and take advantage of the help,” Senator Hill said.

He added that the Government of Jamaica remains committed to facilitating clean and reliable energy solutions through policy, regulatory support and public-private collaboration.

“We are making it easier to do business in Jamaica and the region. Energy is central to that effort,” he said.

More than 500 participants attended the CIF to explore investment-ready projects in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation. The forum ends on July 31.

Source: JIS