From January 13–17, 2025, St. Kitts and Nevis hosted its first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) Certification Course, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing sustainable transportation and workforce development in the region. Organized by Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated, the program played a crucial role in the transition to clean energy and electric mobility.
As part of its commitment to local capacity building, Green Solutions International SKN awarded scholarships to two local partners—one employee from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) and another from the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC). Additionally, the Government of Anguilla sent three of its mechanics to participate in the training, underscoring the region’s commitment to building expertise in electric vehicle technology. The course was facilitated by Andy Latham, a renowned EV expert from the UK, who led participants through an intensive hands-on training experience.
Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of Green Solutions International, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
"This certification course was a transformative step toward equipping our workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in a clean energy future. Electric vehicles are no longer the technology of tomorrow—they are here today and are critical to achieving our sustainability goals. By investing in our people, we are not only advancing local expertise but also positioning the Federation and our regional partners as leaders in this global transition."
By the end of the five-day training, participants had gained essential skills to safely and effectively service electric vehicles. This inaugural course marked an important milestone in fostering regional innovation and sustainability in the growing EV sector.
As a member of the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of Green Solutions International SKN, attended the 15th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from January 11-13, 2025. During the high-level meetings, Dr. Archibald met with IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera to strengthen GSI’s partnership with IRENA and explore collaborative opportunities to advance the renewable energy agenda in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The 15th IRENA Assembly, under the theme “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward”, gathered global leaders, policymakers, and energy experts to assess progress and outline strategies for achieving key climate goals, including tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Discussions centered on energy security, socio-economic development, and financing options, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in accelerating the clean energy transition. IRENA, as the Custodian Agency for monitoring the UAE Consensus on renewable energy,
showcased critical data and projections related to global energy targets. Several Ministerial and High-level Sessions were convened, focusing on issues such as raising Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), financial mechanisms for an inclusive transition, and renewable energy pathways for emerging economies.
Dr. Archibald’s participation in the Assembly underscores GSI’s ongoing efforts to position St. Kitts and Nevis, along with the wider Caribbean, as a leader in the global renewable energy transition. The discussions with IRENA and other international stakeholders laid the groundwork for further capacity-building initiatives, technology investments, and policy development aimed at achieving a more resilient and sustainable energy future for SIDS.
The IRENA Assembly also marked the official opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, a global platform for advancing practical solutions toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.
From January 20–31, 2025, Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) successfully conducted a customized, two-week advanced photovoltaic (PV) training at Wigton Energy in Manchester, Jamaica. This specialized program was designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in solar energy, aligning with regional efforts to expand clean energy capacity and workforce development.
The Advanced PV Training was tailored specifically for 15 staff members of Wigton Energy, covering key areas such as:
System Design – Advanced techniques for optimizing PV system performance.
Financial Modeling – Cost analysis, return on investment calculations, and financial structuring of solar projects with and without battery storage.
Operation & Maintenance (O&M) – Ensuring system reliability, troubleshooting, and best practices for long-term performance.
The program incorporated a combination of hands-on training, classroom sessions, online modules, and field trips, offering a comprehensive learning experience. Participants engaged directly with industry experts, applied theoretical concepts in real-world settings, and gained practical experience in PV system operation and maintenance. Strengthening Jamaica’s Renewable Energy Workforce
Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI, emphasized the importance of building a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector:
“This training program represents a critical step in strengthening the technical capacity of renewable energy professionals in Jamaica. As the Caribbean continues its transition to clean energy, it is essential that our workforce is equipped with advanced skills in system design, financial modeling, and long-term maintenance. By partnering with Wigton Energy, we are ensuring that industry professionals receive world-class training that enhances the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy projects.”
Wigton Energy, Jamaica’s leading renewable energy facility, provided an ideal environment for participants to develop and refine their technical expertise. The field trips included visits to active solar installations, where trainees observed real-world applications of solar energy systems and gained hands-on experience in system management.
This customized PV training program reflects GSI’s commitment to supporting clean energy development across the Caribbean, fostering a new generation of highly skilled renewable energy professionals.
As the training concluded, the 15 staff members of Wigton Energy left with valuable expertise and industry-recognized competencies, reinforcing their ability to contribute to the growth and sustainability of Jamaica’s renewable energy sector.
We are currently engaged in a series of projects that provide services within our key targeted areas and we’ve had incredible success as we forge the way for green energy across the Caribbean.
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