NASSAU, BAHAMAS— The Bahamas is highlighting its strategy for a sustainable and resilient energy future as Minister of Energy & Transport, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, and Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) CEO Toni Seymour participate in the Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) 2025 in Miami, Florida, from September 16–17.
CARIF brings together leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to address the planning and execution of transformative infrastructure projects, with energy development a central theme.
Minister Coleby-Davis joined a panel alongside regional counterparts, including Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Barbados, Dr. Hon. William F. Duguid, and Hon. Spencer R. Branch Arch, Minister of Communication, Public Works, Water Services, Physical Planning & Environment, Posts, Labour and Disaster Management.
She outlined The Bahamas’ vision for a “New Energy Era,” emphasizing the integration of solar micro-grids, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), while maintaining balance with existing fuel-powered units.
“The government is committed to improving our energy infrastructure, but we are equally focused on ensuring that these improvements are sustainable and will benefit future generations,” said Coleby-Davis. “In addition to our upgrades in transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and resiliency. When planning for the future, it’s critical to look at regional developments, learn from the challenges faced by our neighbors, and avoid making the same mistakes.”
Drawing on lessons from other Caribbean nations, she added: “A key point shared on the panel was from a Barbadian minister who discussed how their energy sector advancement destabilized their grid due to the lack of BESS integration. During our initial research, we identified this as a potential pitfall, so we ensured our energy plan incorporated both renewable solar energy and BESS to avoid grid destabilization.”
Seymour stressed the importance of collaboration and shared learning. “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,” she said. “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.”
On September 17, Seymour will also participate in a panel discussion addressing funding access for renewable energy projects and the challenges utilities face. “Our new energy era and the push toward 30% renewable energy integration by 2030 are central to our discussions here,” she noted.
Closing her remarks, Minister Coleby-Davis emphasized regional trade as a driver for energy transformation. “We must develop plans that capitalize on intra-regional trade to ensure easier access to raw materials needed for infrastructure projects. Relying solely on trade negotiations with countries like China or those in Africa presents logistical challenges that we must work to overcome.”
