Entrepreneurs in the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector are being encouraged to create business continuity plans to boost their resilience to a major storm or hurricane.

The advice came from Acting Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, who was a panelist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Hurricane Ready & Resilient forum on Tuesday (June 10).

The event, held at the UNDP’s Multi Country Office in Kingston, engaged MSMEs on the topic of hurricane loss and damage.

Mr. Thompson pointed out that MSMEs account for approximately 97 per cent of businesses in the country and provide nearly 80 per cent of employment for the Jamaican workforce, making them an extremely important part of the economy.

At the same time, MSMEs are disproportionately vulnerable to hurricane impacts because of their informality, size, limited resources and inadequate access to financing, insurance and disaster preparedness, making business continuity planning even more essential.

“So, in terms of business continuity planning, it’s really a strategy that focuses on or ensures that the businesses are able to operate or to continue during or after any kind of disruptive event,” the ODPEM Acting Director General explained.

He outlined that effective business continuity planning should concentrate on the procedures necessary for maintaining business function, protecting business assets, safeguarding overall employment procedures, and ensuring that there is effective communication with customers.

This is important in minimising business downtime and improves the ability to restore normal function in the shortest possible time.

“It’s really a deliberate process to ensure that the businesses are anticipating, they are mitigating against issues, they are resolving issues regarding the effects of disasters that will impact the business,” he pointed out.

Mr. Thompson noted that one critical aspect of business continuity is ensuring that businesses plan their recovery process.

As such, owners and operators should make sure that all important documents, plans and business concepts are stored securely in the event of a natural disaster.

“One other thing as well that businesses have to pay critical attention to is what is called single point of failure. One of the things that we have noticed for a very long time and it was highlighted during [Hurricane] Beryl, is that energy generation, especially around electricity, is the critical point of failure for a lot of businesses,” he pointed out.

The ODPEM Director said it is, therefore, important that businesses, especially those that rely heavily on electricity, have a back-up plan for power generation.

Another crucial element that is often overlooked by small entrepreneurs, he noted, is ensuring that businesses are registered so they can receive benefits from the State.

“A lot of small farmers are not registered. So, because they are not registered, it becomes difficult after a disaster for them to get grants coming out of RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining” Mr. Thompson said.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Marsha Henry-Martin, emphasised the importance of providing support for MSMEs to navigate disasters.

She pointed out that it is also important to understand the individual realities and unique characteristics of each business, their locations and their vulnerabilities.

“As a Local Government Ministry, with responsibility for local communities, one of our mantras is that we’re not leaving anybody behind… every community matters, every district matters… every individual matters. Their quality of life must always be at the forefront, and whatever it is that they do to sustain themselves is what we should nurture,” the Permanent Secretary said.

She noted that the Ministry must ensure that the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Policy, which is being finalised, sufficiently considers MSMEs and their sustainability.

By: Donique Weston, JIA

Photo; Donna De la Hay

Unilever Caribbean Limited [UCL] is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ginelle Lambie as the Managing Director effective May 14, 2025. Ms. Lambie joined UCL in April 2023 in the role of National Finance Manager. On January 1, 2024 she was appointed as an Executive Director and the Acting Managing Director. Ginelle holds a Bachelor in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant. She brings over 20 years of experience in FMCG, Manufacturing, Telecom, Media & Entertainment and Banking in the United States and Trinidad. She has over 11 years’ experience in Business Analysis and Financial Reporting in FMCG companies.

Unilever Caribbean Limited [UCL] is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Amit Rampersad as the National Finance Manager effective May 14, 2025. Mr. Rampersad has been with Unilever for over 11 years and was appointed the Acting National Finance Manager on January 1, 2024. Mr. Rampersad is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [FCCA] and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago [ICATT]. He has over 17 years of Financial Accounting experience, having worked in various sectors, including Media, Manufacturing, and the Public Sector.

The Board of Directors of VM Investments Limited (VMIL) is pleased to announce the appointments of Mrs Maria Evelyn-Robinson and Mr Frederick Williams as Directors of VMIL. • Mrs Maria Evelyn-Robinson was appointed effective February 12, 2025. • Mr Frederick Williams was appointed effective March 24, 2025. The Board welcomes Mrs Evelyn-Robinson and Mr Williams and is confident that their expertise, leadership, and professional experience will be valuable assets to VMIL as the organisation continues to execute its strategic objectives and strengthen its governance framework.

Everything Fresh Limited wishes to advise that Mr. Errol Grant has been appointed the Group Chief Financial Officer for the company effective May 12, 2025.

Guardian Holdings Limited (“GHL”) advises that at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on 12th May, 2025, Ms. Colette Delaney was elected a director of the Company. Ms. Delaney brings over 40 years of distinguished leadership experience across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the Caribbean in retail, commercial, and corporate banking as well as insurance, which will play a pivotal role in advancing the Company’s strategic goals.

Scotia Group Jamaica Limited (SGJ) advise of the appointment of Dayne Bucknor as Director, Client Experience and Advocacy, Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, effective May 1, 2025. Mr. Bucknor has over 17 years’ experience in the banking Industry and is adept at leading outstanding and diverse teams. He joined Scotiabank in 2006 and his most recent position was Director, Strategic and Business Analytics, Caribbean North & Central. In that role he provided strategic direction and support on several initiatives across the region. As Director, Client Experience and Advocacy for Scotia Group Jamaica, Mr. Bucknor will have responsibility for the development and implementation of comprehensive client-focused strategies to achieve and maintain industry leadership in client experience in the Caribbean North and Central region. Mr. Bucknor is a St. George’s College alumnus and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in International Business from Florida International University.

Barita Investments Limited (“Barita) has advised of the following Senior Management changes:

Miss Fayola Wray has been appointed to the position of Vice President, Finance, effective April 14, 2025.
Mrs. Sara Ying Henriques has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Operations, effective May 1, 2024. Mrs. Ying Henriques previously held the post of Vice President, Operations.
Mr. Richardo Williams has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Asset Management & Research, effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Williams previously held the post of Head of Financial Risk.
Mrs. Anmarie Walker-Cato has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Finance, effective February 1, 2024. Mrs. Walker-Cato previously held the post of Vice President, Finance.

In a bold step toward shaping a more sustainable and resilient Caribbean energy landscape, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will set the stage for a comprehensive programme of training, knowledge exchange, and technical capacity building across the region.

This partnership brings together CARILEC’s powerful network of over 100 members—including electric utilities, independent power producers, regulators, academic institutions, and energy service providers —with GSI’s recognised expertise in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and sustainable transportation. The MOU reflects a shared commitment to fostering a future-ready Caribbean energy workforce equipped to lead the region’s clean energy transformation.

A Collaborative Approach to Advancing Caribbean Energy Skills
Beginning in 2025, CARILEC and GSI will collaborate under the new agreement to deliver high-quality, certified training programmes in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure. These programmes will be offered in blended formats—virtual and in-person—and tailored to the specific needs of utility professionals, engineers, regulators, and energy entrepreneurs across the region. The training will emphasise real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and direct exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies.

Beyond technical instruction, the partnership will enable the development of professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities, helping to raise the overall competency and recognition of regional talent. CARILEC and GSI will also host knowledge-sharing events—including forums, workshops, and industry networking sessions—to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector. By integrating global best practices and international standards, the initiative aims to ensure that Caribbean energy stakeholders remain well-positioned within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

A Win-Win Partnership: Empowering Energy Professionals Across the Region
“This MOU with GSI speaks to more than just a functional collaboration—it reflects the transformation of CARILEC into an association of electric energy solution providers,” explained Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC. “It supports our strategic goal of broadening representation across the energy sector, including individual practitioners such as solar PV installers, EV technicians, and energy efficiency auditors. GSI is a critical partner in this shift, and we commend them for their innovative and groundbreaking work in capacity building across the region.”

“The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model,” Dr. Bertin added.

“Participants will operate within a collaborative, service-oriented ecosystem, supporting prosumers and households as utilities transform how they deliver energy. This partnership also supports the development of career pathways, job opportunities, and regional networking. And for successful GSI graduates, automatic eligibility for CARILEC’s individual membership offers valuable access to business development through our conferences, publications, and technical forums. It’s a clear win-win for both organisations and the broader Caribbean energy community.”

This MOU responds directly to the calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies. The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever. The collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing, ultimately facilitating the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.

Transforming the Caribbean’s Energy Future through Local Expertise
“This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future,” said Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI.

“For too long, our energy landscape has depended on imported expertise. GSI was founded with a mission to reverse that dynamic by investing in local capacity, home-grown knowledge, and scalable innovation. With this MOU, we’re creating a region-wide platform to equip professionals with the tools, certifications, and confidence to lead the clean energy transition from within. We’re not just training people to install solar panels or maintain EVs—we’re preparing them to build and manage the region’s smart, decentralised, and sustainable grid of the future.”

Dr. Archibald added: “As the Caribbean seeks to establish itself as a global model for small-island energy innovation, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in sustainable infrastructure. With a growing pool of certified professionals and stronger institutional linkages, the region is positioning itself not only to meet internal demand but also to export talent, ideas, and solutions to other developing economies facing similar energy and climate challenges.”

As both organisations continue to drive regional transformation, the CARILEC-GSI partnership sets a compelling example of how collaboration and innovation can create tangible pathways to energy resilience, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the Caribbean.

Caption: Participants receiving hands-on training in electric vehicle maintenance and repair during an EV Training Programme facilitated by GSI SKN.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, 7^th April 2025 – CARILEC, the leading association for electric utilities in the Caribbean, has partnered with Green Solutions International SKN Inc (GSI SKN) to deliver a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Programme in St. Kitts from June 23 to July 4. This comprehensive training aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to work safely and effectively with electric and hybrid vehicles.

GSI SKN, a leading NGO driving clean energy growth and sustainability across the Caribbean, offers EV certifications from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in the UK and Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) in Germany. The organisation partners with the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, holds accreditation with the UNFCCC, and is the exclusive regional partner for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). With a strong track record in renewable energy and e-mobility, GSI SKN has successfully delivered consulting, training, and certification projects across the Caribbean, including in Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Bermuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Dr Wayne Archibald, Executive Director at GSI SKN, will also contribute his expertise as a featured speaker at the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) 9^th Annual Growth and Resilience Dialogue, taking place from April 10 to 11, 2025. His participation reflects the regional recognition of GSI SKN’s leadership in clean energy and sustainable mobility.

Accelerating the Caribbean’s Shift to Electric Vehicles

The Caribbean region is increasingly adopting electric vehicles (EVs), driven by government incentives, environmental concerns, and economic opportunities. Barbados leads in per capita EV usage in the region, with over 600 EVs on the road and more than 100 charging stations (2023). Jamaica has also made significant strides, setting a goal to have 10% of its transportation powered by EVs by 2030 and introducing electric buses into its public transit system. These efforts align with regional strategies, such as the CARICOM Regional Electric Vehicle Strategy (REVS), which aims to transform transportation systems and promote sustainable mobility across the Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis is also advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption through a government-led initiative focused on EV maintenance training and policies to promote sustainability. The island’s compact size makes EVs an ideal solution for local transportation, with several EV charging stations already installed to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

Preparing the Caribbean for the EV Revolution

This training is a vital step toward ensuring that regional professionals are equipped with the necessary technical and safety skills to handle EV systems. As governments and private sector entities increase their investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, trained specialists will be essential to maintaining and expanding this rapidly growing industry.

Dr Archibald, Executive Director at GSI SKN and a key advocate for green energy and sustainable development in the Caribbean, emphasised the significance of this training: “The adoption of electric vehicle technology is a crucial component of the Caribbean’s transition to a sustainable energy future. By providing professionals with hands-on training and internationally recognised certifications, we are not only advancing technical expertise but also fostering a culture of innovation and resilience in the region.”

World-Class EV Training for the Caribbean

The EV Training Programme is certified by IMI and TÜV, ensuring world-class accreditation and technical proficiency. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in EV maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, with courses designed to cater to a broad spectrum of professionals, including auto technicians, fleet operators, engineers, compliance officers, and safety professionals. Participants will benefit from the IMI certification, which ensures that auto professionals receive industry-standard training, and the TÜV certification, recognised globally for safety and compliance in engineering.

Participant Testimonials

Past participants have found the training to be highly relevant and beneficial. Devlin Connor, Vehicle Superintendent with the Government of Anguilla’s Vehicles Department, shared his experience:

“This training course was incredibly valuable and came at a critical time, as electric vehicles represent the future of transportation. It was essential for us to have the opportunity to attend, gain insights, and receive hands-on training in EV operation and safety practices. This knowledge will enable us to be better prepared to manage the challenges and opportunities that arise from the adoption of EVs.”

Vince Archibald, Technician, Automotive Division, Clarence Fiztroy Bryant College, reflected on the significance of the training: “This training was an eye-opening experience, providing hands-on expertise and a deeper understanding of EV technology. The programme was not only highly beneficial but also innovative, equipping us with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. As the automotive industry transitions to greener technologies, this kind of specialised training is essential for keeping professionals ahead of the curve.”

Expert-Led Training

The training will be facilitated by Andy Latham, a globally recognised expert in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, with an extensive career spanning senior management roles in the automotive sector. As a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry (FIMI) and an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council UK, Latham will provide participants with a world-class learning experience.

How to Register

Contact training@carilec.org or slprimus@carilec.org, provide your organisation’s name, the number of participants and contact details. For further inquiries, call +1 (758) 717 9577.