The Deputy Prime Minister of the twin-island state, Mr. Sam Condor, has indicated that the principle pillar of the St. Kitts and Nevis Government’s National Energy Policy, contemplates energy as a tool to achieve Sustainable Development. Condor was at the time delivering remarks at the recent Second Caribbean-Korea High Level Forum, in Seoul, Korea, and (31stJuly, 2012). During the forum, delegates focused on Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy.
Condor told his Korean colleagues, “This sharing of your Technical Expertise and rich experience is assuredly both timely and vital. Being cognizant of the pivotal role energy plays in the overall development of the Nations of our Region and indeed in the Nations of the World, I deem it absolutely critical and timely, that we have come together in the special session on the “Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy.”
“We do appreciate the fact that Renewable Energy will contribute greatly to Sustainable Development, as expounded upon at the ( Rio+20) United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in which St. Kitts and Nevis had the privilege to participate alongside our Caribbean Colleagues.”
The St. Kitts and Nevis minister, explained that the vision of the Federation, as purported by the National Energy Policy, is “to become an Island Nation with a sustainable energy sector where reliable, renewable, clean and affordable energy services are provided to all citizens”. Realizing this objective necessitates a comprehensive transition towards a more sustainable energy balance, he added. Condor said his Government actively pursues all avenues that will secure the necessary partnerships toward the attainment of this goal.
“The bottom line is that our heavy reliance on fossil fuels constitutes a heavy financial burden that affects consumers alike, as we of course have absolutely no control over the ever-fluctuating oil prices. Apart from the expense, we are all too aware of the detrimental impact on the environment, since the result of using fossil fuels is the emission of thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide.”
The Caribbean politician told the Korean officials, “We must together, aspire to find a workable way forward. There is the pressing need to do more to manage energy in a way that would also assist in turning the Energy challenge into an opportunity to work on new solutions, in addressing the challenges of Poverty, the Financial Crises and Climate Change.”