NIA-CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 20, 2001) — The Organisation of American States (OAS) has been applauded for their continued assistance to Nevis in the area of renewable energy but Minister responsible for Natural Resources and Public Utilities in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Carlisle Powell called for the organisation to assist with the establishment of an energy unit in Nevis.

He made the request while he addressed participants at a recent Energy Forum for the development of a National Energy Policy. The event was held at the Pinneys Beach Hotel by the Ministry of Communications, Energy, Works in the NIA in Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Public Utilities, Works, Energy and Housing and the support of the OAS.

“I encourage our friends at the OAS to assist us in the establishment of an energy unit in Nevis. We will also require your continued assistance in the area of public education as we make our public aware of their role in this whole energy mix.

“We will continue to be grateful for your invitations and assistance that provide for our attendance at workshops both regionally and internationally. Such assistance ensures that we continue to play our part to develop alternatives to fossil fuels,” he said.

The Nevis Energy Minister pointed to what he described as the special peculiarities that existed between Nevis and St. Kitts in the continued development of renewable energy and noted that though the goals remained essentially the same but their paths were different.

“The Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (NEVLEC) is in our 11^th year of operation as a corporation managed by its own Board of Directors while electricity in St. Kitts is still managed by a Department of Government.

“We have commissioned a wind farm and St. Kitts is very advance in their plans for a wind farm. Our geothermal energy will power Nevis first and St. Kitts thereafter,” he explained.

Mr. Powell further commended the OAS the timely, effective and guiding role it has played in the development of the National Energy Policy of St. Kitts and Nevis and also for its assistance with the development of the islands natural resources.

The National Energy Policy when completed, with serve to clarify the position of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis with regard to the nation’s energy development.

It will also serve to foster the development of an appropriate legal, institutional and economic framework as well as management mechanisms that would enable sustainable and sound economic energy activities and services.