The Government of Saint Lucia is taking a significant step towards sustainability and energy efficiency by replacing gasoline and diesel vehicles in its fleet with electric vehicles (EVs). Supported by the Shift to Electric Mobility in Saint Lucia (GEF 7 EV) Project and the Supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Caribbean – transforming the transport and energy sectors towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future (NDC TEC) projects, this initiative aims to procure approximately 20 EVs for eight Government agencies.

The Shift to Electric Mobility Validation Workshop held on 22^nd January 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Saint Lucia’s journey towards greener transportation. The event brought together representatives from various government agencies and organizations, including WASCO, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Customs and Excise Department, Saint Lucia Postal Service, LUCELEC, Transport Department, Saint Lucia Fire Service, Ministry of Health & Wellness, Ministry of Infrastructure, Department of Sustainable Development, Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia, and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

The workshop opened with a welcome from Mrs. Anita Montoute, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Sustainable Development, who emphasized the importance of active participation in ensuring the success of the pilot demonstration. This was followed by an engaging icebreaker led by Mrs. Jermaine Missole, Sustainable Development and Environment Officer and Mistress of Ceremonies, who encouraged participants to share their thoughts on EVs.

Mrs. Dawn Pierre-Nathoniel, Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer, highlighted the importance of EVs in combating climate change and reducing emissions. She emphasized the impact of climate change on small island nations and referenced key national policy instruments of relevance to the electric mobility journey, such as the National Energy Policy, adopted in 2023, the Nationally Determined Contribution, the third of which will be submitted next month, and the Climate Change Act, adopted in 2024. Mrs. Pierre-Nathoniel also referenced CARICOM and OECS instruments of relevance to the journey, further, to speaking internationally, of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and electric mobility as a viable option for emission reduction, as well as the Paris Agreement and the role of EVs in reducing fossil fuel use.

The workshop featured a virtual presentation by Ms. Jone Orbea Otazua, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Representative, who reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to advancing electric mobility in Saint Lucia. Continuing the discussion, Mrs. Nissa Paul Alexander, Chief Technical Advisor for the GEF-7 EV Project, outlined the project’s key components, working groups, and expected outcomes. She emphasized the importance of accelerating and embracing EV technology as part of Saint Lucia’s sustainability goals.

Mrs. Ina De Visser, Head of Programme, NDC-TEC- GIZ, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration between the two projects, while Mr. Antonio Sealy, Electric Mobility Specialist, highlighted the project’s regional diversity and cooperative efforts with other Caribbean nations, emphasizing shared objectives and activities.

Mrs. Kerne Antonie-Gabriel, Energy Officer, representing Mr. Kurt Inglis, Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer, in the capacity as co-lead of Technical Working Group Two alongside the Division of Transport, discussed the role and responsibilities of working group two in implementing the pilot demonstration. She highlighted their efforts to ensure the collection of adequate data for a comprehensive and effective pilot.

Ms. Cherri-Ann Farquharson, Technical Chief of Staff at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), presented the assessment of collected vehicle scoring data. She outlined the scoring criteria and identified the agencies with the highest priority for vehicle replacement.

Participants then engaged in group discussions on the implementation of EVs within their respective sectors, sharing their expectations for the pilot demonstration, concerns about participation, and suggestions for improvement. They were also given the opportunity to present their insights during an open discussion and feedback session.

The workshop concluded with remarks were delivered by Ms. Tameka Ermee, GEF 7 EV Project Technical Assistant and Secretary to Technical Working Group 2, Department of Sustainable Development.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, paving the way for a greener future. For more information, please contact the Department of Sustainable Development at telephone: 468 – 5863 and email: chieftechnicaladvisorgefevslu@gmail.com.