Caribbean island of Nevis, on climate change front lines, aims to be energy leader | Opinion

History books will tell you that Nevis is the birthplace of one of the United States’ founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, and is a land that has endured significant hardship and struggle during the global slave trade.

Today, we are writing our own history and are quietly forging our own path while maintaining close ties with key international partners including the U.S. and especially Florida.

The government will be embarking on major projects in the coming years on a scale one may consider surprising for an island of just 36 square miles in the Caribbean.

As a small yet incredibly important example, my government is working to enhance the facilities at Vance W. Amory International Airport, which we hope will soon be able to welcome direct flights from the U.S. East Coast and new destinations, including Miami.

Florida is a region with whom we share particularly deep cultural ties, rich with Nevisian diaspora. But it is imperative we ensure greater connectedness, not just with Florida, but also with the wider U.S., especially during a politically turbulent time.

The current geopolitical landscape means the Caribbean is a region often overlooked, yet we are a region determined to advance our goals. It is a testament to our strength of character that we bounced back so resiliently from the global pandemic, which devastated economies strongly reliant on tourism.

Today, more people than ever want to visit Nevis, with global investor appetite higher than ever in one of the twin islands comprising the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

As a forward-thinking regional financial center, we must not shy away from introducing new methods of thinking to catalyze our growth. The hallmark of any successful economy is the ability to look to new and old partners for collaboration and new opportunities.

Ultimately, my government welcomes foreign investment that serves to benefit our community for generations to come. However, our bold ambitions for economic growth must materialize sustainably. As a Caribbean island, we cannot escape the fact that we are among those most susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

It is anticipated that by 2050, economic impacts from climate change could amount to 10% of regional GDP, with this increasing to over 20% by the end of the century.

We of the Caribbean continue to stand on the front lines of a war that we did not start and one to which we have not contributed. We have in every sense been asked by the developed world to cash a check we did not write.

It is my abiding aspiration that Nevis can become a regional leader in sustainable energy development, for we are an island blessed with natural resources.

This, however, requires greater investment and expertise not just from the U.S., but beyond. My government has secured major investment from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the drilling of geothermal production and reinjection wells, with a number of interregional and international contractors shortlisted to bid for the project. I envision significant progress to be made in 2025.

We also are actively pursuing several renewable energy projects to address our short-term needs.

Together with international partners, Nevis can become a net energy exporter and a global sustainability leader. Indeed, by 2030, my government wishes to see 100% of our electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

My government knows more must be done on all fronts to ensure Nevis’ potential is maximized. Public/private partnerships will no doubt be crucial to our future success across a host of sectors, from construction and finance to tourism and energy.

Enhancing connectedness with the U.S. marks a good start, but now is the time for a truly game-changing investment in our island. One which history books will remember fondly.

I am blessed to call Nevis my home. It is a unique body of land rich with culture and opportunity. I know it is my government’s duty to unlock Nevis’ true potential. Rest assured this is something we will achieve.

Mark Brantley is the premier of Nevis.

This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 6:48 AM.