Published: 15 March 2024 | By Caribbean News Editor

Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), in strategic partnership with Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI), is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Caribbean Centre of Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Workforce Training. This groundbreaking initiative is set to be officially unveiled on 9 April 2024, positioning St. Kitts and the wider Caribbean region as a leader in sustainable innovation and skilled workforce development.

A Hub for Renewable Energy and Innovation in the Caribbean

The Centre will be hosted at the Technical Vocational Education and Management Studies (TVEMS) Division of CFBC. Its primary focus will be on solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repair—two fast-growing industries with significant relevance to the Caribbean’s transition to clean energy.

The project will kick off with a six-week “Train-the-Trainer” workshop featuring:

• Five weeks of online, self-paced instruction
• One week of in-person, hands-on practical training

This programme will address the critical gap in PV and EV training in the Eastern Caribbean, establishing the Centre as a regional hub for cutting-edge renewable energy education and workforce upskilling.

Strategic Investment and Global Certification

Funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, the initiative will receive approximately US$116,900 in support. The initial training round will be offered free of charge to enable CFBC to build its internal capacity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

The formal partnership between CFBC and GSI was cemented with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on 20 November 2023, signalling a shared commitment to sustainability and education.

Driving Sustainable Development in the Region

The Centre’s establishment aligns with broader goals to:

• Advance renewable energy adoption
• Enhance environmental protection
• Promote economic resilience and job creation

By empowering professionals with in-demand skills and recognized certifications, the Centre will contribute significantly to improving the quality of life across the Caribbean.

International Accreditation and Industry Collaboration

In a major milestone, GSI entered into an exclusive regional partnership with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) in March 2023, creating the NABCEP Caribbean—the first dedicated training and development hub for solar energy in the region. NABCEP’s PV Installation Professional (PVIP®) Certification is internationally accredited under ISO/IEC 17024 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The Centre’s training programmes will also be certified by reputable bodies such as:

• NABCEP
• The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

Additionally, GSI has partnered with EINTAC, an IMI training provider based in the UK, to bring electric vehicle training of global standards to the Caribbean.

Leadership Vision for Regional Transformation

Dr. Wayne E. Archibald, Executive Director of GSI, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:

“This Centre marks a transformative step toward sustainable innovation in the Caribbean. It will uplift the quality of solar and EV services, while enhancing employment opportunities for Caribbean nationals in rapidly growing global industries.”

Dr. Tamu Petra Browne, Chair of the CFBC Board of Directors, emphasized the strategic importance:

“As part of our Green Campus and Blue Ocean initiatives, this collaboration supports the 21st Century Competitive Academic Programmes envisioned by our Board. CFBC is now positioned as a leading hub for renewable energy education in the region.”

She added:

“This partnership represents a key move toward regional harmonization of tertiary education, enabling economies of scale and exponential skills development across the OECS. Our goal is to empower Caribbean nationals and drive sustainable economic growth throughout our island states.”

Key Objectives of the Caribbean Centre of Excellence

The Centre is designed to achieve several strategic outcomes:

• Promoting Innovation: A collaborative space for professionals, entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises to address regional challenges with innovative solutions.
• Advancing Research: Supporting sustainability-focused research to inform regional policies and development strategies.
• Strengthening the Workforce: Offering vocational training programmes that promote lifelong learning and close the renewable energy skills gap.

About the Partner Organizations

Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC):

A leading institution in St. Kitts dedicated to academic, professional, and vocational education. CFBC plays a central role in regional sustainable development through its commitment to research, innovation, and workforce training.

Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI):

A non-governmental organization focused on supporting Caribbean countries in their transition to renewable energy. GSI delivers training, education, project development, and capacity-building to enhance environmental sustainability and climate resilience.