Across the Caribbean, women are making powerful strides in the green energy sector—bringing diverse backgrounds, shared passions, and professional expertise to a space long dominated by men. Among these trailblazers are Zahra Ennis, Dona Winifred-Emmanuel, and Amoy Scarlett—three women united by their commitment to renewable energy as a driver for sustainable development.

A key link between them is their completion of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate training course in photovoltaic (PV) installation. The course was delivered by Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI)—a Caribbean-based NGO and registered NABCEP training provider.

Zahra Ennis – From Marine Biology to Solar Advocacy

With a background in marine biology from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Zahra Ennis has always been passionate about environmental preservation. Now the Marketing Director at Saddle Energy Ltd, a solar solutions provider in Jamaica, she channels her scientific and operational skills to promote local adoption of solar energy.

“I’m seeing the results one home at a time,” Ennis shares. “The NABCEP PV course from GSI gave me practical tools that I can now use not only in my own home, but across communities in Jamaica.” She adds that her training also positions her to track and adapt to emerging solar technologies—vital for staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry.

Dona Winifred-Emmanuel – Powering St. Lucia’s Energy Future

In St. Lucia, Dona Winifred-Emmanuel is equally committed to transforming her nation’s energy landscape. Starting her career as a linewoman at St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), she worked her way up to the Planning Department, where she now serves as a technical assistant.

Her role includes assisting the National Utility Regulatory Commission in evaluating grid-tied solar installations. The NABCEP-certified PV training through GSI deepened her technical understanding—particularly regarding safety protocols and system inspections.

“Inspections are crucial to the performance and safety of any renewable energy system,” she notes. “Thanks to this course, I can better identify risks and recommend improvements before systems go live.”

LUCELEC is already an active player in solar energy, operating a 3MW solar farm with plans underway for a 10MW facility with battery storage. Winifred-Emmanuel is eager to be a part of that growth. “The skills I’ve gained are a strong foundation for deeper involvement in this exciting industry,” she says.

Amoy Scarlett – A Rising Star in Renewable Energy

Though still a student, Amoy Scarlett is already charting her path in the renewable energy sector. A standout science student at Black River High School, Scarlett has earned awards in electrical and electronic technology and is currently pursuing a degree in energy and environmental physics at UWI Mona.

She credits the GSI-facilitated NABCEP training with solidifying her interest in photovoltaics. “The exam was thorough and comprehensive—it left no gaps in understanding,” she explains. “Now that I’ve earned this prestigious certification, I feel motivated, accomplished, and proud.”

Scarlett hopes to bring these skills back to her community and help Jamaica write a new chapter in clean energy and environmental preservation. “What started as a mere interest has grown into my greatest passion.”

A Sector Ready for Change

Dr. Wayne E. Archibald, Executive Director of GSI, notes a concerning gender gap in the sector: while women make up over half of Jamaica’s population, they account for less than 20% of the solar workforce. GSI is actively working to close this gap by empowering more women through training and certification.

“We’re proud of these women who are carving out their space in renewable energy,” says Dr. Archibald. “The Caribbean has long lagged behind global leaders in solar adoption, but by building a skilled, diverse workforce, we can change that.”

According to the Caribbean Development Bank, renewables still make up just 10% of regional energy production. Dr. Archibald believes that closing the knowledge and skills gap is essential to accelerating the transition to clean energy. “Through GSI’s efforts, the region is better positioned to lead in solar and other renewables—not just follow,” he says. “And these women are showing exactly how it’s done.”