CHTA and CAST issue urgent Earth Day call for renewable energy reform
Published on Apr 22, 2025
As the world marks Earth Day 2025, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and its affiliate, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), are sounding a clear call: it is time to prioritize renewable energy adoption across the region.
“This year’s Earth Day theme—Our Power, Our People, Our Planet—resonates deeply with the Caribbean,” shared CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “It is a powerful reminder that by working together—governments, the tourism industry, and our communities—we can harness our collective strength to drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable, resilient future.”
The Caribbean’s tourism industry has made great strides in energy efficiency and renewable energy over the last two decades, with many governments enacting policies to support this transition. However, challenges remain in reducing energy costs—especially in scaling up renewable energy adoption in line with global climate goals.
A recent report prepared by CHTA and CAST, “Empowering the Caribbean Tourism Industry through Renewable Energy: A Call for Policy Action,” presents key findings from 17 jurisdictions and recommends practical steps to move forward.
Among the key barriers described in this report are: Red Tape and Unclear Guidelines - Most jurisdictions allow renewable energy installations— but red tape and unclear guidelines are slowing adoption.
The other concern is Confusion over Permitting Requirements - Nearly 40 percent cite confusion over permitting requirements for renewable energy systems.
