Mentor: Dr. Devon Gardner | Devon.Gardner@Caricom.org 

Azell Francis hails proudly from the beautiful twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Azell is a doctoral scholar at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on Energy and Sustainable Development. With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Applied Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management, Azell considers herself a connector who can bridge the gap between the technical, economic, and policy sides of energy. 

Azell is actively involved with the Energy Club at Georgia Tech, serving as a two-term Chair of the Southeastern Energy Conference and the Corporate Relations Chair. She is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers and is passionate about increasing the number of women and girls in STEM. 

Azell serves as the President of the Rotaract Club of Peachtree City and is on the Board of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City as the Community Service Director. She is actively involved at her alma mater, serving as the President of the Young Alumni Board, and was inducted as a member of the 2020 Georgia Southern 40 under 40 alumni class. 

Azell's Outlook

The Regional Energy Apprenticeship Programme offers me the opportunity to gain work experience as an Energy Policy Associate and apply my research skills in a meaningful and impactful way. I hope to improve my understanding of the regional energy sector and serve as an asset in the regional energy transformation towards a stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient Caribbean community. Through this experience, I am excited to play an instrumental role in framing the regional energy policy 2025 - 2040. It is an incredible opportunity to be mentored and supervised by Dr. Gardner and to be able to learn from the region’s leading energy scholars and practitioners. I am also looking forward to the fellowship with my fellow “REAP-ers”, as we all strive to make a difference and be of service to our region.

“Energy Vision for the Caribbean” Statement

Energy lives at the centre of my life because energy is essential to life, and is at the heart of achieving all of the sustainable development goals. Energy is directly linked to our well-being and quality of life. In the Caribbean, we need to ensure access to reliable, resilient, environmentally-responsible, and affordable energy for our benefit as citizens, and more broadly, to support our national and regional goals.

My vision for a resilient Caribbean is one where we have mastered the 5Rs of Resilience- Robustness, Redundancy, Resourcefulness, Response, and Recovery. I envision a Caribbean that is truly ready for all hazards. A resilient Caribbean is no longer predominantly reliant on expensive and imported fossil-fuels, and our transformation will be powered by the inclusion of more renewable energy sources.

Mentor: Gerald Lindo | Gerald Lindo gerald@ccreee.org

Professional Biography

Dana Lawrence was born and raised on the beautiful island of Jamaica. She attended St Andrew High School for girls where she focused on the sciences. During her time in high school, she attended an engineering workshop and met female engineers who inspired her to pursue the field. Dana enrolled in the Electrical Power Engineering program at the University of the West Indies and completed her studies in 2020. She developed an interest in energy, specifically renewable energy, which was the focus of her capstone project. She was an intern at the Cogeneration plant at the university where she gained practical experience and insight on various aspects in the field such as HVAC systems. Dana is currently undertaking an internship at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency where she expects to gain more experience and develop professionally as an engineer.

Dana’s Outlook

My internship at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency has provided a path for me to gain much knowledge and I have had the opportunity to apply what I learned in school from various courses. I continue to learn from experts and experienced personnel in the field on both the supply and demand sides. I have had several opportunities to be involved in meetings and projects which has aided me in the development of technical skills as well as soft skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership. I enjoy being a part of the energy solution for the region through various means such as the Integrated Resource and Resilience Plans (IRRP).

Mentor: Lenox Forte  | lforte@caricomdf.org

Professional Biography

Kathryn Siriram is a versatile energy professional from Trinidad and Tobago with 8 years of experience in the energy and environmental sectors. She is currently participating in the REAP with the CARICOM Development Fund as a Project Development Support Intern in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

Kathryn holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Geology from Imperial College London and the University of Melbourne as well as a Master’s degree in Energy and Resources Management from University College London, Australia.  

Kathryn has achieved a diverse range of technical expertise as a geophysicist, geologist, renewable energy consultant and energy analyst both locally and internationally. Driven by her passion to promote climate change action and sustainable energy use within Caribbean region, she takes pride in providing the best of her knowledge and experience in her various roles. As an advocate for clean energy, her goals include raising public awareness of climate change effects on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and participating in initiatives to advance the use of innovative renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. 

In addition to her primary job functions, Kathryn has been recognized by the organisation Island Innovation and selected as a 2021 Island Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago due to her commitment towards achieving a positive change in public attitudes and contributing to efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on island nations.

Kathryn's Outlook

I am so excited to participate in the REAP as it is my hope to gain a greater exposure to and understanding of various aspects of the regional energy sector through this programme. Due to my interest in advancing sustainable energy, I look forward to learning new skills through the training courses offered during the internship, being introduced to energy professionals in various regional organisations, gaining valued experience and advice from my Mentor and other members of the CDF and being able to attend different capacity building workshops in the areas of climate change and clean energy which I would not have been exposed to without the knowledge sharing and networking opportunities offered through the REAP. It has also been a pleasure to meet other interns in the programme and it is hoped that through our shared experiences we can all contribute to a positive change in the region.

Mentors

Jean-Michel Parle | jean-michel@ccreee.org

Algon Meikle | algon@ccreee.org

Professional Biography

Jordon Hayles is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. He has engineering experience from various internships – the most recent of which was with the Mona-Tech Engineering Services Limited located on the UWI, Mona Campus, where he worked at the liquid natural gas (LNG) operated combined heat and power (CHP) facility that provided electricity and cooling to the campus. He is currently at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency as an Energy Systems Engineer Associate Supply-Side where he works on the organisation’s Integrated Resource and Resilience Planning Team – a team that executes one of the flagship programmes of the organisation.

Jordon's Outlook

From this experience, I look forward to working with and receive training and mentorship from the experts at the CCREEE. I am excited to build my skillset in the various modelling and optimization software and grateful for this opportunity to get exposure to techno-economic analysis and resource optimization and whatever else I can get involved in to increase my exposure and professional development.

Mentor: Thomas Mitschke | tmitschke@carilec.org 

Professional Biography

Elizabeth Bullock holds a B.Sc. Physics with minors in Environmental Physics and Electronics and an M.Phil. Physics with focus in Geothermal energy and Geophysics, both from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad. She possesses over 4 years of research experience in renewable and geothermal energy, writing, data analysis, organization, planning, and communication. She has contributed to geothermal research blogs, white papers, and technical reports to educate and channel more awareness on the geothermal and renewable energy front. She has taken part in and presented on her research work at various international conferences. Ms. Bullock is passionate about the increased and continued deployment of renewable energy technologies toward the goal of guaranteed sustainability within the Caribbean region. This motivates her desire to be an ambassador for sustainable energy solutions in the region. She believes that the region is a gold mine of natural resources, talent, and capacity, just waiting to be harvested appropriately to yield the desired economic and social benefits. Ms. Bullock is enthusiastic about lending her skills and experience in making this belief a reality.

Elizabeth's Outlook

During my internship with CARILEC, I hope to contribute to the efforts which spearhead sustainable energy developments within the region by conducting research, performing modelling and analysis, and providing support through collaboration and engagement with the CARILEC team towards upholding the organization’s mission, vision, and values. At the end of my internship, I expect to have gained more insights and on-hand experience regarding energy policy, solutions, and decisions and to have acquired a wealth of knowledge and training in renewable energy and energy efficiency, electricity and sustainable strategies and methodologies for Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, I hope that I would have honed my skills further in preparation to tackle higher levels of responsibilities in the Caribbean’s energy sector.

Mentor: Janice Hillaire | janice.hilaire@crosq.org

Professional Biography

Diakia Straker is an International Trade and Development Analyst. She currently holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology, Jamaica and Master of Science in International Trade Policy from the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. She also holds certifications in Project Management and Results-Based Management and is currently pursuing the Certified Associate in Project Management designation. 

After the completion of her masters, Diakia successfully served as a Project Assistant on the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States Masters in International Trade Policy (OECS-MITP) Project (2020) which supported a fully funded scholarship programme for 22 students for the OECS. 

Currently, Mrs. Straker is participating in the TAPSEC REAP where she serves as the Project Intern on the Regional Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy Project at CROSQ. Through this assignment she is exposed to the intricacies of Quality Infrastructure, with a focus in the energy sector, and its importance to the region’s development goals. 

Diakia's Outlook

During this internship, I have gained invaluable regional experience.  Working alongside and interacting with experts from across the region has been simply invigorating. Being able to build my network, connect with and engage different industry practitioners has helped to build my confidence and hone my communication and project management skills.

I have learnt a great deal about the Energy Sector and Quality Infrastructure. Through the different sessions I have attended, from the WTO TBT Committee meetings to the CARICOM’s COTED on Energy, to CDB Trainings, etc., has helped me to develop a wider understanding of the unique challenges that the region faces. Therefore, I am confident that as I develop my career, the experience I have gained through the REAP will definitely influence the contributions I will make to the region’s development. 

Mentor: Devon Gardner | Devon.Gardner@Caricom.org 

Professional Biography

Khadija is a Graduate Student pursuing Master’s in International Energy Science at Kyoto University, Japan, with a little over four (4) years of experience in energy planning and strategy.  

In 2012, she attended the University of West Indies St. Augustine Trinidad, under the Professional and Technical scholarship granted by the Government of Belize, and achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering June 2015, ranking first place in her graduating class and a valedictory nominee. 

July 2015, Khadija was hired by Belize Electricity Limited as a Trainee Engineer, Generation Planning. Her duties encompassed the management of local and international energy supply, including liaising between the Utility, Independent Power Producers and Regulatory Affairs.  

While working, during the periods 2016- May 2018, Khadija completed a Masters in Business Administration from the University South Wales.  She was also promoted to Generation Planning Engineering in January 2018.  She spear-headed national projects, such as ‘Belize’s Energy Planning and Strategy 2035’, and ‘USTDA Feasibility study for solar and wind Renewable Energy in Belize’. She sat on the company’s planning and negotiating team involved in the drafting of power purchase agreements between the utility and power producers, and the company’s planning and implementation team to execute the Utility’s new corporate sustainable strategic direction.  

In April 2019, she moved to Japan to pursue research and further graduate study at Kyoto University.  Her research investigates governance in re-structured electricity supply systems for small developing economies.  The research highlights that with the widespread of fundamental sustainability problems affecting several domains, modern societies require the diversity of governance approach, having a combined macro-micro perspective, if it is to successfully achieve energy transformation.

Khadija's Outlook

I am always most excited to engage with new people. For me, this is very important in my field of work. Whilst the apprenticeship provides an opportunity to broaden my professional horizon, field experience really serves to humanize the work that I do.  I think especially in policy and planning, it is very easy to become buried in the data, models and general intent in order to establish a high-level outlook of the issue. It is only via engaging with individuals of various backgrounds and sectors that the work remains grounded through a diversity of insight, and that policy can prove to be a satisfactory representation of people’s realities.

Mentor: Wayne Vitalis | wvitalis@caricomdf.org 

Professional Biography

I would like to do whatever I can, within my own sphere of influence, to create a sustainable environment. As such, it is an honour to work with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) via the Renewable Energy Apprenticeship Programme. Through this internship, I was tasked with the responsibility of providing implementation support for the CDF’s new initiative, the Credit Risk Abatement Facility (CRAF) which is currently in its operational phase. During my tenure at the CDF, I assisted in preparing for the launch of the CRAF, aided the consulting team in whatever tasks were needed, and sat in on negotiating meeting with parties interested in being a part of the CRAF. 

Prior to the CDF, I was privileged to do a two-month internship with the Caribbean Centre of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) collecting relevant energy data within my home country of Trinidad and Tobago. I also aid the University of the Southern Caribbean through my work as a Chemistry Lab Technician.

I recently graduated from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus where attained the Master of Science degree in Renewable Energy Technology. Prior to this, I received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry with Double Minors in Analytical Chemistry and Psychology. 

During my down time, I enjoy cooking and playing the piano.

Kwasi's Outlook

During my internship with the CDF, I would like to learn about various renewable energy projects that are happening within the Caribbean. I also hope to learn about the various economic factors necessary for a successful energy project. Also, as the Credit Risk Abatement Facility is a new venture for the organisation, I am excited to learn about what would be needed to get this project up and running. I believe that some experience in project management would be advantageous for me especially since I am interested in doing consultancy work in the future. Finally, I am desirous of networking with not only my colleagues within the CDF, but with key persons within the Caribbean who are doing their part to advance renewable energy integration within our region.

I joined the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) one month prior to the launch of their newest initiative, the Credit Risk Abatement Facility (CRAF). As the intern designated to work towards the development of the CRAF, I was immediately tasked with assisting with its launch event, in conjunction with the CCREEE’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF). Thankfully, the event was well attended with persons joining the celebration both in person and online. 

Other than that, I spent my internship learning about the intricacies and aspects of the CRAF. Additionally, I sat in on meetings with various stakeholders within the Caribbean region as well as the wider international community. 

I conclude this internship with the CRAF in its operational phase where negotiations are being finalized. I hope to one day continue this work with the CDF. 

Mentor: Charlin Bodley | Charlin@ccreee.org 

Professional Biography

Sapphire Vital is a young professional who is enthusiastic about sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure development. She is a recent graduate from the University of Oxford with a MSc in Environmental Change and Management and holds a BSc in Civil with Environmental Engineering from the University of the West Indies. Sapphire recently joined the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency under the Regional Energy Apprenticeship Programme with a focus on project development in the newly launched Project Preparation Facility. In her career thus far, Sapphire has worked with several fascinating initiatives ranging from a long-term infrastructure assessment in St. Lucia with the United Nations Office for Project Services to a circular-economy rural electrification project in Northern Uganda with the renewable energy start-up Mandulis Energy.

Sapphire welcomes opportunities to advocate for the climate compatible development of Small Island Developing States. She represented her island Dominica as the 2020 Ambassador for Island Innovation’s Virtual Island Summit and 2020 Ambassador for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States’ Sustainable Development Movement. Most recently, she has been chosen as a 2021 One Young World Ambassador and Summit Scholarship Recipient.

As she charts her career path, Sapphire is excited about utilizing her expertise to make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of her island and the Caribbean region.

Sapphire's Outlook

As I am primarily attached to the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), to date I have been involved in several key activities focused on the launch and validation of the facility. Now about halfway through my internship period, on the cusp of the full operationalisation of the PPF, I am particularly looking forward to being a part of evaluating and supporting sustainable energy projects from the private and public sector. As a young organisation CCREEE is engaged with wide spectrum of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Thus beyond the PPF, I have been privy to be involved in the Energy Access Programme, Emergency Response Programme, gender mainstreaming, and sustainable transport. In the balance of my internship, I look forward to broadening my knowledge through continued engagement in these areas.

Mentor: Leighton Waterman | waterml@caribank.org

Professional Biography

Sheldon Marshall is a postgraduate student pursuing an MSc in Renewable Energy Management at the University of the West Indies Mona, with special interest in renewable energy technologies and solutions, and buildings as energy systems. He is a certified Photovoltaic Associate through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, thus solidifying his keen interest in renewables. While completing a BSc in Energy and Environmental Physics at the UWI Mona, Sheldon co-authored a peer-reviewed article; “A Review into the Caribbean Geothermal Energy Resource Potential” (2020) and has since spent some time investigating renewable energy within the region through research. He has also done research, pending publication, that examined the pathways toward 100% renewable energy for Barbados, evaluating the impact of demand side management and how it would shape the targeted generation with case scenarios. To complete his MSc, he is currently examining the feasibility of large scale, self-sustained homes within the region and the potential impact for the local economies. 

 Sheldon's Outlook

Coming from physics into renewable energy, I have always been interested in the technologies themselves. However, I have since been keen to learn more about the identification of potential renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that can be prepared to fill the gaps within our region. I am excited to see, hands on, what goes into the process of preparing a project. It’s one thing to hear of the components necessary for sustainable energy projects in the classroom, but it’s another thing to see how all the components interact and work within the system to deliver desired outcomes. I am excited to learn from the team at CDB and to network with my colleagues and fellow REAP interns. I believe that a group of bright young minds, with a common goal and varied perspectives, is what the region needs to support its drive toward a sustainable energy future.