Recently, Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter H. Roban, JP, MP, attended the 2024 High-Level Caribbean Forum held on December 3, 2024, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Forum, hosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, focused on the theme "Managing the Green Energy Transition."

The Forum marked the first in-person convening of the Caribbean Forum since 2019. It brought together ministers of finance, central bank governors, and key stakeholders to address pressing issues in the region, including climate resilience, economic sustainability, and the transition to renewable energy.

Minister Roban actively participated in the discussions, emphasizing Bermuda's commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions while balancing economic development and sustainability. He also shared insights into Bermuda's progress toward achieving its climate goals, particularly its focus on fostering private-sector investment and regional collaboration.

While in attendance, Minister Roban had the opportunity to speak with key decision-makers shaping the energy transition across the Caribbean region. Discussions focused on mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, ensuring electricity supply stability during the clean energy transition, and fostering a sustainable clean energy future to promote positive environmental health. Minister Roban highlighted Bermuda's commitment to these objectives during conversations about financing the transition and developing effective financial instruments to pool capital.

Minister Roban engaged with notable figures, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Managing Director of the IMF, and Matthew Byrne, Director of CARTAC, who has ongoing collaborations with Bermuda's Ministry of Finance. Other key individuals included Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister for Energy & Transport (Bahamas); Hon. Melford W. F. Nicholas, Minister for ICT, Utilities & Energy (Antigua & Barbuda); Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy & Business (Barbados); and Prof. Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank. These engagements allowed Minister Roban to emphasize Bermuda's commitment to the energy transition and discuss critical issues around climate and energy.

Key topics explored during the Forum included:

1. The macroeconomic implications of the green energy transition;

2. Strategies for a sustainable and equitable green energy future;

3. Unlocking private investment and the role of financial institutions;

4. Strengthening international partnerships to support the green energy transition.

The one-day High-Level Ministerial Meeting underscored attendees' eagerness to collaborate on developing strategies for the Caribbean's clean energy transition. Discussions included partnerships with the IMF, World Bank, and other public and private organizations to ensure a successful transition for the region.

Minister Roban explained, "This Forum is a critical platform for Caribbean nations to unite and tackle the complex challenges of climate change and transitioning to a green energy future. Bermuda remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and leveraging innovative technologies to build a sustainable future for future generations."

The Forum also featured presentations of the IMF's latest research on green energy transition strategies, underscoring the importance of regional and international cooperation in overcoming the barriers to achieving a low-carbon economy.

Minister Roban's participation reinforces Bermuda's role as a regional leader in sustainable development and climate action, fostering partnerships to drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment.