New BREA board in place

On Monday, August 15, 2022, the Barbados Renewable Energy Association Inc. (BREA) virtually hosted its 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Following the address of the featured speaker, Senior Minister and Minister of Energy and Business Development, Kerrie Symmonds, the Association elected its new president and Board of Directors.

Robert Goodridge replaced Khalid Grant as president, Stephen Worme retained his position as Vice-President, Peter Gollop was retained as treasurer and Rodney Greenidge was elected as public relations officer.

The other members of the new Board are Andrew Lord, Gregory Blackman, Neilsen Beneby, Nicola Berry and Aidan Rogers.

In his report, outgoing president Grant stated that despite the ongoing pandemic and the war in Europe, BREA continued to make progress through the work of its five committees during the period 2021-2022.

He highlighted that BREA continued to listen to and advocate on behalf of its members on several key issues including the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for larger installations, the Feed In Tariff (FIT) rate review, and the introduction of energy storage.

He reported that progress has been maintained as they continue towards Barbados’ 2030 Renewable Energy target and that as inevitable challenges arise, BREA would continue to engage with members and key industry stakeholders to find and implement solutions.

BREA’s newly elected president Goodridge is a Renewable Energy specialist with local and international certification in Renewable Energy with emphasis on Solar Photovoltaic systems.

He actively participates in several local, regional and international renewable energy forums including BREA, Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, Island Innovations, Bloom CleanTech and SolarPower Europe. He has developed an extensive network and partnership with key stakeholders in the local renewable energy sector.

In his first comments as the new president of the Board, Goodridge commended the contributions of former Board members and acknowledged the necessity for having an active full-time secretariat.

He outlined his desire to cultivate effective teamwork among new Board members and
to amplify the support and participation of the wider membership base.

A further release of the plans and programs of this new Board will be forthcoming from the President in the immediate future. (PR)