CARIF 2026 Market News - New Energy Events

Jamaica commissions solar-powered George’s Plain waste facility
September 27, 2026
Jamaica’s National Solid Waste Management Authority has commissioned the solar-powered George’s Plain temporary waste holding facility in Westmoreland, built at a cost of more than US$180,000. The facility is designed to improve collection efficiency by reducing garbage-truck trips to the Retirement disposal site in St. James. Source: JIS.gov
Barbados export packhouse targets October launch
September 27, 2026
Export Barbados BIDC and the Ministry of Agriculture are preparing a new government packhouse to begin operations by October, with around 20 growers expected to supply seven produce categories for export markets. Selected growers will also receive cold-chain support through the program. Source: Fresh Plaza
RIISE launches on-demand infrastructure support for four Eastern Caribbean states
September 27, 2026
The Canada-funded, UNOPS-hosted RIISE facility has begun operations, providing Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with on-demand technical advisory services and specialist deployments to help accelerate implementation of climate-resilient public infrastructure projects. Source: UN Caribbean
Bahamas plans more than US$200 million in climate-resilient water infrastructure
September 27, 2026
The Water and Sewerage Corporation plans to invest more than US$200 million in infrastructure across The Bahamas over several years, describing it as the largest water and sanitation capital-works program in its history. New assets will incorporate hurricane, flood and coastal-resilience standards. Source: ZNS Bahamas
USVI virtual power plant dispatches 2.5 MWh during grid tests
September 27, 2026
The Virgin Islands Energy Office dispatched a combined 2.5 MWh from residential batteries during virtual power plant tests on the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John grids. The VIBES 2.0 program has paid or is processing approximately US$244,000 in incentives as it works to expand participation across the territory. Source: St. Thomas Source
Belize plans US$400 million-plus redevelopment of Belize City port
September 27, 2026
Belize is preparing a major redevelopment of the Port of Belize valued at more than US$400 million, including deeper and wider marine access, new cargo facilities and a modern cruise tourism gateway. Prime Minister John Briceño said construction is expected to begin in 2027. Source: Breaking Belize News
Jamaica signs CDB loan for US$36 million rural water program
September 27, 2026
Jamaica has signed a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank to support a US$36 million rural water program expected to benefit more than 40,000 residents. The project will develop six water-supply schemes across five parishes, including upgrades to treatment facilities, transmission and distribution networks, storage tanks and lift stations. Source: JIS.gov
IDB approves US$23.75 million for Belize rural electrification
September 27, 2026
The IDB has approved a US$23.75 million financing package to expand rural electrification in Belize, marking its first energy-sector operation in the country. The program will fund solar mini-grids with battery storage and smart meters, distribution-network expansion and first-time electricity access for approximately 3,000 rural households. Source: IADB
Jamaica begins US$51 million NMIA apron reconstruction
September 27, 2026
Reconstruction has begun on the 109,270-square-metre aircraft apron at Norman Manley International Airport under an eight-phase program designed to keep the airport fully operational during construction. The approximately US$51 million project will replace existing concrete pavement, while a separate US$70–80 million runway extension is also planned. Source: JIS.gov