During CARICOM Energy month, the NDC-TEC Programme released critical findings to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the region. Focusing on flagship countries – Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia – a series of regional webinars tackled the “missing links” in the transition: waste, money and policy. The sessions moved beyond theory, offering actional road maps to ensure the Caribbean’s transport shift is both economically viable and environmentally safe.
A primary concern addressed during one of the webinars was the management of End-of-Life (EoL) batteries and e-waste. Experts warned that underdeveloped regional infrastructure for complex waste poses significant risks of improper disposal. The immediate solution? Implementing safe interim storage and export protocols aligned with the Basel Convention. By establishing these frameworks now, the Caribbean can prevent future environmental hazards while building the technical capacity to handle the growing influx of EV components.
Consultants also tailored incentive models to drive market growth. Jamaica, they noted, is focusing on slashing import duties from 30% to 10%, while Saint Lucia targets a 0% VAT rate. Grenada is pioneering a “bonus-malus” system, combining zero duties for EVs with disincentives for older internal combustion vehicles. While these fiscal tools make EV ownership a reality for citizens, the true catalyst for scale lies in how the region’s government manages their own institutional fleets.
In the final webinar, Professor Olav Hohmeyer argued that the public sector must lead by example through Sustainable Green Public Procurement (SGPP). To create a climate-friendly future, governments must reform laws and train a specialized workforce, he said — from mechanics to first responders— they must create the stable market demand needed for a total regional transition.