CARICOM Energy Week 2015 will be launched on Saturday with a `Kilo Walk’ that begins at 6:00 am at the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana.

The Week, from November 7-14, will be observed under the theme ‘Empowering our Sustainable Development’.

CARICOM Energy Week (CEW) was observed on four previous occasions. The CEW was established in 2011 as an annual event, based on a mandate from CARICOM Energy Ministers to provide a platform for increased awareness on energy matters.

The activities and events which will be staged will provide an opportunity to raise awareness in relation to energy matters in CARICOM Member States whilst simultaneously addressing, in a deliberate way, some of the critical energy issues that continue to limit sustainable energy use and the sustainable economic development of the Region.

Among the activities that were planned to coincide with the Week are photo and video competitions. CEW organisers sought online digital photographs, or scans of artwork highlighting the empowerment of the peoples of the CARICOM Region through sustainable energy use.  CARICOM nationals were also invited to submit online creative videos or animations which highlight the vibrant energy and passion of Caribbean people whilst simultaneously capturing the options and opportunities for sustainable energy production and use.

During the Week, an innovation award will also be presented to `Projects of Excellence’ for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency applications. An `App Development Competition’ will also be launched during the Week.

Across the Region, activities to mark the Week will include High-Level Panel Discussions in which government officials speak on country-specific energy matters; spot questions (with prizes) and energy tips on radio; engagements – such as Forums – with schools; and field trips to in-country renewable energy sites. The national events and activities are expected to focus the attention of the Member States on local matters with which they are familiar and will provide a fillip for the Regional activities.

The Energy Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat is providing support to Member States for the planning and hosting of national events and activities.

For more information, go to http://energyweek.caricomenergy.org/