The Caribbean Maritime Institute in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) have commissioned their Green Energy Project.

The project, a two-fold initiative, is aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills among inner-city youths while providing assistance to the fisherfolk of Pedro Cays.

Sixteen youths from Tivoli Gardens and Spanish Town participated in a Wind Generator Course held at the CMI. The youths learned the skills of making wind turbines using a 50-gallon drum and an automotive generator, as well as building solar stills to produce potable water.

The fisherfolk of Pedro Cays will benefit from a solar-powered ice freezer to produce 100 pounds of ice per day to keep their catch fresh for sale in the fishing village.

Training

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, congratulated the CMI on what he describes as an exemplary initiative to provide a solar ice freezer on the Pedro Cays, as well as a desalination unit to provide fresh water to the community of over 800 residents.

"With the welfare of the fisherfolk residing on the Pedro Cays being foremost on the agenda, it is also pleasing to note that the overall project has been extended to include entrepreneurial training for a number of youth from inner-city communities in Kingston and Spanish Town," Minister Henry said.

The Minister extended his gratitude to the Canadian High Commission for providing most of the funding for the project. His sentiments were echoed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Gregory Mair, who lauded the CMI on its use of technology in its Green Energy Project and thanked CIDA for its financial support.

Acting Canadian High Commissioner, Andree Blouin, commended the innovation shown by the CMI in designing the project, which she noted has taken on the core issues of alternate energy sources combined with entrepreneurial and income-generating activities.

"The Canadian High Commission is proud to be associated with the new Caribbean Maritime Institute and its Blue Ocean Strategy, and to assist in the challenges the CMI faces in providing maritime education and training in the region for girls and boys," Blouin said.

The Caribbean Maritime Institute is the Caribbean's centre of excellence for the provision of maritime education, training, research and consultancy.