MPs Wever, Labega attend energy meeting in Chile, focus on renewable energy, transport

GREAT BAY--Members of Parliament Dimar Labega and Christopher Wever represented St. Maarten at the PARLATINO Energy and Mines Committee meeting in Santiago, Chile, from September 29 to October 2, 2025. Delegations from St. Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay took part. The agenda covered renewable energy deployment across the region and sustainable transportation, with technical input from OLADE. The sessions were high-level and included the Minister of Energy of Chile, Diego Pardow Lorenzo.

MP Labega noted the region’s progress on clean power and urged a clear path for St. Maarten. “Latin American and the Caribbean has established itself as one of the most renewable regions in the world, with a high share of clean sources and remarkable diversity of natural resources. There has been significant growth in technologies such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power,” he said, citing the 2024 to 2025 regional outlook. “Which renewable energy option best fits St. Maarten and its unique dynamics? The answer has not been definitively answered, however I am in favor of solar energy which previous studies conducted over a decade ago also concludes. Neighboring islands who share similar dynamics have already been active and successful with solar energy. It is clear that the rest of the Caribbean is moving forward with their renewable energy strategic plans and St. Maarten desperately needs to do the same.”

The committee also examined sustainable transportation as a pillar of energy transition, noting the transport sector’s high energy demand and emissions, and the opportunity to cut carbon, foster innovation, create green jobs, and improve quality of life.

MP Wever stressed technology choices and cost discipline for small island systems. “What is important to know for us as a small island is what direction the rest of the world is heading towards when we talk about renewable energy,” he said. “We do not want to invest in an energy source that is already on its way out. We need to be able to guarantee reliability and cost efficiency when it comes to the energy product that we are looking to invest in as a country.” He added that continued engagement with regional leaders is key to planning. “It was an honor to be here, and it will not be the last time.”

While in Chile, MP Wever received detailed briefings on the electric vehicle market, including how national regulations cover private fleets and extend to public buses and charging standards. He observed that St. Maarten is entering this field on a smaller scale, and that learning from regional models and best practices can help shape local policy, improve cost control, and guide phased implementation that fits the island’s grid and road network.

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