Be the Change You Want to See

Tamaira Rowe

Published on September 20, 2023

by Annie Daniel, Antigua and Barbuda

Renewable energy has always been my passion; I believe in generating energy without using fossil fuels or other non-renewable resources. Living in the Caribbean, where we rely heavily on fossil fuels, I am determined to see us move towards renewable energy. 

With my science background, I can be a part of the change I want to see. Every summer I try to learn new things. I have learned soap making, hydroponics, gardening, and baking. This summer I was fortunate to be chosen as an energy report data intern for the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in Antigua and Barbuda. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to collect data and learn how each stakeholder contributes to the energy sector and plays their part in reaching 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The internship has taught me to push boundaries and not give up. Although my expectations differed from reality, the experience has helped me reach others where they are and let our shared goal of a sustainable and better country unify us. I have improved my communication skills by interacting with stakeholders through email and by phone. Networking has been essential in obtaining necessary feedback and identifying the correct stakeholders with the required information. Learning to strategize has also been beneficial in collecting and recording timely data.

While collecting and recording data in the energy sector, it was heart-warming to see that Antigua and Barbuda have come a long way. We think of our electricity providers when we think of energy, but that is far from the only contributor. The oil and gas companies, transportation sector, finance sector, schools, and government bodies all play equal parts. Throughout the internship I have observed many reasons we as a country are not where we should be in terms of our renewable and sustainable energy goals. Although we have a set goal for 100% renewable energy by 2030, we have reached only under 12% to date, so we still have a long way to go. However, I believe that we will come closer to our goal if we remain determined and continue to implement renewable energy projects and educate others about their impact and how they can contribute.

I am thankful for the experiences I have gained through the CCREEE. Among the most memorable moments were our weekly meetings with other interns from around the Caribbean who shared similar goals and ideas. Hearing from different individuals in the field about how they are making a difference has been inspiring and helpful. I have learned about Ikigai (reason for being), and in this internship I have found my Ikigai: I will continue to do my part to help my country achieve its renewable and sustainable goals. Let us all be the change we want to see.