The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, represented Bermuda at the 15th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) in Miami, Florida. 

The event, held from the 26 to 28 April, is the largest annual gathering of the Caribbean renewable energy market. This year, the Forum organisers invited Minister Roban to participate in the yearly CREF Ministerial panel discussion on 27 April, entitled 'Are We Delivering on Energy Security and Climate Resilience for the Region?', which explored "how national strategies need to evolve and adapt in light of the current global energy dynamic, the pressing need for decarbonisation and the drive for energy security," and whether we are adapting and delivering. 

Robert Le Hunte of the Inter-American Development Bank moderated the discussion, and the panellists included:

• The Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier, Nevis Island Administration; 
• The Hon. Otis C. Morris, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, Turks and Caicos Islands Government; 
• Hon. Quincia Gumbs Marie, Minister of Sustainability, Innovation & the Environment, Government of Anguilla; and
• Hon. Kerryne Z James, Minister of Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada.

During the discussion, Minister Roban highlighted Bermuda's Regulatory 'sandbox' for renewable energy innovators and the ability to pivot and adapt to changing economics and technological advances as vital in the energy sector. The Regulatory sandbox is a 'first' for the region, and one of the first in the world, reflecting Bermuda's desire to be seen as an innovator while managing associated risks with a robust and transparent regulatory framework. 

 Also, while at the forum, Minister Roban, on behalf of the Ministry of Transport, accepted the CREF Industry Award in the category of Best E-mobility Project for the electrification of Bermuda's fleet of public buses.

 Reflecting on the event, Minister Roban said, "We have come a long way in a short time to be sure. A few years ago, Bermuda was hovering near the bottom of CREF’s ranking, gauging countries' readiness to develop renewable energy. Our good work in governance and regulation has had a significant impact on our placement. Of all the countries in the region, we are much nearer to the top in sixth place. Bermuda can be proud of our achievements, and these events further inspire us on our journey toward advancing our clean energy initiatives in the coming years."