The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), a regional association of energy solutions providers and other stakeholders operating in the energy sector, has announced the election of a new Chairman and Board of Directors following its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Members held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Willemstad, Curacao.
The newly elected Chairman is Mr. Wayne Caines of the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO). Mr. Caines, an Attorney-at-Law, former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, C-Suite Business Executive, brings a wealth of experience to the role, serving for the past five years as President and CEO of BELCO and the Vice Chairman of CARILEC’s Board of Directors for two years. Mr. Caines said “As the new CARILEC Chairman and BELCO President, I’m honored to follow my predecessor’s strong leadership. My island utility experience gives me insight into our common challenges—regulatory uncertainty, high costs, grid modernization, and the utility death spiral. I’ll prioritize using our collective expertise to strengthen regional advocacy while collaborating with governments, regulators, and academia. By uniting our voices and talent, we’ll create comprehensive solutions and build a resilient, sustainable Caribbean energy future.”
Caines succeeds Mr. Roger Blackman, Managing Director of the Barbados Light & Power Company (BLPC) who served as Chairman from January 2023 to May 2025. In his outgoing address to members, Mr. Blackman said “We are navigating uncharted territories. The rules of the energy sector are changing. The risks are evolving. And the expectations from regulators, consumers, and our own people are rising. We need bold, collaborative, and future-focused leadership. The kind that reimagines what’s possible in our sector and repositions the Caribbean as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and resilience. As I pass the baton of Chairmanship, I do so with confidence in the leadership that follows. I offer my warmest congratulations and unwavering support to Mr. Caines. May your tenure be guided by wisdom, strengthened by unity, and inspired by the same spirit of collaboration that has brought us this far.”
In another notable development, Mrs. Ruth Forbes, President and CEO of FortisTCI, has been elected as the first female Vice-Chairperson of CARILEC’s Board of Directors. Based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Forbes is a seasoned C-suite executive with nearly 19 years of experience in the electric utility sector. She has led FortisTCI for the past five years and has served concurrently as a CARILEC board director. In addition to her role at FortisTCI, she serves on the boards of FortisOntario and Fortis Belize Limited. Mrs. Forbes, a Certified Public Accountant, was appointed to the Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group of the International Federation of Accountants in 2024.
Mr. Leroy A.E. Abraham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC), and former Chairman of CARILEC’s Board of Directors, was elected to serve, replacing outgoing Director Mr. Clive Hosten, Chief Engineer of GRENLEC. Mr. Gianni Moreno of Hitachi Energy was elected as the Associate Member Director and Mr. Hugo Hodge of HKT Energy as the Alternate Associate Member Director.
The following Directors were also re-elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM), for the 3-year term: 2025 to 2028:
- Andre Matthias – Antigua Public Utilities Authority
- Clement Williams – St. Kitts Electricity Company
- Vaughn Lewis – St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd.
- Hugh Grant – Jamaica Public Service Company
CARILEC plays a crucial role in uniting and providing valued services to regional energy stakeholders. This leadership transition comes at a critical time as the Caribbean region accelerates efforts toward energy resilience, decarbonization, and the adoption of innovative technologies. With increasing vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, volatile fuel markets, and grid modernization needs, this new Board is well positioned and fully equipped to guide CARILEC and its members through this historic, transformative era.
