The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), a regional association of energy solutions providers and stakeholders in the electricity industry, has announced the appointment of a new Chairman and Board of Directors. This follows its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shareholders held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Mr. Wayne Caines of the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) has been appointed Chairman of CARILEC’s Board of Directors. Mr. Caines, an Attorney-at-Law, former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, and seasoned C-Suite executive, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has served as President and CEO of BELCO for the past five years and as CARILEC’s Vice Chairman for the last two.
> “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,” said Mr. Caines.
Mr. 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, Mr. Blackman stated: “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. I offer my warmest congratulations and unwavering support to Mr. Caines.”
A historic milestone was also marked with the appointment of Mrs. Ruth Forbes, President and CEO of FortisTCI in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as CARILEC’s first female Vice-Chairperson. Mrs. Forbes previously served in several key executive roles at FortisTCI, including SVP of Corporate Services, CFO, and Company Secretary, and brings over 15 years of utility sector experience.
Other board developments include:
Mr. Leroy A.E. Abraham, CEO of Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC), was newly elected, replacing outgoing Director Clive Hosten.
Mr. Gianni Moreno of Hitachi Energy was elected as Associate Member Director.
Mr. Hugo Hodge of HKT Energy was elected as Alternate Associate Member Director.
Re-elected Directors for the 2025–2028 term:
Mr. Andre Matthias (Antigua Public Utilities Authority)
Mr. Clement Williams (St. Kitts Electricity Company)
Mr. Vaughn Lewis (St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd.)
Mr. Hugh Grant (Jamaica Public Service Company)
CARILEC plays a pivotal role in unifying and supporting regional energy stakeholders. This new Board of Directors assumes leadership at a crucial time as the Caribbean intensifies efforts toward energy resilience, decarbonization, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. In the face of climate change, volatile fuel markets, and urgent grid modernization needs, the new leadership team is well-equipped to guide CARILEC through a transformative period.
