Photo caption: Participants in the Introduction to Electric Vehicles Technologies training hosted in Belize from February 27-28, 2025.

As the Caribbean moves towards a more sustainable transportation sector, the need for capacity building in electric vehicle (EV) technologies has never been greater. With global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace cleaner transportation, regional stakeholders must develop the technical expertise required to support and expand the electric mobility (e-mobility) industry.

Recognizing this need, a team led by Prof Tannecia Stephenson, Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Mona, has been working towards building regional capacity in the area of e-mobility. As part of this thrust, Dr. Louis-Ray Harris, senior lecturer in the Department of Physics, led a pivotal workshop titled "Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technologies" from February 27-28, 2025 in Belize. The two-day event was hosted at the University of Belize's Belmopan campus, and was a collaboration between The UWI Mona, through the Mona Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), and the University of Belize.

Photo caption: Prof. Stephenson addressing the EV technologies class in Belize.

The workshop aimed to enhance human capacity development among key stakeholders integral to advancing e-mobility in Belize. This initiative sought to equip participants with essential knowledge and technical expertise in EV technologies.

Photo caption: Participants in the EV technologies training  in Belize looking under the hood of an EV pickup truck.

This initiative received financial backing from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through their International Climate Initiative (IKI), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The workshop demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in fostering technological advancement and sustainability efforts in Belize.

Approximately 30 participants attended the workshop, including representatives from academia, the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) in Belize, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belize, private sector stakeholders, and technical instructors.

Photo caption: Participants in the EV technologies training  in Belize in deep dialogue during a class activity.

The workshop provided attendees with valuable insights into the principles and applications of EV technologies, setting the stage for further advancements in Belize’s e-mobility sector. As Belize continues to explore sustainable transportation solutions, initiatives such as these are expected to play a crucial role in building the technical expertise required for a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.

Stay tuned for more updates on The UWI Mona’s ongoing efforts to promote EV technologies across the Caribbean.

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