CREF 2026 Industry Awards
Community Impact Award Goes to the CDF-funded Suriname Rural Electrification Project
Bridgetown, Barbados · October 19, 2026
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is pleased to announce that the CDF-supported Suriname Rural Electrification Project has received the Community Impact Award at the 2026 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) Industry Awards, held in Panama City, Panama, from October 14–16, recognising its contribution to improving energy access and livelihoods in remote communities.
Kenrick Burke, Programme Specialist (R) – Sustainable Energy, accepts the Community Impact Award on behalf of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) at the CREF 2026 Industry Awards.
24-Hour Power for Galibi and Cajana
Jointly financed by CDF and the Government of Suriname, the US$11.8 m project supports renewable energy microgrids in Galibi and Cajana. CDF contributed US$10.5 m through a concessional loan of US$10.01 m and a grant of US$0.49 m.
The Project is transitioning the 1,906 residents of these two communities from access to approximately 4–6 hours of electricity per day to a 24-hour service. Improved electricity access will boost social and economic outcomes at the household and community level – in terms of healthcare, education, local businesses and ecotourism – while reducing reliance on diesel.
Renewable microgrids are moving two remote communities from a few hours of power a day to round-the-clock service.
Accepting the award on behalf of CDF, Mr. Kenrick Burke – Programme Specialist – Sustainable Energy, stated:
“CDF is highly appreciative of CREF’s recognition of this Project, which represents our commitment to ensuring that development finance translates into meaningful improvements in people’s lives; reducing development disparities; and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth across CARICOM. The Suriname Rural Electrification Project demonstrates how targeted financing, government leadership and community participation can expand access to reliable, clean energy while creating opportunities for social and economic development and stronger community resilience.
Kenrick BurkeProgramme Specialist – Sustainable Energy, CDF
A Replicable Model for the Caribbean
The award highlights the Project’s contribution to reducing energy poverty, strengthening community resilience and advancing sustainable development, while demonstrating a replicable model for decentralised renewable energy across the Caribbean.
“We thank the Government of Suriname, our technical partners, and most importantly, the communities of Galibi and Cajana for their invaluable contributions. We hope this initiative serves as a model for similar investments across the Caribbean.”
— Kenrick Burke, CDF
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About the CARICOM Development Fund
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) was established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to provide financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
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