09/06/2026
Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), attended the graduation ceremony of the cohort of master trainers in the Electric Vehicle Systems, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation, and EV Charging Infrastructure Maintenance Programme. The ceremony was held on June 5, 2026, at the Windjammer Hotel.
The cohort comprised twenty-four participants from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10, representing Ministries, technical institutions, training centres, educational institutions, and private sector organisations.
The training initiative was funded by the Joint SDG Fund, and it was a rolled out as a collaborative effort involving the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) – Guyana.
The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) led the infrastructure component of the programme, which was facilitated by Renew CARIBE and Legacy EV. Throughout the course, participants benefitted from a blended learning approach that combined theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Training covered electric vehicle maintenance, solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation, and the operation and servicing of EV charging systems and related charging infrastructure.
Dr. Sharma, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips, said the initiative represents an important step in Guyana’s journey toward a modern, diversified, and sustainable energy future, aligning with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
He highlighted that Guyana is making significant progress in renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric transportation, and climate resilience, while fostering an environment for the adoption of EVs and clean technologies. He added that this pioneering group has been equipped with the expertise that is increasingly vital in a rapidly evolving local and global economy, with emerging clean energy and electric mobility sectors.
He further noted that the country is building technical capacity and local expertise to install, operate, and maintain the technologies that will power the future and augment the workforce.
“The Government of Guyana has consistently emphasised that our development agenda must be people-centred. Infrastructure, technology and investment are essential to our development, but our greatest asset remains our people,” said Dr. Sharma, before adding: “Today's graduates are tangible evidence of our commitment to building human capital and ensuring that Guyanese are prepared to participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by our country's transformation.”
While delivering the Prime Minister’s remarks, Dr. Sharma expressed his encouragement at the establishment of four solar-powered, grid-connected electric vehicle charging stations to be installed at the University of Guyana, the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, Linden Electricity Company, and the Board of Industrial Training. These installations are expected to be completed by November 2026.
These new additions will complement the seven publicly accessible EV charging stations already installed at Amazonia Mall (Providence), Giftland Mall, the GEA Head Office, Ogle Airport, S&R Parking Lot (Parika), Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and Little Rock Suites (New Amsterdam).
He added that another 13 EV charging stations will be installed, bringing the total to 24 publicly accessible EV charging stations by the end of the year.
These investments further underscore the Government’s commitment to advancing electric mobility and infrastructure development, supported by fiscal incentives such as zero duty and taxes on electric vehicles, regardless of power rating, and an increased annual write-down allowance of 50 percent to encourage business investment in eco-friendly transportation.
Graduates were urged to continue learning, remain adaptable, and share their knowledge as they enter Guyana’s dynamic workforce, where advancing technologies continue to create new opportunities across local economic sectors. They were also encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to help shape a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
With this most recent cohort, a total of 77 auto electricians and mechanical technicians have now been trained to repair and maintain electric vehicles (EVs) in Guyana.
In attendance was Mr. Joseph Hamilton, Advisor to the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Offer (Technical), Ms. Eraine Yaw, Head of the IOM – Guyana and Ms. Katy Thompson, UN Resident Coordinator (a.i.).
📸: BIT/DPI
