Pelican Energy TCI hosted its sixth annual Youth Energy Roundtable, a capstone event of the Company’s annual Summer Student Employment Program (SSEP), bringing together six remarkable college and university-level students to address the Turks and Caicos Islands’ most urgent energy challenges.
Hosted at the Company’s headquarters on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the event provided a platform for youth voices to deliver research-based perspectives on timely topics and featured an AMA (ask-me-anything) segment with the Company’s President, Devon Cox.
This year’s Roundtable format moved from the traditional public-facing showcase to students delivering research-based presentations to an audience of energy professionals. The six program participants were Alexander Been, Jermaine Williams, Jo-Dayne Tyson, Gabriel Lafleur, Khouri Swann, and Kirk Dixon.
Jermaine Williams and Jo-Dayne Tyson opened the event with a presentation on “Solar Without the Storm: Balancing Renewable Energy Growth, Grid Stability, and Fairness for All.” They examined how the rapid adoption of independent solar systems, if unregulated, can pose challenges to grid stability, lead to cost shifting for customers without solar, and strain national energy planning. Once a solar system connects to the electricity grid, it becomes part of one shared electricity system that serves the entire country. Their insights emphasized that successful integration of renewable energy requires thoughtful national policies and regulations, modern infrastructure, technical standards, utility visibility, battery storage, advanced grid technologies, and collaboration between customers, utilities, and government.
Gabriel Lafleur and Kirk Dixon addressed “The Role of Utility Licensing in National Energy Security and Service Reliability,” examining how utility licenses support long-term infrastructure investment and service reliability. They highlighted that long-term licenses are common across the industry because they align with the lifespan of major utility assets and allow large investments in the system to be recovered over time through rate smoothing, helping to moderate the size and frequency of rate increases. The presentation also explored licensing models used in small island nations and emphasized the importance of strong regulatory oversight to ensure high performance and long-term energy security.
Alexander Been and Khouri Swann concluded the presentation line-up with “Defining Energy Security: Navigating Geopolitical Risks, Market Volatility, and the Path to Renewable Energy Transition.” Their analysis spotlighted the vulnerabilities of island nations reliant on imported fuels and the potential for renewable energy to strengthen resilience and affordability. They also examined the technical and economic indicators of an energy-secure nation, and whether countries with rapid economic growth and development can reliably meet rising energy demand while transitioning away from fossil fuels.
During the candid AMA segment with the Company’s President, students fielded on-the-spot questions about leadership, career development, and the energy sector. The segment provided heartfelt, candid, and deep conversations with Mr. Devon Cox, connecting youth with senior leadership.
President Cox commended the students for their comprehensive research, targeted questions and bold thinking, underscoring the vital role of youth in shaping the country’s energy future.
“At Pelican Energy TCI, we have always welcomed, and will continue to champion, young talent. Their vision and drive are essential as we work to create a bold, exciting energy future. These students have shown that when given the chance, they rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding results. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is watching young people engage thoughtfully with the challenges that will define our nation’s future,” said Devon Cox, President at Pelican Energy TCI. “Their curiosity, confidence, and creativity have enriched our company and underscored how vital it is to value youth contributions in the present—not just the future. The next chapter of energy will be written by their passion and determination.”
The Roundtable marked the culmination of several weeks of immersive, hands-on learning, and professional development through the SSEP at Pelican Energy TCI.
