UWI St Augustine’s Faculty of Law held its 4th UWI Oil and Gas Law Conference on June 28 and 29, bringing together legal scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and students to address several challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. Most prominent among the topics were the movement to renewable energy, and the mechanisms to ensure that Caribbean society enjoyed equal access through this transition.
"The theme for this year’s conference is 'Towards a Just Transition', and it reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the oil and gas sector,” Dr Alicia Elias-Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Law, told conference attendees at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.
She added, “The theme also underscores the urgent need to address the legal, social, and economic dimensions of transitioning to sustainable energy systems. The concept of a just transition emphasises not only the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, but also the imperative to ensure that this transition is equitable and inclusive, leaving no one behind." Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in training sessions and discussions on topics like energy transition, energy taxation, and the legal aspects of petroleum contracts and transactions. Speakers from the University of Turin, the University of Groningen, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, and UWI St Augustine shared their insights and expertise.
The Oil and Gas Conference, previously held in 2015, 2017, and 2019, allows the Faculty of Law to work with the sector, and provides an opportunity to discuss issues in energy and enhance learning across the Caribbean.
The 4th UWI Oil and Gas Law Conference ended with a call for more collaboration and knowledge sharing.
"The oil and gas sector remains a cornerstone of the global economy, driving technological innovation, economic development, and international relations. However, it also presents unique legal challenges and opportunities, particularly in the areas of regulation, sustainability, and global market dynamics," Dr Elias-Roberts said.
Dr Elias-Roberts thanked key supporters of the conference: "I would like to acknowledge our Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, whose vision supported the first conference and the development of the oil and gas law course in the Faculty of Law when she was the Dean.
“I also extend a special thank you to our sponsor, Shell Trinidad, for their generous support, and to the participants from Atlantic LNG and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs. Your commitment to advancing legal education and research in the field of oil, gas, and energy law is deeply appreciated."
For more information on The UWI St Augustine Faculty of Law and its events and activities, visit sta.uwi.edu/law/.
