Environmentalist Athie Martin says the commissioning of a fuel tank farm in Dominica sends an unfortunate signal to the world.
At a time where the larger economies are looking to move away from fossil fuels whereas Dominica, an island bursting with potential for renewable energy is moving rapidly towards a dependence on fossil fuels.
Martin believes this move will have future generations settling a massive accumulated debt, and that the Petro Caribe agreement is disrespectful and undignified and shows no account for the enormous amount of work done to preserve Dominica’s natural image.
And that the country is moving away from its strengths and embracing a commodity which is not one of its natural assets. He is of the view that although Dominica is small, it can be totally energy independent, not on fossil fuels but on the abundance of natural renewable energy which is available on Island and the technical aspects of any processing activities need to be organized to ensure the island is kept clean and green.
Otherwise Dominica could be regarded as the country which had a chance at leading the world with its green economy (something Venezuela should do as a true friend to Dominica), but instead gave it all up for a few barrels of oil.
Share your opinion(s) in the comments.
Amazing that Dominica has not yet moved to create an international center for research and development of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. They have perhaps the most perfect environment in the world for establishing such a place. Maybe even a full fledged University where all aspects of green and sustainable living could be studied, researched and taught.
Dominica has perfect conditions for experimenting with solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, and even geothermal power production. With France considering creating transmission lines for power between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica which lies between the two could sell excess power capacity to both French islands.
Odd that they are even considering deeper involvement in fossil fuels at this time while not showing much enthusiasm for developing alternatives.
This is a hard one. Especially with the question you raised in your June 24, 2006 article, “Who will benefit?”
Petro Caraibe is of great economic benefit to the Caribbean. Almost all of the Caricom countries with trhe exception of Trinidad and parties to Petro Caraibe. It has also assisted the countries in meeting the inevitable fuel costs which must be met by the importation of fuel.
The problem with Athie is this; he does not tell you that the Government is presently exploring geothermal energy in Wotton Waven/Trafalgar area but that it will take many years for power generation to take place, and that it will cost about 435 to 450 MILLION USD to generate power from this area.
He also does not say that the Government gave a licence to a company to explore geothermal power generation in Scotshead/Soirfriere area.
So the question is; in the meantime what is the Government to do to meet and reducce the cost of the required electricity required? In Athie’s view I think that means nothing! I suggest Athie reads the Minister’s statements on geothermal energy published by his Ministry.
Is Athie serious?