Dominica has been ranked as number one in geothermal development in the Caribbean, Minister for Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore, has announced.
According to Blackmore this ranking was received by the island at a recent Caribbean conference on Renewable Energy, which he attended in Aruba.
“At this Caribbean Conference in Aruba on renewable energy, which brought about so many different countries and stakeholders to the fore, and all the programs and projects being formulated by various member states and organizations and then a ranking process was undertaken and I’m pleased to say to you that Dominica has been ranked number one in the entire Caribbean for doing the best in terms of accelerating a plan to developing geothermal and whereby having a more diverse energy sector,” he told a seminar on energy efficiency and renewable energy at the Fort Young Hotel on Monday.
He pointed out that talks about geothermal development in Dominica can be dated to as far back as 1969 when a report was done by the United Nations identifying the island as having the potential to become the greatest player in geothermal development in the Caribbean.
“Subsequent to that, in 1974, an Act was passed in Parliament, called the Geothermal Resource Act, and that was passed to give credence to that regard in so far as geothermal development is concerned,” he explained. “In 2003 and 2008, studies were undertaken in the Roseau Valley catchment area that gave an estimate as to the presence of that resource in that area. We have gone past just studies and we have been able to embark on tangible action to developing that resource.”
The minister pointed out further that the test wells and scientific analysis has proven that the resource is viable. According to him the drilling of two full sized wells will be undertaken by an Icelandic company at the end of October at Laudat and Trafalgar.
“We as a Government and as a people have put in place several initiatives to give concessions to any company or group who intends to embark on any project that is geared to renewable or energy efficient undertakings,” he noted.
Blackmoore also indicated that the government is about to embark on a national street lighting project where 5,000 solar powered street lights will be installed. 2,500 street lights will be installed initially.
“We have been able to get the support by way of grants funding from the Government of China and it is a total package that entails not only the actual installation of the street lights but the training components for the maintenance and installation components of that project. We are hoping before the end of this year to see the actual commencement of that project,” he said.
He noted that emphasis is not placed on solar and wind energy since geothermal offers a more sustainable future while solar and wind is an intermittent renewable program. Blackmore mentioned that the government however, supports the members of the private sector who take full advantage of solar and wind energy.
$31-million has been secured by way of grant funding in addition to 6.5-million Euros from the French Government for the drilling of the two wells, according to Blackmoore.
Everything the government does, these ungratefull UWP people always hating and they cannot do better. They have one investor in line for the island while labour have millions.
Solar panels for street lights will definitely save energy, but before the government installs them they should think of what will happen to them during a hurricane.Remember that Dominica is in Hurricane alley
Had the Hon minister sat at the technical sessions or had the full appreciation of such an important seminar to require that at least one high level official of his ministry attend these sessions, he would have been informed that the very qualified energy experts present concluded that DA can be renewable energy self sufficient within two to five years of today, without the high environmental, economic and social cost of geothermal energy.
In other words DA has the potential of being the first green-energy country in the world within the next five years by simply exploiting our solar and hydro energy potential given present technological advances in these area.
Does that sound eco-tourism advantage also? if not what does?
Dominicans this govt. must go if we are to return to a sustainable development path.
Thank You!!!!rayburn blackmore;Thank You;i know is GOD that send you to give us geothermal;Thank You;BUT sir;where do i apply for a JOB nor?
Doe get me wrong,i am all for progress,i hearing of so many projects ground braking;i am Happy for the developement,but i want work.Sir tell thoes of us who want to work where to go nor.
PLEASE doe tell me,GO TO HELL.
AND the BUGS like;justic and truth;gary;on point and the biting crew,I am only making a plea for my FAMILY.THANK YOU.
According to Rayburn Blackmore…….
So it should be according to lennox ?
Wind and solar should be getting more attention. Placing all you efforts on geothermal is not a great idea. As a matter of fact had wind and solar gotten the investment that geothermal is getting we would be near a hundred percent renewable today. Wind and solar with storage technology (pump hydro, battery) and a forward thinking utility that would make smart grid investment could make Dominica a model for sustainability and provide more opportunities for employment than one big geothermal power plant. Don’t get me wrong geothermal is great when it works well but I think Dominica and for the most part many of the islands don’t have an energy policy that prioritize energy technology development. We are pursuing the highest risk technology at the moment.
I believe that is next for us to explore, we can buy solar panels and wind turbines and DOMLEC can install them for us.
Duhhhhhhhh, why does that surprise anyone? 99.99999% of this is because Dominica has the natural resources and people with the know how are interested in expoiting it. Does any of the equipment there belong to US? what percentage does Dominica stand to benefit. We have alot of natural resources and when we start to utilize them sustainably we will come FIRST in alot of areas. Keep the investors coming.
Domnitchen Fammie waychen.
Blackmore is beating his chest like King Kong, he should tell Dominicans how many countries in the region that have spent serious cash like his Government.
We’ve been hearing all the positives about this project and i mean ALL the positives you can think of but the officals are not telling us about ONE negative. Not one negative. Are we that dumb to think that there are no negatives. There are negatives just about everywhere in the world where they went to geothermal, what make it think it will be different here. I really do wish the officials would tell us some of the negatives. This is being done because of the MONEY we think we can get out of this and some of the BIG BOYS heads are getting hot thinking about the MONEY they will make but don’t think about what MIGHT happen to the Island and it’s people. Now don’t get me wrong, I do want to pay less for electricity and I do applaud the government for looking into it but not if it’s going to have a negative impact of the Island and it’s people. I would like a news media or someone to ask the officials to list some of the negatives of this project and let Dominicans look at it from both sides. For sure, they CANNOT tell us there are NO negatives. CONCERNED about the whole thing.
Everytime Blackmore open his mouth something negative happens to a project i tired tell mister to stop talking, talk after u achieve the project, just wait and see… mister never listens!
Are you more intelligent than he is? He is a Minister. Let him perform his job. Have respect!
At last we are number one in something…..thanks to nature
Stay tuned for No 2 in something.
funds have not being in as yet.it’s way too early to blow a horn…knowing this regime has a blight i am holding my breath re this project.
U meant Dominica ranks #1 in corruption
What does that mean, rated number one, not one watt of power is been generated all that is being generated at this time is preelection hipe. The present administration need to get that it is about jobs and a good incomes, lighting up the place at night may be some superficial way of pretending that progress is being made.
This is the latest example of the misguided focus of this administration. Mr. Blackmore the focus needs to be on creating jobs that provide living wages. Painting the fence when the children need school uniforms is never a good idea.
Stop painting the fence and get the children uniforms
I don’t think anyone else wants to share that accolade because it is madness.
Please reconsider the street lighting!!! We have it here on st. Thomas in the rural areas and it is nothing but a nuisance! It just creates light pollution and nothing more you can barely see the Gods stars
Harry. The government is damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. They can’t seem to win with such negative people around!
Thatvis St Thomas problem
A country needs updated street lights. You read the article. They should be energy-efficient and not a nuisance.
Congratulations Mr. Blackmore!
Proceed with the Geothermal Development. In God We Trust. Be Strong and Courageous and Believe in the Almighty God! We are optimistic and confident that it will be a success.
Best Regards,
Vincent Rolle, Houston, Texas, Laudat, Mahaut, DA.
I would not make an issue out of it. The project will commence and should be successful. People must be confident and not make a mountain out of a molehill even before it takes off the ground.
Show me the document….
If something goes wrong you all will automatically be recognized as the worst disaster in the Caribbean as well.
So negative! Give this new initiative a chance. You wish for something to occur before it does and which may never occur.
What type of national are you? Do not wish for something to happen before it even gets off the ground. Be confident. Keep God in mind and know that He is in control.
signs were there long ago, many local programs radio / television highlighted the dangers associated with geothermal exploration.
there are infinite “ifs” and “buts”, but that won’t get us any further.
how can we be ranked number one when we don’t have a geothermal plant as yet? plus there are other Caribbean countries who take much more advantage of the natural resources than we do. the only thing we have presently is the hydro-dam. till there is evidence to prove we were awarded this I will consider it hogwash
It is quite simple. Ask Mr. Blackmore or his assistant. Do some of you ever telephone the appropriate government department to ask questions and to receive answers?
I reside in a country/province/city, whenever I have certain relevant questions, I telephone the appropriate government departments for the answers. I receive answers. There are times I am directed to other departments. This is fair enough. This is how we learn and become more intelligent and aware of the goings-on in a country.
Do you not have that system? Instead of being negative and doubtful and downplay every initiative, why not do so? Surely, you should get the proper response? Why live in doubt and in the dark and with all this negativism?
I am happy that you recognise how things are done in a civilised democracy. To answer your question, no we do not have such a system in Dominica. When we ask questions we are told ” is none of our damn business, go to hell, go to hell, go to hell ” even when the people’s representatives ask question in the parliament no answers are received. What you are likely to hear is ” Dem fellers dis, dem fellers dat and how difficult it is to run Dominica” or the ole speaker remove the questions from the order paper or change it to suit her. If per chance we receive an answer it is never the truth. So we are not being negative, just saying things as they are, ok.
you do not leave in dominica so stop acting like a fool. The EIA (environment impact assessment) was made public only after strong criticism from the media. They hide everything (stupid laborites)
i take it you doe live in Dominica.You sound like some one living in your ivory tower, isolated.
Clearly you did not read. It’s potential we have, and the potential has been proven by tests.
Keep Hope Alive”. Its not how we start but how we finish”.
You are correct! In the beginning it is sometimes difficult but as the project comes to fruition, it is noted that it will be successful. Nothing beats a failure but a trial.
Putting all politics aside this is a great project for the country. Jobs will be created and an expected drop in the exorbitant electric bills. It will reduce business operation cost thereby dropping prices on goods and services for we the customers. We must applaud the Govt. for their role in making this a reality. Kudos to D/ca.
We are awaiting a price drop from DOMLEC.
Petro Caribe brought a drop in gas for a couple of months as expected but now is almost $16.00/ gallon. Domlec just received two new 25 year contracts this month, price reduction; wait papa
While Ambrose’ report may sound very good, I have a very hard time believing anything he or any member of his kabal team says. I want to see hard core evidence printed in black and white with signatures. To me if we are ranked number one, then where is the evidence? Is it just word of mouth Ambrose?
Furthermore, why should I believe that work on the said project might start by end of year, which is just about 76 days away? Again, it’s Ambrose that gave date eh and when Ambrose and his team give date we have to wait and see and keep our fingers crossed. It was that same Ambrose that told us the Marigot Airport road would be finished in 2010, then 2011, oh no, it’s 2012 and up top this day it still FINISHING. The same man that had ground breaking on a school in New Town years ago only to find out in another ground breaking last Friday, we were told because of the generosity of Skerrit, he had to take money already allocated from Thibaud to help Ambrose.
Another question I have is, if they really intend to start that massive project by end of the year, then why are Dominicans not advised or encouraged to do an application for a job? I mean is it going to be another grant from China where Chinese will be the ones employed? Common Ambrose, Dominicans need work and what a good way to let them know that work is on the way.
Yes I doubt everything, but then again with Elections coming sometime in December 2013, it makes every sense to start the project and employ people at list for the next three months
You have already made up your mind to be negative and denounce every project which may be for the betterment of the country and nationals. You are one of those people who exhibit your dislike for your government and nothing said or done will ever please you. This is not a good way to live.
@Justice and peace, Why don’t you hush? You are filled with hypocrasy and do not understand our trouble in Dominica. Your future is well secured in Canada while the majority of us in Dominica are under a sword. You just need to let those that feel it express themselves instead of trying to be a blind religious bat that hiding behind Justice and Truth. Where were you when I voted the DLP in 2000? Why did you run away and only return to Dominica when you get a free ticket to vote? Shot it up man and keep your injustice and untruthfulness to yourself.
@ Santa Claus, Firstly I think you have the name wrong. No news item said anything about Mr. Ambrose. Secondly you mentioned the interior road, clearly you are in fact saying that skerrit Government is the Tribunal of god because they break those mountains in Belles and Concord to prevent the road from finishing. It seems to me that you haven’t been on the Interior Road, to see that the only places that are not done are the said places with the mountains crumbling because they are water logged.
I do not have a problem with this project. I believe if it is properly managed it could very well be our oil well. My problem with it though is, as long as these same set of corrupt, selfish, and greedy men are in charge of it, I cannot see it being any different from the sale of passport issue and the petit Carib business where the same selected few Dominicans will become multi billionaires while the majority will remain poor and will have to continue to depend on Red Clinic to eat a bread. So like the others some Dominicans will profit mightily while Dominica will get poorer.
The same shall be with another Govt. From time, they all have been looking out for their supporters. Freedom, UWP and now Labour. This is all supported by we the voters for as soon as we don’t get our own, we jump ship. Change must start with us then the politicians will follow.
@On Point, If this present DLP was looking for their supporters I would have had nothing to say. Sadly however, they use their supporters, keep them poor, while only those in their ranks benefit. Talking about those crooked lawyers, corrupt politicians and greedy business people. Definitely not the ordinary street man as they have to keep begging.
You do not have a problem with this project? Read your words again. There you go judging and calling them derogatory names. When will your adverse attitude cease?
Be happy. Strive for happiness and live happily. With this type of attitude, you depict that you are not a happy and peaceful person.
You are a run away patriot that don not understand anything that’s happening to poor people. You stay in Canada and leave us in our mess if you cannot help.
Now u see why no one believes in Santa I must say u picked the perfect name with the views you have.
Santa Claus, surely you know about Santa Clause. If you are really Santa Claus, you will act as Santa Claus. Santa Claus is not negative and lack confidence in his projects. Santa Claus is encouraging.
For your information I do not go to Dominica on a free ticket. Do not make statements that you do not know about and which are untrue. I will not make you any wiser.
Inthe land of the blind the one eye man is king
Negative
Arrogance diminishes wisdom.
the after ifects may rank #1 also, just be carefull!its overhitting!we have, HAD? the most rivers how much is this generating, could be atlist first,second or third in exporting water is life too! a one liter bottle in guadeloupe is 60 cents,in dominica close to 4 dollers or more,my god!this very geo project you are now talking bout they definitly going to way more benefit than you! bootle the life water and move, again the problem is vieille case, ASK!!!! they know
With every development comes risk. We just have to try to minimize it or stay away from it. If we take the later we can as well go back to the stone age.
And there will be no progress. Just stagnation which will never benefit Dominica and nationals, those same critics. Then they will be crying, no jobs, etc…
we must rank number 1, Dominica is the most volcanic in the Caribbean. Not all number 1 ranking id good. I do hope the official read what happened in Califonia when the got into geothermal. They moved from 200-300 hundered tremors a week to over 700 and from 1-2.5 magnitude quakes to 4-6.5 magnitude earthquakes. I really do hope Dominica are ready for all the negoative which is going to come out of this. Eveyone think ing aabout paying less for their current but not think about if theye will be there to pay less….. Concerned, very concerned
What a morbid mind.
California is in an earthquake zone. For years now, it has been predicted they are waiting for the big one – an earthquake which will destroy it. Do you think that geothermal development has anything to do with it? Dominica has many rivers and probably have more rainfalls than dry California. Why worry? Give this project your blessing.
justice & truth…….. The thing is not all of us have the same opinion on this project or on anything, if everyone had the same opinion on everything the world would be a very boring a foolish place to be. I have my concerns about this project. Don’t you think I would like to pay less for elecricity? sure i do.
Now about rivers and so on, that have nothing to do with the earthquakes. Yes califonia get quite a bit of tremors but when the started their geothermal plants it increased by 40% to 60%. That is a huge increase and that is something we have to take into consideration. Do people remember the amont of tremore we got daily in the 90’s, that COULD return. This is a very slippery slope. The government want to go ahead and do that, thats fine, who am i to slow them down. I’m just concerned about the outcome when we get into it and I think Dominicans should be. JUST CONCERNED….. I think people must go a read a bit on the internet about geothermal plants around the world and their attitude will change dramatically about this.
Congrats to Honorable Blackmoore and the rest of the DLP administration. Great initiative.
the after ifects may rank #1 also, just be carefull!its overhitting!
Jesus christ, everyone owns a device to access the Internet now! Remember when it was for the upper class, and you had to be well educated to find a well paying job to own one.
I have thought of this and made similar comments. Today, due to internet access, they have a voice and criticize and knock everyone and everything. This is the bad side effect of internet and some who own computers.
The internet is an excellent tool for communication and a learning process. Some utilize it for the wrong purpose.
Excellent news. To all who are working on it, Keep working at it!
As I’ve said before and I’ll say it again. This is one project with “SAFETY FIRST” that will spell relief in Dominicans’ wallets. It’s also an avenue for growth in the business sectors, and a gigantic boost for our economy.
On point.
It is wonderful to read your statement on it. Some people will find it encouraging as do the other positive comments.
Of course it must be number one……its the only one being developed/built in the Caribbean. I guess we should be given an award for that…..
Well said!
Number one in geothermal development but last in practical use. How will they distribute the energy, to whom, where, when, how much? Whose power lines will they use? What can be the expected drop in energy costs, what’s the best case scenario, what’s the worst case? Who will answer these questions? In order to bring power to the people the government should in everyone’s interest deregulate the energy industry in Dominica allowing for smaller energy companies to utilize the existing infrastructure/grid to deliver their services. This allows for competitive energy markets on the island while taxing those that offer the service and reducing the cost for the subscriber.
Why all the munbo jumbo and jargon. If you cannot understand something why are you making assumptions based on your ignorance regarding the matter.It seems to me you are not informed regarding The geothermal development in Dominica simply by the questioms you are asking.Please take some time to get your self informed regarding the matter.
Gary I think it is high time you make your own point instead of just commenting on everything people say. Make a contribution to the debate…..not just criticize my friend. In other words don’t comment on comments……comment and contribute on the subject matter seeing that you yourself is so well informed. Enlighten us sir!
comment on my comment but you have nothing to offer in terms of an answer!
Wait and see!
Well done Blackie its like Christmas coming and every body need to be reminded even thou they been celebration Christmas year after year. Masterful job my friend keep up the good job. The others have nothing on you{NO name no warrant} and fit to post. “I hope”?? D.N.O. I am Dominican! ARE YOU??
There’s a lot more 1st place to come great job guys keep it up.