At the risk of political attack by the partisans whom place party ahead of nation building – the geothermal energy effort is a commendable endeavor by government. Geothermal technology is not new nor is it unknown considering its history in places like New Zealand and Iceland – pioneers in geothermal energy.
Dominica has taken the lead in this geo-thermal arena in a Caribbean region which has an abundance of renewable and other energy resources but due to the lack of dollars needed to access – the region is largely dependent on relatively high-cost imported fossil fuel and electricity.
This high cost of energy diverts resources away from economic development, reduces competitiveness, and renders the energy sectors of the Caribbean nations vulnerable to fossil fuel supply shocks. Our relatively isolated economies become unattractive to invest and in fact discourage the investment necessary to build sustainable businesses.
In such circumstances – it is very courageous decision by the D/ca government – we should wish them luck – instead of unfounded attacks on the process, mostly apparently due to politics rather than science – because if successful – Dominica and to the benefit of all its citizens, will be well positioned for new
foreign direct investment as its competitive criteria becomes more business friendly.
Recently, the Prime Minister lamented that Dominica remains plagued with high costs of energy because of the exorbitant cost of fuel. He then stated that geothermal endeavor “is a very expensive undertaking particularly the exploratory stages. We have spent in excess of $50-million that we have mobilized to get to this level. Why has the government pursued this very ambitious and indeed very expensive venture it is simply because we have been listening to the cries of the Dominican population, our business people, the people involved in manufacturing, the tourism people, the hoteliers and every citizen of this country who receives an electricity bill at the end of each month.”
While I may have concerns regarding the size of government vs. the private sector – it is obvious that in the current environment only government could have financed this risky venture. Dominica’s gamble on geothermal energy is a good bet when we consider Iceland’s experience. Iceland went from what was one of Europe’s poorest countries, dependent upon peat and imported coal for its energy, to a country with a high standard of living where practically all stationary energy is derived from renewable resources.
In 2011, roughly 84% of primary energy use came from indigenous renewable resources. Thereof 66% was from geothermal. In Dominica’s case – it replaces fossil fuel imports with locally produced geothermal supply combined with existing Hydro Power produced energy – we would have a 100% primary electrical energy use coming from indigenous renewable resources.
Government expenditures in excess of $50-million have mobilized geothermal to a level where exploratory well WWPII at the Aerial Tram location in Laudat, the first well drilled in December 2011 and tested in March 2012 had a generation capacity of 0.5 megawatts, the second exploratory well WWIII, done on the same location as the first production well WWP1, which was done back in 2012 and tested in April of 2012, had a generation capacity of 2.8 megawatts, and Wotten Waven exploratory well –
tested in June of 2012, with a generation capacity of 3.9 megawatts.
Now, a site visit of a production reservoir at Laudat after a six-day flow test conducted on it has proved that the reservoir is productive and is able to produce 11.4 megawats of electricity. All citizens should say in unison – congratulations to us all – let’s build the production plant for local energy consumption. It is not politics to give Jack – his Jacket – it is human decency.
It is also statesmanship. Well done PM Skerrit!
Government should now create a Sovereign Wealth Fund and place the majority stake of the geothermal resource as a primary asset. Government should also enhance the legal frame work to include creating a National Energy Authority with a minority of its shares open to local and regional private sector investment to reduce the public sector ownership and operation of the geothermal resource – thus reducing government’s size in the economy vs. the private sector and as a way of recouping some of governments’ investment – results being a public private partnership.
But history should not be ignored – after hurricane destroyed our electricity grid and hydro power production – the Eugenia Charles Freedom Party administration purchased the British owned electric producer for a minimal price. Then government invested heavily in rebuilding the grid an existing hydro plant and then expanded hydro power capacity – but the privatization process by a subsequent United Workers Party administration took in much less dollars – than the actual investment by government. Many at the time were of the opinion – that the privatization process was not value or market base but most likely quid pro quo cronyism. It should not
matter whom or which party is in government – this history should not be repeated.
There is a time and place for politics, showmanship and grandstanding. The dogmatic belligerent attitudes of some personalities should not deter the courteous among us from good citizenship. Parochial interest – no matter how loudly expressed – should never be placed ahead of nation building. The time is now for all parties, interested sectors and citizens to be patriotic and place nation building – the welfare of all over their personal ambitions – be constructive and contribute in a positive manner to this energy production effort.
Constructive opposition in our democracy has always been welcomed – but this current version of baseless (e.g. libelous bomb throwing from a platform i.e. Cabinet rape allegations) accusations and the assumption that some anointed individual can cast aspersions and it automatically become assumed facts is destructive to the moral core of our democracy. Even without the machinery of government, this is the infancy of demagoguery.
We need a responsible opposition as we had once in the decade 1970 through 1980. Civility does not mean weakness. Respect for opposition within one’s own party or within and among cabinet is maturity and integrity of character. Divergent views are good – reconciling to a strategic vision is a sign of team strength. The quality deficiencies of the leadership of the opposition – both the DFP and UWP – are a net negative for both the DLP and Dominica.
The fact is the lower competitive cost of energy will make more resources available for economic development, increase our competitiveness in the global environment and allow our relatively isolated economy to become attractive to investment and in fact encourage the necessary investments to build sustainable private sector companies and move Dominica away from being one of the poorer countries to become richer with a higher standard of living in the Caribbean region. The Labour Party administration deserves credit. It also deserves a strong private sector and an intelligent political opposition. Dominica would be the beneficiary.
Elections are in twelve months or so – but politics can surely wait for nation building – therefore, this writer’s choice is patriotic love of country.
M.J. Davis is the nephew of the late House Speaker Marie Davis Pierre, cousin to Prime Minister Eugenia Charles and the grandson of Cecil A. Rawle. He holds degrees in business, politics and law and is a veteran of multiple political campaigns.
Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
You guys think you have it so hard in DA get out you comfort zone and travel to other islands especially the USVI, see the road conditions, see the amount of businesses’ that a closed, see the amount of property that are for sale for next to nothing, yet people cannot buy them. Look at the amount of homeless people that are walking the streets. Look at the amount of families who are on public assistance. Do you think you could cry, do you know the hardship that exist in the American Paradise, which are
territories of the USA. See it, then go back to Dominica and talk. I own my home in Dominica and come back twice a year, so I do intend to exercise my rights as a Dominican to vote. I am presently looking forward towards retirement and moving back to my homeland. Dominica isn’t perfect, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I have choices, I could move to any state I desire, yet DA is the most appealing now. I have been there and have it all. Dominica is on the right path. Yes, I can’t wait to move back home. In Europe, America and other countries working two and three jobs is the norm in order to keep a roof over you head.
Your comments were fine before you started attacking the opposition, it tells me that you are playing more politics than being a patriot, please stop trying to deceive we the people with your nice words, we can read between the lines.
You can have all degrees possible, what you are not I’m sure is a resident of Dominica and thus you have no idea of what is going on on the ground. Unless a person is living or working and paying taxes in Dominica, I have no regard for their comments. I have no problems with geothermal either, its a good way to go, however, my issues are with whom is going to be reaping the benefits of geothermal energy. We all know what happened once Petro Caribe fuel came to Dominica. They initially said that cost of fuel would decrease blah blah blah, we are yet to see these trickle down to us. What we are seeing are all the big boys sitting on boards of ‘this and that’ enjoying all the monies and benefits while we still strain under high fuel costs. These days we even pay VAT twice (2x) on the electricity bills, who is benefiting from this?
I just don’t want this geothermal benefit to be experienced by one set and the general Dominica population still not being able to benefit. Wealth and benefit for all, all shall eat I say, not some shall eat all… We need to be the watchers of our government and ensure that they don’t misuse or exploit our resources for their own benefit and leave the people still in poverty. This is something we should all look to guard against.
Thank you for your commentary, but next time try being more patriotic than partisan politics.
I did not read this as being an attack on the opposition as on the government – it is balanced in tone.
FRANKLY, I BELIEVE THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE, GENEROUS IN PRAISE FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY, WHILE POINTING TO A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. A WELL ORGANIZED OPPOSITION, NEEDED TO KEEP GOVERNMENT ON ITS TOES.
The writer is advocating for an smart, strong an organized opposition – the critique of the opposition parties is on target – AN ARGUMENT FOR THEM TO REINVIGORATE THEMSELVES – GET A MORE SEASONED & EDUCATED LEADER.
THE ARTICLE IS VERY ARTFULLY ARGUED, AND POINIENT IN JUXTAPOSING THE LABOR PARTY ALSO FOR REJUVENATION.
“Elections are in twelve months or so.” And like a game of football with the New England Patriots, our elections always seem to bring out the seasonal patriots ( no pun intended).
Patriotism means different things to different people. When the immediate predecessor to the current US President famously claimed, “you are either with us or against us” he thought he was being patriotic. To hear Snowden (,the guy who allegedly leaked US national secrets and then fled to Russia) tell it in a recent documentary, he acted out a a sense of patriotism. And who is to say that he is not a patriot? No one can measure a person’s commitment to their country by their opposition to or support of any one issue. Methinks that true patriots are the ones who do not remain silent in the face of government abuses and departure from the Constitution regardless of their party affiliation, lineage, or famous or non-famous relatives.
I will take patriotism over politics. I support your comments 100%. So many of us are willing to destroy this country in order to get power. Dominica is bigger than us. We met it and we will leave it. This Geothermal energy source will do great for our country. Go Dominica.
Ironicly I watched a documentry last week about so many tourist comes to iceland an bathe in rivers (pools) in thr geothermal waste water,,ten feet from d plant,,d river looked kinda blue but dats from d sulfer but it of no enviromental porblems ..little foul smell but d pple thinks it a price to pay,,I was just suprised ,,
What kind of writing is this? This man has no idea what is happening on Dominica? We were promised so many things and nothing happened? New hospital since 2004, more jobs, I.d cards for voting, honest government, low fuel charges because of Petro Caribe, payment of dues for full scholarships and more and nothing happens. What about all the in your face actions that are questionable? Mr. Writer you need to do your research before writing and educate yourself some more
I think that you are the one who needs to be educated.
Jay Rich, seems like MJ Davis has caused you great distress. If you are to be taken seriously about your rantings please answer the following questions. They are simple and not so sophisticated at all. You appear to be a good follower of local and international developments, so the foregoing should not cause you any difficulty. What was the price of oil on the world market when Petro Caribe project was conceived? What was the price of oil on the world market when the first barrel of oil was delivered in Dominica under the Petro Caribe arrangements? Do you know that members of OPEC cannot change the price of oil traded on the international market? Can Dominica change the price of oil on the international market?
All that is required is a frank and honest answer.
MJ Davis gives credit to the term BLIND MEN WALKING
Intellectually blind men, that is. Davis you have patriotism wrong, it was the late great Thomas Paine who echoed “It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.”
“Whenever the legislators endeavour to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any further obedience…”
Since no one has said geothermal is not good what is the point of the writer.
In a nutshell, GEOTHERMAL ENERGY will be the game changer for our economy. It will be a long time for any project to top the impact that’s about to take place if all is well and successful upon completion.
However, that’s not all needed to transform the culture of divisiveness, hate, greed and corruption, to one of love inclusiveness, respect and cooperation.
Well-written and to the point!! Sadly, many of the politically biased folk who comment here on DNO would rather crucify the messenger than take in the message. Yet these are the people who dare refer to themselves as patriots? The writer of this piece is indeed a true patriot!! History will surely absolve you sir!!!!!!
Dominicans were taken for a ROLLER COASTER ride with all the sweet talks about Petro Caribe. Why should i believe that the Geothermal thing Skerrit is banking his re-election on there, will not be the same thing?. When we have a government that is leading a country with, TRICKERY, LIES AND DECEPTION, and their GREEDY spin doctors are trying to trick the masses by peddling their lies, how long can that lsast?
CHANGE IS A MUST
NOT AN OPTION!
With the amount of money that is being expended on geothermal, i may not live to see the day when my energy bill will be lower.
I don’t think anyone has argued that geothermal energy is inherently undesirable and this long-winded , grammatically flawed* article is simply a clumsy attempt to justify the Govt.’s approach. There is only one way to approach the development of our natural resources. The safest known way, with due regard to protecting the environment and full public consultation. Let’s take that on board and see if geothermal energy is indeed a viable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generated electricity. It should never be a political football. It is too important for that.
* In the first sentence “whom”, the accusative form of “who” is wrongly applied instead of the correct nominative “who” – just to give one example
Though an investment in Geothermal energy is a great opportunity for Dominica, we have to bear in mind that we still have a serious way to go in order for that to be possible. The investment in the actual construction of the power plant, the grid system to export. We can take a look at the middle east and Africa where the the natural resources are plundered with little benefits to the people. All said Lets hope it is positive. The topic of the article and its contents are contradicting though.
Mr. Davis – You have exposed yourself as someone who is political and not necessarily patriotic as you would want us to believe. I have been following the geothermal debate and apart from one or two individuals, all those who voice their concerns regarding the project complain about the haste and lack of transparency and poor project implementation overall.
You exposed yourself as being very political when you stated “…but this current version of baseless (e.g. libelous bomb throwing from a platform i.e. Cabinet rape allegations) accusations..” Only a highly charged political writer would mix such a twist with his views on the geothermal project. Oh and by the way, under which rock do you live for you to consider these as baseless accusations? I hope you don’t have any female relatives that may be exposed to such unethical behavior. I do have female relatives and knowing what I have been told I am concerned about what I hear.
I can’t recall anyone saying the project and the reason for it is not a good one. What I have heard is let it be done the right and safest way possible. Oh ! can somebody please tell us how soon are we going to be hooked up to the product?, am hearing so much hoorah about geothermal I swear we were connected to it…….just asking eh!
@ zoom zoom are you kidding me? who is the expert that told you all that it is not being done the right way? Athie please, they never brought in experts of their own to say things were being done wrong these people cant even dig a shook fig but you am them have you all doctorate in geothermal overnight but that’s where you all will stay and bray though while labor ka twavay.
I welcome commentaries and stated opinions which exhibit intelligence and critical thinking, regardless of which political affiliation they seem to be aligned with.
It is not my place to tell the writer whether he is wrong or right; what I can say is that the views expressed above are not perfectly in sync with my observations of the same events. I cannot recall, and would not agree with anyone, who did not endorse the venture to get cheaper and more reliable electrical services. The writer has outlined many ways in which this could benefit the people, and to deny them of this because of selfish political agendas would be terrible.
What I have heard, is voices from various groups of people who would like the geothermal project to be conducted in a way that is right. The project has the potential to endanger human life and to permanently change our treasured Dominican environment. Thus, because of the concern for human life and Dominica’s future, persons have been calling for the project to be conducted properly, carefully.
Not surprisingly, they are being lambasted and painted as trouble makers. Now there are known problems wrong with this project, there has been a lack of transparency (as has come to be widely tolerated in my sad country), there are known conflicts of interest (for instance, Ambrose’s son working in a high-risk job for which he may not be properly qualified). Imagine going to PMH for surgery, and being operated on by me (I have no medical background) solely because my dad owns the hospital. This setup carried the same risk – potential death.
What troubles me the most about this commentary is that the writer is clearly intelligent. It is frightening that none of the qualifications mentioned at the bottom of his post allow him to understand the need for a high risk project to be conducted right. To understand that the gov’t should rightly be working with concerned groups rather than attempting to shoot them down, and to understand that the concerned groups are working on OUR BEHALF. I will continue to pray for my country.
While you rather wittily tried (and rather unsuccessfully I might add) to bore holes into the article by Mr. Davis, your comments are totally void of the truth and rather boders on dishonesty. To link mr. George’s son to being the key expert on the project is so blatantly false and misleading, but is typical of the cunningness as deceptfullness of the likes of people like you who are trying desperately to stall the project, not because (as you admit) it is a bad one, but simply because it is the DLP who is making it happen. You totally forgot to add that Mr. George is just part of the project management unit coordinating the activities and NOT one of the numerous experts from around the world involved in carrying it out and douing the necessary inspections and due diligence. But, again, what should I expect from the likes of people like you who are only interested in your party getting into power so that you can get to benefit from all that you are envious of the PM and his allies of benefitting from. That Sir, sadly for you and you blue crew will never happen!! Jamais fete!!!!!
Intrigued Reader, What is Ambrose son Qualification? Who employed him and how did the conflict arosed?
Please explain further what you mean by this”What I have heard, is voices from various groups of people who would like the geothermal project to be conducted in a way that is right.”
Are you saying the experts from California, Iceland and New Zealand have no clue, with all their knowledge and experience, what is the right way? So what do you believe is the RIGHT WAY and who do you believe knows the RIGHT way??
Your analogy about doing surgery on a person without medical knowledge but is qualified because your father owns the hospital is pure crap because Ambrose don’t own the geothermal plant.
Finally how many groups make up the various groups that you speak of?? And would you have opposed to the government exploring for oil and then learnt that we do have pure, rich fossil that can be refined into the worlds’ best crude oil?? What would be your advise?? Well put it that way, we have discovered OIL!!!!!! Eat your heart out you hater of DOMINICA, we the PATRIOTS are in the majority, praise Jah!!!!
This a political and not policy article. The writer laced his argument with politics thus demeaning the intent and message of the article on Geothermal.
As a result he quickly lost me and others I would imagine as well.
Jill – the article is entitled “Citizen Choice – Patriotism or Politics? …” it is a commentary on the present political climate in Dominica – and – how politics interact with development with Geothermal experience as a specific example of how political ambition triumphs – in some cases – over what is good for the country.
rubbish!!!