Minister for Energy Rayburn Blackmoore has praised the Global Bilateral Division of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assisting Dominica in exploring its geothermal potential.
At present a number of officials from across the OECS are attending a two-day geothermal conference dubbed “Driving Geothermal Development: How to Realize Geothermal Potential” at the Fort Young Hotel.
Speaking at the forum on Thursday morning Blackmoore said “they have been involved in the geothermal process for the past sixty years. That in itself is a clear indication that over the years they have developed a level of competence and expertise and can assist persons who are less equipped with the technical and financial competencies.”
The government of Dominica has already invested over $50-million on the island’s geothermal project and Blackmoore said and it is not departing from the exploration stage.
“We have been able to navigate through the element that carries the most risk and we have departed from the exploration process and we are now in the process of developing the resource,” he noted. “It is important to note that on March 1st, 2014 we completed a production well without any incident or accident and I think that is commendable”
Blackmoore added that three test wells have been drilled, with no incidents, since all procedures have been followed in accordance with best international practices.
In the meantime Project Officer of the Geothermal Project Management Unit, Alexis George, added that a geothermal energy bill has been drafted and should be passed by parliament by the end of the year.
“It will basically guide the development of the resource and protect the rights of the consumers and also the physical and social environment,” he pointed out. “That bill has already gone through the first reading. It is currently being revised and we hope that it will be passed sometime later this year.”
George added that transmission lines must be upgraded since the existing ones will not be able to support electricity from the geothermal project.
The workshop ends today (Friday).
Newzealand went through it before and they know the benefits this is why they offer their assistance. The Chinese clean Dominica with no praise from small minded Dominicans.How did you all acquire a computer? A plane gone missing with 239 people innocent persons on board,they did not ground all planes because one go astray.when are you all going to put god first and thrust in him
I’m losing count of the amount of groups/countries who have/are assisting on this project. I am mall for this project but I just don’t like how the powers are going on with it. It’s like they try to rush some positive result to get praises. Could be just me but that how I see it.
Any monies given to Dominica by New Zealand for this project should be held by a third party, a trusted third party in another country and handed out by a trustee. The funds should not be readily available to some politician’s who may be tempted to put their fingers in the pie and make a deposit in their personal overseas bank account.
Though I am 100% in support of geothermal energy with safety first, the lack of inclusiveness of concerned citizens and the opposition is not a good approach by the government. Indeed, it is in everyone’s interests to get information on this enormous project that can have such a great impact on the environment, properties and livelihood of concerned citizens who will be the first affected, be it negatively or positively.
Governments come and governments go, however, the citizens remain the same. What if something goes wrong? We pray all shall be well with the project. But, how are those involved going to reconcile with their conscience and those they deliberately chastised and excluded during the crucial phase of information dissemination, if all Hell breaks loose? The disrespect and crude intolerable behavior orchestrated by government spokespersons and supporters has left many to wonder, if this is a government for all the people and by all the people of the country. The continued hate and malicious deeds of these people in government towards the opposition shall one day return to haunt every aspect of their lives.
This is the best project that has ever been undertaken in Dominica apart from certain initiatives done by the education department.
I hate corruption,but ppl will do anything for money.
DNO, What about “New Zealand praised for assisting Dominica Labor Party spread confusion”? I don’t see how they how they assisted Dominica explore its geothermal potential when concerned Dominicans were not invited, kicked out, called names and had area secured by police to ensure Dominicans don’t get in. Pure nonsense to say the least.
take that!
Right back at you.