Dominica has called upon the world to support its bold initiative to explore geothermal energy as well as similar initiatives in other Small Island States and has given notice of its intent to “not only be carbon-neutral” but to be carbon-negative by the year 2020.
Dominica’s United Nation (UN) Ambassador Vince Henderson incorporated that call and notice in his presentation to the United Nations General Assembly last evening, in New York.
Henderson pointed out that Dominica cannot continue to ignore the subjects of climate change and the country’s current reliance on fossil fuel energy sources and in order that sustainable development be achieved new energy sources must be explored. He thanked the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) for the development of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Sustainable Energy Initiative, SIDS DOCK
“We believe that climate change is an energy related issue and the provision of reliable, accessible, and affordable are critical to sustainable development and the achievement of the millennium development goals. We must report on actions that have helped position states to transform their energy sectors. Significantly, I refer to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Sustainable Energy Initiative SIDS DOCK. Almost 30 SIDS have signed an agreement to establish this initiative created by the Alliance of Small Island States, in partnership with the Government of Denmark and the World Bank,” he said.
Henderson continued, “My delegation expresses its gratitude to the other members of AOSIS for staying the course and reaffirms Dominica’s commitment to this initiative.”
He announced that a collaborative effort from a number of global partners has afforded Dominica the opportunity to explore its geothermal potential, a move which has been in development for a decade.
Henderson remarked, “A sustainable energy sector is the foundation of sustainable development in Small Island States like Dominica. For the past decade, Dominica has been working towards the development of our geothermal potential with the assistance of international agencies and development partners. With the support and contribution of the European Union, the Government of France, the Regional Councils of Guadeloupe and Martinique, we are now closer to the realization of our goal. Preparation for drilling has begun and the three test wells will be complete by the end of this year.”
He reported the island’s intent to use the development of geothermal energy to drive the country’s push to be carbon-neutral and eventually carbon-negative.
“The development of our geothermal potential will provide us with the capacity to meet our domestic needs and supply electricity to our neighboring islands, especially the French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique through our connections via sub-marine cables. With this displacement of hundreds of megawatts of fossil generated power, coupled with our sustainable development practices, Dominica’s target is not only to be carbon-negative, but also to be carbon-negative by the year 2020,” Henderson affirmed.
He called on other global partners to support the Small Island Developing States with similar energy initiatives that will break their dependence on fossil fuel energy.
“Many SIDS are pursuing their own energy initiatives, however the unsustainable debt burden and the lack of technology have made such initiatives almost impossible for some SIDS. We invite other developed countries and international institutions to join in providing the critical support that SIDS so desperately need. We in the SIDS are committed to playing our part. Suffice it to say that there are still some major obstacles impeding the pace of progress, particularly, financing for SIDS appropriate technology and transfer. Dominica calls on the Secretary General to establish a special SIDA appropriate technology fund to address innovative financing for sustainable energy technology transfer and development for Small Island States and in this regard, consider appointing a Goodwill Ambassador,” Henderson requested.
SIDS DOCK is an initiative among member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to provide the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a collective institutional mechanism to assist them transform their national energy sectors into a catalyst for sustainable economic development and help generate financial resources to address adaptation to climate change.
from the 48 laws of power…. when u think one will overcome u but u have no real reason to attack… do ur best to send them far away from u as possible.. this will hinder them from having any influence whatsoever over your close circle…. hhhmmmm like i said b4.. skerro saw something in vince that was threatening to his position of power and so sent him far away as possible lol…. vince looks more professional…. we wouldn’t be dealing with such issues as passport etc..
Mouth of the South, when one knows of the qualities of an honest man, one who will assist in the further development of Dominica without thinking of the position his “BROTHER & FRIEND” holds, that’s the the person that has been seen in Vince. Likewise all of the COMRADES who had fought the fight and continuing the Legacies of our fallen COMRADES, that’s how we all see our possitions in the Dominica Labour Party. Vince is Labour and Labour is Vince. We work as a “TEAM” and that for the BETTERMENT of DOMINICA AND DOMINICAN. Unlike the OPPOSITION who see everyone as a threat, that’s why their party is like a 3 headed DRAGON; The Opposition LEADER, The Party LEADER & The “PRESIDENT”: “I’M IN CHARGE” hahahahahahaha.
The Labour Party Is Strong and WE ALL STAND BEHIND OUR LEADER; ONLY 1 LEADER; in TAKING DOMINICA TO THE NEXT LEVEL
haha just talk again….what a shame..nothing will ever bear fruit…
look at how the island has become under their watch of the past decade…the first visionless regime in Dominica
great job on your speech,continue to represent our lovely island.
We are happy Vince is continuing this initiative that Crispin Gregoire worked so hard and got it off the ground. Too bad the Gov’t, for some reason, didn’t want to heed his advise and capitalize on his diplomatic accomplishments in getting the Islandic Gov’t and their geothermal experts impliment this for us seven years ago.
Now by 2011 we would be adding wind turbines all along our eastern coast and elsewhere, and solar; in a very big way. Thanks for keeping the flame burning Vince – It would be productive to add wind energy to your mission too.
IT IS ALL WELL AND GOOD TO SEE VINCE TALKING SO ELOQUENTLY AT THE UN \
THE U.N RECENTLY HELD A CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY IN GOV’T, DOMINICA DID NOT SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ANY OF THESE MEETINGS AND WE HAVE YET TO HEAR EITHER VINCE OR ANYONE IN DLP RUN ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTING THE U.N IN IT’S EFFORTS TO FOSTER GREATER TRANSPERENCY IN GOV’TS AND IT’S PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD!!
IS IT BECAUSE THIS DLP ADMINISTRATION IS GUILTY OF UPHOLDING THE VERY BASICS OF DEMOCRATIC PRICIPLES??
Where were you for the vote on the NTC in Libya?
hey is this really appropriate at this point,listen to yourself’s,this man is a dominican fighting for his country where he was born, nor you or anyone who think like you can change that,here it is this man looking out for his country, trying to make things work for dominica,yet still you all have a problem,when they do you all complain,when they don’t you all still complain,you just can not please some people,because some are real domnichen or famiwachen.
People are not talking about Dominica, they are talking about the leadership or lack thereof.. The Government is NOT the country.. Learn that well, it will help you tremendously.
oh please thats all you can do? shame on you we have lots of pressing needs in the world . I guess you just had to take shame out of your face. “WHAT ABOUT HONESTY IN GOVERNANCE”
Great delivery, Mr. Henderson. You could always speak well. Your eloquence has never been in question. However, I would like to draw your attention to scouting. You have always said that you were a scout and that scouting is close to your heart. You have promised things to scouting that you have not yet delivered. Please connect with Mr. Bonti Liverpool. He has started opening a scout troop in every primary school. I am sure he needs help in doing that. In your constituency, St. Joseph, scouting has come back under Mr. Emmanuel Denis. The scout headquarters on High Street sorely needs to be renovated. Scouting is now getting back on is feet thanks to Mr. Liverpool. Please get in touch with him and help him.
People talkig about Dominica like it is so so bad and backward. Look how well advanced we are on the energy scene. We are actually doing something that first world countries would literally kill to accomplish. If we manage to have clean energy produced by ourselves, and even be able to export, then Dominica will be completely transformed financially and economically. Well done to hose attempting to make this possible, and all those who gave a helping hand in making it fractionally possible.
So why don’t you get out from your opressed situation in Canada and conme back and enjot the clean energy or the promise thereof?
And at the end of the day it is morons like you who make the country that way. I live in Canada right? I have no idea what Canada look like, although I get your metaphor. Forgive me if I look for the best in situations and you’re blinded by whatever motivates you to make such ludicrous statements. It is people like you who make the country so backward. Absolutely stupid