With Dominica having invested over $30-million in exploring Dominica’s geothermal potential, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, is making it clear that his administration will not turn its back on the project.
The project has met with stiff opposition from environmentalists and a severe blow was dealt recently when reports surfaced that Electricite de France (EdF) had withdrawn its participation from it.
But the prime minister is insisting that the project is for the greater good of the country. “We’ve invested in excess of $33-million at a time when access to resources is exceptionally difficult and limited but we will look at the greater good of the country,” he said on The Next Level radio program on the weekend.
According to the prime minister, if the project is successful, Dominica will reap huge economic benefits. “If we are successful by this, that in itself would help transform the way of life of every single Dominican,” he argued. “It will cause there to be the kind of growth that we need to eliminate completely any form of poverty in the country. It will give you the fiscal space, it will give you the revenue that you looking for, it will give you the foreign exchange that you need to grow your economy. And our people will enjoy a better way of life and a better standard of living.”
He described the decision by EdF as a ‘setback’ but pointed out that discussion are ongoing. “Negotiations still continue,” Skerrit said. “I have had the occasion to write to the President of France to draw this to his attention, certain concerns that we have in respect to the decision which came out in the news. I had the occasion also to write to the chairman of the board of directors of EdF. So the discussions are still continuing.”
The prime minister said the President of the Regional Council of Martinique has also written to the authorities in France expressing total support for the project in Dominica since it will benefit the French Republic. “So here it is, the President of the Regional Council of Martinique is championing the geothermal project and there are some people who are bursting champagne because they heard of some little setback coming from EdF…” he said.
Meanwhile the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is calling on government to conduct an independent Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) on the project “to determine and compare the overall benefits to the people of Dominica …”
The UWP pointed out that EdF decided to pull out of the geothermal project after it did its own CBA which revealed that it is of low profitability.
“From a national perspective, government has not done an independent CBA of its present ‘grand geothermal export Scheme,'” the party said in a release.
The UWP described the government’s approach to the project as “reckless and too politically driven.”
The party is suggesting a small pilot geothermal plant while expanding hydro resources to meet the island’s energy needs.
Man it hurt to see Dominica come this way,(like a ragdoLl)with political parties fighting like dogs without bone.It’s a shame for Dominicans to say:WE ARE INTELEGENT PEOPLE:and we not useing our common sense to save this blasted country.The elders are dieing disappointed after all their hard work.WAKE UP!bunch of political loosers,you all don”t have much longer to live.what are you all fighting for? all you kids doe even wantto stay in Dominica.ASK THEM
The chickens head has been cut off, let it try to make some steps still…. It woulnd run far !:)
UWP I don’t think it is in your political interest to to shoot down the geothermal idea. The best thing you could do is propose light manufacturing for the people who may be displaced by the fumes and for Dominica in general. The Chinese are already here I sure we can manufacture things right here and compete using the ” cheaper electricity’ instead of selling it to Guadeloupe. Magway sa I cannot even get me a Benjashoe now, factory close down! All these banana fields abandoned can grow cane for a cogeneration plant as well as produce ethanol to blend our gas also making fuel cheaper; here’s your renewable energy.Even that should lower the lighting costs for airport and the other roads in Da. Zor pa las goumay, negre sot!
As a Dominican living out of state, I feel that I directly contribute to the state in which Dominica is in. We have an extremely difficult task in Dominica. We, unlike all of our neighbors aren’t blessed with white sand beaches, flat land etc. To make matters worse, we are one of the big islands, in terms of size, however our population is that of one of the very very small islands. With a population so small it is forever going to be difficult to pursue anything which may be cost effective. Our industries lack costumers, we do not have a market. we do not have a market for electrical power, I mean 20 MW is more than enough for us in this day and age, that seems almost laughable.
I should be home making children, maybe in the next 10 years we might have a better chance. Maybe then investors would see a market here, maybe then we could get a shopping mall etc. till then how are we trying to make sure that those in Dca now stay in Dca?
My dear fellow Dominicans. I was just doing a search on the net for anything related to the ‘dangers of geothermal production at high altitudes’ as I am very concerned that the present drilling plans may be very detrimental to our country and may present very real dangers which are being totally ignored by those making the decisions. I want you guys to take a look at this site and read more than just the first page. try checking beyond the first page. The web page link is http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=geothermal-drilling-earthquakes. I was prompted to check this at this time in light of what happened on the Pond Casse Road recently resulting in the unfortunate loss of two lives, two persons who were very important to us as a nation and who had families, friends and loved ones. I want you to consider the fact that a few hours before this happened the road was apparently in excellent condition. Presumably there was no cause for concern, no signal that the road was weak, no sign whatsoever that this might be about to occur. Then suddenly, albeit as a result of heavy rainfall, the road collapses and rushes down alone the valley along with the water and we are left with a gaping hole which no one could have or would have predicted previously. This incident for me has highlighted why it is that we need to be meticulous with our investigations into the geothermal possibilities and into whether or not it is a safe enough option for an island such as ours. There are many consequences such as earthquakes etc which are major concerns and may be irreversible once triggered. There are many questions to be answered which are being avoided. We must ask for example what are the implications of drilling very deeply into the earth from such a high point. What are the possible side effects of this deep drilling on the internal and external characteristics of this mountain? How many times are we going to have to drill and how deep? What if fractures within the earth were to give way under pressure or were to widen horizontally and wells were to be linked by these fragmentations? What if we were to have a catastrophic blowout? What if we were to have some sort of accident? What are the implications both to our tourism products such as Screws and more worrying to the overall safety and security, not only of our citizens but also of our tourists who will be taken into this zone while on sight seeing tours. What if, God forbid, we were to have an accident and a massive explosion or flow of hot material down that valley with or without the presence of tourists??? There are so many questions and I just hope that, just like the past weeks events have highlighted the instability of much of our land for me and raised yet again the questions of geothermal and the need to do proper and in depth studies before drilling, that it has raised the same concerns for you all my fellow Dominicans!! We MUST ensure that this is done properly, and particularly in light of the altitude at which the drilling is taking place, the depths to which wells will be drilled and the possible instabilities in our land which may not be obvious to us on the face of it, we need to ask the questions of ourselves; are we doing enough to ensure that this is being done the right way and to ensure that safety is at the forefront of this project!! ENOUGH SAID!!!!!
Wether you love Skerrit or not you must admire his ability to go forward in any action he takes wether Dominicans like it or not.Somtimes I get the impression that regardless to how loud Dominicans in particular the opposition shout he doesn’t not give a damn. As Prime Minister of Dominica,I have never heard Skerrit tell Dominicans that a decision that was taken was not in the interest of the people,therefore,he has changed the decision. In my opinion,the man behaves as though he is infallible,no wonder a Minister of Government once referred to him as Jesus.
I note your words Mr PM …….if we are successful
De environmentalists are not from de DLP camp so I don’t expect u to listen……I have my doubts that I would listen even if they were solid DLP supporters.
One thing that strikes me about this DLP regime is its inability to dialogue with its people and to find common ground….to seek areas or points of agreement.
We will NEVER see de full benefits of this project with all this showmanship. All ideas CANNOT contend with Skerrit and de DLP. In that case who stands to benefit? Big head DLP supporters?
And in all this instead our spiritual leaders urge us to find common ground and step with fire determination these priests etc. encouraging division and hatred among a nation of people
i think that all this is happening so that dominicans can open thier eyes.i have never seen the economie so bad and its getting worst if we dont stand up in 20 years again dominica will get worst than haiti the country getting more and more empty.please do and unite our stregnth for the generation too come.i dont know about you but i am tired of being fooled by these so called leaders…
ppeople, u never pass by that geothermal site in laudat snd that that nasty scent. i dont think the residents of laudat would be able to stay there soon. u have to put yourself in the ppl’s position. the scent is nasty and unhealthy.
press on mr. Pm, press on. we no your heart is with dominica.
Could DNO inform the reading public about the contents of the Environmental Impact assessment (EIAS)? At least the areas dealing with the effects on the communities in the approximate vicinity of the geothermal operations. Will the communities be relocated? What about plans to deal with such disruptions in the lives of the people? what about compensation, crops, houses, land etc.? what about the serious negative effects on our fragile environment? What are the alternative plans for tourism development in the area, with unique, exquisite tourist sites? Would the area no longer be designated as important sites for tourists to visit?
Communities in that belt have expressed serious concerns, and rightly so, but Skerritt and his inefficient Govt., would not listen to the people. They have not told the people exactly what is going on.
Dominicans and in particular the people of the Valley know where, to whom, the $2,000,000.00 went for legal fees, early o’clock, before anything else re. that project.
Was it Skerritt and/or Govt. who told Dominicans, up front, that EDF was pulling out, or we heard it first on Q95 and read the news on Fontaine’s Web site?
Who fooled us about Petro Caribe set up would bring the costs of electricity and fuel at the pumps down? Total opposite. Where has all the money from Petro Caribe gone? How comes Petro Caribe is under the control of the Ministry/Minister of Housing, and not the Ministry/Minster of Energy?
i think the government should look at the feasibility and profit magin0of this project considering that Dominicans will pay less for electricity.lets analysis our facts Dominica has a population of about 75000 and maybe some 25000 consumers.exploration cost is already 30000000 and the project is not off the ground yet so some millions still need to be invested.plus overhead costs to run this operation is complete so we are looking had over several more millions to complete this project.the only way this can be profitable is the government has to triple what Dominicans are paying for electricity and i think that is why the pm has his doubts
seems like the pm has doubts about the project just read thru his words.According to the prime minister, if the project is successful,
Do not assume that EDF are pulling out simply because there is no future or profit in this project. The major Oil companies have been using these tactics for years. Their Goal is to own the project leaving minimal profit for the Countries they invest in.
The most accurate assessment I have read about the withdrawal of EDF from this Project. Dominicans for your sake, don’t look back. The leadership displayed by your Prime Minister Skerrit and his Government especially on this Geothermal Project and your country’s Energy Policy is greatly admired here in Saint Lucia. They your Government are actually leading the way for us too. Thanks for that. Dean Nicholas
ONE MANG GANG! aFTER PETRO cARIBE I CANNOT BE FOOLED.A cabinet of pots and pans.One man talks, 17 men MOO MOO! An upside down country, with no leadership. A patan cabinet, harvesting the milk, cheese, yogurt,chocolate, yop, milk shake, showdough,cheese,etc from the poor cow that is ready to fall to its knees. A QUICK QUACK, bunch of lazy and incompetent jockers walking around the place like headless chickens. LIES LIES LIES but their wallets are bulging… A desperate bunch with no Venezuela and Libya there to help,the begging syndrome they created in this poor country is ready to give birth.
THEY NEED TO VOTE ALL YOU OUT FROM CAPTAIN TO COOK. ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
ZOR PAR BONNE!
I totally approve this comment. Right on!
Dominican bring down their country more than any other have I come across. Where is pride? We need to advance our country and reducing our dependency on fossil fuel. It sounds like some people want to go back to coal. Staying the path of fossil fuel will take us down a path of uncertainty of oil prices future. Oil is not a renewable resource.
We can never see progress under this regime. Those who will see the progress are lap dogs like you, but not the majority. This is a terrible regime, governing us presently.
I am 100% for the geothermal project but please Prime Minister Skerritt do not behave like a fool or take us for fools: 1)Venezuela has some of the the richest oil reserves in the Americas but its people are dirt poor! 2)Just look at Africa with all its oil, diamond, gold and other resources and the continued poverty of its people – it is not the resource that transforms a country by good governance and efficient management of the country – I put it to you that your corrupt regime just cannot wait to enrich itself! And lastly the President of the Regional Council of Martinique is championing the geothermal project because there are benefits without risks for Martinique as Dominica bears all the risks. Please wisen up Mr PM!
Do you know why Venezuelans are dirt poor albeit with large know oil reserves? Think of the people before Chavez. Before Chavez there were two classes in Venezuela…Ultra Rich and Ultra Poor.
Now with social programs and the engagement of the poorer classes getting opportunities to start micro businesses or do work for the government like making uniforms in the country instead of out, you see see an upward mobility.
In every society there is always some effect when actions to improve things commence. In Dominica there are going to be these effects, even if we’d like them not to be. Put your political blinders aside and see that with all that Geo activity, we must tap into it and see it through.
Mamo invested millions into Hydro Electricity and the UWP came along and sold it-to pay salaries. That was a big mistake. The next couple owners have not and will not make any investment in this area. Padu (Pwadu) went offline a few years ago and they generated Hydro Power there. It is still offline, while fuel surcharges increase month over month.
Dominica’s electricity rates will prevent many people from exploring it as an option to invest or set up shop. We pay more for electricity than people in the US and that is using a 2.67 conversion rate.
Governments can do the heavy lifting and that they should.
I do not like the Pm style but he has my support with the geothermal project. Its time the DLP,UWP,DFP and the DPF change their style of politics and look at the greater good of the country.
The people in the valley are still waiting to hear Who is monitoring the sites right now. Who is in charge of maintaining the rusting pipes, broken fence and leaking pools and valves.
Also, who is in the emergency team… ???
I have not heard of any Dominicans “bursting champagne” because of EDF’s decision not to capitalize our geothermal project as claimed by mr. Skerrit ..for a start the cost of such a luxury is well beyond the purse of most Dominicans with a bottle costing a week’s wages, if one does have a job in the first place! Most of us are anxious to see a return on that investment, albeit without damage to our environment or public health. However, there is no guarantee at present of a) the project producing the output of energy expected on a cost-effective basis. b) the french islands buying electriity from us. Remember, they are under no obligation to do so.
We are taking a huge gamble and I only pray it pays off. If & when it does, and only then will I “burst champagne”.
Stop taking things out of context busrting champagne was spoken of figuratively not literally
My apologies “real possie”. I did not realise we have a figurative Prime Minister.
I am for the geothermal project.
It will lower the cost of doing business in Dominica.
we will no longer have to pay all that money for energy but we will make a lot of money from this energy source.
With the injection of much needed revenue in our economy, the people of the Roseau South Constituency will be able to see their way with the provision of jobs and the revamping of the failing Newtown Fisheries Cooperative.
We wish the government all the best and ask our people to be patient .
But PM we need an entire new D L P Candidate and also a Town Hall Meeting ; below the Fatima church SOON.
WE FED UP WITH MISTER !
Who tell you to believe what Skerrit says, or is saying. Did Petro Caribe lower the cost of energy in Dominica? People have never seen energy so expensive on island. LIES! LIES! AND MORE LIES! That is their forte.I do not believe a fat that these bunch of jockers are saying to the gullible Dominican people.FOOLED ONCE! FOOLED TWICE! but no more.
Mr. PM why use the word IF when preliminary studies all indicate that it can be successful!!!
“If we are successful by this” sounds a bit on the pessimistic side of things. It sounds like we are not that sure of the success of the project. I would have loved to hear instead “WHEN we are successful at this…..”
So what are the limitations in the project not being successful. What is the Govt response of the aparent full-out of EDF. It looks like the official response to the apparent full-out of EDF has not been addressed as yet… but again you have indicated that negotiations are still on-going… we wait to see.
with all the roads and school skerrit is building,are we creating an educated population to export overseas.dominica will only keep brain draining.they tied ti to investigate the villas scandals,and couldn’t find any trace,where the money comming from.well it’s bribe from antigua and barbados.
they r lying and say that st.lucia and grenada is struggling with theirs,juat to turn our mind from wanting one too.well,st.lucia and grenada tourism industry is do well.thanks to international aorport.since earthquake in haiti,they r recovering pretty well.thanks to int’l airport.st.kitts foreign investment in booming,thanks to int’l airport.if nightlandind was working out so well,then why should skerrit take loan from morocco to build a hotel.whrere is the investment?.where’s the jobs.
I think the government will do everything and anything in its power to fool people into believing that this is all beneficial to them but when problems arise they may not be in power to take the blane
This MONIES could be put in ROAD REHABILITATION around the country especially the BAGATELLE, LAYOU VALLY , POND CASSE, LAPLAINE WARNER ETC instead of this project we do not have enough information of going forward with.
The Airport UWP wanted to burden Dominicans with is way more reckless that this geothermal development.
I will vote Skerrit again to advance plans for geothermal any time the election is called.
We have no money of our own to advance those plans so we have to borrow. You realize that under the circumstances it will be very difficult, if not impossible to find someone to come up with more money for this project? Pray that we don’t end up with the proverbial bottomless pit.
“forward we go idiot” have you ever considered the environmental impact geothermal would have on the country we claim as “Nature Island?” After you search within yourself just of the money we could generate from an international as we are more centerally located than all the caribbean islands.This could bring a real boost to our dying tourism industry. GIVE IT SOME DEEPER SOUL SEARCHING!!!!!!!!
nonsense
is people like you that helping kill my beautiful country .with your small mindedness,my god loud ,try thinking out of the dam box.
Government and UWP are both full of . For all them years not for the Grace of God they seem to be able to agree on one project. For the longest while there was never suggestion of Hydro…. Now 33 miiiiooooooon have been invested in the Geothermal …. they talking about hydro. Samething UWP invested endless milliooooooon in international airport, Labor government come and scrap it to refurbishing of Melville Hall…. when will those …………… agree to make this country better for the PEOPLE’S SAKE. The ordinary people will die poor in this country. MY SOLUTION….. Scrap this party set up and let individuals put themselves to go up in 11 constituencies to get to represent those constituencies and they nominate a prime minister, when he messes up they representatives change him when they all mess up the people change them…. by Elections or revolution…..I TIRED WITH THIS …………. …..
Looks like you have read my dissertation at http://non-partypolitalsystem.blogspot.ca/2008/04/intransigence-of-small-island-politics.html. Party politics is the pits…
Tell the masses how much has gone as commissions and finders’ fee etc to the major players. We all know a lot of money was spent, however we want to know where it was spent because its our money. I await the nay sayers.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
while expanding hydro resources….science never fails…have the UWP seen the Beori Lake lately? Arthie you go up there from time to time, can you arrest these Hydro Comments to save the lakes and rivers in that area?
I think its time for the UWP to support the government with this project. We need all in for this to work, plus its for the betterment of all Dominicans.
“If the project is successful” hmmm. Did the PM openly disclose the reason why the french company pulled off.
I’ll just bet Skerrit is marching on!
EC$30 million spent alreasdy? LOL yeah I can just inagine where that money went.
30 million dollars!
Is there a breakdown of exactly where that money was spent, for what it was spent and who received that money?
Has DLP ensured that costs must decrease by a significant amout within a specified time preferably within months unlike CDC who was given 10 years and they never decreased but increased as they were allowed to do and sold out when time came due to fulfill their end and Dominicans yet again was left holding the large bill.
$30 million WOW! and partners pulling out. scary.
EDF has lost interest in Dominica’s geothermal project, because the EU has abandoned Carbon emissions trading and taxation.
Did you know that Dole and Chiquita have been fined by the EU for fixing the price of bananas in 2010 and 2011? They tried to make other banana produces go out of business by forcing the price of bananas down to an artificially low price.
These are your American friends.
DNO: “The UWP pointed out that EdF decided to pull out of the geothermal project after it did its own CBA which revealed that it is of low profitability.”
Put up the evidence to substantiate this claim, UWPwee. Firstly, EDF would never have committed to the project on a whim. Secondly, EDF may have pulled out because it is not profitable for it, EDF, i.e after further negotiations, it saw that it would not benefited as it had hoped to. It could well be that EDF requested a deal that was just too much for Dominica to swallow (hence, the need for “ongoing negotiations”). However, it would be a stretch to conclude that EDF pulled out because it saw the entire project as unprofitable. It would never have gotten on board in the first place if the project were such a bad idea! “Unprofitable” to its pockets, maybe, but not necessarily to all involved. Of course, unless the UWPwee can substantiate its claim and provide us the EDF document that suddenly dismisses the same project to which EDF had committed.
You again! Did you not see my comment that EDF is thinking of pulling out of a nuclear project in the UK due to the profitability? What will it take for you to understand? In all this statement I didn’t hear skerritt say anything about the impact on the environment or the residents of Laudat.