Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, is leading a delegation to hold discussion in Paris, France, on Thursday, with the Agence Francaise Development (AFD) concerning Dominica’s geothermal project.
A release from the Ministry of Public Works, Energy and Ports on Tuesday stated that the meeting “will review the experience of AFD in financing geothermal and other renewable resource projects and will delve into the legal, institutional and regulatory arrangements that underpin the development and commercialization of the resource.”
The delegation includes Minister of Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore and his Permanent Secretary Lucienne Blackmoore, Dominica`s permanent representative to the United Nations Vince Henderson and Edward Lambert, chairman of the Technical Committee on Geothermal Energy Development.
According to the release “the team will brief the AFD on Dominica`s overall strategy for developing geothermal energy and outline plans for first establishing a small power plant to supply electricity to the domestic market.”
Furthermore, “the meeting will also focus on the structuring of a meeting of donors to be held in Dominica with the principal aim of inviting the country`s development partners to continue their collaboration with the Government in developing the geothermal resource,” the release stated.
The AFD has been a strong supporter of Government`s efforts to develop Dominica’s geothermal energy sector.
The ministry pointed out that the agency has provided, at highly concessionary rates and conditions, funding for the exploratory phase of Dominica`s geothermal development programme and has agreed to provide financing for the drilling of the production well to the amount of EC$23,887,500 (6.5 million Euros).
An additional EC$7,351,200 (two-million Euros) will be granted for enhancing and strengthening the operations of the Project Management Unit, the ministry of energy said in its release.
Government’s plans to develop the island’s geothermal energy sector have met stiff opposition from environmentalists and a severe blow was dealt recently when reports surfaced that Electricite de France (EdF) had withdrawn its participation from the project.
Skerrit has insisted 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 a radio program recently.
Something is happening. Problems !! Problems !!Problems!! Serious Problems with the Pond Casee to Melville Hall road rehab project. Serious Problems with the Geothermal Project.
The people of Dominica are in the dark as to what really is going on. No freedom of information Act, so Govt. can’t be forced to divulge necessary info to the public. The Dominican Society is weak and Govt. taking advantage.
Ministers, Govt. cannot touch Gardakhan. It was the Minister of Public Works who claimed that the same Gardakhan had breached the contract on the 1st. phase, CaneField-Pond Casee, but yet was awarded the contract for the 2nd. phase, Pond Casse-Melville Hall. Of course, more problems.
Big, big delegation to do what? Tax-payers have to pay their bills. Dominicans, somethings are not right. Remember, the trip to Miami to meet Carnival cruise officials? Absolutely nothing in return. The money for that France trip – plane tickets, board and lodge in poche hotel in France, plus perks for each one of the Cabal, will come from our pockets. If Dominicans do not care how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent, EDF is concerned.
Skerritt and his DLP Govt. just cannot manage or govern. Of course, to quickly enrich themselves, no problem. To waste tax-payers money, no problem. People are permitting the mess in/with Public Works.
The PS and Minister of Public Works, the two brothers, who see no conflict of interest, continue their stints. Business as usual. Is not the Cabal money, but they travelling in big gwap, sucking up the little $$$$$ left in our Treasury.
I saw a wind electric generator at Rosalie instead of trying to blow up the island by messing with that volcanic activity and causing a volcano why not just put up some more especially a couple at cane field where it is always windy two could power the whole city of Roseau. They could also put one on Morne Daniel. It would not take a lot of wind turbines to power the whole island.
here are facts, and then there’s your interpretation of these facts. The actions you take — and the results you produce — are completely dependent on how you see the facts. You can focus on the best in every situation or you can focus on the worst. There’s a problem in every opportunity and an opportunity in every problem. Interpret the facts negatively and you’re left with little power and fewer opportunities. Change your point of view and you’re empowered to create the best results possible — no matter the circumstance.
Make the best out of every situation. Take what’s been given to you and turn it into something wonderful. Seize the day! Everyday!
Contrary to what some bloggers have posted, the French never pulled out. EDF according to the report is the company who said that they were not interested anymore.
The closure of the Aerial Tram at Laudat had nothing to do with the geothermal project.
I think that after this trip the whole project will become clearer.
Who was it who said we don’t need France when the French blacklisted Dominica scandal broke? Go and clear our name sir, and beg hard for that loan or else geothermal dead in its track! WIP cannot raise the funds on the international markets because of the global economic and financial recession! The one that did not affect Dominica. And Dominicans please stop criticising the government for begging, Dominica cannot do any better. We are not like our brother and sister islands with resources, industry and investments economic activity.
And why do we have a High Commissioner in London if Vince needs to leave the UN in New York and fly to France? In PM Eugenia’s time the HC in London was responsible for Bruxelles, France and all EU affairs (ask Charles Saverin), so where is Francine Baron Royer, High Commissioner in London, on this mission?
This is a very good initiative for Dominica, but we need a leader with Dominica’s interest at Heart, Sherrit and all his half hearted Projects, just won’t cut it, sorry
Do you think hector john or earl williams is your man or woman
http://www.francebtp.com/environnement/article/2013/06/18/86512/pas-centrale-geothermique-pour-dominique.php
France not interested…
Can somebody show this article to Sherrit, before he Waste Dominicans much needed money
A internet translation of the article for those interested.
No geothermal for Dominica?
EDF made the decision not to fund the project of geothermal power plant on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean due to financial constraints too large. Geothermal should provide to Martinique and Guadeloupe some 50 MW of electricity each. The project, launched in 2008, has been neglected in February 2013 by EDF, arguing too significant financial constraints. Notwithstanding, Dominica announced that it would not abandon the project pledge of its energy self-sufficiency. The Commissioner of the productive development of the West Indies for its part announced that the Caisse des dépôts could take part in financing and therefore allow the project to see the day.
Geothermal energy or any renewable energy would be good for Dominica, but with Skerrit, I see it as trip, which Domincan gonna pay. How much the the trip alone gonna cost. I got zero confidences in him or his government. Is’t there a branch of ADF in Martinique or Guadeloupe
I have said this here several times, that Dominica has one of the highest percentage of renewable energy source for electricity in the Caribbean and maybe even the world – HYDRO Electricity, but our cost for electricity is among the highest in the region. Why is that so? While I think that geothermal can be a cheap source of electricity in the long-term, I believe that greed will supersede and Dominicans will still not get a break, by significant lowering cost, so I am cautiously optimistic.
Zor look chaos. Notice that when the French decided to withdraw no delegation went to France to negotiate. One month after the French pulled out Dominica was named inthe black list by the very same AFD. Interestingly the Airport Rad project is out of funds and it is the very same AFD that is approving te funds for the project. Now almost two months since the French said we want no part of this a delegation is on its way to France . Is this all coincidence or is it just the truth at work. Or could it be that the fragility of lie and inefficiency is coming home to roost. The rush to call election is exposing these idiots more and more.
If this is the kind of government administration we forge in Dominica and this is the type of governance for the future
I dare say bring onths fences and thewrittenrder of abandonment. Itis very obvious that this administration is incapable and must be disposed off.
Jacky Chan like me you have the gift of foresight, insight and intuition. You know how to read lines and most importantly in politics how to read between the lines. This trip on the back of the circumstances that you mention is no coincidence. It is the chickens coming home to roost! Sadly the lack of intellect and reasoning in this country will mean that your little analysis will be lost on many a fool in this country! I pity the fools. And why do we have a High Commissioner in London if Vince need to leave the UN in New York and fly to France. In PM Eugenia’s time the HC in London was responsible for Bruxelles, France and all EU affairs, so where is Francine Baron Royer, High Commissioner in London, on this mission?
every day skerrit making news on dno even telling dominicans where he going and some of allu falling for that.during the five years nobody new where he was going to all of a sudden election in the air he telling allu where he is going funny
Another trip bringing Zeros…so sad for Dominica.
Dominica needs a mature Leadership…
This vicky vi will not bring dominica out of darkness
Hector john and lennox linton will be the mature leadership…lets see how this will work
Mr. Blackmoore’s Ministry now says that they want to establish a small geothermal plant first to supply local demand. That makes good sense and that was the original idea anyway when Roosevelt Skerrit signed an agreement with West Indies Power in 2008 and stated that such a 15 megawatt plant would be in operation by the end of 2010. Since the Govt. only owns 10% of West Indies Power (Dominica) Ltd. I am baffled why they now seek to persuade ADF to provide financing for this. I presume this would be in the form of a loan, which has to be repaid by the Govt. i.e. the Dominican public. Why can’t the major shareholder in this company (WIP) finance this development since they they would also be the major benefactor? Were they showcasing when they signed this agreeement and did not have access to the finances to bring their plans to fruition in the first place? Something similar happened with that same company in St. Kitts and the Govt.there managed to extracate themselves from a one-sided agreement.
What is the situation here in Dominica?
That`s a high level delegation I expect nothing but good news on their return. Stay tuned!
espoir mal papaye
AFD? That is not the same Agency that put oOminica on the black list?
Yes!…and Mr. Blackmoore is not only there for the geothermal. He also has to explain what happened to the money for the road to Melville Hall.
What do we expect when we have such a partnership???Two brothers who work together and when there are failings, will cover each others tracks to ensure that they survive the battle!!! This conflict of interest stinks!!!!!!! So does the other with the ‘President’ and his son in the position which he holds on the electoral commission!!!!!! The stench is overwhelming……….
Whooiii…look trouble…where has all the money gone to??….lol
Stupesssssssssssssssssssssssss.
bring back a sausage and a piece of cheese for me skerro.
Judge, so expensive for us to get that here. You have to have a big wallet, if you can find these delicacies at all. Is only for rich people and those, who are friends with foreign diplomats, otherwise you have to buy that cheese, masquerading as cheddar but is like putty that our supermarkets are selling. Look at that, Guadeloupe and Martinique so close but the channel is like the old Berlin Wall.
stiff opposition to the geothermal energy project, DNO? I think you exaggerate the strength of the opposition.
Gyour thermal….75 pple lost their jobs on d tram…it not easy with those families dere nuh…and euipment 4 tram jus dere under grass, it hav some manicous and abolors etc living there…d thermal hav gyour…masier quick…i hav a friend wrking public works… hard times…we fraid to fall sick bcus more stresss in d hospital… give some meaningful advice plss…
But wait, all you ain’t find as if these days we know in advance when the PM leaving the state?
I wonder why…….
man u are so clever! brilliant observation. whenever the pm tells he is leaving in advance, then you know that he is up to something.
This is a forward-thinking and proactive approach to strategic developmental Initiatives that can stimulate medium and long-term economic development.
The question of energy is a very sobering issue that impacts every facet of our overall development – especially economic development.
What is encouraging to me is the scope of the meeting: “will review the experience of AFD in financing geothermal and other renewable resource projects and will delve into the legal, institutional and regulatory arrangements that underpin the development and commercialization of the resource.”. Also the aspect of a “Donors Forum” to explore financing.
As a Nation we must just hope and pray that it succeeds as indeed it would leverage us into a different sphere of economic development and essentially change the position of Dominica into a more centrally geo-strategic player (at least in the OECS Sub-region and with our French neighbors).
Let’s just hope for a more than favorable outcome to these Energy discussions.
Thank you my friend, i am fully with you on this one…
This is the type of discussion we should have on matters of national interest, not the foolish constant politicking that goes on here!!!!
Thank you Cadette for your great insighht and contribution!!!
I totally agree too. Sustainable supply of power does lay the foundation for further devolpment in Dominica for social an economical prosperity. Imagine the array of industries and job-cretion that follows, if there is a dependable and sensibly priced supply of electricity.
I am with you Joe. Thumbs up to Mr. Cadette those are the comments we should be getting not those negative day in day out no matter what topic is.
Look out for your Countries Development and stop the politics. Jump high and jump low no matter what negative you people say about the prime minister and the governmnt. When election come and the people put labour back their is nothing you can do. Put country first
Given the Europeans concern of corruption, do you find it appropriate to have the Minister and his brother on this delegation? Additionally, Julius Timothy’s son is the coordinator, Ambrose George’s son is the engineer spokesperson and who else?
Sylvester, you among all persons should be aware of what can be perceived to be Nepotism which breed corruption.
Another aspect of this mission which is confusing, I thought we had long gone pass that phase of the objectives outlined for the trip, why is the Prime Minister going if he is not meeting the French President?
Apart from he being minister of finance what does he bring to the discussion? His presence will make the French change their mind? When these Europeans disclose their decision, it’s after considerable analysis and considerations.
Anyway, for Dominica’s sake, I wish them success.
NEPOTISM! NEPOTISM writ large. Where is the person now, who was managing the aerial tram when it went bankrupt? Isn’t there a family connection also?
I hope so too Mr. Cadette but we need to Reign in all those who have corruption on their minds because they seeing big bucks!
Venezuela has oil and we know what is going on there!
Why do the anti DLP parasites continue to just criticize every and anything the government does? Are you guys so desperate for power? If the people you support get in there what will they do better? Or do you even care anyway?????
Not at all Anonymous, They will be lambasted just as hard if they do things wrong and so they should.
De parasites are those who u made dependent on the red clinic. ripping off the the opposition to feed the laba parasites.
so much money for “Project Management”. I would whose utilities and rent getting paid.
Frankly I like the idea of Geothermal energy. Environmental risk can be minimized through carefull risk mitigation plans. No development is without risk. I think there is need for reliable power supply because it has the potential to attract manufacturing and other industries which is much needed in Dominica
The only problem with any exploratory geology is that it requires huge capital investment which cannot be replaced if the end result is not achieved. Hence, I understand why 33milion was spent. It probable would have been a better idea to fund the construction of the plant phase instead of the exploration phase since you do not know what the outcome would be. at that point you would be at a better position to get the return on investment.
I hope the project continues because it would be bad if the country loose that investment without having and opportunity to realize the end result
I am not a big fan of some of the Gov Policy but i think this is one that deserves fighting for.
But what is really wrong with those Haters,jealous and power hungry UWPIANS?
I DIE NU>>>what is a party formed for. Is it not to gain political power? What did this corrupt labour party did when it was not in opposition?
Seems to me a good lime: A lime with the the boys mentioned and unmentioned…….. Man in the next life being a minister of government and forming part of the par-liar-ment would be best choice. Hope this Government beg for some equipments to clean the rain forest- formerly called roads in Dominica.. First time in History that trees and bush are growing, forming umbrellas over the roads like this… Mini- star or minister of works get your acts together.. instead of going to france you and your pals should lead by example; take the big stipends you all getting and pay someone to clean the roads… Talking and Speeches wont clean the dirty and nasty roads… History: first time : Dominica roads are so bushy…..
After all this, you all have the stomach to ask Dominicans to go out once a year to plant flowers and put flowers in tyres … calling that community day of service… Look at the sign boards: ” Keep Dominica clean!” and its covered with bush and more bush. Oh a good one for the eye is the lovely site on the left of the port in Fond Cole, Bush so high and then Digicel came and clean around their sign and left the country’s grass for them. So please Go and clean the place: North south, East and West! Organise a lime with the boys: keep the country clean…….
But you guys are right, the folks in Dominica will still vote you guys in. So row, row, row you all boats, gently down the stream, merrily merrily life is but a dream! Life is a Dream for the Government, Ps, and the whole crew……….. One Day folks might wake up to a big forest …….
PS: How Much Euros you all received as pocket change and spending money- not will receive – for the trip….. Things are tight so one can say: so dis one is for the people of Mahaut and environ reaching laudat….. Aye You all climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris and smile so Dominicans can see you all! Or bring a journalist to carry the trip live!Someone from Q95, Kairi FM or Dee Bee Sss ofcourse! Bring an interpreter as well for those who only speak west coast creole with a town accent!Parle vous francaise, Ministre?
You mention something that sounds like a good idear, A journalist to report on the trip
How is Dominica going to get the money? What tree are we going to shake? This is a project in my view that will save the government money in the long run. People minds are sometimes too short-term and do not see the long term reward.
Dominica is not sitting on a mountain of cash to finance large scale projects. The other way is to increase taxes. That is why we small states economy has so much high taxes compared to larger more populous places.
BTW, the airport was a disappointment. I am still mad at Skerrit! The only benefit of the airport is a more pleasant place to come in, though it looks like my living room. The runaway can accommodate larger planes (A319, A321, B737), but the terminal is too small.
BTW, an Airport that cost the tax payers $0.00 with the heavy lifting coming from the Venezuelan
Where is the gratitude…thei ones that fail to say thanks will suffer in the long run and continue to post gabbage on DNO for a very long time
Ouch
Good luck SIR,God bless you.
We will be told as usual that they had very positive and fruitful meetings and that they were promised additional millions and that the geothermal thing is back on track. After that just like the airport road promised since September 2010 then December 2011 and then June 2012 and now total silence, we have to sit down and wait and wait and wait. These guys are incompetent managers but very good at winning elections.
Hmmm! “We’ve invested in excess of $33 million” Just asking eh. Wonder how much of the amount went down the wrong route?
Is this all you can use your mind to suggest such foolishness.
Brother Skerrit press on for the good of Dominica. Your actions are commendable.
Brother and You were not invited to the wedding ?
While you are at it Mr PM ask the french official why are we black listed?
lol
Elections is in the air,its time to bring out the red begging bowl.
If you wanted to know if election is the air just listen to Q95…Everyday is election over there
Elections in the EAR via Qfm for uwp since Jan 1st 2000.
For Labah, elections not yet in the AIR, ok?
Geo thermal encor!!! So much money already wasted on that project. Where have all that money gone. Questions need to be answered.
Where has that money gone? Garcon you don’t see the large holes they are drilling?
We could have bought a whole new tram with 66 jobs for Laudat!
Brothers (minister and ps duo) what a sewo. Where is the protocol, transparency in a situation like that. God help us.
Another waste of Dominican tax payers money. Free trip to Paris.
So whats that? they going out beging again?
@ face up yes they going to beg so people like u will enjoy it later.If they sit in DA and do nothing it wld be another cry from the likes of u.
What u say is very RP
We begged for the Roseau – Portsmouth highway; THE sOUFRIERE TO SCOTTSHEAD HIGHWAY, The Roger to Marigot highway. Now see who is benefitting? All of us Dominicans irrespective. Not labourites only. All of us. Now tell me with all the demands being place on government (whether it was a UWP, Labour, Freedom, Pappy, Douglases etc governmentcould we satisfy those demands without seeking outside help?. Will those of us who take offence with our seeking external assistance, can theysay where should the resources come from? Please do not tell me that it should come from bananas or agriculture? Years ago at a UWP rally in Mero, Lennox Linton made his first public foray – on a UWP platform and predicted that “taxing an economy that is already in recession” will only serve to fast track a collpase of the economy and the social and economic demagogues will have thier field days. thankfully, his thesis has not come to past in the manner he envisaged where everybody else’s economy is on the rise and Dominica’s economy has collapsed because of Pierro’s economic policy. So do not tell me listen to Lennox. Is not today he is preaching doom and gloom over Dominica. Where will the money come from to do all what we need to do?
you real possie will pay for all what they pegging for you stupid they already doing nothing to da the place in one place bot moving economy dead these labour need to go go da deserve better…
Its is sad when a man spend his days listening to the like of Blessing, Matt in the mOrning and Lennox to develop his cranium capacity.
Its best if you just listen to Hector John …you might get to facebook..
Shoot, his name is faceup…hmmmmm is there an association?
But can they do anything on their own if is not begging. Even when they beg and get something nobody can tell you where the money gone. NEXT LEVEL! TO HELL!?,
Would you prefer for taxes to be raised? SMH
Raise tax on what Anonymous when people have no income. Soon the only people, who can live in Dominica will be the very rich and the destitute, depending on hand-outs with the middle class being squeezed out and looking for greener pastures elsewhere.