Despite controversy and discontent which has surfaced recently, with the government’s geothermal project in the Roseau Valley, Minister for Energy, Rayburn Blackmoore, is adamant that Dominica will be producing and exporting geothermal energy by 2015.
“The fact that Dominica is a volcanic country poses certain challenges and we as a government are trying to convert these challenges into opportunities,” he said at a press conference on Friday morning.
According to him up to 120 megawatts of energy can be generated commercially for both local and export use.
“We have to be at a point where we can own something …. if we can own our small plant we can move on to the next level,” Blackmoore insisted.
Citing health and environmental concerns, residents of the Roseau Valley have said that a second look must be taken at the project.
The government has promised to address all concerns.
Four geothermal experts from various companies around the globe are now on the island as the government steps up its efforts to allay the fears of Roseau Valley residents.
Blackmoore also led a team from Dominica to visit a geothermal plant in Guadeloupe on the weekend.
These are the leaders who insult the people at will…. We need well cultured leaders to lead this country.
I don’t listen to a heck that this man stutters… They are ones bringing down this country.
Unfortunately ,Minister Blackmore is not helping the conversation re the proposed geothermal plant.
It must be tough for the Parliamentary Representative for Roseau Valley who is tring to address the genuine concerns of his constituency.
Minister Blackmore has not been very helpful. He appears to have made up his mind while dismissing the concerns of others.
Dominica is a time bomb. This volcano can blow up anytime and yet still the government is executing work in the most forbidden areas where projects can aggravate this time bomb. Furthermore, this geothermal plant is an embarrassment to our land — the government will only be getting 3% so what is in it for the people? Where will the other 97% be going to? Blackmoore and the rest of his team must be straight forward. Do not lie to the people. Do not let our prayers bind you. Dominicans deserve the best – but in situations where our health and livelihood are being tampered with – we need thorough responses.
Oh now I know the real name of this government (concerns will be addressed)
Let us examine Mr. Blackmores statements.
1.The The PONT CASSE road will be COMPLETED by December 2012.
2 We will have a 2MGW thermal plant in operation by JUNE 2013.
3 We will own WHAT.The project is shared with other countries.To what level we no not.
4 On stream by 2015 ?The chance of snow falling on our newly named mountains is more probable.
5 Mr Blackmore we are not complete fools.
Correction. When Roosevelt Skerrit signed the agreement with West Indies Power at the Fort Young hotel on July 24, 2008 we were told that a 15 Megawatt plant would be completed in 12-16 months and be operational by end 2010. I remember that news clear like yesterday. Where is that plant? Promises, promises.
As long as Blackmore is the government official in charge of this project I will have no faith in our geothermal exploration materializing into safe, clean and cheap energy for Dominicans.
It’s best to prepare for the worse-case scenario and this is a key point to consider – these guys have the financial means to take off to parts unknown, and known, when the crap hits the fan leaving all of us behind to deal with the disaster they created. In fact that’s not just geothermal but that goes for everything.
To Desie, bro.the more money that comes into the system, the more money the corrupt will seek to steal. Remember also that the PM and his government MAY have already signed an agreement giving us Dominicans only 5% or thereabouts out of the profits which would be made if this project really gets off the ground. Ask yourself, is it fair that we who have the resource must pay millions to source it or explore it and then other ‘STAKEHOLDERS’ WILL BE TAKING A TOTAL OF 95% OF THE TAKINGS AND OUR COUNTRY WOULD BE RECEIVING ONLY 5% OF IT???????? Wow…….whoever signs that deal on Dominica’s behalf should be, if that is the case, JAILED FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!
It will be less than 5%.
How will be owning the majority shares??
Will it be Government owning 97% of the share or the other way, the investor, whom is mostly non-Dominican investors will be owning 97% of the shares?
LABA PARTY really think we are DOM-IN-A-CAN and not DOMINICANS with their early election strategy… so laughable
the writing on the wall people… meanwhile expect an increase in electricity rates, DOMLEC just sponsor a queen contestant
Stop talking and get on with things! Dominica needs cheaper electricity and needs to export energy. This is one opportunity to get some much needed revenue to commence some much needed investment in an international airport, tourism development and infrastructure. Furthermore we would not be so dependent on the likes of China and Venezuela.
Garçon Marn vex wiff allyou you know, coming here talking all dis Crap to some people who doh know much too much about anything and allyou trying to sell dem a Cat in a bag,,,
How allyou can come trying to make geothermal energy in the guise of better for all involve when allyou just blatantly lying to dem people,,, Dominica Doh have an Electric Grid allyou doh tink dat should be d first ting on d agenda???
If allyou really wanted to make any difference for dem people there are better technologies out there better suited for an instant upgrade to the issues on Dominica at present,,,
Small hydro is the development of hydroelectric power on a scale serving a small community or industrial plant. The definition of a small hydro project varies but a generating capacity of up to 10 megawatts (MW) is generally accepted as the upper limit of what can be termed small hydro.
Stop Lying to dem people nuh and just say what allyou doing there is creating an avenue to sell power to them French Countries utilizing Dominica’s resources while exporting d profits to some foreign Entity,,,
Look how much profits Domlec made according to the Story here and how did those profits helped People-dem???
Marn kinnda skeptical about d whole deal yeh look how dey upgraded them Meters on Homes to collet revenue but the system dat bringing the Power to the House is still on a Substandard third-world level while the means of Charging the Customer is on a Developed-Country’s level,,,
Allyou Doh ready yet Garçon stop selling allyou resources, and peoples short to aid dem Albinos in their unjust enrichment,,,
My fellow D/cans its bout time we wisen up n look towards our future as a people who are self reliant n inndependent natsion. We can’t spend the rest of our lives streaching out our hands to the chines for everything we need. Eventualy they will D/ca if we keep going to them 4 everything. I live in the U.S n eenergy dependence is very high on this county’s agenders so y not D/ca too. However if the leaders of the country refuse to make info bout the project public that’s enough to rais the public ala. When Blackmoor say we should own something am all for it. We have the resources we should harnes it for the betterment of our natsion n not to fatten others already pocket. I hope that this project is 100% owned by D/ca unlike some other companies which are 100% localy made but foring owned. (Belfast/colgate parlmolive who knows where the owner from and our famous kubulie beer is german owned). Bet u never knew that. So let’s do our research n vote yes for energy dependence with transperency. N tell skerit stop sellin D/ca pasport.
Boy which school did you attend?
Why does anyone pay any attention to this man? He just says and does what he pleases.
I like the emphasis in the opening paragraph of DNO.
“DESPITE (i.e., “in spite of, “in defiance of”, “I doh care what they say or think” “to hell wit them” , Go to hell with your concerns” etc) the controversy and discontent which has surfaced recently, with the geothermal project in the Roseau Valley, Mr. Blackmoore, is ADAMANT (i.e., impervious to the pleas of the people, ignores their appeals or request for explanation and justification, remains stubbornly unyielding, obstinate, maintains his arrogance and pigheadedness) that Dominica will be producing and exporting geothermal energy by 2015.
Did someone say “espoise mal papaya” noting the many protracted projects, unfulfilled promises of this government and recalling the statements of the PM in 2008-2009 that the first plant would be producing electricity by 2010 under the infamous West Indies Power?
Lest the people of the Valley be misunderstood, there is general support for the effective, proper, efficient, careful exploitation of the nation’s resources. That is not in question but can we trust this government to convert the challenges into opportunities for the benefit of ALL the people with minor negative impact? No.
In deed, “We have to be at a point where we can own something …. if we can own our small plant, we can move on to the next level—yes. But how do we achieve this Mr. Balckmore with 3-5% royalties? It that how we own something?
Let’s not stretch the joke of the four geothermal experts from various companies around the globe on the island as part of the government belated efforts to allay the fears of Roseau Valley residents.
Does anyone think that experts brought in on quick notice, on first class tickets paid for by the government and with Blackmore breathing over their necks whenever they speak could bring us independent and impartial assessment- without the release of an EIA- which we suspect has not be conducted.
Should we advocate for an independent, outside, professional group to have the truth be told in a fair, honest, professional manner in a separate EIA- one completely divorced from this lying, non-transparent, dishonest government?
Do we trust this government at all to protect us from the negative potential impact of such a project? The people of the Valley (at least those who did not travel to Guadeloupe think not).
We shall not give Mr. Blackmore the advice that he gave Brian on air. However, he is well advised to put the ‘smog” from the Asphalt plant and smoke away that ‘smug’ from his arrogant disposition.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
The plant in Guadeloupe is on the Beach, much different from the BOWELS AT LAUDAT.
If Guadeloupe is producing geothermal power for almost fifty years, why have they not gone into further exploration?
What is so difficult in doing the proper investigative work and come up with the best possible solution?
The Roseau Valley has a very fragile eco-system, any rush is madness.
seeing that Domlec made $20,000,000 plus last yr in profits, in the next 10 yrs i think we should be able to afford our international airport through that geothermal energy thing
Of course. And the PetroCaribe will gas prices down. Wish we all lived in dreamland.
How nuh when dat profit is going to some foreign Entity,,,
Garçon how all you tinking dere nuh,,,
What dat should tell allyou is Dominicans have enough Money to Run a nationalized Electric Company,,,
Tink a little nuh ailass,,,
Don’t be too convinced of that bro! When there is a system infected by corruption, the more money that flows into it, the more that is stolen. The higher the profit, the higher the loss. Besides, if we do infact have a government which has signed or intends to sign an agreement giving the government of Dominica, on behalf of it’s people, only 5% or thereabouts of the profits coming out of this project, we will not be getting much out of it at all!! This is what you get as representation if you permit it………
What would be the benefit of an International Airport to Dominica?
The last published profits for Domlec were announced in April 2012 at E.C.$.7.75 million and relate to the operating year 2011. (see also DNO 27 April, 2012). We do not know yet how much profit Domlec made in 2012, be it more or less than the previous year and to bandy figures about like $20 million is no only inaccurate but highly irresponsible.
how much are they paying them to hide info from dominicans? This government dont give a damn about the people of dominica but ways to fill their pockets.
GOVERNMENT on a whole don’t care bout no one but themselves and close friends and family.
cause i know none of them would not take the job for the minimum wage they paying their people
that’s good backmore… but the health of the citizens has to be taken into deep consideration… and also… i thought we were at the ‘next level’ already… so we aint here yet??? o.k blackie… that term or phrase of ‘next level’ should be thrown at labass… i don’t think dominicans like hearing it… the leader has turned this saying sour….
Well, Mr. Blackmore has made up HIS mind!!!!!!!! And nothing will change it!!!!!!! Mr. Blackmore, why is it that your government has spoken so little to the people. Why is it that you have provided such LIMITED information to date? Why is it that you appear to have no EIA and no intention of making it public if you do have one? Mr. Blackmore, why is it that you say “We have to be at a point where we can own something …. if we can own our small plant we can move on to the next level,” when none of you seem to be willing to tell us what percentage we will actually own and so how much of the PROFIT will belong to the people of Dominica? Why is it that I am under the impression, based on what the PM has said, that the government of Dominica has borrowed money to fund the exploratory stage as every other stake holder was unwilling to take up the burden of that expense, yet it appears that according to the hidden agreement which you all have signed, we will actually only own five percent or thereabouts of the profits at the end of the day???????? If that is the case, well!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WOULD PROVE THAT YOU GUYS ARE SELLING OFF DOMINICA AND THAT YOU GUYS INDIVIDUALLY, MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE SHARES, OWNERSHIP OR OTHERWISE IN THE PRIVATE STAKE HOLDING COMPANIES!!!!!! Can you come clean and tell us the truth please Mr. Blackmore?? Are you capable of doing such a thing???
DOMINICANS TAKE HEED!!!! IF SKERITT IS REMOVED AT ANY POINT, MY GUESS IS THAT THE NEXT IN LINE WILL BE MR. BLACKMORE FOR THE LEADERSHIP POST! IF THAT HAPPENS, YOU MAY FIND THAT YOU ARE IN EVEN DEEPER TROUBLE EH AS HE WILL BE EVEN MORE AUTOCRATIC AND BOLDFACED!!!!!!!!! LOOK OUT!!! LOOK OUT DA……..SORRY FOR MY COUNTRY……….SAD…..
Mr. Minister, you need to put your hand between your legs and make public the EIA report
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnivmc_geothermal-plant-blast_news#.UP3YnCeCl-c
(0108 CR M04)GEOTHERMAL PLANT BLASTDATELINE: Jan. 8, 2012LENGTH: 00:00:22CATEGORY: SOCIETYPICSSix people died and two others were injured in a geothermal plant explosion in north China’s Hebei province on Saturday.The blast occurred in a residential area in the city of Shenzhou.Rescue work was launched right after the accident.An investigation into the cause of the blast is underway.
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Producer : Xinhua News Agency
All types of plants have explosions as your link shows for examples; buildings collapse, boats sink, planes crash but progress moves on.
Do you live in one of the areas where you and your family can possibly be blown into a million pieces? But there you are talking about progress? Easy to say from the safety of wherever you are.
That’s called selection bias. You go digging through tons of information to come up with one scrap of evidence to support the viewpoint that you are already adamant on proving.
Let’s take another approach. Let’s compare the number of successful geothermal ventures with the ones that ended in failure. Let’s take a look at the practises that were employed and the technology that was applied. Now in contrast let’s look at a comparison between successful fossil fuel ventures and those that ended in failure or catastrophe. We compare the results and see which is safer, by comparison. We also take a look at the practises and technology employed in fossil fuel development. Do you know how flammable gas tanks are? Was it not just some time ago that we read about 30 Venezuelans that were killed in an oil plant or drilling site? Everything we do on this earth has risks, especially in the energy development sector. We need not let fear stop us from taking advantage of a resource that could propel us into the future with a fighting chance in the increasingly toughening global economy.
must be in and around ya home on giraudel road u going to drill for it !!!!!
Let us make sure that due diligence is adopted throughout the entire process and that we own this product not West Indes power.
Listen to all concerns adress and investigate all possible side effects leave no stone unturn thats what good Governance is all about, and at the end of the process we will all be happier and richer for it.
Well call me ignorant but with all that being done to educate ppl and address their concerns only speaks towards the transparency of this administration. If another administration comes and is even more open it would have been because of the standards set by this one.
Very well said! The Government has certainly made every effort to inform the people of the Roseau Valley and Dominica on a whole of the advantages and disadvantages associated with geothermal power.
I was hoping it was sooner, but I am hopeful. We will all benifit, every little bit will help.
At present I am paying $300. monthly for running a frige and a little radio or watching tv for about an hour at night. And so are most Dominicans, some even more. Bring it on please!
Electricity is definitely expensive in Dominica, however, like you I pay on average I pay about the same as you say you do. Unlike you I run a refridgerator, Tv plays about 18 hours a day, Washing machine – four times a week; Stereo blast every week end, Iron, lights. I say all this to say that I think you are exaggerating.
Now remarks like they hiding info, persons getting paid to hide info or to support geothermal project is utter nonsense. These remarks are only made by people who have no facts to support their arguements.
Mr. Blackmoore, good luck. When Roosevelt Skerrit signed that agreement with West Indies Power in 2008 he also stated that the the first plant would be up and running by the end of 2010. I believe it when I see it. Just like the road from Pont Case to Hatton Garden!If you think I’m negative I must remind you that you are the guys who said it.