United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Castle Bruce constituency Isaac Baptiste has accused the government of “acting in contravention of the planning laws of Dominica.” with regard to its geothermal development project.
“What is happening in the Roseau Valley is reckless and a threat to life and property in the Valley and in Roseau in general…what is happening in the Roseau Valley is contrary to the law of Dominica,” he said.
Baptiste, a trained and qualified architect told the press that, “the government of Dominica has not sought permission for the work that it is presently under taking in the Valley. Furthermore, the planning authority, because of the nature of the project, is required by law to subject the application for planning permission from the government for public review so that the public can evaluate the project,” he stated.
He explained that the area where the project is being undertaken is filled with volcanic activity and said there is need to prepare to remove residents because the threat is serious and active.
“They have not done the necessary work and or due diligence and are hell bent on proceeding. Almost 60% of the tourism dollar is generated and they are going against the wishes of the people. There is need for ownership, stake ownership of the project. The government is paying a blind eye to what the people are saying,” Baptiste stated.
He continued, “We in the UWP will discontinue this project and undertake the necessary evaluations to make sure before we proceed any further we have the expert knowledge and information. In the meantime, we will undertake studies to make sure that our hydro electricity potential are exploited to meet our electricity needs.”
Meanwhile, another UWP candidate is calling for the government to appoint a management committee to oversea the project. Joseph Isaac, the candidate for the Roseau Central constituency, says the government is moving recklessly with the project and calls for a management committee to be put in place.
“A management approach is being recommended by us the UWP, testing of air, soil testing and more. You need to evaluate the impact and habitat (social) on the people on their livelihood, tourism impact is also critical since that area is a major tourism belt. Immediately suspend mission and put in place oversight committee made of the people not politicians but those with technical expertise hear and abroad all in an effort at the safety of the people,” Isaac said.
LOL May 19, 2014
“Sir one does not just Build an international airport..u sound un-educated. How could this project have been done years ago? Years ago we had no proper infrastructure..”
When I was a kid; just a very little biddy boy, the first parable, or metaphor I head, was “pot is telling the kettle its bottom is black!” I thought of what I heard for a moment, and when I could not figure the riddle out, I ask my grandmother to explain what seems to a riddle to me,; she explained it; I stored what she revel to me in the developing library of my early curiosity, and experience of that day.
And so I am going to exposed you as the uneducated fool you are. You are an idiot who dose not know your orientation, as to whether you are standing on your head or on the sole of your feet. When you think of such nonsensical questions do not address them to me, nor in response to anything that I write, because you do not even know the meaning of the word infrastructure; so just shut your mouth, because you are just another Dominica fool who believes because you can write a few words somebody gave you, you come out laughing out loud at your very stupid ignorant person. The joke is on you idiot!
When yo hear people talking about Infrastructures of a country, they are talking about; the underlying foundation, or basic framework, as of a system or organization. For your information fool the government of Dominica is an organization also. Secondly one can think in terms of the system of public works of a country, state or, and also the resources, as personal buildings, or equipment, required for an activity.
If you were not an idiot you would know that all government buildings, roads hospitals, even churches are all part of the nations infrastructure. An Airport especially an International Airport is also part of the nation Infrastructure, so building an International is actually building the nations infrastructure, any jackass should know that; go and tell your handlers; you nasty poppet I told you!
If you had commonsense you might have said the financial resources was not there to undertake such a project, I would then there it in your face as an insult to inform you that the International was already started, when the Labor Party closed it down, where have you been fool? You are a nobody, okay, so do not even try to challenge me on any comment I make because I will chew you up, and spew out of my mouth, and whip my feet on your residue.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Rip Van Winkle-Baptiste! You just woke up man! Since the day, 3 years and counting, geothermal in the works, now you know it is illegal? I suggest you go back to sleep for another 3 years. When you wake up it will all be over (for your party)
Mr. Issac and Joseph, can you please tell me who is the contractor/s on the project? Have you all even taken some time to inquire as to who are the persons managing the project??
Are you saying the currently is the DLP that is managing the project, then who is the DLP??
Boss for that and other reasons me and my house can NEVER ever vote for all you wicked people, all you would talk the same sheet even if it was OIL or GOLD we had discovered!!!!!!! Where do you expect to get GEOTHERMAL energy ah in a limestone region like SXM?? Is not in volcanic regions you get geothermal?
Just for the record there is no need to panic, the wells are well managed and the Contractors are well trained with many many many years of experience in their field, i know because i took the time to inquire who they were when i heard Athie Martie talk his nonsense!!!!!!
be honest it was Bernard Wiltshire that explained the Planning Laws and the Geothermal Act, so then the UWP candidate makes his comments without acknowledgement of where he gets it from, that is tasteless!!!
Common people. It is either one or the other – clean energy option or the bad energy option. You Choose! There are advantages and disadvantages in everything that we do with regards to development and growth. I am almost certain that an Environmental Impact Assessment was done, if not then one needs to be done. I agree that the community and the general public need to be informed about how the energy will be harnessed with proper care, because this could affect land stability. Your guess is as good as mine. As a result highly skilled workers are needed to entrust with this project.
Let me guess….they only now found this out. Were you asleep all the while? Did you just wake up and hear about drilling in the Roseau Valley? Where were you all the while? SMFH!!
The UWPwee has had years of notice thatthe government was going to begin drilling in the south and in the Roseau Vallley. Yet, it is only now saying “Wait! Hold on…dem fellars doh have Planning permission.”
These UWPwee jokers….when will you all begin to get serious about your role in our political landscape? What are you worth to us, really?
This geothermal issues!!!! Having READ the 505 page Phase 2: Environmental Survey and Impact Assessment of Geothermal Wells Drilling in the Roseau Valley. Environmental Impact Assessment. On first observation one identifies the authors: Olivier Felicite (Environmental engineer), Muriel Iribaren (Landscape engineer), Gaelle Herbert (Environmental engineer), and Pierre Dechamps (GIS cartographic designer) all from Caraibes Environnement Developpement. The noted absence of a geological engineer or Geologist on the team speaks volumes. Furthermore a Google Scholar search of the names mentioned within their respected fields resulted in an almost no match so it would have been interesting to have read some background and current work of the authors particularly within the Geothermal Industry. Why Google Scholar because the latest advances in science and industry are usually published as scientific papers as were peer reviewed by professional colleagues….. for example try the google the following and see result:
ROLE AND MANAGEMENT OF GEOTHERMAL REINJECTION Gudni Axelsson
So whats the difference between Environmental Engineering and Geology Engineering: One is the application of the geologic sciences to engineering practice for the purpose of assuring that the geologic factors affecting the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and adequately provided for. Engineering geologists investigate and provide geologic and geotechnical recommendations, analysis, and design associated with human development. The realm of the engineering geologist is essentially in the area of earth-structure interactions, or investigation of how the earth or earth processes impact human made structures and human activities… while the other (Environmental engineering) is related to the integration of science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment, to provide healthy water, air, and land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate pollution sites.
Furthermore, it is concerned with finding plausible solutions in the field of public health, such as arthropod-borne diseases, implementing law which promote adequate sanitation in urban, rural and recreational areas. It involves waste water management and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, radiation protection, industrial hygiene, environmental sustainability, and public health issues as well as a knowledge of environmental engineering law. It also includes studies on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. Environmental engineers essentially study the effect of technological advances on the environment (google search!!!)
In conclusion the EIA does not address a lot of key issues as it relates to geothermal exploration. A classic example being the use of liquid phase Radio isotopes tracers such as iodide-125 and iodide-131 or steam phase tracers like Fluorinated hydrocarbons such as R-134a and R-23 which are highly important tools in geothermal research, development and resource management, with its role being most significant in reinjection studies. Why.. because tracer tests provide information on the nature and properties of connections, or flow-paths, between reinjection and production wells, connections that control the danger and rate of cooling of the production wells during long-term reinjection of colder fluid. We need independent geologist and expert opinion who know what they talking about and may I say we need them fast!!!!!
For the sake of the argument it is worth mentioning that this gentlemen Gudni Axelsson, referred to in the above post from Anonymous seems to be working for the company that provides consultation to the Geothermal autority in Dominica, i.e. Iceland Geosurvey. At least that is his affilation in the above mentioned paper. Are you saying that these guys do not know what they are doing?
All the talk about emergency evacuation, relocation and other catastrophic events is ridiculous and lacks all sensible support. Why should people need to evacuated or even relocted? There is not a shrowd of evidence to suport that. The debate in Dominica is completely ignorant and totally lacking all sensibility and that is very sad. Why should the utilization of geothermal energy be any different in D/ca than in any other country were similar geological settings prevail? The government has done their best to keep this project on the right path. The initial scientific work was done by highly qualified French geologists and the design of the test wells done in accordance with international standards also by qualified specialists. It amases me why the Dominican people really believe self nominated experts who have all the answears but do not know shit about geothermal and may not even have seen how geothermal resources are harnessed for the benefit of the nation’s people all around the world.
Man go sit in your rocking Chair and relax yourself.
Bunch of down pressers.
you are as bumb as a bat, oh sorry I forgot, a bat has more commonsense than you
I am not politically inclined and have been reading and informing myself on this geothermal project. After having spoken to the Iceland workers on this project, they seem to be of the view that Dominica have not done all the necessary testing needed for the project to continue. They also think that a team from Iceland should be hired to conduct the necessary test instead of the current geologist who has no clue as to what he is doing. I think the geothermal project in indeed a good project, but more should be done, in testing and informing the public.
I concur. That is the prevailing situation. But how do we get the attention of the Government, who is hell-bent on prceeding at all cost? That is the real question.
Whereas the location of residential property should have been considered prior to geothermal exploration in the area, as part of Government, the Department of Planning was well aware of the operation. Why must Government seek permission from Government itself? It appears that developing Dominica $300 million at a time does not sit well with the UWP who have planned to industrialize this country $100 at a time.
“It appears that developing Dominica $300 million at a time does not sit well with the UWP who”
Warrington, that to me is not the issue; the problem is this talking head has chosen the wrong project to criticize. I mean he does not have any scientific knowledge about what hew is talking about. It is politics as usual to him, politicians especially the green ones, need to be careful when they are about to open their mouths. Because what they condemned might well return to haunt them.
Right now the International Airport the Labor Party closed down even before it took shape has long returned to haunt them; I am sure you read recently of the three man delegation which went to China where they hope the Chines will loan the nation money to build what we could of had a long ago.
I am sure you do not wish a repeat of history.
He claims to be an trained architect , nevertheless, he is not even communicating as an architect, so how can one debate about something they do not know?
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Sir one does not just Build an international airport..u sound un-educated. How could this project have been done years ago? Years ago we had no proper infrastructure..such as a good road…a very important thing to an international airport is fast and speedy access to the capital…We still don’t have a hotel that can accommodate the surge in visitors if for example we have the airport and a storm prevent planes from leaving the island..and every transit visitor has to spend two days or a night…Use ur brain..workers never was going to do anything..AND THAT MY FRIEND IS SENSE NOT POLITICS..
CORRECTION: It should read “Putting Dominica in debt $300, million at a time ….”
Not all debts are bad debts and not all loans are good loans..you are one of those that against development..and instead of a solution would rather sit and just say..”it will not work”.
Garcon time for action put all you money where all you mouth is- file an injunction in the courts based on public safety; I am sure a lot of people in and around the valley will support that move. I mean is people life and property we dealing with boy
Skerritt and his DLP Govt. have a lot to answer to the people of Dominica. It’s not the first time that the legal procedures are not adhered to. The Constitution means nothing to the Cabal. Time and time again, we have seen, in our faces, under our noses, things are not done properly. Yet, they do them anyway.
What about the massive millions of $$$$$$ loan, Skerritt signed with a private Chinese concern/financier, for the Chinese business people to build a hotel in Public works area? The matter must be brought to Parliament, discussed and given the OK, before anything could happen.
Skerritt went to China and signed loan anyway. Dominicans have to pay back that huge loan, but the land is not theirs, the hotel is not theirs. The Chinese would own everything from that loan we have to pay back. Jobs back to the Chinese construction workers. $$$$$$$$$$$ back to China in all ways. Clear examples of the Cabal’s Voodoo Economics.
Nothing is wrong with anything wrong in our Dominica. The boomerang effect will hit us hard. Disrespect for law and order? Tearing away the Constitution? Massa day? One man rule? Might is Right? How Long? Not Long!!!!!!!!
Why do you use your opinion to recklessly distort facts and make nonsensical statements displaying a lack of understanding, it only fosters your ignorance, very sad indeed.
When you use the phrase Voodoo Economics to describe how The Government does business with China displays exactly your lack of understanding,when something cannot be understood it is easy to use such phrase rather than make an honest effort to seek the facts. Your last paragraph is all based on your personal belief, that’s all it is, nothing else and has no bearing on the true nature of what is really is going on.
Gary..i feel sorry for people like that..i try not to “lol” dem but they make it so hard..my Dominican People I love all you but stop making me feel embarrass to be a Dominica..Talk with a little more sense and try to make a point…I am not a labor but i want that project to happen..google GEothermal and see the countries that make use of this energy source..and we fighting over what UWP say..They want to create a stir among the ignorant valley people but Valley people need low light bill too..i have been following this project as a student of Science and a Dominica..Let the project go on and stop trying to make people think about Volcanoes..there is alot of ways to mitigate this..and I say MITIGATE..nature is unpredictable..There is no safe place in the entire universe you can dig and dough expect some kind of natural reaction..stop make people afraid of change..After all you sell Domlec all you dough want another option..smH.>
Any political party that with the gut to stop a $54million project because of sheer mischief is worthy of jailing all its members and throwing away the key……
At least say you will continue with reservations but too just STOP the project is badminded and wicked.
Dominicans are listening and watching because they will surely make TEAM LAZY pay for those reckless statements….
I cannot agree with you more $54 million dollars we investing and these workers want us to just throw that away! If them fellars not mad they sure aint far from it and yes team dominica i waiting for all you to blog and call me greedy! Well i know i am not but only want to see a better dominica for my children and the all the children of Dominica. I tired see our people migrate away it is time to return home to good paying jobs and Timothy hurry up give kelvar people more bread let Dr. Ferriera open the New medical school for the west to spring like Possie look krazy getting all saints to expand in grand bay and we waiting for ross and ITT tech to expand into la plaine and londonderry! LABOUR KA TWAVAY
All along my understanding was that there was a feasibility study done by the Government. Let us put politics aside for the moment. Every Government has an obligation to pursue alternative source of energy for it’s nation. Therefore, the DLP should not be an exception. However, if what the UWP is reporting is factual, The DLP will be responsible for any catastrophic occurrence in this area. But again ignorance and arrogance usually supersede commonsense time and time again in Dominica. It is not too late to engage the public in the efficacy of this matter.
Pure bull! The government has taken all the necessary steps. Ask Prevost. You all think by making the government look bad you all will eventually gain power but you are wrong. Guess what, the people are watching and listening and the people are with the government.
mek ayyou chat so much..ayyou sem fu hab the ansa fu al dem projec..wen ayyou go nebba opos subben de govament wan fu du?..zor toe sort.. malesious people ayyou be
Go to hell!
@ SUZY That’s the kind of insult, Skerrit is using his Wicked rule of power over Dominicans to hurl at people like you. You can well undrstand why I WILL NEVER VOTE THEM FELLAS.
This man is just too insultive to the poor people of this country which he has failed.
What have you done for Castle Bruce Mr. Baptiste?????? now elections is around the corner we are once again hearing you for the pass 4 years……….. you were in hibernation………. we though you did not have a voice. Let us know what are your plans for Castle Bruce……… the valley got a Pal Rep and there people can take care of their business.
American Airlines showed a 32 percent improvement in the Latin America and Caribbean region in April, according to new data. Skerrit boy
Are you serious! Is this UWP policy or are you speaking without thinking.? This project is the only new activity in Dominica capable of generating foreign exchange and you want to stop it.
I know the UWP has been out of power for 14 years, but you must stop opposing everything suggested by the Government and selectively challenge government policy that has no value to the country. You must also focus attention on getting Dominica out of the economic mess it is in.
Lennox, please control your prospective candidates.
it’s not what is being done, it’s how it is being done and it’s obvious that it’s being rushed, what happens when some goes wrong? would you care about the money then? our people’s safety comes first
“Tipical uwp” hell bent on hindering progress in Dominica ,this is another attempt like they told Dominicans The venezuelans were building a military base in gimmit, the also tried to stop the airport project ,every country in the world deserves a state house but uwp try their best to stop Da from having one , back in the 80s Mamo( may her soul rest in peace) was working with the us towards getting an international airport again the uwp came up against it they are the reason why up till now we don’t have one, Now as I write the Pm is in china nigociating on the way forward with the construction of an int airport while TEAM UNEMPLOYED are jumping all over the world like chickens without heads.
Skerit actualy selling our country, that’s all he is doing
skerit are selling our country, that’s all he is doing
What you mean by Skeritt Selling your country? You probably don’t even know what that means..why? cuz it is a stupid statement make by ignorant people..sellin a country?..smH>>you embarassing me..
Mr Baptiste and Mr Isaac your efforts will not have any effect unless the people of the valley get actively involved. Mr Skeritt has no regards not even for his ministers so your efforts will not move him.
Just Look at Mr Skeritt at the St Jo rally when The guy irie biggy started singing.Mr Skeritt suddenly gets up from his seat demanding that blackmore get up and move around.
Mr Skeritt gone to China to negotiate for airport without any consultation or discussion with the people Dominica.So as long as people do not take a stand, we take what we get.
Please stop the political crap, for renewable energy geothermal is good for Dominica.. Please stop scaring the people of the surrounding neighborhood… We all know Dominica is a volcanic country,” by drilling the Wells it will help to vent the buildup of pressure in the area…
Hmmm bunch of jokers why don’t you all people don’t want development for Dominica? Now the experts that did the evaluation didn’t take the effect on the environment into consideration? All you just want to make news.stuuupes
UWP stop killing yourself, Roads not good, State house not good, Stadium not good. Chease from goat milk and perfume from vew ti vew is ok. Pls Pls Pls.
“Baptiste, a trained and qualified architect told the press that, “the government of Dominica has not sought permission for the work that it is presently under taking in the Valley.”
Here we go again: it is a good thing I am not one of those people who bind my loyalty to any one political party; that is the beauty of remaining nonpartisan, hence I can operate on my very own terms and accord. Therefore when I read the nonsensical thoughts of people like this guy, I am free to comment in any way I deem fit! At first glance of the Headlines, I thought I was going to read some sort of scientific comments relating to geothermal energy: I did not anticipate reading the crap this man is babbling about.
The problem in Dominica is this, as soon as someone say they are trained in something, they believe that gives them the absolute authority over everything, people should not pretend to know about things that they do not know about, in doing so many of us make ourselves look stupid as in this particular case. Here you are claiming to be some “trained and qualified architect.” One who is trained to design buildings, and advise in their construction, you are supposed to be a person who designs, and guides a plan or undertaking of buildings.
You are not even an , Architectural Building Engineering; you are not a structural engineer; so what qualifies you to attack the Geothermal Engineering feature which is taking place in the Roseau Valley? I am aware that the present government has made some very bad decisions in our country, some which have damaged the country, however, I would hope that you are not suggesting that the Engineers involved in the drilling, of the wells are incompetent, and you who are supposed to be, an apprentice architect is much more capable than those who may have an Engineering degree in the field of which they are functioning?
You sound ridiculous; if you are a hopeful, you had better have a better program to present to the people of the constituency you hope to represent, I have never heard of you before today when I read your name on DNO, it is sad, nevertheless, I must inform you that you have not said anything captivating here; nothing you said impressed me that if I was a resident of Castle Bruce would cause me to commit my vote to you.
Finally, first impression can make, or break an individual, perhaps you should concentrate on making yourself a little bit more presentable, and find something more, constructive; more important to talk about that will attract people to your program, or that of the UWP, as of this moment, you have failed!
And if you are a trained Architect, what happen to your business why are you not practicing the skills of your trade?
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
More nonsense talks from UWP again! I am convinced that UWP does not deserve any attention or be taken seriously in Dominica’s politics or development.
@Sick &Tired You are obviously brainless. UWP does not deserve attention, yet still yopu pay attention to them by blogging. No wonder Skerrit is looking at people like you who cannot think like his puppets and slaves. Anything he says people like you agrees because you are empty. YOU HAVE A HEAD WITH NO BRAIN. If Skerrit says tomorrow he is going to stop the project, right away you say the project should be stopped. Are you a slave?
Mr. Baptiste as speaking as an individual who once headed the Planning Division. He was not challenging the government on an engineering basis but as a planner. Didn’t you take your time to read he third paragraph? You are the one sir who seem to be suggesting that he is challenging the government o engineering issues which if one reads WELL enough would see that this is not true. I think you are good critic but at times you do it without clear objectivity. For example, does one have to be an Architectural Building Engineer or Geologist or Geothermal Engineer to know that some sort plan is needed if there is a need for evacuating or relocating the residents? And sir trust me Mr. Baptiste has done and is still doing much for the Castle Bruce people and Dominica by extension. He owns an operate an architect business in Roseau called Baptiste and Associates as well as A three million dollar resort called Sunrise Farm Cottages located at Castle Bruce. The next time you are home do book a night or two there.
Continue writing sir your contributions always arouse some interest.
jumping on another man wagon..you loving baptiste man..Bapiste should shut his mouth he is a hotel owner not an engineer or he not no project manager…he have no idea of what was given to Government..and you talking about evacuation..we have Disaster Centers in Dominica and in Castle Bruce….A volcano like any other natural Disaster will be handled like how we handle all our Natural Disasters..We stay focus on the areas and we execute when we see surges..what master plan you want to evacuate for Volcano.>your idiot..If the grounds at castle bruce become unstable wait for Skeritt to send plane for you…You think Montserrat had plan..they stay focus on danger areas and was ready to handle it when it happen..You think New Orleans didn’t have plan for disaster before Katrina.? We all have our plans…But all you want skeritt to say “in the event of a Volcano I am sending a Plane to the East”..bunch of jokers..What do people from the East do when we have a Disaster..We do what needs to be Done..
DNO….you all are so biased…..Your heading should read something like “UWP candidate says government geothermal project said to be in contravention of planning laws” , instead you all put “government geothermal project said to be in contravention of planning laws”
What happened to Grand Pa????
Really guys!! Don’t throw away the little surport that you all are getting by talking all these nonsense. This is a great project that should and must continue. Are you coming to kill the little progress in place or to build on it? You guys toung are to loose and just saying anything. People will not trust you guys if you continue like this.
Here we go again. Another loud mouth
Garco stop wasting time file an injunction on behalf of the people and stop the project; put all you money where all u mouth is I am sure a lot of people wiill pledge support.
Oh how i love this team of loving and caring men and women in Team Dominica (UWP). Remember it was Skerrit himself who said to the world: “No Law No Constitution Can Stop Me From Doing What I Have To Do”….So it’s no wonder that this project is being undertaken in such a reckless manner, with NO REGARDS TO LIFE.
I fully endorse the position taken by this RESPIONSIBLE TEAM (UWP). THANK YOU MISTE BAPTISTE!
HOW LONG?
NOT LONG!
Oh please! really?
Safety FIRST!! The people FIRST!!! Human life is beyond politics. Please STOP this operation and do the necessary due diligence.
DLP don care. IS money, is power they don’t want to give up. Anything that sounds like they can fool the people they in for it. This is not even DLP, this is SLDP (Skerrit Lazy Dangerous Party).
waits for dlp supporters to run their mouth…….it’s until something serious happens that these people will take action, i hope they take the advise that was given due to the seriousness of the situation …..there are alot of risks involved and the dlp is rushing the project so they can use it for their own personal gain