Govt targets 17% reduction in transport greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Traffic pile up near Massacre

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, has identified the transportation sector in Dominica as the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in this country.

Lockhart-Hypolite who represented Tourism Minister Denise Charles made that statement while delivering remarks, earlier this week, at a Low Carbon Transport National Consultation which, according to her, is part of a strategy to attain climate resilience in Dominica by working towards the reduction of emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHG).

The project was delivered with the partnership of Gutter Consulting and made possible through the financial support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The consultation was organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Planning, Resilience and Sustainable Development with the aim of examining the feasibility of the following low carbon transport modalities: Options for Non- Motorized Vehicles/ Transit Oriented Development and micro mobility schemes, including shared mobility e.g. electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric motorcycles.

“The transportation sector in the Commonwealth of Dominica is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases as identified in the Dominica’s Second National Communication submitted in 2014 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).” Lockhart-Hypolite said. “Among other things, the National Communications measures emissions by each sector in the country, and develops measurable targets for reductions in these emissions.”

Noting that not only is the transport sector the largest GHG emission source but that it is also growing, she revealed that the government has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions via targets that are encapsulated in Dominica’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the global effort at the reduction of greenhouse gases.

The current target is to reduce GHG emissions from the transport sector by 17% relative to 2014.

“Therefore partners and stakeholders, the implementation of a national low carbon transportation system will allow Dominica to achieve its stated commitments to the UNFCCC by 2030,” she said.

However,  in addition to achieving its GHG reduction commitment to the UNFCCC, Lockhart-Hypolite says the GOCD sees obtaining these targets strategically, as a transformational development initiative allowing for “significant reduction of fossil fuel import bill, enhancing economic self-reliance, fostering the growth of domestic renewable energy industries in the areas of PV solar and geothermal development,  and supporting industrial production in hydrogen for use in maritime and other industrial applications.”

“For these rather compelling reasons,” the Parliamentary Secretary said, “I’m lending strong support to this project, on behalf of my Ministry and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.”

Meantime, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Planning , Gregory Riviere pointed to another goal of the project which is to transform the national transportation sector from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“Just over one week ago, we brought a group of stakeholders together on a groundbreaking climate finance project with tremendous capacity for the transformation of this country via intended interventions in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, waste management, aquaculture, and nature based solutions to negate impacts of climate change,” he said. “Here we are today again gathered  to launch another project. However, the explicit aim in this instance is the transformation of our national transportation sector from fossil fuel to renewable energy.”

However Riviere pointed out that  with regard to this specific project, a viable and sustainable national low carbon transportation system (one which includes the various transportation modalities; that is non-motorized, motorized, public transportation, cargo transport, private vehicles, vessels, ships, fishing boats and yachts, has to be based on sound analysis of relevant data, economic and financial modeling and in-country capacity building, which this project will deliver.

“Since some of the deliverables from this project will include reports and financial modeling scenarios for select transportation modalities. These will present investment opportunities for our local private sector partners,” he stated.

He said the Government has removed all vat and duties on the importation of electric vehicles and through my Ministry, financing options for climate resilience investments is available as a result of strategic arrangement with our international partners.

Direct beneficiaries of the readiness support are government institutions and private sector actors and other stakeholders involved in transport policies and transport services through improved knowledge on options, policies and business models for low-carbon transport.

When the project is implemented there will be a wider net of beneficiaries.

Air quality is a public good and improving air quality through low-emission transport systems improves the health and well-being of all citizens. Reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports also improves the resilience of the country towards external shocks and fuel delivery disruptions.

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17 Comments

  1. Just saying
    October 13, 2021

    It makes no sense to purchase an electric vehicle, just to skyrocket your electric bill. Becoming self-reliance sound all well and good till we realize that, a lot of different facts across multiple sectors have to align. What I would love to see is the government actively seek to dismantle the monopoly that Domlec has on the National Electrical Grid on the island. Solar equipment cost/Kw is dropping around the world. Domlec’s arbitrary procedure makes it a nightmare for the common man to successfully commissioning and operating a grid-tied or ac-coupled system in Dominica.
    A well marketed/implemented reduction, elimination or ANY kind of incentive where custom duties on solar equipment is concerned, would do wonders indeed.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 13, 2021

      Even if you utilize solar panels, you still need DOMLEC, you must retain that service since your panels must be connected to some form of electricity generating system.

      Remember your Solar Panels only produce electricity in the daytime when the sun is shining; on a cloudy day it produces very little current; I can tell you about that; I live in Southern California, I have not paid one dime to Edison for a long time.

      As a matter of fact they owe me money which I will collect at the end of the year; it is interesting to note that if I get a bill, it is usually between $6- $12.00 dollars per month; that is at my Smart House, in other houses I own even if I do not go there regularly, my monthly bill will exceed $75 dollars per month; with only a refrigerator running, and security lights at night.

      Every Motor Vehicle in about two years will be electric; cannot be avoided!

  2. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 13, 2021

    Somebody need to that boy to shut up!
    One very important way to reduce greenhouse gas emission is by way of limiting energy consumption. Energy used in many of its form comes along with negative externality of releasing greenhouse in the atmosphere.

    The major offenders of releasing greenhouse gases are from a relatively small amount of countries; such China, the United States, Canada, and some nations that make up the European Union; and Russia.

    The activities that causes greenhouse gas emission, are Carbon Dioxide “CO 2” which enters the air the burning of fossil, such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum; and methane gas CH4 released during the creation and transportation of natural gas coal and petroleum; and also nitrous Oxide (N20.
    So this 17% squat doodle this Dominica boy is talking is simply nonsensical wishful thing, perhaps he intends stop cars from running; and shut down the electricity power plant to accomplish his insignificant goal!

  3. Ibo France
    October 12, 2021

    From the ruling regime’s history of broken promises, it is unfathomable that any sane or intelligent citizen would give credence to the pronouncements of this dishonest group of habitual liars.

    There would be greater not less air pollution in the near future. The economy is collapsing. Unemployment is escalating. Only the government ministers and the few elites are financially capable of purchasing electric or low emission vehicles. Most Dominicans can only buy used vehicles. These not only emit loads of contaminants in the atmosphere but litter the landscape of the island as abandoned derelicts.

    Dominica! A place where much is promised and too little is delivered.

  4. Quick Quack
    October 12, 2021

    Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the month of October and traditionally, we use this month to frame up fake stories in a convincing way and we call such stories ‘Tim Tim Bwa Shesh’ or Messier Quick and the audience answers Messier Quack! So Chikira just gave us her TimTim Bwa shesh so let me give you mine now.

    Messier Quick Messier Quack! A pakistani University to replace Ross and the old covid center. Messier quick! Imagine a university in Dominica with Pakistani and Taliban students, hopefully Saudi Arabians will not be attending that school. Messier quick Quack! So with Pakistanis and Talibans in Dominica come December 8, American Airlines will also be flying nonstop from Miami to Dominica Messier Quick! Boy now I scared to fly to Dominica. Messier Quick Quack! I wonder if they will be giving lessons on how to fly jets to the US, like that school in Florida where those 911 pilots were trained. Chikara that started that quick quack so I just had to give mine too. Its not real

  5. Quick Quack
    October 12, 2021

    So Chakira since we in the season for ‘ Tim Tim bwa shesh’ and i can tell you in that mood, what about telling us a coute on the university of Pakistan that replacing the Ross Covid center and how that new university will help us save 25% reduction in gas greenhouse by 2022?

  6. Frank Lee
    October 12, 2021

    What a joke. Dominica has no major industry and is less than a spec of dust in the globaL carbon fraud anyway.

    Nonetheless how about fixing th hydro plant that was destroyed after Maria. That’s seems like a no brainer

    Oh yeah grow some and stop obeying the world bs ers.

  7. Jonathan Y St Jean
    October 12, 2021

    I had a good chuckle recently when a “clown” on DNO was pointing to a statistic that there are about 34,000 vehicles in Dominca as a sign of the stellar leadership of Skerritt and the Labour Party. What came to my mind is how short sighted this claim to fame is. This boils down to approximately one vehicle per every two persons in the country. The net result is greater pollution and congestion. As the nature isle that can’t be a good thing. Not only is there more air pollution, but what about the effects of derelict vehicles and discarded tyres, oil and other associated things. The high amount of these things are not making Dominca more natural but more polluted. Also the amount of time spent in traffic on the narrow roads are not leading to increased productivity. How about public/private sector collaboration to have efficient public transportation to reduce the number of vehicles. This will benefit the environment and the people thus the economy will greatly benefit.

  8. My Take
    October 12, 2021

    It’s a good idea to reduce emissions but there are many other issues to consider. Who will be driving these electric bicycles and scooters? Will the roads be marked out for them to have a designated lane? What about these vehicles racing on roads in quiet neighbourhoods posing a danger and nuisance to people? Will there be road policing on a 7-day 24-hour basis? There are vehicular accidents in Dominica everyday with 4-wheeled vehicles. Add to that these two wheeled vehicles racing in and out of traffic on narrow roads at top speed. I foresee many more accidents and a more unpleasant driving experience. Has any thought been given to having the current buses on the roads changed to electric vehicles? Or having cars replaced with electric vehicles? Whatever is selected as the best option, I hope that safety, respect, and road courtesy are among the top priorities being considered by authorities.

  9. Tt
    October 12, 2021

    Roll two dice the number that comes out add 5. 6 + 6 + 5 ahh tell them 17%.

    For what? The pollution created in the tiny island is a fraction of what’s creates in 1 u.s cattle ranch.

  10. Mike
    October 12, 2021

    If the transportation sector is the largest generator of greenhouse gases in Dominica then power generation by Domlec comes in a close second with those massive diesel engines running 24/7. That mean Dominica can easily and quickly cut its emission by 30% to 40% by simply using geothermal for power Generation, so the question is why after 10 years and 100 million dollars why not 1 watt of geothermal power have been produced. It looks like Geothermal project just another laundry mart between Skeritt and the Bajans project managers and consultants not unlike all the shinny new health centers built all over Dominica that no body uses.

  11. Ibo France
    October 11, 2021

    The ministers and the top level civil servants of the Skerrit- DLP led authoritarian concoction of rogues, morons and miscreants are some of the very best artists in the world. They paint the most fanciful pictures of the future of Dominica.

    Here are just a few of their fantastic paintings: *International airport *Geothermal energy *First climate resilient country * Best cruise ship village

    With such a discredited record, for these people to still think that their promises are credible, it’s conspicuously clear that they have absolutely no respect for the intelligence of Dominicans.

  12. B
    October 11, 2021

    Carbon testing for relicensing of vehicles and qualifying for road use is the factor lost in between Flinstones and the Jetsons. A leap nullified by the construction of jet fuel fumed but eco friendly environment, where the pollution shifts from where money is lowest, to where the stage is set for a greater $ impact. Both jets and cars will eventually evolve, but to effect a radical change would first involve disqualifying non-complacent vehicles from the rush hour traffic train. Modern non electric vehicles, more suited to our mountainous terrain in power, will meet emissions standards once enforced. Public transport as it stands is unreliable, subjected to judgment calls as to whether the bus driver wants to haul based on customer flow. Inconveniences will arise when you jump steps too quickly. As sincere an obviously palletable solution to continue politics, a practical awareness of efficiency, practicality, cultural and social impact should be assessed to determine overall outcome.

  13. Gary
    October 11, 2021

    I would like to ask the Minister 17% of what number as it regards to greenhouse gas. The Minister should focus on stopping deforestation, and protecting our Rivers, preventing land erosion and mud slides. The Revitalization of Roseau should include the planting of more trees in Roseau, make Roseau a Green City, where are flamboyant trees, start planting them again. The Vehicles that are being imported now are getting better and better in terms of fuel emission due to technology. Make by laws cutting down unnecessary idling of Vehicles in Roseau, it’s nice to talk about more electric cars, but do we have the infrastructure in place to have such cars. Priority right now should be the construction of the
    Geothermal Plant.

  14. Joke I joking
    October 11, 2021

    So indirectly Chikira has seen gas prices will be so high in Dominica that she knows people will have to park their cars? So Chikira why is pweepwee not included in your vision since it doesn’t use gas? Gason we so damn pwee in Dominica that we should evenn think of renaming Dominica Pweepwee

  15. Me Deba
    October 11, 2021

    Stupes tan. The same woman that told Dominicans to use pwee pwee, bwaflow, backdoor to come and vote and a year later they charging people for using boat to run to safety, when they were in real trouble? Chekira doesn’t even know what she talking about. I wouldn’t be surprised is a speech she read or heard from a real country and she came with that foolishness

    • Outside Looking In
      October 13, 2021

      You are 100% correct about Domlec. They have done everything they can to not accept power from private citizens with excess solar power.

      They conspire to keep there monopoly. A goverment with any vision or b…s would mandate They accept solar generated power and mandate they pay a fair price for it.

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