Residents of Laudat are taking their concerns about the geothermal project in their area to other residents of the Roseau Valley at a meeting in Trafalgar on Thursday night.
Alfred Rolle is a member of a steering committee which was set up to seek information on the geothermal activity and to initially present it to the community of Laudat and other communities in the Roseau Valley.
He says though a meeting which was held in Laudat on Monday night was intended for the people of Laudat who were directly affected by the project, he was surprised by the huge turn out. “Due to the massive turn out and the information that was disseminated, it look like it is taking a different trend…the mere fact that all the information was not presented and certain information is being presented that should have been a long time ago, the people are seeing the project now at a different light..most of them are saying no to the project as a result,” he said.
Laudat residents say among their concerns are fumes emanating from the drilling area, the possible relocation of some residents and the likelihood that the water in the area could be contaminated.
Rolle says the sensitization of Roseau Valley residents aboout the dangers of the geothermal project will continue at Thursday’s meeting in Trafalgar. “We’ll be presenting a video of personal comments from individuals from Hawaii who lived around a geothermal, you know, project…….comments of people who are really affected, this is what we are bringing to the communities,” he pointed out.
He says the people of Laudat were “‘100 percent behind the project but were never informed of the dangers of the project”, and contends that it may be somewhat difficult now “to reverse their current position. I believe that the government right now, they would really have to get on the ground and for us to have some serious dialogue ASAP.”
Meanwhile the Minister for Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore, in a statement made available to Dominica News Online on Wednesday afternoon, outlines various aspects of government’s environmental focus in undertaking the geothermal project. These included a 2009 surface investigation study for determining Dominica’s geothermal potential and an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) conducted by the EIA firm, CARAÏBES ENVIRONNEMENT, whose main purpose was to assist in setting up the organization and controls regarding the environmental prevention and risk mitigating measures before and during the execution of the Exploratory Drilling Project.
Blackmoore points out in the statement that during the conduct of the EIA, along with other government agencies, the villagers of the communities of Fond Canie, Trafalgar, Wotten Waven and Laudat all assisted CARAÏBES ENVIRONNEMENT in one way or another in carrying out the assessment and with data gathering.
“Furthermore, having undertaken the successful execution of the exploratory geothermal wells drilling without any harm to the physical, natural and human environment it is indeed a practical demonstration of Government’s profound interest and commitment to the adoption of sound standards and best practices in harnessing our geothermal resource potential,” the Minister says in his statement.
He gives the assurance that community consultation and public awareness sessions are scheduled for continuation. “Town-hall style discussions shall convene within the third week of January 2013 during which time officials of the consulting firm, CARAÏBES ENVIRONNEMENT who undertook the EIA Study, members of the ISOR firm who did the well testing and environmental monitoring, officials of the GRG team who executed the supervision of the drilling and environmental monitoring and members of the Technical Assistance consultant, ELC who performed the compliance and verification shall be in attendance at this next session”. says Minister Blackmoore.
I also wonder what are the motives from Alfred Rolle? Was he not a candidate for the Roseau Valley under the Labor Flag?
When these guys don’t get something they are asking for they turn.
Too many turn coats for me pal.
Everyone should do their research on the impact of this Project instead of listening of folks complaining on what’s wrong and what’s right.
Like other forms of renewable energy, geothermal power produces little or no carbon dioxide.
https://www.nvenergy.com/renewablesenvironment/renewables/geothermal.cfm
http://www.economist.com/node/16909897
Collins and his geothermal NEEDS to gooooooooooooO!!!*lazy minister*!!!!!
Domlec made 7.5 million dollars profit in one year. Outrageously high price due to greed. The way to reduce cost of electricity is not to endanger the land but put a cap on prices.
Laudat people stand up strong .This is serious.dont let this happen.If u all love your village your kids Laudat is a beautiful village and if u all go for it we all is going to regret.dont be brain wash by them and the goverment.goverment is geting his $$$$$$$$$$$ .
I also wonder what are the motives from Alfred Rolle? Was he not a candidate for the Roseau Valley under the Labor Flag?
When these guys don’t get something they are asking for they turn.
Too many turn coats for me pal.
I am not surprised by the comments against this project. Some people will never support this, no matter what you say even if your evidence is concrete. What I will say is that Dominicans are not alone, as in the US they say some really stupid things. People on Social Security saying that they don’t want Socialism….Social-ism & Social Security ……
As Mark Twain wrote, “I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning Religion and Politics – A man’s reasoning powers are not above the Monkey’s”
Thumbs up.
Lol But dem comments their turn to story book man ?……i dont like reading too much people.
then stay in you ignorant hole
Mark Twain’s ignorant? Well I am surprised by that. I suppose I shouldn’t be.
i live on st croix for many years and every development project that is proposed for the island is turn down by the locals, now that the refinery short their doors . we are their eating our and crying,DOM-IN -THE CANS please don,t make the same mistake. people from the vally remenber if our volcano don,t let off fumes you all die, say thanks for the release valves.
What are you talking about? Do you really know? Go read the facts about the refinery and fines levied by the EPA. Find out the damages, health issues and water contamination etc, etc.
did yo take time and research about the negative impact it might have.. for me, it would not be a problem if they put it in grandbay..
who tell all you is the environmental impact the people of laudat worried about??? They more worried about government acquiring the land that they dont have titles for which in fact is crown land. Some of them took all the crown land for themselves and want to sell it even for their own family members. They dont have titles for the land so they are afraid for government to take it. I am from Laudat.
Too many of us want our own “Red Clinic” something for nothing we want development but dont want to pay the price. We want an international airport but not the tax increase to pay for it. Cheaper electricity but not the infrastructure to pay for it… In this world nothing is free.
Dominica needs to remain in the dark ages it appears. With every energy source there are risks and rewards. w1ith the daming of rivers for hydro electricity there are inherent risks. cracked dams lead to severe floods1, the ecology of rhe river is destroyed since the various species may not be able to go upstream to spawn if they need to. with solar the panels contain various toxic materials that are not quite eco friendly. wind farms take up vast amounts of land and pose risks to birds and other wildlife how much of our forests are we willing to cut down or how many of us would love to see towering s1tructures sticking out all over our national parks and forests. where do we propose setting up such wind farms. we all know the consequences of fossil fuels. so what are we to do. in order for development to take place sacrifices are to be made. Risk and rewards are to be carefully wheighed. unfortunately in Dominica the actual risk/ reward is not taken into consieration but only the political factors are discussed. The government looks at how it will make them look good and the opposition looks at how to bring down the government. This has been the case throughout the decades and the possibility of changing remains small. as with everything else in Dominica this may be a consequence of such a small population that is highly polarised. there needs to be a significant shift in the mentalities of dominicans if this island is to move forward.
Dominica needs to remain in the dark ages it appears. With every energy source there are risks and rewards.
untrue statement, can you give the risk which will make our lives hell if we install wind turbines and solar panels?
Some of you well complain as well. Like I said before the solar panels are not as green as you might think and their exorbitant costs to generate way less than 50% is something which most of us would be willing to bear. Next question to you how many wind turbines would you want humming near your home. The high cost of the turbines as well as the high maintenance as well as all of the harmful oils used are also drawbacks of this technology. Think that could lead to Pollution? Need anything else
And please name one energy source with no risk since my first statement was untrue….
I hope that legitimate concerns raised by residents will be addressed by the government. However, raising concrerns about the project is not sufficient reason to discontinue it. We must understand that there are risks and environmental impact with everything that we do. While that environmental impact must be minimized, development of the island must continue in earnest.
My guess is, we will never have a jet airport either, because a significant number of trees will be lost in the process. Additionally, extensive land excavation and construction must take place to complete such a project.
What really works:
Water by DFP did not work. Electricity costs still high
Petro caribe did not work. Electricity costs still high
Melville hall upgrade did not work: No extra traffic
Passport investment: DPF UWP DLP only scandal after scandal and travel restrictions by developed countries
so what will make geothermal work. Where is Fontaine, Athie, Gabriel, washay, pl explain what you would have done differently.
the DFP water project did work, with just the small plants in trafalgar it is producing 40 percent of the countries electricity….
just imagine if all major rivers had an electricity hydo dam instead of all that valuable water flowing to the sea.
i wonder how this geothermal project will affect all the lands that the rolles own in laudat.hmmmmmm me aslef dont want anybody pretending to fight laudat people battle when is really use they want to use us to fight their battle.
Stop making greedy conniving “White slave masters” manipulate your minds and keep u thinking mediocre black people! They come with their video making all kinds of atrocious claims because they dont want to see black man prosper and rise. They make you abandon your resources so that they can exploit it themselves while they laugh at your stupidity.
Educate yourselves and embrace your geothermal project Laudat! Just imagine how much wealthier a community you will be. Your children and grandkids will be much better off financially. Either do that or stay and wallow in the poverty of ignorance that the white slave masters have held you in…
Nothing is more ignorant than bringing hundreds of years old race hatred into a discussion. Seen any slave masters around lately? The company that controls DOMLEC is from Nova Scotia. Lots of black people there right? The drilling experts from Iceland. Whole lot of black folks there. Some people concerned about the health hazards for the people living near the proposed plant sites. Now there ARE black people there. And their water could be contaminated with poisons . And their air could be full of poisonous particles. Who wins? Who loses. Just have a look at the video of the people of Puna, Hawaii. They don’t look too happy about the geo-thermal plant in their neighborhood.
What is manifested in the Hawaii video is the so called “not in my back-yard policy”. The affected people try to dig up everything they can to support their cause, mostly health issues, to halt the progress or drive the devellopers away. But, they would probably also settle for a handsome compensation.
is that you calling mental slavery, misleading about white man and greed, i would more call this statement racist and political prostitution for personal gain. but the lord said he will destroy those who will try and destroy the earth…..
You have nothing better to say? White people not even studying all you, but you just there talking crap. SMH….
I thought the issue was the impact the drilling would have on the environment. Why are you know bringing up the issue of race and slavery. Is it not the govt (no white people, sorry u can’t blame them this time) who decides if the drilling will take place or not.
You have a serious chip on your shoulder having a attitude like that cant be heathly, so toxic .
Now if the Government chose to develop the geothermal resources which clearly exists in the town of Portsmouth fist, they would have cried politics, why undertake gothermal production in Portsmouth when there is resource in the valley.
This setup looks amateurish, more like some hill billy making moonshine in the back woods.
them boys fraid the north and especiallt that MORNE DIABLOTINS(The Devil’s Mountain) and MORNE AU DIABLES ( The Mountain of the Devils)… so no geothermal in the bosom of the north…lol
Every single form of development has side effects – positive and negative. I think that the people of the valley – of which I am one – should not blow this out of propotion. Geothermal energy could serve as a turning point for dominica – let us hope that this government is not dragging their feet and that the process will be done openly and transparently.
We have to be careful here. We must not attempt to jeopardise a project that holds much benefit for Dominica with misinformation and exaggerations. Let us be clear headed and judicious about this. Let us look at all the issues, the pros and cons, with soberness and what’s in the best interest of Dominica.
Why the villagers not look at the success stories of Iceland, or France or Germany??
Everytime something good is in the pipeline for Dominica some bright person with absolutely no knowledge have to try to block the pipe…. Why??
Are you trying to compare Germany, France and Iceland to Dominica? France one time ruler of the earth and Germany almost concurring it? Let me break it down for you. Dominica-A-Island-Germany-A-Country…. If a volcano were to erupt on your tiny bite size island the pyroclastic Flow(fast-moving current of hot gas and rock)alone would engulf the entire island, killing everyone. Not Germany or France because they have a larger Mass.
It’s not rocket science Joe, It’s common sense…
So because the residents of the area never used the internet and did their research and relied on what was being told to them they should sit back and die for the project to continue ? Is that what you are saying ? If there are indeed negative impacts of geothermal energy it should have been the first thing brought out in the meetings held with the people and explained to them if they were not true. People could ask questions and then do their own research, it is unfair to these people and to every Dominican if that is not what was done. We, every Dominican has the right to know especially those who are being directly affected now and will be in the many many years to come when the ‘so called’ profits are being made by outsiders. It is unfair to these people for others to sit down and shout development when they either don’t live in Dominica or are not in the area. Let these people deal with the issue and get the answers they need for their peace of mind.
As someone who attended these meetings its untrue of the said committee to say that they were not informed of any negative side effects which could occur.. Lies lies n more lies…smh
To those who are politically savvy – I think it would be best to move the Geothermal plant to Vielle Case.
The entire island is volcanic so maybe they will find some hot soouce up that way.
Good luck.
That is the best Calypso for the year…Road March
You are right about one thing. All of Dominica is full of hot air!
I was think why not Penville, but I think it may have to do with the water basin. You need to be very close to a water source to pump water into the ground which turns the heat into steam
Dominica should focus on exporting water and other natural resource instead of distorying them. there is enough wind and solar potential in Dominica. no need to dig into the ground and cause risk of widespread pollution.
In the next 50 years water will be the new oil. Dominica has a lot. Please don’t waste it.
French zionist want to see the distruction of domnica. Why don’t they build it in there own back yard??
Great post. Water is the next big thing in a few years. Dominicans open up ur eyes
So explain to us why a bottle of water can be bought cheaper in New York or London (or even St. Lucia or Trinidad) than our own local water, bottled here in Dominica?
you cannot export wind and the sun. And geothermal resource is a renewable resource
Affie should be the best person to educate Dominicans about all the monies to be derived from water. Guess Affie don’t like money, because he is sitting on a License to export water since 2010.
Come on Affie, it’s 3 years now, show us all the monies you have made from that license? Show us all the “streets of gold” you said Dominica would get from the sale of its water.
bring it portsmouth ,,we will surely accept it..bring a refinery possie too…everyting those mules dont want bring it portsmouth ..please skeritt..leave dem people in there bush ,,lets develop our area..leave dem in there bush, mud,we love to work in possie ,we love development in possie,we know life in possie,,an dem hear dem cry it dho hav work it dho hav noting…bunch of…leave dem people in d bush let dem enjoy there bush,break 2 coconut an a fig ,all young man go by river an cook food an smoke weed..life sweet ..nature island,
Stupes. You love to work hard, gun slinging capital of Dominica where all your young men are on the street corner selling drugs? Give me a break.
ENGLISH, DO YOU SPEAK IT?!?! I don’t agree with your sentiment, but I could not fully understand what the heck you said because it wasn’t fully in ENGLISH! I don’t expect for us all to agree, but there is no reason why you can’t voice your opinion in ENGLISH!
SAd to hear about this situation. I commend the people who are trying to bring awareness to their neighbours and community about this issue. This should in no way be political. I am one who definitely does NOT support the ruling party however this is not a political isssue. The Government now has to do their part and educate the people, take their concerns into consideration, meet with them everyday if needs be and get this matter settled in the best interest of DOMINICA AND DOMIINICANS on a whole. I cannot see why anyone would think that these people or anyone would oppose this project for political reasons. These people have genuine concerns that they need addressed, the lives and health of themselves and their family and their entire community, our tiny island is at stake. They need to be heard. The Government needs to be heard as well and all the experts. let’s do this right people. This is education for us all, because until now like a lot of other people I never knew there were negative effects to geothermal energy. Now I know and we know, we need to find out what is best for us as a people and a nation. HEALTH AND LIFE IS WHAT MATTERS.
In the name of transparency and good governance, the Government should have a massive public relations and information campaign to inform the Dominican populace as to exactly what is going on in Laudat, without clear and unambiguous communication to the public there will be fear, apprehension and chaos.
This is not a Laudat or Roseau Valley issue; neither is it a Labour of Freedom issue. This is a Commonwealth of Dominica issue.
If the residents of Laudat or Roseau Valley want to halt the project, they first need to secede from the Commonwealth of Dominica.
We all complain when our dependence on oil occasionally leaves us stranded. Any form of advancement or improvement will have consequences, which are to be weighed against the consequences of maintaining the status quo.
All countries have laws in place for the government to acquire lands to undertake projects for the good of the entire country.
In the event the parties are unable to agree
on the amount of compensation, or when
the property owner cannot clear the title,
the government can file a condemnation action.
Discussions can, of course, continue even
after such an action is filed. The filing
simply allows the government to proceed with
the construction project.
Are you also advocating that those residents that don’t agree with the government should take up arms, ala the American Civil War? (If you are, you may be on to something.)
Your insinuation that I advocate anyone taking up arms is absurd.
The Land Acquisition Act in our Constitution has provisions for resolution of conflict and disputes in such matters.
See The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal case: Jacqueline Theodore vs Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Throughout the Caribbean and all over the world we have experienced and continue to experience successful land acquisition by governments, PEACEFULLY.
Sometimes we have to lose to gain. IF we had to consider environmental destruction in our everyday life. Then we would be infrastructure-less and running around in leaves as garments and eating raw and dried foods everyday and no alcohol and minimum sugar intake to not harm our bodies. A simple thing as combustion yields fumes that are offensive no matter what the combustible material is. Moderation is the key to it all. Put in place the necessary precautions that will allow minimum damage if its inevitable. It is alright to be concerned but we really have to sit and think of the benefits that could possibly come from such a project. Quite frankly, a lot of individuals who live in Dominica have the desire to see better infrastructural development on the Island. We cannot sit back and be behind in every area. We say we are the Nature Island yet we prefer to stick to fossil fuel. A resource that does a lot more harm to our environment than geothermal and at the same time damages our pockets. If we desire to increase our rankings in the green destination arena, why don’t we add Green energy to our portfolio. The government just needs to inform the people of the harmful effects as well as the steps that are and will be taken towards their protection and the protection of the environment.
Is ok Sometimes. As long as I gain and you lose, go ahead. I have no problem with that either.
From what I have read, the main goal of the geothermal plant is to export energy to the nearby French islands. If that is correct, how would that help the everyday Dominican ween himself from fossil fuel?
How would the island wean itself from fossil fuels by virtue of generating a larger proportion of its electricity from hydro and geo-thermal? We would have to abandon all current motor vehicles and trucks in favor of electric powered ones. That going to happen any time soon Don’t think so. Right now Dominica only generates 33% of its power from non fossil fuel plants. While geo-thermal supply the other 67%? And if it does will there be any left over to export. And who is going to pay for the underground cable to export the electricity and who exactly we profit from the metered out put? There are a whole lot of questions begging for answers.
Does geothermal drilling cause earthquakes? — Stacey E., Elko, Nevada
Thanks, Stacey, for the question. I welcome the chance to discuss this issue, which has raised concerns lately in the press. The answer is no, geothermal drilling does not cause earthquakes. Geothermal energy facilities have been providing clean renewable power to America’s electricity grid for nearly fifty years without any significant earthquake events. Unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy is available night and day, regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. That’s one important reason why geothermal resources are the leading renewable electricity source in California
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/01/does-geothermal-drilling-cause-earthquakes
So IPO, the report by Cerberus of today is not true then? The abandonment of the multi-million $ geothermal project in Switzerland was not because the drilling did cause an earthquake?? The Swiss people do not have a reoputation of being stupid or reacting emotionally. They are very buisness minded and rational and would not have taken such actionif they were sure it was safe to proceed.
what goes in must come out…no wonder why they want to change the name of the mountains…trouble kaka in laudat and smell it when it come out on d new name mountains….
Couldn’t the govt think of pursuing wind energy like Jamaica. we have some real nice plains on both coast….I understand the plight of Laudat residents. This geothermal do have negative side effects, within the next 5 to 10 years of use, expect to see major environmental changes….It seems the ministries or govt work each ministry in isolation, valley has 75% of tourist attractions.
Things like this make you *sigh* because people will talk but nothing will be done, plant will go up just like the one in Layou.
This is just the first stage…think about how they have to transport the energy..
Pipes through the valley.
it is not even a Govt plant, the owners still have to sell the energy to Domlec for our use, have to recover their investment and then some..
Again..*sigh*
There are also problems related to wind energy harnessing such as changes to the look of the landscape and bird killings to name a few.
Are Dominicans prepared to accept these consequences?
There is also the issue of the amount lf land required to build windfarms and i dont think we have enough suitable land to make it a viable commercial option. For small scale family and business use it may be viable key word may. But i doubt it would be a commercial viability.
Have anyone heard of EIA? I think the EIA report done needs to be presented to the people. This provides a great opportunity for the government to come clean with the people. Be open and transparent we are in 2013 where information is readily available.
Now our people will understand why the government was so nonchalant about the closing down of the tram. They gave out free money to the churches, free money LIAT , free money to Antigua and Anguilla ( lol).
The people of valley are the ones complaining but the people of Roseau, Canefield, Mahaut are all in the danger zone. The buffer zone is 8-15 square miles for a small plant. Then they lied about selling power to Guadeloupe and Martinique; the buffer zone will then become 25-35 square miles.
This maladminstration is certainly lost – just a bunch of people totally out of their elements.
DNO: “The Dominica government has indicated that it is examining the situation to see what can be done about salvaging the tram service and the jobs of the affected employees.”
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/aerial-tram-dominica-explains-shut-down/
Point is the risk factor is extremely Great!
There are no facts saying exactly where the bills For Consumers Will be reduced, the Cost factors In terms of Production and Distribution Could Quite Possible make this even more expensive…
If their is a Disaster the Tourism and Nature Isle Impact is DOOMED…So for a not sure gain of Cheaper Energy all these things have to be Taken On the table…
Have they drawn a layout of the Pipeline from The Source to export the Energy to French Islands.
Are they going to run those lines via the Roseau River etc…to underground submarine Cables?
Based on the Topography of the Valley i think it Would be wise to just consider the stick with The Eco-Tourism aspect…
What if you destroy the water Tables and the Ecology of the environment etc…
But again Dominica is not Known for Brilliance In Thought Process they always end short on all Investment Returns-folks remember the Norde France Deal when they French Co won case of the then Ruling Freedom Party re Hydro…haha..
Have we Benefited from the change to China.
Isn’t Dominica the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean!
Work on Development the Valley has a High End Tourism Area., Why didn’t the Govt come in and Save The Aerial Tram…haha…
Look at Costa Rica how their Aerial Tram is Doing Wonderful their in the rain forest..
But again is Dominica so nothing to shout about Folks…Ignorance and lack of Common Sense is a Major Fact of the High RANK OF DOMINICAN SOCIETY!
I agree with you dont build it it will be to risky. then how are going to justify destroying our rain forest to build huge winds farms our build more dams for hydro electric power. We should just stick to oil. It has kept us going for so many years. You sought to better your self based on your screen name by moving to south beach where there are greater risks but possibly greater rewards but criticize when attempts are made to improve Dominica’s outlook
Thank god the people have awaken. I spoke against this geothermal venture from day one. How can the government just take the people to a slaughter house like sheep. There was no Environmntal Impact Statement; there is no economic assessment proving that the geothermal venture is economically viable. Geothermal plants run out of steam and the government need to declare the life span of this plant. Is it 10 years or 20 year IIn a civilized society the people should have access to the EIR and that the people would have been part of the report. That means that an EIR must involve community outreach, community concern ( not Collin Mc opinion only).
Where is the economic assessment. The dishonesty and pomposity of these guys is really unbelievable. They fooled eople with the flamboyant promise of selling energy to Guadeloupe and Martinique and that the French would support the project . Well my question has always been ” why would the French support a project in Dominica that would come back and sell the energy back to the French even when Guadeloupe and Martinique both have the same geothermal energy potential?”never made sense to me and never will. Interestingly blackmore’s last statement did not indicate that there is a forward movement towards trading energy with the French . Why? Because he said that it is now a small plant- unbelievable.
The liars could not and cannot even provide the people with simple data supporting the economic value in the geothermal project. The people are clueless about the supposed reduction in their energy bills. Is it 3,5,10 % reduction? Or is it ero zip?
I don’t want to get into the insidious and unethical transactions involving lawyers and special interest people who have already banked millions of dollars on this geothermal preliminaries. Later the people will understand why ths administration was so desperate to shove this calamity down the throats of the people so quickly. Wait and the details will be revealed.
Only now Collin and hs desperadoes are seeking to bring in ” experts” to pacify the the situation. If this government must be transparent please give the people at least two weeks of advance information on the experts.
Wow, you make a lot of sense! I hope many people will read your post.
Guess you need to read about Chena Geothermal plant in Alaska, USA which is a major tourist attraction and the kind of benefits derived from it. I have been there and know it.
I am saddened it is not possible to do the geothermal in DA.
I say let’s go back to the other option, the Oil Refinery.
Let’s give it a try
Very interesting observation. The planned geothermal output is far in excess of our own requirements and this is explained away by the fact that both Guadeloupe and Martinique will be ready customers for that. But in case it is not, and I doubt that these territories are going to rely entirely on Dominica for their electricity needs, remember that an oil refinery requires a lot of energy, and water especially for refining heavy oil of which Venmezuela has plenty. Our Govt. plans for an oil refinery have never been rescinded, as far as I know so any surplus energ could easily be used for that purpose. “Win or lose”, somebody stands to make a lot of money.
This was sacarsm to the max…Marie Antionette of France told French protesters of scarcity of wheat, “If you can find bread to eat, then eat cake”.
So UWP aligned members are protesting that there will be geothermal energy after the oil refinery initiative failed that it would diminish our status as Nature Island.
Interesting, they are using the same logic…You see these UWP people…you see what lennox doing to all you
I understand that there are some known ‘polical operatives'(including a popular radio personality)associated with one opposition party who are deeply involved in the spreading of misinformation to the people in the Valley in order to stop this project, which hold tremendous long-term economic and sustainable development benefits for the people of Dominica. If this is in fact true then it will indeed be a SAD DAY for Dominica as our politics would have gone to a NEW LOW. I hope for the sake of good reason that the people in the area remain open minded towards the project and their own deveopment and DO NOT ALLOW unscrupulous politicians with their own selfish political motives and axes to grind to allow them to try to sabotage the development of the country.
The government really needs to remain steadfast, be very transparent with the project, provide all available information, BUT DO NOT BACK DOWN AND ALLOW ANYONE WITH DISHONEST POLICAL MOTIVES to derail the development of our country under any circumstance whatsoever!!!
Did u really post this crap? Come on man all u need to do is a simple research.
Is the one-sided research you did helping things, fool?? Don’t you know that there are pros and cons of everything in life. Just like there is a possibility everyday that you go into your vehicle or take the bus that it might crash and you may die, but does that mean you won’t go to work to feed your family just because of that risk?? How many earthquakes have happened or people died as a result of geothermal exploration (has any research shown anyway)??? Stop acting like and ignorant fool and allow unscrupulous politician to control your mind!!!!
What started off as a concern to some villagers of losing their land has turned into a hot national issue.
It is interesting to note that an advisor to the group was/is a member of the group who wanted drilling rights to the whole country and never made an input pro or con.
The chance of earthquakes is increased when power plants inject water below Earth’s surface in order to keep the pressure of the steam up
According to the University of Wisconsin, water released from geothermal cooling towers may contain dissolved toxic compounds and substances such as boron, arsenic and mercury. These can pollute streams, rivers and lakes. Geothermal cooling towers also release carbon dioxide although the rate of release is less than 10 percent of the amount released by an equivalent fossil-fuel-based power plant. According to the Defenders of Wildlife website, emissions can be reduced into a sludge that is high in sulphur and heavy metals, resulting in problems with disposal.
just two of the effects of geothermal. So if we want natural resources;lakes,rivers to be affected then go ahead with geothermal which will not significantly reduce electricity.we won’t be tha nature isle any more!
YES, everything has it’s nagative and positive effects but which one is greater when it commes to geothermal!meditate on that!I hope my electricity bill comes to $20 a month.
I am reading a great deal about geothermal energy. It seems that in the countries where it is being utilized particularly the island of Hawaii the people are having a great deal of bad things happening to them! If you read up on geothermal energy you begin to understand just how invasive it is to nature and how it could cause and in-balance to our Nature Island. I am no expert but it feels like this should be halted ASAP! I am sure our Government will make the right decision as they will want Dominica not to be put in danger with the fall out from the steam. Plus the affect it will have on our pristine water our sulphur Springs the boiling lake. We are also an island of dormant volcanoes. The project could upset the balance of nature and we could become another Montserrat! Basically I don’t think we should tamper with nature!
Nature Girl Hawaii plant is in existence from since 1981, go figure, read the Icelandic experience, stop looking at one country and say oh it is bad when the whole world is looking towards Geothermal Energy..
All Energy sources comes with adversities but Geothermal energy is the cleanest and safest and that’s a FACT!!!!
I love my lakes,rivers,waterfalls. i do not want it to be tampered with!simple!
never trust the gov’t…. when they say all is well… u gotta run i.e Japan nuclear disaster…
when they admit all is wrong… then u are almost dead
To a large extent, this latest uproar has more to do with the lack of trust and confidence of the people of the Roseau Valley in the government’s desire and ability to protect their interests.
The people are frustrated with many issues without the leadership and support of their Parl. Rep, who believes that now that he has bought the support of the people through bribery and related conduct, he can simply enjoy his status and salary without regard to the genuine concerns of the people who he represents.
This is not necessarily a case of the people of the Valley being against the exploration of our geothermal resources to the benefit of the country. The Parl. Rep and his government should be blamed for not engaging the people in an honest and meaningful and timely manner.
The Parl. Rep has abandoned the people. He is not seen nor heard by the people and there has been a total breakdown of effective communication. This should not have been the case as Laudat and Trafalgar has traditionally been the Labour/Freedom Party strong holds in the Valley. Mr. Role himself was a candidate for the Labour Party against Mr. Norris Charles of the UWP in the 90’s and he did well in Laudat. One wonders whether there has been a fall out within the ranks of the Labour support in Laudat?
Generally, most people are sympathetic to the development of geothermal as a potential source of energy. I have read and seen evidence of the potential negative impact of geothermal exploration. I listened to the taped played by Matt and I heard the concerns express by some people in Hawaii, who live close to geothermal plants. The problem here is that the government has not done a good job in discussing the matter with the people who will be most affected by the exploration of the geothermal energy, including the possible displacement of some residents in Laudat.
Therefore, while there are other concerns, the fuel of this fire is the Government’s continuous blowing of its own trumpet about the project without involving the local population in its usual display of arrogance. I trust that both parties will resolve this issue amicably and the project can continue with the necessary safeguards in place, including a detail and carefully done environmental impact study.
Responsibly and Respectfully
Roseau valley
So brother its all about politics then….lol
Roseau Valley, that is all I am hearing from you…OMG
IPO Roseau Valley usually have me shaking my head to but you should read and comment on his first post below if you to be honest.
But in this politically charged environment,everyth ing is political. Come on you know that. So you mean the gov’t not
Is politics they playing to.
IPO- Yes I am political if you mean that thing which is the art or science of government or governing? That thing influencing, motivating, shaping and informing people’s beliefs on a civic, public and or individual levels? That thing that is the way we elect government officials and make decisions about public policy and matters of national, regional and international interest? You mean what you are involved in doing yourself.
Well, Yes, I am concerned about politics but not like Minister Blackmore, who separates the genuine concerns of the beautiful people of Laudat and a few persons who have made it their vocation to derail anything that is good for the country and he will not allow their efforts to WASH & “BURN “AWAY the determination and commitment of the Government of Dominica.
Well, have some fun with the interpretation of a little boy from Laudat who goes to his dad and asks, “What is politics?”
Dad tried to explain it like this. I’m the breadwinner of the family, we’ll call me “the Capitalist Chinese” Your Mom, who is the administrator of the money, we’ll call her “the DLP Government” We’re here to take care of your needs, so we’ll call you “the people of “the Roseau Valley”. The Nanny, is “he hard Working Class. People of the country” And your baby brother, is the “Future.” Now, think about that and see if that makes sense,”
So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what dad had said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents’ room and finds his mother sound asleep.
Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny’s room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy says to his father, “Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.”
The father says, “Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.”
“Well, the little boy replies, while the Capitalist Chinese is screwing the hard Working Class, the DLP Government is sound asleep, the People of the Valley are being ignored and our future is in deep s***.
Enjoy
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
I hope this thing gets sorted out sonner rather than later, and that compromises can be arrived at on both sides so that Dominica can get on with this essential project that must benefit the nation as a whole.
How do you compromise on health & safety? I do not think there is a middle way when it comes to that.
Sorry but no compromise on the part of the people
Compromise what? Life and safety for a few dollars for a few lawyers and politicians. Agatha the Petro Carib project was suppose to benifit the nation. Guess what after more than 5 years the people have not seen any benifit oter than the money made by some ministers. Prove me wrong.
What it stat you expect the people of the Valley to sacrifice. Are you prepared to sacrifice your family health and safety for a few dollars? Note the people still have no idea as to how this project is suppose to reduce their bills . But then again the same thing happened with the Petro Carib project.
Agatha as much as the geothermal plant sound excitting not everything that sound excitting is good.
The effort should have been directed towards wind turbine systems.
Pat stop being an ediot and playing so bright, do we control the price of Oil??
ZEYZEY Geothermal is the cleanest energy source in the whole world today so stop your negative braying boss!!!
All you foolish ppl clouding all you narrow mind with stupid politics too damn much!!!! Eddieots!!!
The project will continue anyway!!!
Dominicans always complaining for development whereas they are the first to say that there is no jobs, no money and youth are involved in violence and drug because the country brokes.
They should complain, because the project is making them sick! When they get too sick, DA will not have the medical resources to cure them! Furthermore, Dominicans rarely benefit from these projects; the French isands will, but DA people will still face high electricity and water bills. So, I am happy that they’ve opened their eyes to the health damages that this project has brought on, because money can not cure debilatating illnesses, such as severe sinusitis!
This thing called party politics and power greed will cost us Dominicans our development. As a resident of the Valley, I attended several meetings from the government and geothermal people giviing information about every stage of the project. We asked questions and received answers. Now after we gave positive feedback and the project is going forward, all of a sudden a particular group of persons for their own selfish political and power seeking reasons, want to paint the project black. What bad fumes and possible disasters are you all talking about. Geothermal energy is being used in so many places. When was the last time you read international news with headlines saying “Earthquake/volcano errupted- consequence of geothermal exploration”?
Stop making people with other agendas think for us. The multi national coorporations and governments who stand to gain most from oil sale will lose much if geothermal energy is explored worldwide. As a result, they are printing false reports in the media about possible negative effects of geo energy. Stop falling gaullible to this. This is to keep us dependent on their oil and ensuring a sure market for their oil. Dominicans, politics aside, this is a great project which is already started. I am close to shedding a tear at the thought that because of the ignorance of a few, this might pressure the authorities to shut down this project. Please authorities, bring more information to the Valley. After hearing it again, we will get back on track.
Are we serious…I thnk no..we have become too political for a small country.
Shut down the project. That is what best for our health. Our lives are at stake here. NO GEOTHERMAL.
A petition should be passed on whether or not the population agree to shut down the plant before unforeseen diasters occur.
I rather die eating imported can foods and modified foods than die from natural sulphur fumes or some eathquake…
SHUT IT DOWN
All wat that doh GOOD is for dominica!!!SMH
After all our tax money went into the project you guys want to go against it
Well all you have to ask Skerrit for money to relocate
BRING IT POSSI IF THEY DOH WANT IT.
you have jokes eh-keep that think where it is ok
I feel sorry for them because they should have been informed. This doesn’t sound right. But looking at it from an unbiased point of view, we all have the Internet at home and they should have researched themselves before saying yes and the govt committing fully. Although the govt was sleazy not to educate them fully, considering we live on “The Nature Isle”. The thing is, we currently generate electricity via gas anyway which is bad for the environment. Currently there is drilling and hopefully when the project is complete there will be a way to reduce the current pollution. From what I have read geo energy is the cleanest around. Still that was a shabby move by the govt, but I guess they wanted the project to go through with little or no worry. These things happen all the time, you can never trust a political person in any country
We were informed…of course there is need for ongoing information but the radio program etc should stop giving the impression that we were never consulted and spoken to.
Geothermal energy exploration is not inherently risk-free and I higlight three of the possible hazards/risks, each illustrated with an actual incident.
– Emission of noxious- and toxic gases, particularly hydrogen-sulphide, which is lethal in concentrations of 0.5 to 1.0 part per 1000 and is also a well know hazard in the refining industry:
In July 1998 in Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan a worker at a geothermal plant was killed by exposure to this gas.
– Earthquakes:
In Dec. 2006 Swiss geothermal company Geopower had to halt work on a U.S.$.60 million project when drilling near Basel (Switzerland) caused an earthquake resulting in U.S.$.9 million in damage to property and they were forced to abandon it altogehter in 2009 with the project leader facing court action and a possible jail sentence of 5 years.
– Explosions:
In April 2009 Geodynamics of Australia experienced a blow-out of one of its wells in that country when the 22 ft. concrete well-head exploded because of pressurised water and steam and the effluent had to be diverted- and contained into a nearby quarry.
China is the world’s largest producer of geothermal energy and perhaps they could share some of their experiences with us. Most geothermal plants operate safely and we should not unduly alarm people but they should be aware of all the potential risks and hazards so that a balanced decision can be taken whether to proceed with the current explorations.
It is also fair to ask what effect such an operation would have on neighbouring property values and whether proponents of the scheme would want to live in its vicinity.
The last paragraph of Cerberus’s statement is both wrong and right. China is utilizing very great amount of low-temerature geothermal waters in “direct uses” for space heating, bathing and such. They have come a very short way in the development of high-temperature geothermal energy for i.e. electrical production. I don’t think of the Chinese as major contributors of knowledge and expertise in Dominica’s future geothermal industry. Except is they would finance the project.
It is normally expected that the exploitation of almost every source of energy will have some negative environmental, human, social and other impact on life in and around the place of exploration. The important thing is to minimize or mitigate these negative impacts to the extent possible and to juxtapose the potential manageable risks with the potential benefits.
As the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, we have an economic, social and environmental imperative to reduce our carbon footprint. Geothermal gives us that unique advantage vis-à-vis other sources of energy. All kinds of development activities come with social, human, environmental and other costs. Something has to be given up in exchange of something.
Sometimes, we need to cut trees, or break an old historical wall, demolish a building or utilize fertile agricultural lands to build as was intended for the international airport under the UWP at Londonderry. To mine gold, large areas of virgin forest have to clear and rich top soils must be removed. There are always some risks and a lost of something in exchange for development.
The important thing is to ensure that a balance is struck and the benefits outweigh the risks.
I may be in the minority on this issue but because we do not support the corrupt Labour administration, we cannot simply be opposed to the geothermal exploration on that basis.
Notwithstanding all we have heard, the reality is that the potential negatives of geothermal exploration in this age of advanced technological innovations, the potential risks are relatively lower compared to any other source of energy.
This is well supported by scientific research, which has concluded that geothermal energy is one of the cleanest sources of sustainable energy as it produces very little dangerous emissions with little impact on human health. Geothermal energy is clean, sustainable, renewable, energy.
As I have blogged before, the hope remains that the responsible officials will ensure that they put adequate measures in place to protect the people and the fragile eco-system from the flow of the mineral-rich water that will be discharged from the plant. This is a critical aspect of the project to be examined by the engineers.
Everything must be done to ensure minimal long term impact on our human activities, the scenic, natural beauty, wild life and plants in the Valley
And herein lies the concerns of the people. They do not trust the government enough in light of its handling of other environmental issues in Dominica such as the reckless exploitation of resources along the Layou River and the disregard by certain individuals of our forests.
Realistically speaking, notwithstanding the potential and really negative impact of geothermal exploration, it would be a huge waste of resources and effort to stop the project at this stage. Therefore, it is imperative that the government acts with utmost dispatch and make a sincere and genuine effort to address the short term, medium and long term concerns of the people of the Valley in order to alley their fears.
Responsibly and Respectfully
Roseau valley
Roseau Valley hats off to you. This is a really fair and balnaced and objective piece.
I hope that we as a people can sort these thins out for the good of Dominica
I agree with this resonable comment from Roseau Valley. Another thing must be address and that is the intent of the Americans who published and advertised the video that originally stirred up the advocates of the movement against the exploitation of geotherml energy in Dominica. Compensation and personal gain is the driving force of the people interviewed and involved. They forsee that they could claim compensation for devaluation of the assets, compensation for the health deterioration and what not. Americans sue each other for very high aomounts of money and they see an opportunity to ripe and benfit from the company developing the site. All around the world, geothermal areas have been harnessed and put to good use for mutual benefit of the people. Health issues have been very difficult to ascertain. No volcano has been set off by geothermal drilling and no major earthquake has been triggered. Quality of drinking water is in most places already impaired by soap, fertilzers and human waste. What do you guys think you are setting up there, a leaky nuclear reactor???
Stand up people of Laudat and environs. Don’t allow them to literally spoil your community. No matter how much research they claim to do, we all know the dangers of these projects both in the short and long term. Natural resources will be destroyed and your health will be seriously impacted.
Oh shut up you ignorant fool!!!
Black people cannot govern. They say petro caribe will reduce fuel cost, where is the reduction? They say night landing will increase stay over visitors, where are they? Now geofhermal. Dem fellas only good at sinning!
deception eception…
THEY THINK DOMINICCANS STILL NAIVE
Every Dominican is thinking that Geothermal is the best thing that could happen to Dominica. But so sad to say again that it could be the worst thing ever. I was very excited when i first heard about that project just like all of you. Then my best friend who is an electric engineer who educated me on the environmental impact.
He Said that the government is not telling the truth. They know that that stream/water must be treated with various chemicals before that steam can go there the machines. That treated water will be too expensive to be untreated and therefore will be poured into the wells.
Good luck with your geothermal Plants.
Second thoughts might just e too late. This just shows money is not everything. Well Dr.McIntyre lives in the environment so he will want to protect his family. If it was not for that he nor Labour Party would care less whether those folks in the area. Remember Layou, remember colihaut, those folks are still suffering with no solution in sight….All vote for that….put boys to run a country. No idea of what they doing. a bunch or confuse pre-school kids running a country.
Laudat people need to pray on this government head. The leaving town and travelling all the way on the mountain to disturb the peace of the wise men.
This is not good. We do not want geothermal energy there. It will increase our mortality rate, pollute our air and water.
The parl. rep has yet to answer the questions on relocating the people or assiting us when a disaster occurs.
I rebuke geothermal on this land. We need our fresh air, We need our fresh water, we need our lives!!
I notice any opportunity for our best interested their most have concerns, if the goverment decide to build an international airport their will have concerns as well who live nearby will say the big plane will make loud noise above their house,relocate them do not stop this project is a big opportunity for our country.
let sanity prevail…
and the REAL cost be calculated in advance
AT LEAST ONCE IN Dominica
let sanity prevail…