The Editor, Sir:
Jamaica is faced with the reality of an ever-increasing global demand for oil, the cost of which is tied to an unstable U.S. dollar. This means that the cost per barrel of oil is likely to exceed US$100 before the end of this year.
Jamaica is already experiencing the negative effects of this demand as well as its impact on the scarcity of corn-based products because of the demand for corn ethanol. The Prime Minister's recent national address has already alluded to this and these impacts are likely to con-tinue unabated through our typically high consumption Christ-mas period.
Alternative energy
It is my opinion that successive Jamaican governments have not been really serious about promoting alternative energy as part of the solution to relieving our debt burden. Solar power and hydroelectric power are still possible solutions, however both suffer from limitations with respect to large-scale power distribution. They, however, remain as viable solutions, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas of the country.
The Wigton wind farm is an excellent step in the right direction and it is unfortunate that the PCJ was unable to get investors seriously interested.
However, I would urge the Government to consider the possibilities presented by harnessing offshore wind power. Jamaica has significant wind resources in our coastal areas and so we should be exploring investment opportunities in offshore wind power. This, of course, would require consideration of potential environmental impacts, zoning issues (shipping, fishing) and the ability of turbines to withstand hurricanes.
Several European countries currently utilise offshore wind farms to generate electricity and would have the necessary expertise in this area.
The Jamaican Government could also use existing international agreements which allow large industrial nations to purchase 'carbon credits' by funding projects that promote the establishment o energy projects.
I am, etc.,
PETER E.T. EDWARDS
Marine Policy
Ph.D. Candidate,
University of Delaware
