LAST FRIDAY'S column 'Big bucks at the pumps' by Dennie Quill has drawn reaction from two sources on the subject matter dealing with the need for a national energy policy.
A young Jamaican intern in Washington DC wrote the columnist as follows:
Dear Dennie Quill,
I have just finished reading your article, "Big Bucks at the Pumps." I welcomed your discussion of the minor efforts Jamaicans could make to 'curb their appetite for energy'. However, a discussion of the state of public transportation and the impact of personal transportation decisions would have made an interesting addition to your argument. The overuse and abuse of the automobile represents one of the largest threats to our precious energy resources. Consequently, it is important that the government be encouraged to focus on developing alternative modes of transport.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
It is also important that the public be dissuaded from investing in the gas guzzling SUVs that now proliferate our roadways. Redevelopment of and investment in the public transportation system is one of many ways that the impact of rising oil prices, on the consumer, can be mitigated. Would it not be great to know that if oil prices were to continue to rise one could turn to a more cost-efficient means of transportation? Unfortunately, this is currently not the case in Jamaica. I am aware that in its current state Jamaican public transportation does not facilitate an 'abandon your car mentality'. Our cars are a necessity because there is no other option! For this reason, the government must be encouraged to not only build cross-island highways, but to revamp the public transportation system. I hope for the day when Jamaica will recognize the benefits of having a safe, efficient, accessible and attractive public transportation network. Encouraging tourists to turn off their lights is an excellent idea. However there needs to be considerable emphasis placed on educating the Jamaican people. Jamaicans need to be made aware of the benefits of transit use and the disbenefits of owning large gasolene consuming vehicles. Most importantly, public transportation should no longer be perceived as being below anyone's social status. Rather, it should be seen as a viable option. Rising gas prices make the need for adequate public transportation an even greater issue!
There was space in your article to address this issue. I hope that in the future you will consider including the argument for public transportation investment amongst those measures aimed at achieving energy conservation.
I am a young Jamaican who hopes that in JA we will one day have as much respect for public transit as we do for the automobile!
I am, etc.,
JANILLE A. SMITH
jsmith@nas.edu
Transportation Planning
and Administration Intern,
Transportation Research
Board
The National Academies
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC
Construction industry
A building industry consultant sent the following letter:
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Having just read Dennie Quill's article 'Big Bucks at the Pumps', in the June 25, 2004 edition of The Gleaner, please allow me to comment on the 'comprehensive national policy' for the construction industry.
First, Jamaica has had an Energy Efficiency Building Code since 1995. To quote the foreword to this document: "It is the culmination of a joint effort of the Jamaica Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Public Utilities, Mining and Energy and Jamaican Architects and Engineers to develop the building standards which are appropriate to our own climate as well as to our building designs and construction practices."
ISSUES
This document addresses such issues as walls, roofs, openings, lighting (including daylighting), electric power, etc. Second, our architects and engineers were invited to seminars on its use. Graduates of the Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology have been trained in its use since it was published. Personnel within the Parish Councils have also received training. The only thing lacking is the will to implement it.
The code was originally intended for voluntary compliance and I am aware that the Government had intentions of making it compulsory (hence the training of the Parish Council personnel). But the policy at present is a mystery.
I am, etc.,
PAUL HAY
phcadmin@phcjamaica.com
Managing Partner
PAUL HAY Consultants
15a Cassia Park Road
Kingston 10
