THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT HAS never been 'forcefully propagandised' by our economists, sociologists and politicians, that the rising and unpredictable cost of energy is pushing up consumption costs to fearful proportions in all areas of Jamaican life.
Nor are those of us who are aware, comfortable with the thought that a man-devised
catastrophe is possible that could gravely affect the world's supply of fossil fuels. Should such a disaster occur, even for a short period of time, small countries as ours would be the first to succumb.
Public utilities would come to a full stop, as well as transport, factories, banks, shops and hospitals would be closed; there would be a grave shortage of imported goods and services; diseases would set in.
Considering such a possible threat, it is imperative that we seek alternative sources of energy. I am not a scientist, but I strongly believe that the sea around our island, like any other sea, is a vast 'solar cell' an inexhaustible and cheap source of energy is
imprisoned in its waters.
I believe that the tides and waves which daily wash our shores, are driven by millions of horsepower a propulsive force that can mechanically generate electricity, more than enough to supply our industrial, commercial and domestic needs.
I believe that we have scientists who can discover and develop a process to harness this awesome power. But the nation must provide the wherewithal immense capital, laboratories, salaries, incentives for the scientists to devote themselves to full-time research.
WELCO is a company formed by a group of young Jamaican entrepreneurs and American
scientists to provide an alternative source of energy. This company offers to reduce Jamaica's energy cost to 40 per cent by year 2005.
WELCO had approached the government of the day with a draft proposal to build four major solar farms around the island to produce hydrogen which will produce cheaper electricity for all purposes.
WELCO claims that it can produce a renewable, pollution-free energy.
WELCO is offering Jamaica the opportunity to be first in the business of producing electricity from hydrogen. Yet I cannot recall the media, except the Sunday Herald, reporting on this projected and novel revolution in Jamaica's energy supply.
The proposal has not been mooted to the Jamaican people with any enthusiasm whatever. There is no news whether government is supporting the innovative process of WELCO. No public education on alternative energy is being
undertaken.
Discovering and developing alternative sources of energy must become a national concern. Our people must bestir themselves, make themselves aware and demand to know what is being done on a national level to discover and utilise alternative and cheaper energy.
I am, etc.,
OREN O. COUSINS
Linstead, St. Catherine
