THE IMMEDIATE implication of rising cost of oil and the possibility of the declining of oil production over the next decade or so for Jamaica and many of the Caribbean islands is that the region shall not be able to meet its target energy demands. This will have adverse effects on the economy through the negative impacts on the industrial sector, agricultural sector, tourism sector, transport sector, and the social sector. Thus, there is an urgency to employ better energy management strategies and alternative sources of energy.
All countries in the Caribbean are sunny and some have good wind resources. Wind and solar are two resources that the region has to pay more attention to. Small scale hydro power facilities may also be possible in some countries. Jamaica is blessed with good winds in some parishes, solar all over the country, acceptable river flows in some parishes, and opportunities exist for the development of other energy sources.
The developments that are taking place in these resource areas under the leadership of the Government of Jamaica and Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica are encouraging and commendable. Typical examples are 20 MW Wigton wind farm in Manchester, solar water heating projects, and the recent commissioning of the ethanol plant for the production of ethanol from sugar cane. Our view is: Countries in the Caribbean have to depend on alternative energy resources. In a country such as Jamaica, perhaps, more feasible would be a mixture of existing energy resources.
Governments need to encourage NGOs and individuals who have the necessary capital to develop and implement more renewable energy projects by providing tax and other incentives. Educating the public on better energy management is also vital.
