Cheap electricity can improve life

The Alutrint plant requires 240 megawatts and the Alcoa plant requires about 550 megawatts, while the whole of TT consumes about 1057 megawatts. We therefore intend to generate additional electricity equal to about 75 percent of current consumption, to produce a single product, aluminium.

Before we entrust our gas resources to foreign conglomerates, we should consider alternative applications. We should look at how best this gas could be used to advance our national development in the interest of present and future generations, mobilising the intelligence of our people to achieve Vision2020.

We should recognise that cheap electricity can help the many innovative and ingenious people of TT create value. When value is created it will outlast the gas reserves that now intoxicate our leaders. Cheap electricity can facilitate the transformation of ideas into unique and useful goods and services, making us producers rather than captive consumers. For example, with cheap electricity locals will be inclined to use machines and new technology in agriculture, food processing, furniture making, media production, manufacturing, telecommunications services, and a host of other productive activities. In this way cheap electricity can resuscitate the flagging entrepreneurial spirit in TT, and facilitate genuine poverty reduction to replace current “make work” schemes.

Cheap electricity can also be used to improve the quality of life in TT, by energising mass transit systems, producing clean water, and improving sanitation. It can enhance education, improve health services, and bring comfort and security to many. Cheap electricity can provide power to the pumps that will control flooding. Is it not a clear admission that we are incapable of controlling our own development when we allocate precious energy resources to foreigners? We seem to be selling our patronage for a pittance, just as the Wappinger Indians traded Manhattan Island to the Dutch for $24 worth of glass beads.

This is not an issue for political games. We must recognise that as we consume there will be less gas available, until the time will come when all will be gone. We therefore need to use the gas wisely in the interest of present and future generations. Should we not be investing a portion of our windfall revenues in the development of alternative energy sources for the days when the wells will be dry, or, are we only thinking of today and ourselves?

Have we considered how many potential jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for average citizens will be lost by building these smelters?

We must recognise that energy is the lifeblood of human society, and we would be lacking sense, vision and patriotism when we allow others to exploit this in their interest.

This nation’s strength is in its natural and human resources, and both must work together to further the interests of the people of TT, not those of North America.

DAVID SUBRAN

Chaguanas