St Lucia Waits on Potential Sale of Hess Oil Storage and Transshipment Terminal
St Lucia is taking a wait-and-see approach on the potential sale of the Hess crude oil refined products and storage terminal at Cul de Sac.
Hess informed Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony of the decision to sell the facility earlier this month, but it is possible that the terminal could remain on the island if a satisfactory sale is not made, Anthony said.
“If the sale does go through and ones does now know, because in the discussion [with Hess] that followed the disclosure, Hess Oil Corporation did indicate that if they do not get a sale in accordance with the terms they have every intention to remain here,” Anthony said. “So we shall see, but they have indicated that they prefer to focus on oil exploration instead of the buying and selling or distribution of fuel.”
Hess recently shut down another terminal, the HOVENSA refinery in St Croix, which was a joint venture between Hess and PetroCaribe. It has not disclosed the potential price it is seeking.
The St Lucia terminal has a storage capacity of 10 million barrels.
Regardless of the outcome, Anthony said the country needs to consider a “broader rationalisation” of its energy needs.
According to Anthony, he has received authorisation from Parliament for $2.8 million from the International Development Association for the establishment and operationalisation of the OECS Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority project.
“ECERA comes on board just at the right time, because, very clearly, as the experience of ECTEL shows, not only do we need an independent regulatory regime, but also we need to be pointed in the right direction where the use of alternative energy is concerned,” he said. “So, in effect, ECERA will better help us to deal with the issue of fairness in pricing and will also assist us to look at our energy sector and bring together experts and technocrats to offer advice across the region.”
Anthony explained to Parliament that St Lucia would not be required to repay the loan in full until 2046.
St Lucia Waits on Potential Sale of Hess Oil Storage and Transshipment Terminal courtesy of Caribjournal.com
The Grenada government has approved the setting up of an international diaspora consultative committee (IDCC), which was adopted at last year’s Grenada Diaspora Founding Conference in St George’s.
The IDCC is in fulfilment of a commitment adopted in the declaration during the conference held August 2-3, 2011 under the theme “The Grenadian Diaspora: Partnering in Nation-Building”.
Eight persons were named on the IDCC representing Diaspora Consultative Committees (DCC) in New York, Washington, DC, and Kentucky in the United States; Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto in Canada; and the United Kingdom. The IDCC will also include members of DCCs in Atlanta, Georgia (USA); Caracas, Venezuela and neighbouring Caribbean islands.
Delegates attending the conference welcomed the government’s initiative in instituting a consultative process with Grenadians within the Diaspora.
This initiative aims to embrace the talents, commitment and patriotism of Grenadians worldwide to develop a rationalised approach to Grenada’s national development, especially through the five transformational sectors – agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, energy development, information communications technology and health, education and wellness service – and in particular the areas discussed at the founding conference which include culture, education, economy (business and investment), health, sports, youth and tourism. Read the rest of this entry »
NASSAU, Bahamas — The new multibillion dollar Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, will use an innovative new technology to provide the resort’s air conditioning needs.
The world’s first seawater cooling district (SDC) system will supply chilled water from a depth of over 3,600 feet in the open Atlantic Ocean, off the New Providence oceanic shelf. This $100 million system will save up to 90% of the energy costs of utilizing traditional energy supply to cool the property, with major environmental benefits as well, including using no refrigerants, and reducing energy consumption by roughly 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year.
DCO Energy and Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE) have teamed up on a number of projects to use this technology for cooling and power generation without the use of fossil fuels.
“This project is groundbreaking for a number of reasons, from a system standpoint, an environmental standpoint, an economic standpoint and we would like to thank Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation and Baha Mar Resort for this opportunity” said Frank DiCola, president and CEO of DCO Energy. “DCO Energy, with myriad projects in the US and abroad, is truly an international leader in clean energy solutions.”
“Our choice of DCO Energy as the contractor to this project was made that much easier because of their experience in offering proven solutions to renewable energy and energy saving design and construction projects, ” said Jeremy Feakins, chairman of the board and CEO of OTE. “DCO Energy has been a great partner to work with.”
Jamaica Looks to “Level the Playing Field” For Technology Access
The Jamaican government is committed to ensuring that all Jamaicans have full and equal access to technology, according to Science and Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell.
“This government is committed to leveling the playing field for all Jamaicans,” he said. “We are going to ensure that every square inch of this island is broadband accessible and that every single school in this country is outfitted with learning equipment such as computers and whiteboards, as well as full internet access.”
Paulwell was speaking at the launch of Northern Caribbean University’s Research Week in Mandeville on Tuesday.
“The ability of a people to embrace science and technology and to continuously innovate is what we all need for economic transformation, not the size of our country or the wealth we are endowed with,” the Minister said. “The truth is that any long-term plan for any nation cannot be hinged on mining or tourism alone, because those are activities that are fickle.”
“When we depend on our minds, however, our future is secure, the possibilities immense and the opportunities endless,” he said.
Paulwell said that the competitive advantage in today’s world is hinged on technological advances.
“To remain competitive and abreast of other economies, it is imperative that we develop a culture of continuos improvement, driven by scientific research and the application of new and appropriate technologies,” he said.
Jamaica Looks to “Level the Playing Field” For Technology Access courtesy of Caribjournal.com
In Haiti Mobile Money Transfers Fund New Homes With Help from Digicel
In Haiti, while two-thirds of the population has access to mobile phones, just 10 percent have bank accounts.
A new UNDP initiative looks to use mobile money transfer technology to address that problem, and build homes in the process.
More than 2,000 mobile money transfers of $500 each are planned in the next three months to 1,000 low-income families to help them buy construction materials to build new homes, the UNDP announced.
The programme is reportedly the first-ever mobile money transfer system in support of post-disaster housing reconstruction.
The initiative, which was commissioned by the UNDP and developed by Digicel, helps boost financial inclusion in Haiti.
The mobile transfers, along with mobile phone vouchers, mean recipients can access a mobile phone checking account and then use those funds to buy things like cement, iron and wood.
“Mobile phone vouchers create additional security and convenience here in Haiti, especially for women who might feel more vulnerable when carrying large sums of money,” said Jessica Faieta, senior UNDP Country Director for Haiti. “With safer housing conditions, this initiative will also encourage the permanent return of camp residents to their neighbourhoods and repaired homes.”
According to the UNDP, 4,000 families have registered to take part in the project, which could benefit up to 12,000 people.
In Haiti, Mobile Money Transfers Fund New Homes, With Help from Digicel Courtesy of Caribjournal.com
US Virgin Islands Mulls Post-HOVENSA Energy Options With Federal Officials
With the closure of the HOVENSA refinery in February, the US Virgin Islands lost its main source of gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and propane.
The change led the territory, which is not connected to any larger power grid, to discuss the possibility of soliciting support from the federal government to develop an inter-connected power grid with Puerto Rico in Washington meetings last week.
The HOVENSA refinery was the largest in the Caribbean, and had been in St Croix since 1966.
On Wednesday, an energy solution for the territory was the subject of discussions between Governor John de Jongh and officials from the US Department of Energy.
The two sides broached the possibility of converting combustion turbines to fire natural gas in the territory, along with the aforementioned interconnection with Puerto Rico.
De Jongh was joined by Chief of Staff Pamela Berkowsky, Attorney Robert G Smith, WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge and VI Bureau of Economic Research Director Wharton Berger.
The US Virgin Islands pays some of the highest energy rates in the United States.
Trinidad Based Pipeline to Supply Natural Gas to Eastern Caribbean
A new pipeline to be laid on 188 miles of seabed will bring natural gas from Trinidad and Tobago to the Eastern Caribbean, the country’s Ministry of Energy announced today in a post-cabinet briefing.
The pipeline, which will be laid from Tobago to Barbados, is slated to cost around $300 million, the Ministry said.
Construction on the pipeline will begin next year, and is slated for completion by 2015.
Trinidad also announced that the country’s cabinet had authorized the Ministry of Energy, National Energy Corporation and the National Gas Company to enter into talks with companies including China’s SINOPEC on a methanol to petrochemical project.
Trinidad Based Pipeline to Supply Natural Gas to Eastern Caribbean Courtesy of Caribjournal.com
BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Participants in a St Kitts-Nevis mobile application development workshop have made history, producing the country’s first locally conceived and developed mobile phone applications.
With no prior experience in mobile development, participants in the intensive workshop developed three mobile apps, which are software programs designed to run on mobile phones such as Blackberry and Android handsets and tablets such as the Apple iPad.
Three apps were launched: “Eye-See-You”, an app for reporting crimes using text messaging and the Internet; “Places to Eat”, a guide to local restaurants and dining spots; and “Time to Plant”, an agriculture-focused mobile app with tips and guidelines on when to plant common local crops.
Hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology in collaboration with the international non-profit BrightPath Foundation, the four-day event drew over 70 participants from a wide range of backgrounds and ages.
Keon Fraites of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College commented, “This workshop was be very hands-on and informative. The opportunity to learn how to work in teams to construct mobile apps and to know how it is helping us progress and develop our country is important.”Read the rest of this entry »
Solamon Plans to Build Largest Caribbean Solar Farm in Jamaica
The Canada-based Solamon company announced its plan to build the largest solar power plant in the Caribbean in Jamaica, at an estimated cost of $450 million.
The programme aims to improve the country’s energy infrastructure and attract additional investment in green technologies.
“In order to implement a solution of this magnitude, several Parishes are being considered as future homes of one of three 50-acre plots that, when conjoined, will provide the Jamaican people with 60 megawatts of clean electricity,” said Ainsley Brown, senior vice president at Solamon. “This programme represents a comprehensive approach to renewable energy development, energy diversification, job creation and training for the 21st century.”
In December, the government announced that the use of alternative in energies in Jamaica had nearly doubled since 2010.
Jamaica has a growing solar movement, according to Roger Chang, President of the Jamaica Solar Energy Association.
Secondary schools across Antigua and Barbuda will get campus-wide Wi-Fi internet as part of the government’s Technology for Education 20/20 Initiative.
As part of the programme, LIME will install Wi-Fi access points on all public and private secondary school compounds.
On Monday, representatives from the Ministry of Information and Lime Antigua Ltd held a meeting with school principals to discuss the rollout of the plan.
“I am very convinced, having spent a lot of time studying this, that having students and staff across the Internet can be a great equalizer in an increasingly competitive world,” said Information Minister Dr Edmond Mansoor. “We want to stay competitive … and any child starting from grade 1 who is not on the Internet is at a serious disadvantage.”
At this stage, the pilot project will begin at the Baptist Academy of Antigua and may begin next week.
Antigua To Put Wi-Fi in High Schools courtesy of caribjournal.com
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller met today with Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Zheng Qingdian to discuss her government’s desire to make changes to the structure and implementation of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, which is funded by China.
Simpson Miller was joined at the meeting by Works Minister Dr Omar Davies, Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips and Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill.
There was a “frank exchange of views” at the meeting, and Zheng committed to act immediately to present Jamaica’s desires to the relevant authorities during his forthcoming visit to Beijing, the Prime Minister’s office said.
The ruling People’s National Party had signaled that it would immediately initiate contact with the Chinese government about the project if it were to win the election, which it did on Dec. 29.
The JDIP is funded in the amount of an available $400 million provided by the the Export Import Bank (EXIM) of China, aimed at a large-scale works project to improve Jamaica’s roads, traffic systems and bridges.
It commenced in 2010, with plans for a five-year commitment.
The then-opposition PNP, in a statement at the time, called the resignation a “belated response to the scandalous conduct of the entire government in relation to the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme.”
British Virgin Islands Must “Keep Pace” on Renewable Energy: Minister
Green energy has to be a priority for the British Virgin Islands government, according to Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool.
Vanterpool met last week with board members of the BVI Electricity Corporation to extend his support and discuss critical energy issues facing the territory.
“Renewable energy has to be the number one priority of not just the government, but also the territory in order to keep pace with the rest of the world that is now actively pursuing these alternative forms of energy,” he said. “The corporation and the ministry must be in sync on renewable energy issues in order to move forward in the same direction.”
Vanterpool encouraged board members to think outside the box as they look to reduce electricity costs for consumers.
There is a growing green energy movement in the British Virgin Islands, highlighted by the campaign of GreenVI, which is advocating to make the territory’s energy law more friendly to alternative sources.
Cuba Boosts Use of Sugarcane Biomass To Generate Electricity
HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) — Members of the Cuban National Assembly (Parliament) discussed on Wednesday the potential of sugar mills in the Caribbean nation to generate electricity using industrial biomass, a natural material obtained during the cane sugar production process.
During a meeting of the Commission of Energy and the Environment of the Cuban Parliament on Wednesday, Angel Miguel Torres, director of Services to Industrial Plants of the AZCUBA Business Group, said that, thanks to the use of biomass as a source of electricity, the sugar industry contributed more than 80 gigawatts to the national grid in 2010, and the plan for this year is to reach 95 gigawatts.
Members of the Commission urged specialists to carry out comprehensive studies on this renewable, environment-friendly energy source in order to boost the use of biomass to generate electricity and increase the existing potential.
Biomass can either be used directly, or converted into other energy products such as biofuel.
Grenada will receive more than $2 million in technology assistance from a Chinese project aimed at helping the country adapt to climate change.
The AOSIS-China Climate Change Adaptation Pilot Programme, Grenada will receive the funding over a five-year period, according to Xie Zhenhua, China’s vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission.
The announcement was made on the sidelines at the Durban Climate Conference.
“Such upfront financing is considered critical to the successful development of a sustainable energy sector in SIDS [small island developing states],” said Grenadian Foreign Minister Karl Hood. “South-South cooperation is not new and China has consistently demonstrated this.”
The technology transfer fund would provide private and public sector agencies with financing for hardware, training and equipment from China on loans, with repayment linked to the savings in fuel imports.
The immediate beneficiaries of the project are major public buildings in Grenada, including the Ministerial and Financial Complexes, hospitals and police and fire stations.
As part of the technology transfer, more than 20,000 LED equivalent bulbs will replace fluorescent bulbs, with 1,000 incandescent bulbs being replaced with the LED equivalent with photocells.
Energy and Sustainable Development Advisor Hugh Sealy said Grenada is also interested in using solar technology to achieve space cooling.
Hotel Group To Share Branding And Social Media Tips At CMEX In USVI
ST THOMAS, USVI — Thanks to a strong commitment to the Caribbean by one of the world’s largest lodging companies the twin messages of branding and social media will be featured at the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) which opens in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands this week.
Jose Salvador Icaza, director of emerging markets and Caribbean franchise development, and Leon Thomas, a senior trainer, both of Choice Hotels International, will deliver a one-two punch at the action-packed 20th edition of CMEx in the US territory from December 1 to 5.
On Friday, December 1, Icaza will brief journalists, industry and tourism officials about new options in hotel franchising and what Choice Hotels International is doing to draw guests to the region. A key to ensuring memorable stays is giving guests options to try local restaurants, lounges, nightlife and shopping.
Thomas, a highly sought-after speaker of the Choice Hotels Choice University program, who spends more than 250 nights a year on the road training hoteliers, will conduct a social media workshop on Sunday, December 4 to stress the differences between communicating on personal social media networks and using social media for business.
“We are once again pleased that two of our industry experts are available to share their experiences and expertise to such an important group of stakeholders,” said Brian Parker, vice-president of emerging markets and new business development for Choice Hotels.
Both Icaza and Thomas were in the US territory in September for the annual Small Hotels Conference, produced by the USVI Department of Tourism.
Parker thanked the leadership of the USVI Department of Tourism for being such gracious hosts of Choice Hotels International, and reiterated the company’s commitment to continue working with the territory and to supporting CMEx as it recognizes 10 years of service to the Caribbean.
“Choice is pleased with its association with CMEx over the years, and we wish attendees a successful, inspiring and educational conference,” said Parker.
Caribbean Digital Expo 2011 takes place November 22nd, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad & Tobago. The Caribbean Digital Expo (CDX) is a first-of-its-kind regional conference that will bring a new level of dialogue on digital marketing and digital business issues.
The event that will cover three key benefits:
Exposure to Amazing Speaking Talent
Phenomenal global & regional speakers will share perspectives on the ways that Caribbean firms can apply digital technologies to build their brands and businesses.
With contributions from global powers like Research in Motion (makers of Blackberry), alongside regional & global marketers, this is a learning opportunity that can’t miss.
Develop Your Digital Marketing Toolkit
Savvy Caribbean marketers understand that the way people consume media and spend their time has changed for good. CDX will provide a unique opportunity to learn best practices and digital marketing tips & tricks for use in your companies
Keep on Top of Hugely Relevant Issues
The Caribbean Digital Expo program has been designed with the needs of two particular audiences in mind…brand/product marketers and business leaders/entrepreneurs.
Guyana Gets BlackBerry Service via Guyana’s Telephone and Telegraph Company. The initiative launched Blackberry service yesterday at its new Brickdam Office, at a ceremony with President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Jagdeo said the government looked forward to working with the company to ensure that the sector is liberalized.
The President said this type of venture “catapults Guyana into the modern age,” part of a national push on technology.
Earlier this week, the government began distribution of its One Laptop Per Family initiative, which supplies Haier netbooks across the country, a programme financed in part by the Chinese government.
“GT&T’s dominant position in the sector will help to pioneer new applications to run on the instruments that were launched, such as those that would allow for access to banking services among others.”
Jagdeo said the move was a signal of RIM’s recognition of the potential of its own market in the region.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA — The US Virgin Islands has announced its agreement with SST, Inc., a world leader and innovator in wide-area acoustic surveillance and gunfire location and alert technology, to subscribe to its ShotSpotter Flex™ Solution to detect and locate gunfire incidents and gather gunfire intelligence in its effort to fight crime and violence on the islands of St Croix and St Thomas.
The USVI Police Department will use the ShotSpotter Flex service for real-time and immediate gunshot location data, enabling informed decisions for faster and more accurate emergency response, while improving situational intelligence and increasing first responder safety.
The ShotSpotter gunfire alert data and intelligence will also provide the USVI Police Department with more forensic evidence leading to more thorough investigations and increased prosecutions for gun-related crime. The data also enhances crime analysis and predictive policing capabilities, helping improve public safety and security.
At the direction of Governor John de Jongh, Jr., the USVI elected to use funds secured via a US Department of Justice Technology Grant to partner with SST to fight crime in areas of St Croix and St Thomas. As part of the agreement, the Virgin Islands Police Department will pay a subscription fee to access the critical data provided by the ShotSpotter Flex solution and enabled by SST’s deployed sensor infrastructure which will be installed on the two islands.
The technology will be deployed in areas on both islands with high concentrations of illegal gunfire and the USVI Police Department will use the data for its policing, crime analysis, investigative, and prosecutorial efforts.
“The safety and security of the territory’s residents and communities is a major imperative of my administration. Quality of life and vitality of our environment is essential,” said de Jongh. “Illegal gunfire will not be tolerated in USVI, and partnering with SST and its ShotSpotter technology and the Police Department will help us to reduce and prevent gun violence and its negative impact to our communities.”
“Gun crime and violence has been a problem in certain areas of St Croix and St Thomas and we are committed to keeping our communities from being overrun by the criminal element,” said Raymond Hyndman, Assistant Virgin Islands Police Commissioner. “The ShotSpotter Flex solution will be a great enhancement to our current policing initiatives and will provide our officers with the information they need to respond faster to gunfire, investigate illegal gun use, and effectively prosecute perpetrators.”
“At a time when agencies are being asked to do more with less, resources are scarce and limited. By utilizing the technology grant from the Department of Justice, the US Virgin Islands is taking effective measures to fight their gun violence problem. Through our partnership, they’ll now be able to strengthen their response and drive deterrence with the actionable intelligence provided by our solution,” said Ralph Clark, president and CEO of SST. “The data provided by ShotSpotter Flex can serve as a force-multiplier and will enable the US Virgin Islands Police Department to maximize their existing resources to eliminate illegal gunfire and improve the quality of life for their citizens.”
