Oil refinery debate rages
By Michael D. • Jan 15th, 2008 • Category: NewsSince PM Skerritt announced his government intention to accept the oil refinery project from the Hugo Chavez Government of Venezuela, the debate over whether this is a prudent move for a country selling itself as an eco-tourism paradise has gathered steam
The Prime Minister indicated that his government is prepared to accept the oil refinery, but as a responsible and professional government it will not be commencing construction of the refinery before a favourable Environmental Impact Study is done.
President Hugo Chavez had earlier confirmed to the BBC that Venezuela will soon begin building an oil refinery in Dominica. The Venezuelan leader said this would be done as part of his government’s efforts towards regional economic integration.
On the surface this project seems to be is at odds with Dominica’s eco-tourism industry, however the minister of tourism Ian Douglas disagrees. His position is that it will not affect Dominica’s eco-tourism thrust.
Minister Douglas said
“The two can co-exist in Dominica, it just have to take proper planning and proper management… We have to strike a balance, although we are promoting ourselves as the nature island of the world I think we can also show the world that we are also responsible about the management of the environment and we can establish activities such as an oil refinery in Dominica.”
He added
“Ultimately it’s all about the advancement and progress of Dominica… I think long gone are the days when we should to seek to build our economy through one avenue, I think we have to look at diversifying the economy”
Environmentalist on the island are currently holding discussions on a way to deter government from embarking on this project. President of the Waitikubuli Ecological Foundation Bernard Wiltshire called on Dominicans to join the WEF in opposing government’s intentions.
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