Energy Minister Says LNG Project Is Revolutionary

Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, says the soon to be implemented Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project represents a major revolutionary move for Jamaica’s energy sector.
“It is going to mean that Jamaica is free, at last. Free to compete, free to process bauxite to alumina, free to build a sustainable tourism industry and free to manufacture,” remarked the Minister.
Speaking at a press conference at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s (PCJ) auditorium, Kingston, Friday (June 18), Mr. Robertson describe the project as a “game changing” event set to transform Jamaica’s economic landscape and energy industry.

Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon James Robertson, responding to members of the media at a press conference on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s (PCJ) auditorium in Kingston on Friday (June 18).

He also promised that he would not fail the country, in terms of implementing the project within its mandated timeline.
“I want to say to my Jamaicans, who have suffered, who are suffering using 40 to 50-year-old technology, it’s not your fault. It’s the fault of governments, administrations (who have failed) to give the proper policy and signal that would allow for bankable projects,” he said.
“Without policy and institutions that are respected for their independence, nobody is going to invest the US$2 billion of investments that this country is going to need between now and 2013, without government guarantees,” he continued.
Mr. Robertson noted that, to date, Jamaica has lost US$1.2 billion in investments, because the country failed to develop a cheaper and more efficient energy source.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Laurence Broderick, observes as Owner of Wiltech Energy, Oswald Wilson (left), demonstrates how a solar generator is operated. Looking on in the background is Managing Partner of Green Energy Management, Alfred Heyer.

“With that US$1.2 billion, this country would be a different place for education, for health,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), for their contributions to the project.
Chief Executive Officer of Belgian Company, Exmar Marine, Nicolas Saverys, agreed that Jamaica stands to benefit tremendously from the LNG project.
“It’s a win-win situation for Jamaica, because you are substantially going to reduce your energy bill. If you reduce your energy bill, you create opportunities for new business and for new developments,” he remarked.
Mr. Saverys said Jamaica will also benefit in the reduction of pollution often associated with creating electricity.
“Your CO2 emissions will be drastically reduced just by switching from one fuel to another, and this is something which is very good for the future generations of this country,” he noted.
Exmar Marine has created a consortium with Colombian Company, Promigas, and the Caribbean Liquid Natural Gas Limited for the execution of the project.
Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Liquid Natural Gas Limited, Conrad Kerr, said his company has already secured some 1,700 acres of land to execute the project.
“We will attract global gas industries from around the world, they will no longer bypass Jamaica,” he remarked.