I was amazed to hear the real reason why Jamaica, with blazing sunshine all year round, has not pursued solar energy on a national scale. The answer came during a recent media forum. Our current energy czar and government consultant was asked the question. He said simply, "The power companies (and stakeholders) are not for it." Argument done.

I listened intently for the roar of consternation that should greet this revelation, but nary came a whimper. Perhaps the panel was as shocked as I was. On the other hand, when Jamaicans are forced (unnecessarily) to pay multiple times the cost for energy as the USA, UK and Trinidad, we might well have lost our capacity for being shocked.

Solar systems hotly pursued

Solar systems are being hotly pursued by Iceland and other far-north countries as petroleum resources dwindle and gas costs soar. Solar systems in Jamaica, in spite of initial high cost of setting up would pay for themselves within 10 to 15 years. They also require next to no maintenance. Meanwhile, we would have slashed our billion-dollar petroleum bill by 56 per cent and gradually reduced cost to consumers by 40 per cent. Imagine if we in the Tropics had gone solar 25 years ago? Less profit for energy brokers, yes, but what a shot in the arm it would have been for industry and manufacturing! Instead, we have put false hopes on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is politically backed and an uncertain supply.

Do we need to wonder why leaders of the people bow to the power brokers who 'are not for solar'? Should we now reconfigure our ideas as to who is really running this country?

G. MCFARLANE

glenmc20@yahoo.com

St Catherine