September 2013, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica staged a two-day Geothermal Partners Forum with aim of building awareness about its geothermal development, and sharing critical information with development Partners and potential investors, as well as, among citizenry. The key note address at the Forum was delivered by the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica. The Minister with responsibility for Energy in Dominica, the Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore also addressed the gathering. He underscored the importance of geothermal energy to the economy of Dominica. He noted that 70% of the energy used in the country was fossil fuel and 30% was hydro. He noted that geothermal energy could achieve a reduction in consumers’ electricity bills of approximately 30%. He expressed gratitude to all those who had contributed to the geothermal development in Dominica to date.
In his address, the Prime Minister pointed out that seemingly insurmountable barriers to development could be overcome when countries and multilateral partners come together rather than act in their own individual interest. He cited the highly positive results of a project that brought together the European Union, the Agence Francaise de Developpement and the Government of Dominica.
A number of development partners such as, the European Union and Iceland made contributions and lauded the Government for the progress made, and also for the approach taken in the development.
The CARICOM Secretariat represented by its Programme Manager, Energy also participated in the Forum and delivered Remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General who was unavoidably absent. He highlighted the importance of the development as a lighthouse project for the sub-region and noted that the targets for RE in CARICOM assume successful implementation over the short to medium terms. The Secretariat also provided limited support for the Forum. The CARICOM Secretariat congratulated the Government of Dominica and all the Partners supporting the development on the progress made.
