Speaking about the proposed liquefied natural gas projects, Minister of Trade and Industry Leslie Miller said, “Unfortunately, the debate has taken on a warring tone rather than one based on intelligent and informed discourse.
“Many of the critics and those who oppose any kind of industry other than tourism and financial services have taken the low road rather than debating the issue and arguing their case on the facts. Some have resorted to slanderous attacks on me. Some who should know better have made or suggested the most scurrilous, offensive and despicable accusations against me.”
The Minister again apologized for “unwarranted” remarks he made during a verbal bust-up with President of the Cat Cay Club Manuel Diaz during a meeting on that island in early April.
The wealthy second homeowners had requested the meeting to lay out their objections to the AES project being proposed for nearby Ocean Cay. Mr. Diaz, who called the Minister an idiot during a nasty spat, has also since apologized.
“Mr. Speaker, I am truly sorry, ” Minister Miller said. “But when opponents attack not only my credibility, but that of professional public servants – experts in their field, like the qualified staff of the BEST Commission – I see red. I feel it is my duty to defend their integrity.”
Minister Miller has long touted the economic benefits of expanding the country’s economic base to include LNG plants in The Bahamas. In fact, he has indicated on numerous occasions that the licensing fee of the AES LNG project alone would be $9 million.
He said that during the first year of operation, the government would collect in excess of $10 million. In the fourth year, he said that figure would jump to $15 million; and would increase to $25 million in year eight.
According to Minister Miller, this figure would increase even further to $53 million per annum after the 12th year.
Branding himself an advocate for the small man, Minister Miller sought to assure Bahamians that it is his love for The Bahamas and his duty to assist Bahamians to take advantage of economic opportunities that are behind the push to approve the LNG proposals and “nothing else”.
“I am convinced that LNG is safe and poses no significant danger to people or the environment,” he said.
Minister Miller also conceded that there is no adequate legislation to monitor and ensure the safe practices of liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in The Bahamas.
He said he would fully support any legislation in this regard.
“This would empower the appointed authority to enforce the strictest regulations that would ensure safety,” he said.
Chairman of the Bahamas Environment and Science Technology (BEST) Keod Smith has continuously made the recommendation to the government to pursue such plans before proceeding with its consideration to approve any of the LNG projects.
The Minister’s comments came two weeks after Florida Power & Light (FPL), which was involved in a partnership with two energy firms to construct an LNG terminal in The Bahamas, revealed that it was temporarily putting on hold a plan to seal a deal for long term supplies of LNG.
FPL had hoped to carry out an arrangement with El Paso Corp. and Tractebel Electricity & Gas whereby through their partnership, natural gas would have been liquefied, shipped from the source and then re-gasified for delivery to Florida.
The local environmental group, ReEarth, and others have continued to press the government not to approve such a project for The Bahamas.
They insist that it would be bad for the environment and LNG projects could easily become terrorist targets.
By: Macushla Pinder, The Bahama Journal
