Mrs Duncombe, president of ReEarth, was responding to the announcement that the government is in negotiations for a heads of agreement with the AES corporation on its proposal for an liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal at Ocean Cay.
“It is completely typical of this administration – not listening or giving a damn about what we bring to the table to educate the people and government on why certain projects shouldn’t happen,” she said.
“Allowing such a plant to exist in this country for the sale purpose of supplying energy (to South Florida) is so ludicrous because it will destroy our environment and communities at the United States’ expense.
How could this go forward when the country that will use the energy isn’t even prepared to put it in their own backvard,” she said.
She claimed that the government did not conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment on the project, but rather “picked and chose” which matters to address.
“If the government is so sure that people are in favour of this plant, then they should put this issue to a referendum,” she said. “And, if it turns out that the public wants it, then go ahead.”
Mrs Duncombe said there are communities in the northeastern United States that are agitating for legislation to stop any LNG facilities being built nearby.
She pointed out that thousands of Bahamians who are opposed to the deal signed a petition against government and AES.
However, Mrs Duncombe said she feels “the bull in the china shop” attitude of the government has not allowed the voices of many concerned Bahamians to be heard.
No Meeting
Mrs Duncombe added that the Bahamian public was promised a meeting with LNG experts that never took place.
“I want to know when the meeting is, not after all is said and done – but now, so that we can have our concerns addressed.”
By REUBEN SHEARER, The Tribune
