Dear Sir,

The possibility of geothermal power for Anguilla gives us all a reason to hope for “brighter” times ahead. The CEO of the West Indies Power Company of Nevis also mentions the possibility of a reduction cost of 50 percent for electricity. While no one would be so naļve as to believe in these purported reduction costs, even the sceptics may be beginning to see some light.

In Anguilla, the exorbitant cost of electricity is a deterrent to the way in which some citizens are able to live. For example, many older persons or their care-givers would gladly welcome the use of a washing machine to help cut down on the added work of trying to keep up with advancing years. Sadly, it may come down to paying a power bill or buying your medicine. Shoppers in Anguilla have recently noticed that quite a few of the larger businesses suffer from a paucity of lighting, and are unable to illuminate their premises adequately. Some stores present an atmosphere of a dimly lit cave, where customers feel too intimidated to explore further into the store in search of needed items. Again, the cost of electricity is a restriction on the way these businesses can be safely and profitably operated.

People can hardly look forward to any reasonable changes in the high costs of electricity, even if this plan for geothermal energy would indeed be feasible for Anguilla, if the company responsible for our current needs will also be made responsible for future needs. This company reports a tripling (that’s three-fold) of its profits while at the same time raising the costs of production. Everyone knows that oil costs are rising but do a company’s profits necessarily have to keep so far ahead of the game? Remember, the operative word here is “alternative.” Why would a company which is riding high on its profits from the high price of oil be interested in finding a cheaper alternative? No other company has ever been foolish enough to try this, not Exxon, or Texaco or Shell. That’s called shooting yourself in your foot.

Anguillians will continue to exist in hope for “brighter” and more affordable future, while at the same time not seeing a glimmer of certainty or truth that such hope will ever become a reality.

Concerned Citizen

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