Basseterre PLP Chairman Criticizes Prime Minister Drew’s Energy Policy

Dameon Lawrence, a prominent community leader and chairman of the PLP Central Basseterre, has launched a blistering attack on the energy policy of Prime Minister Drew’s administration in St. Kitts. Lawrence accuses the government of blatant hypocrisy, engaging in misleading rhetoric about renewable energy while simultaneously saddling the nation with an exorbitant debt burden through investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. He contends that the administration’s actions directly contradict their publicly stated commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources, creating a precarious financial situation for the country.

At the heart of Lawrence’s critique is the administration’s purported failure to secure a promised investor-funded 18MW renewable energy project. Instead, he points to a series of costly decisions that favor fossil fuels, including the rental of used 6MW generators at an annual cost of XCD $10.5 million and the acquisition of a XCD $108 million loan to finance an 18MW dual-fuel power plant. Further exacerbating the situation, the government guaranteed XCD $18 million for meters designed to measure diesel-powered energy consumption. These actions, Lawrence argues, demonstrate a clear prioritization of fossil fuels over renewable energy, despite the government’s public pronouncements. The combined XCD $136.5 million spent on these fossil fuel initiatives, according to Lawrence, represents a significant missed opportunity to invest in a sustainable energy future.

Adding to the mounting financial concerns, Lawrence links the recently announced geothermal funding to a previously secured XCD $810 million loan, with XCD $400 million specifically allocated for geothermal development. This revelation, he asserts, brings the total debt incurred by the administration to a staggering XCD $536 million in just two and a half years. Lawrence questions the wisdom of these massive expenditures, arguing that pursuing unaffordable projects, even under the guise of progress, ultimately jeopardizes the nation’s financial stability. He warns that the consequences of this escalating debt will be borne by the citizens, who will face increased costs and diminished access to essential services.

The removal of the Customs Service Charge (CFV), according to Lawrence, has already begun to negatively impact commercial electricity customers, driving up operational costs and further straining the business sector. He accuses the Drew administration of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the people, suggesting that the government’s actions are driven by a desire for personal gain rather than a genuine commitment to public welfare. Lawrence paints a bleak picture of the future, predicting that the administration’s policies will lead to increased costs and restricted access to resources for the very citizens they are supposed to serve.

Lawrence’s outspoken condemnation of the government’s energy policy comes amidst a growing chorus of public discontent. Concerns over skyrocketing energy costs, a perceived lack of transparency in government dealings, and the administration’s apparent deviation from its renewable energy pledges have fueled widespread frustration and skepticism. The escalating debt, coupled with the perceived mismanagement of public funds, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, both politically and economically.

The Drew administration now faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and justify its energy strategy. As businesses and households grapple with the rising cost of living, the government’s response to Lawrence’s criticisms, or lack thereof, will be closely scrutinized. The administration’s ability to effectively address these concerns and regain public trust will be crucial in determining the nation’s economic and political trajectory. The future stability of St. Kitts hinges on the government’s ability to navigate these challenges and deliver on its promises of a sustainable and affordable energy future.