Editorial
PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson has
once again placed on the table for public consideration
and discussion a National Energy Policy including
the possible re-introduction of a value-added tax
on gas.
It is imperative that the country
discusses these issues in a rational manner without
the knee-jerk reaction of a howl of protests and demonstrations
especially in relation to a gas tax. Governments have
been especially nervous about a gas tax, not only
because of the implications of the multiplier effect
throughout the economy, but because of past experiences
of any petrol price hikes triggering civil unrest.
But in the circumstances of what is happening in the
world economy, we cannot bury our heads in the sand
expecting to remain unscathed by these world price
increases. Equally, as a matter of public policy,
we should be examining the different ways in which
the impact of any gas tax might be reduced.
Ironically, many of the elements outlined
by the Prime Minister to be considered as part of
the new National Energy Policy have been on the public
agenda since the mid-1970s. We have been talking ad
nauseam about the need for renewable energy resources,
greater use of solar energy and ways to conserve and
be more efficient in the use of gas. Regrettably,
after each initial round of shock of higher petrol
prices has worn off, we get back to business as usual.
Admittedly, some effort has been made
to reduce the amount of time and energy spent by motorists
on the roads with the widening of road networks. However,
we also have to re-examine the entire public transportation
system as part of the moves to conserve energy. Many
people have opted for more expensive personal transportation
so as not to have to deal every day with the indignity
and dehumanising aspects of using public passenger
vehicles.
Some years ago the PCJ building in
New Kingston was built and promoted by the Urban Development
Corporation as a model of energy conservation and
efficiency. The public has yet to hear whether these
goals and objectives were met and the extent to which
its design could be replicated throughout the country.
The Prime Minister says the new energy
policy document is to have an input from parliamentarians,
interest groups and the public at large before a final
draft is completed. We are all for public consultation
but we urge caution in not dragging out these discussions
ad infinitum. There are already several studies and
proposals addressing these same issues. Let's tackle
this one post-haste.
The
Jamaica Gleanner is
one of Jamaica's most read newspaper.
Trinidad Guardian's Weekly Business Review.
Petroleumworld not necessarily share these views.
Editor's
Note: This commentary was published by Jamaica
Gleanner, on
Thursday | March 2, 2006 .
Petroleumworld reprint this article in the interest
of our readers.
All comments posted and published on Petroleumworld,
do not reflect either for or against the opinion
expressed in the comment as an endorsement of
Petroleumworld. All comments expressed are private
comments and do not necessary reflect the view
of this website. All comments are posted and
published without liability to Petroleumworld.
Petroleumworld
encourages persons to reproduce, reprint, or broadcast
Petroleumworld Editorial articles provided that any
such reproduction identify the original source, http://www.petroleumworld.com
and it is done within the fair use as provided for in
section 107 of the US Copyright Law
Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com
are appreciated.
Petroleumworld
03 05 06
Copyright
© 2006
Jamaica
Gleanner.
All rights reserved
