Dorsett: No timetable for oil referendum
Minister committed, however, to building political consensus prior to vote
BY JEFFREY TODD
Guardian Business Editor
jeffrey@nasguard.com
The government has no specific timeline for an oil drilling referendum, according to the Ministry of the Environment.
With the country still buzzing from this week's gambling referendum, many Bahamians are wondering when oil exploration will once again be placed on the radar.
Kenred Dorsett, the minister of the environment and housing, said he could not confirm a date for the referendum, as Prime Minister Perry Christie has yet to make a formal decision on the matter. However, he did note that the government is seeking to develop a more formal consensus on oil exploration before a vote goes to the people.
"I'm not sure if it will be a summer referendum. I don't know when it will take place," he told Guardian Business yesterday. "But I do hope there will be a consensus on the issue. There are members on the other side that who tell me we should be drilling now. I think, as a minister responsible, I am mandated to ensue there is a current balance, particularly as we look at those efforts."
He added that the government is "getting to the point" where some of the proposed regulations on how to remodel the industry may come to fruition. After that, he told Guardian Business there would be a "broad discussion" on the issue of drilling in The Bahamas.
The minister's comments come shortly after business leaders expressed hope that the government would approach the oil drilling referendum "differently" than gambling.
While the "Vote No" campaign was victorious last Monday, observers noted that low turnout and general apathy impacted the democratic process. The government was frequently criticized for being unclear in the referendum questions and failing to introduce specific legislation to back up the possible legalization of gaming. The vote also became highly politicized, promoting rival parties to endorse opposing views.
"Oil drilling is not a moral or religious issue, it will be a matter of whether you can explain the economic advantages and technical reasons why the environment can be protected," said Richard Coulson, a well-known financial consultant. "If those points can be explained, there should be no problem."
Peter Turnquest, the minister for East Grand Bahama, urged the government to bring forth legislation in the event of a yes or no vote for oil drilling to build a consensus in the House of Assembly.
After that, the government can embark a "period of education" for the general public.
In regards to public confusion and politicizing of oil drilling, Dorsett told Guardian Business: "I don't want that to happen."
But he stopped short in saying the government would bring forth specific legislation in the House of Assembly.
Guardian Business understands that the issue must be revisited by the prime minister before any decisions can be made on the future of oil drilling in The Bahamas.
February 01, 2013
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Bahamas oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bahamas oil. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
NO to oil drilling in Bahamian waters...
Caution needed on the oil drilling issue
Dear Editor,
With the recent announcement that Bahamas Petroleum Company has been granted a three-year license extension, it seems as if this government is moving full steam ahead with plans to facilitate a referendum which, if passed, will allow oil drilling in our waters.
I sincerely hope that if this happens, we will not allow the possible financial gains to cloud our judgment. When making decisions, the wise thing to do would be to look at the risks versus the rewards. In this case, I think the risks far outweigh the rewards.
Not so long ago, we witnessed first-hand the worst oil spill in history in the Gulf of Mexico and saw the catastrophic results it has brought on the environment. Here are some horrifying facts to think about:
1. It is estimated (conservatively) that between 17 and 29 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf.
2. The National Wildlife Federation reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead, and 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil.
3. As much as we’d like to forget it, we live in a hurricane zone, and if a storm blows in, the result could be devastating. The presence of oil could lead to a more powerful hurricane because crude accumulating at the surface could be raising the temperature of the surrounding water.
4. Approximately 70 cents of every dollar we spend is derived from tourism. If we were to have an oil spill in our waters, this would devastate the tourism industry.
5. The great United States of America with all the technology and resources available to it could not contain this oil spill for months. Could you imagine what would happen in our case, with little to no resources to deal with this kind of catastrophe?
With this knowledge, it is mind-boggling that any Bahamian government would even consider this undertaking. I understand that this administration is under tremendous pressure to create jobs, but please don’t allow the greedy oil companies to destroy this country. Future generations are depending on you, Mr. Prime Minister to make the right call on this one.
– Ervin Missick
Sep 12, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Christie-led government has remained noncommittal concerning oil drilling in The Bahamas
PM still committed to referendum on oil drilling
By Candia Dames
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
While a referendum on oil drilling is not currently the priority of the Bahamas government, Prime Minister Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian he remains committed to such a referendum.
But he said “there would have to be serious indications that there is oil and natural gas in commercial quantities”.
“I committed my party to if we are going to have oil drilling in The Bahamas while we are in power, we will do so by seeking the support of the people of The Bahamas, so the answer is yes,” said the prime minister when asked recently by The Nassau Guardian whether the referendum was still planned.
He said, “One of the dangers for The Bahamas is that concessions are being given to explore in the same area by the Cuban government and it would be a very interesting development as they are in a position to start exploring and digging a well before us.
“If they were to find a well then it makes it almost a compelling case for The Bahamas having to do the same thing. And so, we’re not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and play crazy with it.
“But at this particular time we have to continue to assess where we are on that subject matter to see whether in fact the company (Bahamas Petroleum Company) is in a position to finance drilling because it’s a huge sum of money involved in that.
“This is not a $50 million or $60 million kind of enterprise. This is a hugely expensive enterprise, particularly with the environmental safeguards that should be in place.
“And so, at some stage or the other the company will come forth to us to say, ‘listen, we are ready to do the following things and this is the evidence we have that you have fossil fuels there’ and we’ll see.”
Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has committed to spudding its exploratory well in Bahamian waters by April 2013, although recent reports from the company indicate this drill date could be pushed back later in the year.
BPC is looking to bring on an operational and equity partner for the drill, The Nassau Guardian previously reported.
The Christie-led government has remained noncommittal concerning oil drilling in The Bahamas.
“We do believe that the Bahamian people ought to be consulted,” said Kenred Dorsett, the minister of the environment, previously. “Whether it goes the extent of a referendum, that will have to be determined based on the costs. That is a matter for the Cabinet to decide.”
Prior to the election in April, the previous government suspended BPC’s oil drilling licenses. There has been no formal announcement from the new government as to whether these licenses have been renewed.
The Christie administration has also committed to a referendum on gambling, which the prime minister has said will be called by the end of this year; and a constitutional referendum on citizenship matters, which the government intends to call before the end of the term.
Aug 13, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) statements on oil drilling in The Bahamas appear to be more equivocal than the Free National Movement (FNM) government... ...Comments from former Cabinet minister Leslie Miller have not added clarity to the opposition’s view on this matter...
The question of oil drilling
Whether or not to drill for oil in The Bahamas is a complex and multifaceted issue requiring extensive study and an open and transparent public debate. As the role of the government will be critical in this process, the major parties have an obligation to clearly outline their full views on the matter in the lead-up to Election Day.
Two weeks ago, Opposition Leader Perry Christie confirmed to The Nassau Guardian that he served as a legal consultant to Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC).
He stated, “I consult on work the firm deems I am qualified by the office I’ve had, with the knowledge that I have in terms of government.”
He further stated: “If there is an issue they need advice on, whether or not they need someone to speak to the issue of environmental impact [studies], the issue of whether or not in my judgment a matter is worthy for the government to approve, whether or not an application is ready, whether or not they should employ and who should go on the board of directors, whatever views they ask of the firm, in the event that firm regards it as necessary, they would consult me on it. Those are the services I provide.”
One must presume that Christie was paid for this consultancy work.
A week later, we reported that Christie backtracked on his original statement to this newspaper saying that his consultancy with BPC ended some time ago, but he did not provide a date as to when.
Voters must have no doubt as to whether any of the major parties and their leaders will have a conflict of interest on the matter of oil drilling.
We note that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Philip Brave Davis, the principal of Davis & Co., serves as a legal consultant to BPC. He would likely serve as deputy prime minister in a Christie government.
For his part, Christie needs to answer why he backtracked on his original statement. He must also answer a series of other questions raised by the consultancy relationship with an oil company to which his former government gave exploration licenses, and which a possible future government of his will be asked to provide additional licenses for exploration and drilling to the very same company.
Various characterizations have been made of Christie’s consultancy and his mixed statements on his work on behalf of BPC through Davis & Co. Christie will need to address a number of these.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has noted his party’s position: “I have said before, in the media and in the House of Assembly – a government led by me will not agree to any drilling for oil in The Bahamas until all necessary and appropriate regulations are in place and until we are fully and competently in a position to regulate such activity so as to protect our environment and that of the world’s ocean beyond from harmful and risky activity in our country and in our waters.
“I am not unmindful of what happened in the gulf off the coast of Louisiana just two years ago. And certainly we do not have the resources, human or financial, nor the billet, to respond as the United States government responded.
“We are not now in a position to so regulate and oversee drilling operations in our waters.”
The PLP’s statements on oil drilling appear to be more equivocal than the government’s. Comments from former Cabinet minister Leslie Miller have not added clarity to the opposition’s view on this matter.
The general election is less than a week away. Unexpectedly, the question of oil drilling may play a decisive role in its outcome. It is a question with many facets such as economic development, environmental protection, and accountability and transparency in government.
Even as the parties address other issues, they will have to speak more to the issue of oil drilling. This includes safeguarding a transparent governmental process on such a critical issue and crystal clear clarity on any conflict(s) of interest.
May 03, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Resignations sought for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader; Perry Christie ...and Deputy; Philip "Brave" Davis ...over their connections to the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC)... ...The company wants to drill for oil in The Bahamas - in the face of widespread environmental concerns
DNA Demand Christie's Resignation
By DANA SMITH
dsmith@tribunemedia.net
THE DNA is calling for the resignation of PLP leader Perry Christie over his connection to the Bahamas Petroleum Company.
DNA deputy leader Chris Mortimer, Montagu candidate Ben Albury and a group of party supporters staged a demonstration yesterday morning outside the Office of the Opposition on Parliament Street.
They were protesting recent media reports that quote Mr Christie as stating the law firm representing BPC had consulted with him at some point in the past.
Davis & Co, the law firm of PLP deputy leader Philip "Brave" Davis, represents BPC along with Graham Thompson & Co.
The company wants to drill for oil in the Bahamas, but the DNA and others have raised environmental concerns.
Mr Albury said: "Mr Christie is the one who said he's involved, he admits to being a consultant . . .
"I would for like to ask Mr Christie to do the honourable thing and step down as leader of the opposition and resign as a candidate for Centreville."
Mr Albury added that Mr Davis should "definitely step down" as well.
Mr Christie could not be reached for comment, but Mr Davis denied there is any conflict of interest.
"How does it become a conflict? I'm not in government. When I'm there, then the question might arise, then I'll know what I have to do," he said.
April 27, 2012
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