The Way Forward

• Author: Derence A. Rolle Davis
• Pages: 195-203

The Law: The Social and Economic Effect on The Bahamas 2000 - 2020

38. THE WAY FORWARD

We cannot forge out a future if we do not first acknowledge and analyse

our past. It is therefore important to consider the following words which are

extracted from our national anthem and which, in my view, at no time like ever

before in our history are so compelling: “…See how the world marks the manner of

our bearing. Pledge to excel, through love and unity …. Pressing onward, march

together, to a common loftier goal…” If there is any hope of us propelling The

Bahamas to higher heights we must do so in unity.

Beyond what we do today and the plans for years to come requires

consistency and commitment. We must see the need to consider our ways and

means and usages. INNOVATION is key! Outlined below are several innovative

ideas for consideration, which if implemented could immediately place us in the

competitive global arena, or at the very least transform our dismal economic

outlook.

Power/Electricity

Hydroelectric power is the way of the future. As an archipelago, The

Bahamas is completely surrounded by an abundant supply of water. Canada

since 1891 is an excellent example of a country who has capitalised on the use of

hydroelectric power and can provide us with their experience in this area, a blue

print if you will. Canada has one of the best sources of electricity through the

use of water. Hydropower, is a clean renewable and from a social and economic

perspective can and is readily available. With a growing population this source

of energy can meet peak electricity demands.

The Bahamas can benefit from placing eight power plants around the

country in an effort to effectively produce power by means of hydroelectricity.

Namely, one plant in Grand Bahama, one in Abaco that covers the Berry Islands

and one in Andros that also covers Bimini. Two plants in New Providence

covering east and west, one plant on Eleuthera and Cat Island to be shared. One

plant for Exuma, one plant for San Salvador and one plant for the islands of

Acklins and Crooked Island to be shared. All other islands are to remain on the

power generation system presently being used, with a view to upgrading to

wind power within a one year’s window after the major undertaking by the

government in a private partnership quasi government business relationship. If

we are effective in this regard, we may be able to sell power to our neighbours,

the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and even Cuba.

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