Oil in Barbados ...What's the deal ?

There I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and then I came across this peace written by one of my FB friends and I was generally interested in the matter he was bringing to light. I find that this piece is well articulated and brings to focus a major concern for most Bajans out there who pay attention to Politics and the daily news, not to mention international affairs as well.

This piece today is compliments of John Roett!

"I’m trying to keep things balanced, and this issue is of HUGE concern to me, and should be to every Barbadian everywhere in the world! 

As reported - The Government of Barbados has received several unsolicited offers from a number of companies to purchase seismic data as well as to undertake speculative seismic surveys in the area.”
The process would involve developing and utilising the appropriate tools to manage health, safety and the environment as well as for the effective and efficient managing of “government’s take of the oil and gas profits”. End of report.

So, we can’t manage a sanitation department, but we can manage this? We hear talk about having a “nice mix” of traditional and alternative energy. Really? How much has been invested into alternative energy and what is the current status of such investment? 

When the rest of the world is moving AWAY from oil, we want to move TOWARDS it? Why not take however many millions will be involved in these deals and put that towards really developing alternate sources of energy? Which way is the money flowing for this seismic data and speculative seismic surveys? We’re paying them, or are they paying us? And how much? 

Here are some facts relating to offshore drilling:

Whenever oil is recovered from the ocean floor, other chemicals and toxic substances come up too -- things like mercury, lead and arsenic that are often released back into the ocean. 

In addition, seismic waves used to locate oil can harm marine life.

The infrastructure required to drill wells and transport offshore oil can be equally devastating. Add the risk of storms and hurricanes, and….you get the picture.

There have been over 500 oil rig fires in the Gulf of Mexico ALONE since 2006

Oil spills worldwide, EXCLUDING tanker accidents, come to over 500 MILLION gallons of oil spilled.
Of particular note are the December 2000 South Korea: Oil spill, which caused massive environmental disaster, destroying beaches, coating birds and oysters with oil, and driving away tourists with its stench, and the 2010 Gulf Of Mexico disaster, where an average of SIXTY THOUSAND GALLONS spilled EVERY DAY for 87 DAYS

BHP Billiton has revealed it took a $US 464 million hit to earnings in the second half of 2010 from the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. However, It more than offset this loss by the Pyrenees project in offshore Western Australia, which delivered underlying earnings before tax of $US 587 million. (lots of environmental concern shown here….oh, sorry….looks like financial concern)

I believe this is the same company that our country is reported to be signing a deal with for two blocks, Carlisle Bay and Bimshire. Then the option of moving forward will be based on an “Environmental impact study”. Obviously, I feel totally comfortable in my mind that they would come here, spend huge sums in exploration, and then tell us, “Nope, it’s too risky. We understand that tourism is the lifeblood of the island, and we want you to know that even a small spill would carry the potential to destroy your country forever. 

We’re telling you this because we actually give a f**k about anything else other than making money”

Oh, In November 2012, BP agreed to pay $US 4.5 billion in fines and other penalties for the deaths and environmental disaster. It pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the spill.

I’m absolutely filled with confidence……"