President of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) Paul Maynard is backing the decision by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant at Clifton Pier.
He stated that the move is long overdue and The Bahamas is finally catching up with the rest of the world.
Maynard told Eyewitness News that past governments tried to get it done but failed.
“It’s something that should have happened a long time ago,” Maynard said.
“If we were able to get it done five years ago, we would have created a new economy but no one saw the wisdom in doing so.”
The BEWU president stressed that the country must change its fuel source to also fulfill its environmental obligations.
Additionally, Maynard told Eyewitness News, that a new LNG plant would create endless opportunities for staff.
“At the end of the day, it has to be about the workers to make this a reality,” he stated.
“We expect for the employees to be retrained and recertified. Once that happens, they are able to work anywhere in the world.”
Maynard also stated that globally, there has been an adaptation of alternative forms of energy and that he believes The Bahamas must follow suit.
“The world is moving toward LNG or nuclear power plants and we are finally there, we need to be there,” he said.
BPL announced earlier this week that Shell NA & Affiliates will undertake the construction of a new plant expected to be completed by 2021.
According to BPL, the plant is expected to cost an estimated $100 million.
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