Greenrock would like to congratulate the local residents and business leaders who have formed the Bermuda Clean Air Coalition (BCAC), an activist group, aimed at raising awareness about the grave implications caused by BELCO’s stacks and machinery.  For years area residents have experienced challenges with pollution, water quality, health, property damage, etc… and have repeatedly made efforts to express their concerns.  The formation of the BCAC represents the coming together of those residents, and the small interests groups they have formed, in an effort to consolidate their leadership and strengthen their representation.  Unity is strength and the example being set by the BCAC is something that needs to be replicated island-wide.  To progress as a country, our communities need to rally together, join forces and strengthen the representation of our collective interests in order to bring about positive change.  Short of taking tangible steps toward forging real unity, we, the populous, will continue to suffer the consequences associated with others putting their private or personal interests before ours.

Fortunately for the BCAC, the collective discontent has unearthed a strong leadership team of fearless, passionate, unrelenting representatives who are capable of going toe to toe with the smartest, most intelligent and seasoned personalities around.  Coalition members Alisa Lockwood, Blane Wilson, Annette Cook, Danielle Riviere, Nishanthi Bailey and spokesperson Denise Riviere, are honourable, reliable, have a wealth of experience, excellent communication skills, and will keep doubling down on their efforts until they find resolve.  With that said, this will not be an easy ride for anyone if the BCAC finds resistance.  Therefore, our advice to BELCO and the relevant government departments, is to humbly submit to the process, be honest in their dealings with the BCAC, understand the sentiments expressed by concerned residents, and genuinely work with them to find the best possible solutions for all involved.

Finding real solutions for situations of this nature can be extremely challenging because of Bermuda’s size.  Many countries have remote areas to develop industrial initiatives, however our electricity generation exists in the midst of a densely populated area, with residents, businesses, schools, churches, sporting facilities, and more.  It goes without saying that we are all appreciative of the stable electrical infrastructure BELCO has developed over the years and the consistent service that we depend on daily to function and thrive.  We are also well aware of the fact that our electricity generation comes from fossil fuels, which have always been polluting.  So to address the concerns of area residents, do we move the plant?  If so, where?  Do we relocate residents and businesses?  If so, where do we move them and who absorbs the cost?  Neither of those options appears to be plausible, which is why we have always advocated for renewable energy.  Rather than treating symptoms, we need to address the issue at its root by investing in technologies that are far less polluting and use renewable resources for fuel.  After months of advocacy work and community engagement, the Regulatory Authority produced an integrated resource plan which sets clear targets for our transition to renewable energy.  Although the government has endorsed it and the community loves it, after two years, we are no closer to kicking our energy transition into gear.  With that said we’ll leave you with the following questions to consider.  Is BELCO the problem?  Is our government at fault?  Or are we, the people of Bermuda, responsible for allowing these issues to continue while tangible solutions are at hand?  When making transitions leadership and strong representation is essential, and if it doesn’t come from our government or the private sector, then maybe, just maybe, it needs to come from us. 

Peace & Love,

Eugene Dean

Greenrock Chairman