The Editor, Sir:

I write to address articles on energy published on April 14 2008. The first article spoke about LNG and coal as alternative sources of energy. I endorse the use of LNG over coal because it is by far a better alternative.

The second article talks about "clean coal". There is no such thing. Coal is bad whichever way it is spun. The grades and composition vary, so some may result in less pollution than others. However, the bottom line is that coal is only cheaper than oil but is by far the worse polluter, more than oil and gas. We should avoid it and seek other alternatives; price is not the only factor to consider. Diane McCaulay of the Jamaica Environment Trust made some very good points.

PAST MISTAKES

The Government needs to learn from past mistakes and from other Caribbean countries (including Barbados) and do more to boost the alternative energy sector. The Government gave up on the opportunity in the 1980s after the energy crisis to pursue renewable energy and I believe this government can learn from that major mistake instead of waiting for another major crisis to act.

Dr. Garth Rattray's article showed that there is hope. Ethanol as biofuel and wind and solar energy are indeed big, applaudable steps the Govern-ment and private sector have made. But I would go further and suggest that they ramp up their efforts to reduce our oil dependence.

It is good that different institutions, including UTech and UWI, Mona, are exploring alternative energy research and pilot projects. This is a major step in adapting to the changing world and hopefully, to alternative energy.

I am, etc.,

LE-ANNE ROPER

laroper18@yahoo.com

Barbados, Via Go-Jamaica